
BoardWalk’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Our respect for the power of diversity is deep, and we are unapologetic in our efforts to ensure inclusivity in our team, in our approach, and in the results for our clients.
Our work reflects this over the arc of time. Since 2017, almost half of our placements are people of color and 57% are women.
Trusted by leading nonprofits
& foundations nationwide

































































































Our Search Process
Leadership Profile
Month 1
- Search committee chair communicates overall plan to staff
- Kickoff meeting held with search committee; private discussions also held with an array of stakeholders, internal and external, as agreed
- Leadership Profile and search strategy are drafted for committee’s review and approval
- Research and sourcing begin in earnest
Benchmark Review
Months 2-3
- Sourcing and preliminary discussions intensify
- Benchmark review is held with client to share market feedback and review preliminary slate of representative prospects
- Based on committee feedback, search strategy is refined as needed, and more targeted discussions commence with prospects
2
Candidate Interviews
Months 3-4
- BoardWalk reviews emerging finalists with search committee, recommends slate for candidate interviews
- Briefing books are prepared and distributed, and committee convenes for two consecutive half-days for first-round interviews
- Subset of finalists is invited back for second round discussions
- Transition and communications plans are drafted
3
Offer Negotiations
Months 4-5
- Search committee conducts further discussions with 2-3 favored finalists
- Full references commence for most favored candidate(s)
- Search committee reaches consensus
- BoardWalk negotiates acceptable offer with final candidate and documents agreement-to-agree, always subject to board ratification
- Transition and communications plans are reviewed with nominee
4
Transition Management
Months 5-6
- Search committee conveys recommendation for Board vote, arranges appropriate introductions
- Board confirms appointment, sets start date
- Communications plan is implemented
- Ongoing: BoardWalk works with client leadership and the new leader to ensure a smooth transition and long tenure
5
What Our Clients Say
The smartest, most conscientious, efficient and responsibly priced outfit
“If you are looking for a search firm, I recommend BoardWalk Consulting. I have worked with probably 20 search companies, and BoardWalk was by far the smartest, most conscientious, efficient and responsibly priced outfit I have experienced.”
~ CEO, major US foundation and chair of a technology-based nonprofit’s CEO search committee
Superior search process
“The wisdom of our selection of BoardWalk Consulting to lead our CEO search was confirmed at every step of the process. If you engage BoardWalk, I have every confidence that you will have a superior search process, and you will be thankful you did.”
~Chair, CEO search committee, nonprofit broadcaster
Exceeded our expectations
“[We] needed a partner who could help us work through the extensive planning, research and facilitation of process needed to find our next great leader. From day one, BoardWalk exceeded our expectations. BoardWalk facilitated a process that resulted in a unanimous vote for a next-generation leader.”
~Chair, CEO search committee, national nonprofit transitioning from an iconic CEO in the role for over 30 years
Terrific job
“BoardWalk was interested in – and good at – understanding the strategy of our organization and the culture in which the executive would have to fit. They did a terrific job.”
Appreciate the work and heart you brought
“Without BoardWalk Consulting leading our executive search, the outcome would not have been as good. I truly appreciate the work and heart you brought to the effort.”~Chair, CEO search committee, important civil rights organization
Seamless process
“Thank you for all you did to make this search process seamless and, most importantly, very effective. We have very strong leadership.”
~Chair, CEO search committee, regional housing organization
Professional and responsive
“BoardWalk Consulting is great to work with. I have worked with them on several searches and have always been impressed. I have found them to be thorough, professional, responsive to our needs and very well organized. I will continue to recommend them highly.”
~Experienced search committee chair, a veteran of numerous regional and national boards
High quality
“BoardWalk provided a high quality experience. They found the exact right candidate to lead our launch, and ten years later they found the exact right person to succeed him upon retirement.”
~Board chair (1st time) and search committee chair (2nd time), regional health legacy foundation