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I know it's only September, and elections are months away. But, here's a warning. Don't get too excited and start grooming the person you think should succeed you. That doesn't always turn out well.
Fact is, many organizations like to mix it up. If you are a serious, practical person, they are likely to elect someone totally different from you in the next cycle. They'll elect the fun-loving jovial person who isn't terribly serious. If you're an emotional person, they'll probably elect the intellectual next time. If you're an extrovert, they will choose the quieter guy. If you were incredibly focused on one thing, they'll elect the person who criticized you the most strongly.
It's a "democracy" thing. Many members feel like they are exercising their right to choose when they make a more brazen choice. That's why both presidential candidates are so different from George W. Bush. People like change. They get motivated by change. They are sensitive to choosing too much of the same thing.
So, here's my warning. You would probably like to see someone succeed you who will build on what you have accomplished. You would choose someone who will firm up your legacy by validating your priorities and leadership style. That's natural. However, it you let that show to your members, it might be the kiss of death to that person's chances.
Best thing you can do is to simply stand up at a meeting and let everyone know that you will be happy to spend some time with anyone who might be interested in running for president. Be conspicuous about being neutral.
Closer to elections, when people ask you for your opinion, remain neutral, and praise all candidates. As tempting as it might be, don't weigh the pro's and con's for them. The most you should ever do is make sure people understand what the job is like.
If you did a good job and your "approval rating" is high, they might choose the person you would have chosen. But nothing pushes people toward "change" like the feeling that you've hand picked your successor and taken away their choice, so play your hand close to your chest.
If indeed your choice is the right choice for the organization, people will probably want to select him/her because you've been such a good, supportive leader.
