Victoria Schiff Silverman (she/her/hers)

Managing Founder and CEO

Victoria is the Managing Founder and CEO of Cook Silverman Search. Victoria has served the nonprofit sector for almost forty years. Throughout her career, Victoria has worked in senior fundraising, advancement and management positions in higher education, arts, biotech, engineering and environment sectors at Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of California, the American Film Institute, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Marine Mammal Center, and the Buck Institute for Age Research, among others. She has worked with heads of state, CEOs of major corporations, scientists, Hollywood celebrities, and leaders of industry. Victoria is an AIRS© Certified Diversity and Inclusion Recruiter.

Victoria is a proud first-generation American which ignited her passion for and commitment to equity and inclusiveness throughout her life. Victoria is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and attended St. Louis University School of Law. She has been a “heavy hitter” speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has served on fundraising advisory committees for several nonprofit organizations. She has served as a pro bono instructor for the YWCA, CANDID, AFP, Women of Color in Philanthropy (WOC) and Development Executives Roundtable. Victoria has served as an AIRI conference presenter, a YMCA volunteer, and a former member of the Reed Union School District advisory council.

Victoria is a Past President (2020) of the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Golden Gate Chapter and a member of the Oregon & S.W. Washington, Silicon Valley, and GLAC (Greater Los Angeles) chapters. She is a member of Development Executives Roundtable, and Northern California Planned Giving Council and the Network for Nonprofit Search Consultants. Victoria serves on the steering committee for Women of Color’s Allies in Action Network.

Victoria is an avid hiker and enjoys the beautiful Marin hills. She is also a proud mother of two amazing young women.

Victoria is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and attended St. Louis University School of Law. She is a proud first generation American which ignited her passion for and commitment to equity and inclusiveness throughout her life. She has been a “heavy hitter” speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has served on fundraising advisory committees for several nonprofit organizations. She is a pro bono instructor for the YWCA, CANDID, AFP, Women of Color in Philanthropy (WOC) and Development Executives Roundtable. Victoria has served as an AIRI conference presenter, a YMCA volunteer, and a former member of the Reed Union School District advisory council.

Victoria is immediate Past President (2020) of the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Golden Gate Chapter and a member of the Oregon & S.W. Washington chapter.  She is a member of Development Executives Roundtable, and Northern California Planned Giving Council and the Network for Nonprofit Search Consultants. Victoria serves on the steering committee for Women of Color’s Allies in Action Network.

Victoria is an avid hiker and enjoys the beautiful Marin hills. She is also a proud mother of two amazing young women.