McCormack & Kristel, LLC
Company Information
Leading Principals
Michelle Kristel, Managing Partner, michelle@mccormackkristel.com
Bryan Epps, Search Consultant, bryan@mccormackkristel.com
Rev. Dr. Zaria Davis, Search Consultant, zaria@mccormackkristel.com

Firm Overview
Established in 1993, McCormack + Kristel is a national retained search firm with expertise in discovering transformative leaders for mission-driven nonprofit and philanthropic clients. Since our founding, diversity, equity, and inclusion have been at the core of the firm’s values and practices. Today, we are proud to be one of the nation’s leading diversity-focused search firms supporting our clients to identify executive and senior leaders who drive impact and create meaningful change.
- Industry Focus
- Functional Expertise
- Areas of Service
Philanthropy
Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer
Chief Human Resource Officer
Managing Partner
President
Vice President
Executive Search
Onboarding
Succession Planning
Off-Limits Policy
We will not approach anyone at a client organization for two years from the time of our most recent placement. We will not approach a placement for as long as they are with the organization we placed them in.
Average Time to Completion on Assignment
5 months
Recently Completed Assignments
News Briefings
McCormack+Kristel Retained by Equality Illinois to Lead CEO Search
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been selected by Equality Illinois to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the Equality Illinois, Equality Illinois Institute, and the Equality Illinois PAC boards of directors, the CEO will develop, refine, and execute the organization’s long-term strategic vision, goals, and direction, ensuring alignment with Equality Illinois’ mission and...
McCormack+Kristel Tapped by Central New York ON RAMP for CEO Search
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been retained by Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (Central New York ON RAMP) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the ON RAMP CEO will build the Central New York ON RAMP organization. They will develop and implement all...
McCormack+Kristel Recruits Director for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Openhouse
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has assisted in the recruitment of Rob Sánchez-Nelson as director for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DJEDI) of Openhouse in San Francisco. Bryan Epps led the assignment. Working across departments and with the board’s JEDI committee, Rob Sánchez-Nelson will identify real-time opportunities and challenges for Openhouse to deepen its commitment, competency, and JEDI outcomes...
McCormack+Kristel Recruits Executive Director for the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has placed Anya Lynn-Alesker (they/she) as executive director of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. “We are confident that Lynn-Alesker will lead our organization to new heights as we continue our important mission of promoting justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity,” said Bendita Cynthia Malakia,...
McCormack+Kristel Seeking Director for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Openhouse
Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been retained by Openhouse to lead in its search for a director for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DJEDI). Bryan Epps is leading the assignment. Working across departments and with the board’s JEDI committee, the new director will identify real-time opportunities and challenges for Openhouse to deepen its commitment, competency, and JEDI...
Non-Profits Seek New Kinds of Leaders with Help from Search Firms
Executive search for the non-profit sector often mirrors broader hiring trends, with a distinct focus on leadership, strategic vision, and organizational impact. Recruiters say that non-profits, generally, are increasingly seeking executives and management teams who can provide strong leadership, articulate a compelling vision, and inspire stakeholders. Like most sectors, there is a growing emphasis on...