Business Details
40 Years
experience
Trusted Executive Search for Nonprofit Organizations
Founded in 1986, we are a premier executive search and transition management firm dedicated to serving trade associations, professional societies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. Our team combines decades of experience in nonprofit leadership with a systematic, collaborative approach to executive recruitment. We specialize in organizational assessment, candidate outreach, and transition management, ensuring seamless integration of new leaders into institutional frameworks. With a 35+ year history and a 7+ year average candidate retention rate, we maintain a 90% referral-based business model.Our Alexandria, Virginia-based team works closely with search committees, staff leaders, and stakeholders to identify ideal candidates through comprehensive position profiling and behavioral assessments. We prioritize cultural alignment and long-term success metrics, offering post-placement transition support to establish accountability frameworks for both organizations and new executives. Our expertise extends to board advisory services, leadership development, and organizational climate studies, reflecting our deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by nonprofit entities.
Services
Executive Search
Board Advisory Services
Leadership Development
Organization Development Consulting
Transition Management
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialized experience in nonprofit executive search
- 90% referral-based business model from satisfied clients
- Systematic approach combining organizational assessment and behavioral analysis
- Team of former association executives with industry-specific expertise
- 7+ year average candidate retention rate post-placement
What people say
Exceptionally seamless
High level of professionalism
Superbly successful search
Excellent slate of candidates
Thorough and extensive
Services
Executive Search
Our executive search service identifies top-tier leaders for nonprofit organizations through a systematic three-phase approach. We begin with organizational assessment to define cultural requirements and success metrics. Our extensive network and behavioral assessment tools help us develop a diverse candidate pool. Post-selection, we facilitate transition planning to ensure successful executive integration. This comprehensive process has resulted in a 7+ year average retention rate for placed executives.
Board Advisory Services
We help organizations optimize board effectiveness through customized assessment and recruitment solutions. Our process begins with evaluating current board composition and identifying skill gaps. We work with nominating committees to develop competency-based recruitment strategies and conduct behavioral assessments of potential candidates. Our services also include board orientation programs and performance evaluation frameworks to ensure ongoing governance excellence aligned with organizational goals.
Organization Development Consulting
Our organizational development services focus on enhancing workplace culture and operational effectiveness. We conduct comprehensive climate studies to identify strengths and areas for improvement in organizational culture. Our consultants analyze staffing structures to ensure alignment with member service goals and facilitate communication improvements. We provide actionable recommendations for creating environments that foster trust, collaboration, and long-term institutional success through evidence-based organizational assessments.
People
Pamela Kaul
President & Founder
With nearly three decades of experience, Pamela pioneered ASI's systems-based executive search approach. She specializes in organizational assessment and development, having successfully completed hundreds of CEO and board searches for major associations and foundations since founding the company in 1986.
Lynn Moran
Human Resources Specialist
Lynn brings over two decades of HR expertise to ASI, having interviewed more than 400 candidates since joining in 2005. She excels at identifying candidate attributes that align with client needs, combining sharp interviewing skills with active listening to create detailed candidate profiles for client consideration.
Tricia Mesaros
Director, Projects & Business Operations
Tricia manages ASI's DC Metro operations and oversees search projects from initiation to completion. She maintains the firm's proprietary database, conducts candidate outreach, and manages client communications. Her background includes marketing and nonprofit event management, bringing diverse operational expertise to her role.
Kimberly Mosley
Diversity & Inclusion Advisor
Kimberly offers 20+ years of association leadership experience, including executive roles at the Digital Analytics Association and American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. A Certified Association Executive, she specializes in diversity initiatives and serves as a mentor in ASAE's Diversity Executive Leadership Program.
Ellen Moore
Executive Consultant
Ellen brings extensive experience in medical society management and association leadership. Formerly with the American Academy for Orthopaedic Surgeons, she specializes in healthcare CEO searches and strategic development. Her 30-year career includes leadership roles at the Association for Corporate Growth and SmithBucklin.
Questions
What types of organizations do you work with?
We specialize in serving trade associations, professional societies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide across healthcare, education, technology, and other sectors.
How long does the executive search process typically take?
Our comprehensive search process typically takes 4-6 months, including organizational assessment, candidate outreach, and transition planning phases.
What makes your approach different from other search firms?
Our systems-based approach combines organizational assessment, behavioral analysis, and long-term transition support, with a 35-year track record in nonprofit leadership placements.
Do you offer post-placement support services?
Yes, we provide transition management services including onboarding plans, first-year goal setting, and performance evaluation frameworks for new executives.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, we conduct searches globally for organizations seeking leaders with international expertise.
