Pearl Street Collective

Firm Overview

Pearl Street is an award-winning, retained executive search and talent strategy firm serving the nonprofit, education, and healthcare sectors. Women-owned and led by a diverse group of talented professionals who are deeply committed to equity in search, Pearl Street seeks to disrupt traditional search dynamics by practicing radical empathy; listening and learning from others’ unique perspectives, lived experiences, and identities; and committing to transparency for all stakeholders. This purposeful approach informs every facet of Pearl Street’s comprehensive search process that identifies exceptional talent, builds real relationships, and delivers an unparalleled, values-driven service that honors the whole person. For three consecutive years, Women of Color in Fundraising & Philanthropy (WOC) has named Pearl Street one of the Top Search Firms for Women of Color; Hunt Scanlon has included the firm in their 2024 shortlists of top recruiters for nonprofits and higher education; and Forbes recognized Pearl Street in 2024 as one of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms. Follow Pearl Street.

Average Time to Completion on Assignment

90 days

News Briefings

Pearl Street Collective Assists UMass Amherst Foundation with Chief Development Officer Search

After a nationwide search, Boston-based Pearl Street Collective has assisted UMass Amherst Foundation (UMAF) in the recruitment of Robin Elkins as senior executive director and chief development officer for the UMass Amherst College of Social & Behavioral Sciences. Ms. Elkins is a highly regarded fundraising strategist and relationship builder whose experience spans higher education and the...

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...

Pearl Street Collective Recruits Chief Development Officer for the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at University Of Massachusetts Amherst

Virtually every industry needs top-drawer chief development officers. CDOs play a key role in planning, coordinating, and administering capital campaigns, corporate giving, and galvanizing new donors while keeping previous funders content. Implementing funding strategies that “keep the lights on,” according to recruiters specializing in the function, is job No. 1. Boston-based executive search firm Pearl Street...

Pearl Street Collective Fills Key Position for Northeastern University

Boston-based executive search firm Pearl Street Collective has assisted in the recruitment of Chris DeMeo to the newly created leadership role of associate vice president of marketing and communications for the office of university advancement at Northeastern University. Co-founders and managing partners Adele Mezher and Maeve Clifford led the assignment. Mr. DeMeo has a track record...

Pearl Street Collective Seeks Two CDOs for University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation

Boston-based executive search firm Pearl Street Collective has been enlisted to help fill two key roles for the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF). The non-profit is seeking chief development officers for the university’s Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and its Commonwealth Honors College. Leading the assignments are Adele Mezher, co-founder and managing partner, and...