Leadership Transition
In 2007, I left a position as an Executive Director of a cultural non-profit organization with the belief Omaha could do more for young men in North Omaha in building their capacity to be the leaders we need for tomorrow by supporting them today. That led to the founding of NorthStar.
Eighteen years later, after serving thousands of young men, NorthStar is in a very good position with strong staff leadership in place, a committed Board of Directors, and dedicated donors who all believe in the potential of our young men. The organization is housed on a 15-acre campus, operating on a 7 day a week platform focused on delivering great opportunities through our three pillars: Academics, Athletics and Adventure. What started as a vision for a single sex, after-school program has grown into an asset that exemplifies excellence in opportunity while continuing to level the playing field in the face of uncertainty our boys experience every day. Thanks to you, our team, and the boys and their families, what is being delivered today outpaces the original “napkin drawing” vision.
Knowing these assets are in place and that NorthStar is well positioned to continue to deliver for our boys, I plan to leave my role as President in December 2025, implementing the Succession Plan developed over the past year that maps a thoughtful leadership transition. Most importantly, the plan ensures continuity of programming for our boys. You are an important part of our continuity.
In the coming weeks the Board of Directors will share the search process and the timeline we have established that will allow for a thoughtful leadership ‘handoff’ in the 4th Quarter of 2025. This is important: In the near term, I am not going anywhere and will continue to champion our boys, and honestly, continue to knock on your doors in support of what I believe is Omaha’s greatest asset: The amazing potential that lies within the young men we serve every day.
As this transition begins, we will be focused on what we do best: from Leadership NorthStar students headed to Atlanta this summer to lacrosse players competing on the field this spring, from the tutors working on building reading and math skills after school to the hundreds of young people beyond NorthStar who will challenge themselves through our adventure programming this summer and during the coming school year. All of this makes me proud of what we have built together.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or let me know how I can be of service. We will continue to be in touch with updates as the transition plans are implemented.
Gratefully,
Scott Hazelrigg, President
FAQ for NorthStar Foundation Leadership Transition Plan
After 18 years of dedicated leadership, Scott Hazelrigg, NorthStar’s founding President, has announced that he will step down from his role at the end of 2025. This decision comes as part of a thoughtful and strategic succession plan to ensure the organization’s continued success and impact moving forward.
Why is Scott Hazelrigg transitioning out of his leadership role?
Scott has provided several key reasons for this leadership transition:
The Work of a Builder is Complete: Scott has built both an impactful program and the necessary campus infrastructure to support the work NorthStar does serving young men. With these essential elements firmly in place, he sees his role as a builder fulfilled, making this the right time for a transition to a leader to guide the organization’s next chapter—one centered on sustaining success, expanding impact, deepening partnerships, and preserving the mission while fostering future growth.
A Thoughtful and Seamless Transition: Succession planning is a crucial part of an organization’s long-term sustainability. In 2024, the Board of Directors Strategic Planning focus included development of both emergency and planned succession plans. By announcing his departure well in advance, Scott aims to support the Board of Directors as they conduct a thorough search for the next leader, setting up a seamless transition that prioritizes stability and sets the next leader up for success. Scott is committed to assisting with relationship management and knowledge transfer to the next leader.
A Strong Financial Position: NorthStar is in a strong financial position; with strong operating & capital cash reserves and no debt. Transitioning now ensures the organizations financial position and predictability can be an asset as a new leader comes on board.
A Natural Next Chapter for the Organization: It’s important for founders to identify a time to step aside and let a new leader carry the mission forward. NorthStar has reached a critical milestone with strong programs and established facilities. With these foundational elements in place, it’s the right time for a new leader to build on this legacy and lead the organization into its next phase of service.
A Professional Next Chapter: Leading a youth-serving organization for 18 years is deeply rewarding but also demanding as the needs of the young men we serve are 24/7. His singular focus on leading NorthStar has necessitated he pause on other professional and personal endeavors. By stepping away from his leadership role at the end of the year, Scott can transparently pursue the next chapter in his career. He remains passionate about building and is excited to explore new opportunities after leaving NorthStar in a strong position for future success.
A Lifelong Commitment to the Mission: Even as Scott transitions out of his role at the end of the year, he will always support NorthStar, the young men it serves, the alumni he has come to know well, and the dedicated team and community who make the mission possible. As Scott has shared with the Board relationships built over the last 18 years don’t end they just enter a new chapter.
This leadership transition marks an exciting opportunity for NorthStar to continue thriving with strong leadership, passionate donors, a committed Board, and a deep commitment to the young men it serves.
What are some of the biggest successes from Scott’s tenure as President?
In May 2014, NorthStar opened the NorthStar campus at 49th & Ames Avenues after a successful $14 million Capital Campaign. In March 2019, NorthStar announced its Phase II Capital Campaign to more than double the size of its original 33,000 square-foot facility to 67,000. Construction was completed in January 2021 on the new South and North Wings. The $23 million dollar campaign focused on capital construction, endowment and technology integrations. The addition of a full-size field turf, lighting stadium project, upgrades to the existing High Ropes Challenge Course on site and internal office renovation was completed in 2022. In 2023, NorthStar completed the acquisition of the adjacent Lindenwood site after raising an $3 million to purchase and demolish the blighted property enhancing safety for students, families and staff and paving the way for future growth for the NorthStar campus.
Hazelrigg received the Friend of Youth Health Award from the Nebraska Chapter of the American Association of Pediatrics (2022), the Lighthouse Leader Award from Westside Community Schools (2022) and the Friend of Youth Award from Project Harmony (2023) and was inducted into the Aksarben Court of Honor in October 2024 in recognition of his efforts on behalf of youth.
What is the departure date for the President?
Scott will transition from his leadership role in December 2025, corresponding to the end of NorthStar’s fiscal year. He will be available to the Board and new President as needed but will not maintain a position with the organization or on the NorthStar Board of Directors following 2025. If needed, he is always one phone call away.
What is the Board of Directors process and timeline for a search for a new leader of NorthStar?
The planning phase of the search for NorthStar’s next leader is well underway. The Board Search Committee is meeting regularly. As a part of the Board of Directors Governance efforts over the last few years, a robust succession planning structure is already in place to guide the search.
Lutz Talent has been selected to lead the search process. For confidential consideration, please complete the Lutz Talent application using this link.
