Best Board Recruitment Services in the USA

United States Board Search Services

Board recruitment in the United States has never been more vital—or more dynamic. Across industries, organizations are searching for board members who not only understand governance but can also guide innovation, diversity, and long-term strategy. From New York to San Francisco, board search firms are helping shape the leadership fabric of America—connecting visionary executives to mission-driven boards.

At Digital Reference, we believe transparency and radical authenticity are the foundation of great leadership. That’s why we’ve spent months researching and evaluating top outsourced, part-time, fractional, and virtual board search service providers across the U.S.—reviewing their methodologies, leadership credibility, and measurable results.

Our curated list features standout firms that don’t just fill seats; they build stronger boards for a better future. Whether you’re a nonprofit, a startup scaling to Series C, or a global enterprise rethinking governance, these partners bring rigor, empathy, and expertise to every engagement.

🌟 USA Board Recruitment Services - Provider Spotlights

Ellig Group

What They Do:
Ellig Group is one of the most recognized women-owned executive search firms in the U.S., specializing in diverse board and C-suite placements. Their focus goes beyond filling roles—they’re helping transform corporate governance through inclusive leadership pipelines.

Who They Work With:
Fortune 500 companies, mission-driven organizations, and forward-thinking private firms committed to inclusion and performance.

Operating Model:
Customized, research-driven board and executive searches; leadership assessment tools; and succession planning.

💡 Why they stand out:
🌍 Trailblazers in diversity-focused board recruitment.
📚 Advocates for equity and inclusion through research, publishing, and mentoring.
💬 Deep relationships across industries that yield meaningful placements.

Janice Ellig, CEO of Ellig Group

Janice Ellig is a nationally recognized advocate for women in leadership and one of the most respected voices in executive search. She’s frequently cited in Forbes and the Wall Street Journal for her insights on board diversity and corporate ethics. Janice’s philosophy is simple: “When you diversify leadership, you amplify results.” Under her stewardship, Ellig Group has helped transform countless organizations by identifying leaders who bring both competence and conscience to the boardroom.

Potrero Group

What They Do:
Potrero Group is a national consulting and search firm known for connecting visionary leaders with purpose-driven organizations. They specialize in board and executive recruitment, strategic planning, and organizational design, with a deep commitment to the nonprofit and public sectors.

Who They Work With:
Nonprofits, foundations, government agencies, and environmental organizations across the United States.

Operating Model:
Hybrid model combining retained executive search, leadership evaluation, and strategic facilitation services.

💡 Why they stand out:
🌱 Deep roots in social impact and sustainability leadership.
🤝 Known for empathetic, mission-aligned board placements.
🧭 Integrates strategy and talent to ensure long-term governance success.

Cleveland Justis, CEO and Founder of Potrero Group

Cleveland Justis brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. As a former executive director and consultant, he bridges strategy and talent in a way that drives measurable outcomes. Cleveland’s approach centers on “adaptive leadership”; helping boards recruit members who not only understand governance but can lead through complexity and change. His work at Potrero Group reflects his belief that strong leadership starts with shared purpose and ends with community impact.

BoardWalk Consulting

What They Do:
BoardWalk Consulting is a boutique executive search firm dedicated exclusively to nonprofits and foundations. They specialize in finding mission-driven leaders and board members who embody the values and vision of the organizations they serve.

Who They Work With:
Charitable foundations, cultural institutions, and global NGOs.

Operating Model:
Retained board and CEO searches with a signature “purpose-first” methodology, grounded in  storytelling and cultural alignment.

💡 Why they stand out:
💬 Celebrated for their authenticity and client care.
🎯 Over 90% of placements remain in their roles long-term.
🌟 Advocates of leadership that blends skill with service.

Sam Pettway, Founding Director of BoardWalk Consulting

Sam Pettway is a nationally respected voice in nonprofit leadership search. With over two decades in executive recruitment, he’s helped shape some of America’s most influential social impact boards. Sam is known for his human-first philosophy—believing that “fit” is more than a resume; it’s about mission resonance and integrity. His thoughtful, consultative style has made BoardWalk Consulting a trusted partner for organizations redefining leadership in the 21st century.

Agility Executive Search

What They Do:
Agility Executive Search provides board and C-suite recruitment services for organizations seeking leaders who thrive in transformation. Their model emphasizes strategic agility—matching leaders who can pivot, innovate, and execute under pressure.

Who They Work With:
Public companies, startups, and mid-market firms undergoing digital or cultural transformation.

Operating Model:
Retained searches, advisory consulting, and long-term leadership partnerships.

💡 Why they stand out:
⚡ Specializes in recruiting change-ready leaders.
📊 Combines behavioral science with executive search analytics.
🌐 Recognized for strong results across global markets.

Patricia Lenkov, Founder & CEO of Agility Executive Search

Patricia Lenkov is a powerhouse in board and CEO recruitment, recognized for her pioneering work in board diversity and governance modernization. With more than 25 years in executive search, she has been featured in CNBC, Bloomberg, and Harvard Business Review. Patricia leads with intellectual rigor and emotional intelligence, championing leaders who embrace inclusion as a business advantage. Her work has helped dozens of companies strengthen their boards with voices that drive innovation and accountability.

