Painter Executive Search has nearly 25 years of experience working in partnership with clients to bring exceptional talent to unique organization needs. Our experience is diverse– from National Museum Director Searches to placed-based program managers and leaders in international philanthropy. No matter the role or the circumstances surrounding your leadership transition, you can expect the same commitment:

to understand and take on the mission of your organization and explore all aspects of your leadership needs
to represent your organization and the opportunity well in the market so that qualified and interested prospects engage in real dialog about your work
to be a trusted partner in bringing forth candidates’ strengths and weaknesses
to guide you through any complexities–working through the details of offer, relocation, founder transition, internal candidate management, constituency communications, candidate communication and change.

In short, working with our clients is personal for us. Our commitment is to leave you in a stronger position to fulfill your mission and to seek out talented leaders and bring them to environments where they can do their best work and create lasting impact.

It’s personal.

Nancy Painter

I started recruiting in 1990. Since then I have been providing executive recruiting services to both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. During my early commercial career I was known for working with clients with strong internal cultures and for excellent service to clients. For the last decade my work has focused exclusively in the nonprofit sector. During that time I helped built practices for other firms serving nonprofits and worked on a vast array of searches serving the entire sector from Arts & Culture, to Environment, Social Service and Advocacy and Education and Philanthropy. Serving a broad array of clients requires creativity and flexibility in order serve such diverse client needs. I have searched internationally to find a specialized curator or high profile Museum Director while helping direct services and advocacy organizations move beyond a beloved founder. I have assisted startup organizations define their outreach to attract their founding directors.

Throughout my career, my work can be characterized as personal. I believe I can serve you best when I can fully take on your mission and work in partnership with you to find the attributes and skills you need in a leader. I take seriously the responsibility of representing you –clients and candidates alike. I strive to represent both clients and candidates in a clear and compelling way and guide them in understanding what success requires in each role.

My work typically supports a board in the process of selecting a new leader, but I also work within organizations that are hiring for key program, development or policy roles. In the last ten years I have successfully executed over 60 nonprofit searches, including Museum Directors, Chief Development and Communication Officers, Executive Directors, CEO’s, CFO’s, and core program and operational leadership.

I am a product of California public schools, growing up on the north coast of California and graduating with honors from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities and a minor in American Art. My two children are attending colleges out of state, but I continue to live in Walnut Creek and support the public schools that they attended. In my personal time I enjoy hiking, museums, cultural events, reading and, occasionally, politics. I have served as a delegate the California Democratic Party Convention, as the co-chair of the 15th Assembly District and led a substantial grassroots campaign during the 2004 Presidential Election.