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Executive Search Development

We have been horrified by the murder of George Floyd and the brutal treatment of peaceful protesters across the United States of America. Recognizing that these tragic events are only the most recent in a long history of inequity in our country and around the globe, we at DRi feel compelled to reaffirm our dedication to help non-profits serve the vulnerable, right injustice, protect our planet, and be a voice for the voiceless. We cannot stand idly by and, with our silence, condone discrimination and brutality. We cannot be silent spectators to the dehumanization of our fellow Americans at the hands of systemic racism.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

We cannot be silent. We mourn with the Floyd family, and all Americans who have suffered from the prejudices of others and have lived and died under the oppression of racism. We support the peaceful protesters, who play an important role in inciting change, and we stand with everyone that has the courage to speak up for what is right. We take pride in the work of non-profit organizations and their leaders that fight on the front lines to empower those that have been marginalized and light the path of progress.

The role of DRi has been, and will continue to be, one of assistance and support to the organizations that work to further just causes. DRi’s mission is to identify and recruit racially and gender diverse candidates to lead non-profit organizations in carrying out their vital work. We take this responsibility seriously and personally. It will take leadership to continue the fight against intolerance and bring justice to a country in pain. Therefore, we will continue to find those that will serve that larger purpose, ensuring non-profit organizations are prepared to continue their missions.

On behalf of all of us at DRi, please know that while we are outraged and saddened, we will not let these emotions overwhelm, immobilize, or silence us; we are committed to taking collective action in the hope of a better, equitable future for America and beyond.

Jennifer & Nancy   

DRi is an executive search firm ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the country’s best executive recruiters. We focus on building the capacity of non-profits by recruiting senior executives and coaching their teams to adopt bold strategic plans and design powerful fundraising programs. We are privileged to work with some of the sector’s finest organizations and institutions—enterprises that touch lives and strengthen communities across the nation and around the globe.

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Serving non-profits across the nation

700

Searches Completed

98%

Placement Rate

Major Gift Portfolios

With DRi’s guidance, fundraising at Martha’s Table rose dramatically in 6 months.

60 days

Time to Client Interviews

75%

Women among CEO Placements

Assessments / Plans

DRi was a critical partner in the reinvention of the AARP Foundation.

"Diligent preparation, insightful understanding of the organization, and broad, inclusive networking: these all resulted in outstanding outcomes in AAUW's Chief Executive Officer search. Nancy Racette and the DRi team guided a dynamic, comprehensive process that exemplified best practices of collaborative partnership with the Search Committee, The team presented challenges and opportunities of strategic directions, conducted extensive interviews with varied stakeholders, and prepared candidate materials in a format that provided optimally helpful information to the committee. As a highly respected executive recruiter, DRi understood the mission and passion of the organization and found the perfect fit for AAUW in a time of change, challenge and opportunity."
Patricia Fae Ho,
Board Chair, AAUW
“We selected DRi to lead Greater Public’s search for our first President and CEO in 20 years. Greater Public had already come such a long way–we have 275 member stations and one of the biggest public media conferences in the business–but we needed to meet an array of 21st-century public media fundraising challenges. Since the incumbent had been in place for so long, identifying the right person who had the combination of talents to build upon what was in place while steering us into the future was a challenging task. DRi knew how to recruit people who could do it. Just as important, DRi made contributions beyond simply identifying candidates. They helped the Board set up a cogent search process, steered us steadily in the right direction, identified challenges well in advance of them becoming issues, and supported us with a level of professionalism that made what could have been a bumpy road very smooth and successful. I highly recommend DRi to any Board that needs a top-level CEO.”
Paul Jacobs,
Board Chair, Greater Public
I have worked extensively with DRi, both when I served as Chief Operating Officer at AARP and now as President of Share Our Strength. DRi and Jennifer Dunlap were critical partners in the reinvention of the AARP Foundation. Their exceptional business and fundraising acumen, ability to serve as a key strategic advisor, and expertise in finding and recruiting top level leadership, led to a 14-year partnership with AARP that strengthened both the Association and the Foundation. Share Our Strength has recently begun a similar partnership with DRi to help us enhance our staffing and fundraising for our crucial social mission. Their recommendations have challenged us in the best possible ways.
Tom Nelson,
President, Share Our Strength
We have had many conversations regarding DRi and how fortunate we have been to partner with the organization. Their experience and expertise was clear in all areas, from their understanding of the YWCA and our needs to their support and guidance for both the Search and Executive Committees. We were on a journey not only to find a CEO but to improve our organization, and we are so grateful to you for all your contributions to our success!
Shelly Holden,
Search Committee Chair and Board Member, YWCA Tulsa
I just wrapped up a welcome lunch with Natasha and wanted to thank you for bringing her here to Safe Kids. She is an exceptional person and she will be an outstanding addition to the organization. I really enjoyed worked with you and your team – it’s always a pleasure to work with straight shooters –and I just want to say kudos to you all for a job well done.
John Hart,
Chief Operations Officer, Safe Kids Worldwide
DRi has helped me build an outstanding Development team that has transformed our ability to raise significant funds for the National Park Foundation. They find the right people for the right job, and those people produce.
Pat Nicklin,
Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, National Park Foundation
Martha’s Table has a great brand and strong programs and a reputation built over 33 years of hard work—but like so many non-profits our development strategies and systems had been neglected. DRi changed all of that. They started with an analysis of the situation and quickly moved to recommendations, but perhaps most importantly, they then provided the straightforward tools and quality training so we could rapidly implement the highest-priority changes. DRi not only improved our systems, skills and efforts; our fundraising rose dramatically in the first six months of implementing their changes.
Patty Stonesifer,
President and CEO, Martha’s Table

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