Nonprofit, Human Services & Public Sector Executive Search
Ford Webb Associates advises mission-driven organizations, governing boards, public institutions, and cultural and civic leaders during consequential leadership transitions.
Our work spans nonprofit, public, philanthropic, advocacy, utility, educational, and social-sector institutions navigating moments of strategic change, growth, succession, and organizational complexity.
Where We Work
Our expertise is concentrated in the sectors where mission-driven leadership matters most.
Advocacy & Social Change
National and state advocacy organizations, civil liberties groups, environmental organizations, and social justice nonprofits requiring leaders who combine strategic vision with the ability to mobilize constituencies.
Energy & Infrastructure
Utilities, energy companies, ports, transportation authorities, and infrastructure organizations seeking executives who can lead complex operations at the intersection of public accountability, regulatory oversight, and long-term capital investment.
Environment
National, state, and local organizations — spanning environmental advocacy, policy, research, and government — working collectively to address climate change and its global impact.
Human Services & Child Welfare
Organizations serving children, families, and vulnerable populations — from direct-service nonprofits to statewide systems — where leadership requires both compassion and rigorous management capability.
Government & Public Sector
State agencies, public authorities, and government-adjacent organizations seeking senior leaders who can operate effectively at the intersection of policy, politics, and public service.
Philanthropy & Civil Society
Community foundations, public charities, policy institutes, and civic organizations where leadership sets the tone for an entire field or region.
Health & Behavioral Health
Health foundations, community health organizations, behavioral health systems, and public health agencies seeking leaders with the technical depth and organizational sophistication these fields demand.
Education
Universities, colleges, and educational institutions seeking presidents, provosts, and senior academic administrators who can navigate governance complexity and drive institutional transformation.
Arts & Culture
Organizations that are the creative and cultural backbone of society, connecting people to history, ideas, beauty, and one another.
Our Approach
Our process is disciplined, confidential, and highly engaged — combining rigorous search practice with strategic counsel before, during, and after executive selection.
Organizational Understanding
A rigorous assessment of institutional purpose, culture, governance dynamics, strategic priorities, and leadership context as a foundation to an effective chief executive search.
Strategic Search and Evaluation
Confidential identification, recruitment, assessment, and evaluation of candidates aligned with both organizational needs and long-term direction.
Leadership Transition Counsel
Guidance to boards, committees, and leadership teams throughout the broader transition process — before, during, and after executive selection.