Blair Search Partners Recruits President and CEO for the Pasadena Community Foundation
May 20, 2025 – San Diego-based Blair Search Partners has placed Khanh Russo as the new president and CEO of the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF). He will succeed longtime leader Jennifer DeVoll starting on June 5. Following a nationwide search conducted by PCF’s executive search committee with support from Blair Search Partners, Mr. Russo was selected for his extensive background in philanthropy, public policy, and community engagement. His leadership style, marked by transparency, trust, and a focus on long-term impact, stood out to the committee amid challenges such as housing affordability, health equity, and workforce opportunity—issues that resonate deeply with the Greater Pasadena community.
“Khanh’s deep experience and evident compassion will build upon Jennifer DeVoll’s legacy seamlessly,” said PCF board chair Maggie Sabbag. “We are confident that Khanh Russo will leverage his compelling expertise in the philanthropic and public sectors to amplify PCF’s mission and to ensure that our organization continues to help build a thriving and connected community. With his appointment, PCF enters a new chapter, reaffirming its commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient Pasadena through strategic philanthropy and community partnership.”
Mr. Russo joins PCF from the San Francisco Foundation, where he currently serves as vice president of policy and innovation. Throughout his career, he has led statewide efforts to promote racial equity and economic inclusion, demonstrating a commitment to collaborative, systems-based change. Mr. Russo’s past roles include director of strategic partnerships and performance for San José Mayor Sam Liccardo, where he spearheaded civic innovation and public-private partnerships. He has also held philanthropic leadership positions at Cisco Systems and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Russo is actively involved in non-profit governance, serving on boards and advisory councils related to education, the arts, social services, and health. He also advises on non-profit technology adaptation as a strategic artificial intelligence program advisor at the University of San Francisco.
“My work has always been guided by values of empathy, collaboration, and equity,” said Mr. Russo. “It will be such a privilege to work with PCF’s extended family of community partners and donors to elevate the incredible legacy built by my predecessor and strengthen the foundation’s collective impact.”
Deeply Rooted
Since 1953, Pasadena Community Foundation has been deeply rooted in Greater Pasadena. It collaborates with individuals, families, and organizations to establish philanthropic funds, build endowments, and distribute charitable gifts to nonprofit organizations in Pasadena and across the country. As of 2023, PCF manages over 400 charitable funds with assets totaling approximately $161 million.
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Blair Search Partners, founded in 2016, serves corporate, non-profit and public-sector clients. In particular, the firm offers unique specialization and experience serving not-for-profit organizations of all sizes and sectors. The firm manages search engagements at all levels, including C-suite, director, manager and program/staff levels. It has placed leaders for the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, San Diego Housing Commission, San Diego Unified Port District, Goodwill Industries, Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation, Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Workforce Partnership, among others.
Executive Search 2025: Balancing AI Innovation with a Human Touch
The executive search industry is entering one of its most transformative eras, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and shifting client needs and expectations. In 2024, firms faced many challenges marked by economic uncertainty, evolving workforce dynamics, and increasing demand for specialized leadership roles. While internal talent mobility and cautious hiring strategies were dominant themes, the need for resilient, adaptable leaders capable of driving innovation has positioned the industry for a pivotal shift in 2025, recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. Firms are stepping up to meet these demands by integrating cutting-edge technology into their workflows while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human expertise.
Technology, particularly AI, is reshaping how firms identify, evaluate, and connect with top talent. From automating routine tasks to uncovering deeper insights into market trends and candidate fit, these tools enhance efficiency and precision. However, as industry leaders emphasize, the human element remains central to success in this relationship-driven field. By leveraging AI to scale capabilities without sacrificing the personalized touch, executive search firms are not only redefining their processes but also reimagining their role as strategic talent advisors. As 2025 unfolds, the firms that can balance technological innovation with a deep understanding of leadership and culture will set the standard for the future of the industry.
Today, Blair Search Partners manages 40-50 search engagements annually for clients across California and on the East Coast as well. The firm’s work spans almost every area of the sector including philanthropy, human services, education, professional associations, and the arts.
Mr. Blair has over 20 years of experience in executive search, recruiting and workforce development. He began his career with Manpower, based in Sydney. After holding a number of client-facing and internal roles within the Australian operation, he rejoined Manpower in San Diego. He served as business development manager and then helped build the company’s workforce development and executive search practices. During this time, he worked closely with non-profit organizations to develop training and job placement programs for groups facing barriers to employment, such as youth and veterans. He also helped secure significant government and private funding to back those programs.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
