The selection of a president is a governing board's most important responsibility, and the search process is the board's best opportunity to help guide its institution into a successful new era. This guide outlines the leadership roles during a search (those of the board, the board chair, the search committee, and others), briefs board members on their responsibilities during the process, and offers tips to facilitate a successful transition. The manner in which a governing board conducts a presidential search is a reflection upon the entire institutional community. It is the responsibility of the board to ensure that the search is conducted as fairly and openly as possible, consistent with the values of the institution. An organized, timely process that is respectful of both campus constituents and the candidates themselves is in itself a worthy goal to which all boards should aspire. Sections include: (1) "Leadership Roles During a Presidential Search"; (2) "Preparing for the Search"; (3) "During the Search"; (4) "After the Search"; (5) "Pitfalls to Avoid"; (5) "Special Issues"; and (7) "Conclusion." "Charge to the Search Committee" is appended. A list of references and resources is provided.