Founder and Principal

Leadership, public sector, and executive search experience

Hundreds of Chief Executive searches completed

Clients across advocacy, philanthropy, education, health, human services, utilities, government, and public policy

Founder and Principal, Ford Webb Associates

What Clients Value

Clients engage Ted Webb not simply to recruit executives, but to help boards and leadership teams navigate consequential moments of organizational change.

His work combines executive search, governance insight, leadership assessment, and strategic counsel. Whether assisting a national nonprofit, a public institution, a utility, or a community-based organization, Ted approaches each engagement with the belief that leadership transitions are among the most important decisions an organization will make.

Many client relationships begin long before a search is formally launched, through conversations about succession planning, governance, organizational readiness, and leadership strategy.

The right leader can strengthen a mission, elevate a team, and change the trajectory of an organization.

Experience

Ted began his career in government, serving as a social worker, legislative committee staff director, chief of staff to a cabinet secretary and special assistant to a governor.

He has recruited over 300 chief executives for nonprofit organizations, foundations, associations, utilities, educational institutions, health and human service organizations and public agencies.

Personal Perspective

My career has been shaped by a belief that strong institutions and capable leadership are essential to a healthy democracy and an effective civil society.

Over more than three decades, I have had the privilege of working with organizations ranging from grassroots and community-based institutions to major national advocacy, research, philanthropic, and public sector organizations. Their missions and methods vary considerably, but much of their work is connected by a shared commitment to improving the institutions and communities they serve.

This experience has reinforced my conviction that some of the most important leadership capabilities transcend traditional organizational and professional boundaries. It has also taught me that successful executive recruitment begins not with a list of candidates, but with a careful understanding of an organization’s circumstances, its challenges, and the leadership required to move forward.

I regard executive search as both a professional discipline and a form of public service. Helping organizations identify exceptional leaders is a consequential responsibility, and one I approach with a deep respect for their missions and the people they serve.