Finding the Right Leader for Your Organization:
A Collaborative and Board-Centered Search Process
“Richard was a brilliant resource and steady presence throughout our CEO search. His knowledge, wisdom, and guidance made the process effective and rewarding. We could not have found the ideal leader for our organization without his help.”
The right leader can strengthen culture, inspire confidence, advance strategy, and increase organizational impact. Selecting that leader requires more than filling a position—it requires a thoughtful process that balances key constituent input, organizational needs, and long-term vision.
Selecting a new CEO or Executive Director is one of the most important responsibilities a nonprofit board will undertake. As your search consultant, I serve as a trusted advisor, facilitator, and strategic partner throughout the process. I work closely with the board and search committee to build alignment, engage the organization’s top key constituents, facilitate decision-making, and ensure a disciplined, transparent, and mission-centered search. Together, we identify the leadership qualities your organization needs and confidently select a leader who can advance your mission and vision.
With more than 20 years of experience leading CEO and Executive Director searches for nonprofit organizations of all sizes, I help boards conduct inclusive, strategic searches that build confidence, strengthen leadership, and position organizations for long-term success.
A Proven Process for Leadership Transitions
Selecting a new CEO/Executive Director is one of the most important decisions a nonprofit board will make. I partner with boards and search committees throughout the process, providing guidance, facilitation, and expertise to ensure a thoughtful, transparent, and mission-centered search. From defining leadership needs and recruiting candidates to supporting selection and onboarding, my four-phase process helps organizations identify the right leader and position them for long-term success.
Phase 1:
Discovery & Leadership Profile
Every successful search begins with clarity. I work with the board and search committee to understand the organization's current realities, future opportunities, leadership needs, and desired outcomes. Together, we develop a compelling leadership profile that defines the qualities, competencies, and experience needed in the next CEO/Executive Director.
Phase 2:
Candidate Recruitment & Evaluation
Using targeted recruitment strategies, professional networks, and proactive outreach, I help identify and attract highly qualified candidates aligned with your mission, culture, and strategic priorities. Candidates are carefully screened and evaluated to ensure the strongest possible pool.
Phase 3:
Finalist Selection & Decision-Making
I guide the search committee through a structured interview and evaluation process designed to support thoughtful, objective decision-making. Through candidate assessments, interviews, reference checks, and facilitated discussions, the board gains the information needed to select the right leader confidently.
Phase 4: Leadership Transition & Onboarding
The search doesn't end when a candidate accepts the position. I work with the board to support a successful transition through onboarding planning, communication, leadership integration, and first-year success strategies that position both the new CEO/Executive Director and the organization for long-term success.
What Sets Me Apart
Selecting the right executive is one of a board’s most important decisions. With more than 20 years of nonprofit CEO/Executive Director search experience—and perspective as a consultant, nonprofit executive, board member, and board chair—I help boards navigate leadership transitions with confidence. Through a proven search process, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful constituent engagement, I help organizations identify the right leader to advance their mission and thrive into the future.
