Inside H/Advisors Abernathy’s Leadership Transition: Interim CEO Carina Davidson with Co-Presidents Michael Hotra & Sydney Isaacs

Introduction: Succession as a Signal of Trust

Leadership transitions are stress tests for culture. H/Advisors Abernathy’s December 10 announcement places veteran leader Carina Davidson in the interim CEO role while elevating Michael (Mike) Hotra and Sydney Isaacs to Co-Presidents. The move centers continuity—anchoring client-critical practices in public affairs and issues/crisis—as the firm sharpens its North America growth focus. For communicators and executives, this is a case study in turning a moment of change into a message of stability.

h/advisors abernathy logo

What the Structure Communicates

A three-leader configuration, when framed well, can do three things at once:

1. Reassure external stakeholders that client delivery won’t slip.

2. Clarify internal accountability with visible practice and regional anchors.

3. Maintain momentum while a permanent CEO search proceeds.

Here, the story is less about titles and more about designing continuity: a seasoned insider at the helm, flanked by leaders who already steward high-stakes work. That framing matters to investors, boards, regulators, and employees who want a clear throughline from “today” to “what’s next.”

Execution Moves Leaders Should Note

Name the why. Explain the business context for the transition (growth priorities, market conditions, talent strategy).Show the map. Spell out reporting lines, decision rights, and how clients will experience continuity. Keep the drumbeat. Pair the announcement with near term milestones client wins, hires, practice investments—so stakeholders can see progress, not just promises. Coach for consistency. Equip spokespeople and managers with the same three messages and the same language. In transitions, message drift erodes trust quickly.

The North America Lens

H/Advisors signaled North America as a priority following recent investments in Europe and Asia. That directional cue is more than geography—it’s market posture. For communicators, the lesson is to link leadership moves to a growth thesis. When people understand how the structure supports the strategy, they grant time and patience. That time is the runway culture needs to stay aligned through change.

Call-to-Insight

If you’re planning a leadership handoff in the next 12 months, build the communication architecture now: decision rights, message house, spokesperson map, and a 90-day cadence of proof points. Transitions rewarded with trust are the ones that ship evidence early and often.

Final Reflection

Succession is inevitable; confidence is optional. Abernathy’s approach—continuity up top, clarity in the middle, and a visible growth direction—offers a practical blueprint for safeguarding reputation while advancing the mission.

About AdvoCast

AdvoCast is a strategic communications consultancy anchored by the Human Impact Blueprint™, helping leaders build trust, align culture, and communicate through high-stakes moments. Explore more insights on leadership communication and change at AdvoCast.consulting