Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Nonprofit Executive Search Firm in Chicago
Kittleman & Associates & Associates has specialized in nonprofit executive search for over 60 years, establishing industry standards for CEO and Executive Director placements. Our consultants bring firsthand nonprofit leadership experience, ensuring deep understanding of sector-specific challenges and opportunities. With an 87% five-year retention rate for placed executives, we combine a curated network of nonprofit leaders with a hands-on, personalized approach.Our exclusive focus on nonprofit leadership transitions allows us to deliver unmatched expertise in identifying candidates aligned with organizational missions. We maintain rigorous professional standards, having pioneered best practices that continue shaping modern nonprofit executive recruitment.
Services
CEO Search
Executive Director Placement
Leadership Transition Planning
Board Recruitment
Nonprofit Succession Strategy
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- 60+ years exclusively focused on nonprofit executive search
- Consultants with direct nonprofit leadership experience
- 87% five-year executive placement retention rate
- Personalized, hands-on search process for each client
- Pioneers of industry standards for nonprofit leadership transitions
Services
CEO Search
Our specialized CEO search service identifies visionary nonprofit leaders through a rigorous vetting process. We leverage a proprietary network of executives with proven track records in mission-driven organizations. Our methodology ensures candidates align with organizational culture, strategic goals, and community impact objectives while maintaining the highest placement retention rates in the industry.
Leadership Transition Planning
We guide organizations through complex leadership transitions with structured planning frameworks. Our approach addresses pre-retirement preparations, interim leadership solutions, and board readiness assessments. By anticipating generational shifts and market changes, we help nonprofits maintain continuity while positioning for future growth and innovation in evolving philanthropic landscapes.
Executive Director Placement
Specialized recruitment for Executive Director roles across nonprofit sectors. Our process combines deep sector knowledge with personalized candidate evaluation to match organizational needs with leadership capabilities. We focus on long-term fit through comprehensive assessments of strategic vision, operational expertise, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Board Recruitment
We develop board compositions that reflect modern governance requirements and organizational missions. Our services include board skills gap analysis, diversity recruitment strategies, and generational transition planning. We identify directors with relevant sector expertise and commitment to nonprofit stewardship principles.
Nonprofit Succession Strategy
Our succession planning addresses both planned and unexpected leadership changes. We implement proactive strategies for talent pipeline development, interim leadership frameworks, and board preparedness. The program includes generational transition planning and market trend analysis to ensure organizational resilience during leadership transitions.
People
Cory R. King
President & CEO
Cory R. King leads Kittleman & Associates & Associates's strategic direction with extensive nonprofit leadership experience. He oversees executive search operations while maintaining active client engagement. His expertise spans CEO transitions and board development across diverse nonprofit sectors.
Megan E. Monaco
Vice President
Megan E. Monaco manages key client relationships and search initiatives. She specializes in executive director placements and leadership transition strategies. Her background includes nonprofit operational leadership and board governance consulting.
Susan Cowen
Senior Principal
Susan Cowen directs complex executive searches with focus on large nonprofit organizations. She brings decades of experience in CEO placements and board recruitment. Her sector expertise includes healthcare and education nonprofits.
Benjamin Feit
Principal
Benjamin Feit specializes in leadership transitions for cultural and arts organizations. He manages executive director searches and succession planning initiatives. His background includes nonprofit financial strategy and governance consulting.
Michelle R.B. Saddler
Managing Director
Michelle R.B. Saddler leads Chicago operations with expertise in nonprofit executive recruitment. She focuses on CEO placements and board diversity initiatives. Her experience includes leadership development programs for emerging nonprofit professionals.
Questions
What nonprofit leadership roles do you specialize in?
We specialize in CEO, Executive Director, and senior leadership placements across all nonprofit sectors, with particular expertise in board governance roles.
How long have you focused on nonprofit executive search?
Kittleman & Associates & Associates has exclusively served nonprofit organizations since 1963, establishing industry standards for executive recruitment in this sector.
What makes your search process unique?
Our process combines a proprietary nonprofit leader network with hands-on consultant engagement, ensuring personalized attention throughout every search.
Do you work with international nonprofit organizations?
While based in the US, we serve nonprofit clients globally, with recent placements across North America and international affiliate networks.
How do you ensure candidate-organization fit?
We conduct comprehensive cultural assessments and strategic alignment evaluations to match leadership capabilities with organizational missions and goals.
What post-placement support do you provide?
We offer transition support and performance follow-up services to ensure successful leadership integration and long-term retention.
Reviews (1)
John Sellers
Nov 01, 2018
Report
I visited here for a job interview in the nonprofit sector. The view is spectacular from this high up in the Willis Tower. Friendly and professional staff are all on board at Kittleman.
