DSG Global Announces Formal Launch of Fundraising & Advancement as Specialized Practice
February 11, 2026 – DSG Global recently launched DSG fundraising & advancement, a dedicated practice that formalizes the firm’s 25 years of philanthropic fundraising search expertise. Headed by global managing partner and fundraising & advancement practice founder Gerard F. Cattie, DSG fundraising & advancement builds on the firm’s track record of more than 1,000 successful searches for philanthropic leaders worldwide. “With Giving USA reporting that U.S. charitable giving from individuals, bequests, foundations and corporations grew to $592.50 billion in 2024, the codified practice will provide mission-driven organizations with an experienced partner to grow contributed revenue and continue their critical work at a time when alternative revenue sources in the U.S. are less viable,” the firm said in a release.
“Fundraising and advancement has long been a strength for our firm, and the launch of DSG fundraising & advancement underscores our commitment to this critical function,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG Global. “With mission-driven organizations more reliant than ever on fundraising, the recruitment of exceptional leadership remains a top priority. Gerard is an exceptional partner to many such leaders, and I am pleased to see the team lead this new chapter for the firm, helping organizations secure the leadership they need to succeed.”
Mr. Cattie originally established the firm’s development and fundraising capabilities in 1999. Under his leadership, the practice has built a track record of excellence, working closely with many of the world’s preeminent non-profits across the global NGO space, higher education, healthcare, arts and culture, human rights, conservation, human services, and beyond. The chief development officers, chief advancement officers, vice presidents of development & alumni relations, and other key fundraising leaders that Mr. Cattie’s team has secured, have immeasurably impacted their organizations’ resources and ability to fulfill their respective missions.
“Fundraising leadership determines the success of mission-driven organizations today,” said Mr. Cattie. “Those in development functions play a critical role in not only driving organizational strategy, but in providing visionary direction for their teams—a skill that is especially critical in times of uncertainty and rapid change. These key positions require experienced and exceptionally innovative leaders who understand both the art and science behind making an impact.”
The practice brings 25 years of firsthand frontline fundraising and executive experience for non-profits, academic institutions, and healthcare entities, as well as a deep understanding of best practices and trends in fundraising roles and the philanthropic field at large. The practice is further supported by DSG global founder and chair emeritus Judith M. von Seldeneck’s impressive track record in the philanthropy space, as well as the firm’s global networks. As the only full-service, top 10 executive search firm that offers a dedicated practice for senior-level search in fundraising and advancement, DSG fundraising & advancement is primed to build the high-impact teams that are determining the success of many U.S. 501(c)(3)s.
DSG Global is a family of recruiting firms serving specialized sectors. The firm was founded almost five decades ago by Ms. von Seldeneck for the express purpose of placing diverse candidates in client organizations. It is today the largest U.S. female-owned and founded firm in the executive recruitment industry. It is comprised of a combination of specialty practices with deep industry expertise under industry-recognized brands, including Alta Associates, BioQuest, Koya Partners, Grant Cooper, and Storbeck Search.
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Ranked as a top 10 U.S. executive search firm, with a presence across 36 countries through its partnership with AltoPartners, DSG Global combines global scale with local insight to deliver people-centered solutions that propel clients forward. With a team of dedicated experts across sectors like healthcare, education, and non-profits, DSG Global harnesses industry-specific expertise, functional depth, and market foresight to address today’s most complex challenges.
New Chief People Officer
DSG Global recently named Jenny Sade as chief people officer. In this role, she will lead the firm’s people and culture strategy—supporting talent acquisition, operations, and business strategy—as DSG Global continues to scale its impact across industries and geographies. “Jenny’s rare ability to see the potential in every leader and organization makes her an invaluable partner for our leadership team and our clients,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG Global. “She exemplifies the defining strength our team is known for: placing the right leaders in the right role at the right time to drive lasting impact. As organizations continue to navigate workforce mobility shifts, leadership readiness and succession planning, and non-stop change, Jenny’s appointment provides the insight and experience needed to help our clients thrive.”
DSG Global Expands Nonprofit Practice
DSG Global has appointed Nicole Kamaleson as managing director for DSG | Nonprofit, a global practice dedicated to mission-driven organizations worldwide. “Nicole is widely respected for her global perspective, deep sector expertise, and ability to identify leaders who can be nimble in the face of complex challenges, and create lasting change,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG Global. “We are thrilled to welcome her back to our firm as we continue to partner with organizations driving meaningful, lasting change around the world.”
“Nicole’s return significantly deepens our global reach,” said Molly Brennan, global managing partner and practice leader, nonprofit. “Her international expertise strengthens our ability to partner with mission-driven organizations operating across a range of geographies and deliver forward-thinking solutions to complex global challenges.”
“Not only does Jenny have a proven track record of accelerating growth at the organizations she leads, but she is also known for her people-first philosophy and unique ability to rally teams around a shared mission—creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow,” DSG said. “Her appointment underscores DSG Global’s commitment to building a high-performing, inclusive culture that empowers people and drives sustainable growth.”
With over 20 years of leadership experience advising CEOs, founders, and boards, Ms. Sade brings a proven ability to overcome complex business challenges and scale organizations by connecting people strategy directly to business outcomes. Her career highlights include guiding an organization through successful scaling and exit, and another to a successful IPO, continued global expansion, and rapid integration of multiple acquisitions into a cohesive culture and operating model.
Related: DSG Global Appoints CEO
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