Pender & Howe

What They Do:
Pender & Howe is a cross-border executive search firm helping companies recruit board members, CEOs, and senior executives who bring international perspective and operational excellence.

Who They Work With:
Technology companies, consumer brands, and industrial organizations across the U.S. and Canada.

Operating Model:
Retained global executive search with a collaborative, research-driven model.

💡 Why they stand out:
🌍 Global perspective on leadership trends.
🧩 Personalized, founder-led recruitment approach.
🚀 Trusted by scale-ups seeking to enter new markets.

Travis Hann, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Pender & Howe

Travis Hann brings a rare blend of entrepreneurial vision and deep executive search expertise. Known for his candid insights and hands-on approach, Travis helps organizations build boards that align with evolving business realities. His focus on values-based leadership makes Pender & Howe a go-to partner for innovative, growing companies seeking board members who can help them scale responsibly and sustainably.

Range Search Partners

What They Do:
Range Search Partners specializes in executive and board search for growth-stage and private equity-backed companies. Their team works at the intersection of strategy and talent, helping boards recruit leaders who deliver both performance and vision.

Who They Work With:
Private equity firms, venture-backed startups, and high-growth enterprises across North America.

Operating Model:
Retained search, board advisory, and leadership benchmarking.

💡 Why they stand out:
📈 Deep experience in scaling leadership teams.
🧠 Insight-driven, data-supported recruitment process.
🤝 Long-term relationships built on trust and delivery.

Jamie Ferguson, Managing Partner & President of Range Search Partners

Jamie Ferguson, is a seasoned executive recruiter with an extensive background in private equity and leadership strategy. His clients value his straightforward communication and deep understanding of high-performance board dynamics. Jamie’s career reflects a passion for connecting transformational leaders with organizations on the cusp of major growth—a focus that’s earned him a stellar reputation across the investment and technology ecosystems.

Benchmark Executive Search

What They Do:
Benchmark Executive Search connects mission-critical organizations with senior leaders who safeguard innovation, national security, and enterprise resilience. Their expertise lies in board and executive searches for defense, intelligence, and technology sectors.

Who They Work With:
Government contractors, cybersecurity firms, and emerging tech companies.

Operating Model:
High-touch retained search services with a focus on trust, confidentiality, and long-term leadership alignment.

💡 Why they stand out:
🛡️ Specialized expertise in national security leadership.
🎯 Strong network across government and defense sectors.
🌟 Consistently delivers board members with both technical and ethical excellence.

Jeremy King, President & Founder of Benchmark Executive Search

Jeremy King is one of the most respected names in executive search for the national security community. A connector by nature, Jeremy has spent over 20 years matching visionary leaders to complex missions. He’s widely recognized for his integrity-driven approach and deep relationships within federal and private-sector leadership circles. His work at Benchmark demonstrates how board recruitment can uphold both organizational success and public trust.

Thomas & Taylor Partners

‍

What They Do:
Thomas & Taylor Partners is a boutique search and advisory firm that helps private and venture-backed companies recruit board members and senior executives who align with modern leadership principles.

Who They Work With:
High-growth private companies and mid-market firms across technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors.

Operating Model:
Collaborative retained search, leadership assessment, and coaching integration.

💡 Why they stand out:
⚙️ Modern, tech-enabled search model.
🎯 Commitment to authentic, long-term placements.
🧩 Co-leadership structure that balances insight with execution.

Travis Thomas, Managing Partner of Thomas & Taylor Partners

Travis Thomas is known for his pragmatic yet deeply human approach to executive search. With a background in leadership consulting, he brings empathy and structure to every engagement—helping boards find leaders who not only fit on paper but thrive in practice.

Dusty McClung, Partner of Thomas & Taylor Partners

 Dusty McClung’s strategic instincts and sharp understanding of organizational behavior make him a standout partner in executive search. His commitment to transparent communication and ethical placement mirrors Digital Reference’s values of radical authenticity and integrity—helping clients build lasting board success stories.

Final Thoughts: Building Boards That Build the Future

From the inclusive leadership advocacy of Janice Ellig 🌍 to the purpose-driven strategies of Cleveland Justis 🌱 and the national security focus of Jeremy King 🛡️, these firms represent the best of U.S. board recruitment. Together, they’re shaping organizations that lead with conscience, courage, and clarity.

At Digital Reference, we share that mission. Our platform is revolutionizing how professionals present video resumes, collect verified references, and connect with leadership search firms like these. By focusing on authenticity, trust, and innovation, we help today’s leaders stand out—so they can serve tomorrow’s boards with excellence.

📌Fuel your leadership journey with actionable strategies. Explore more resources from Digital Reference:

👉 Best Executive Recruitment Consulting Services in the USA
👉 Best HR Strategy Consulting Services in the USA
👉 The Ultimate Guide to Video Resumes
👉 How to Hire a Human Resource Consultant: A Complete Guide for Growing Businesses