Waldron Tapped by Susan G. Komen Puget Sound to Find New Leader

December 4, 2019 – Social sector focused executive search firm Waldron has been retained by the Susan G. Komen Puget Sound (Komen Puget Sound) to lead its search for a new executive director. Recruiting director Sarah Meyer is leading the assignment.

Responsible for the success and sustainability of Komen Puget Sound, the new executive director will report to and work in close partnership with the board of directors. The individual will play a critical external leadership role by shining a light on the affiliate’s vision, energizing relationships, and generating the necessary financial resources to achieve the affiliate’s goals.

The new executive director will be expected to be a fearless fundraiser who can capture the hearts and minds of donors through compelling stories that demonstrate the affiliate’s impact in the community, said the search firm. He or she should be an effective spokesperson who possesses the oral and written skills to represent the organization to a variety of external audiences and raise awareness of the brand in the community.

Waldron said that candidates should have at least 10 to 15 years of progressively responsible leadership roles in a dynamic and entrepreneurial social sector organization, preferably in a CEO or executive director role. “Private sector or corporate leadership experience, when combined with significant nonprofit engagement (as demonstrated by noteworthy leadership roles on nonprofit boards, committees or task forces) will be considered,” the firm said. A genuine passion for Komen Puget Sound’s mission is also essential; knowledge of the local (Puget Sound) region is preferred.

In addition, Komen Puget Sound wants someone with significant and proven success in fundraising, donor development and board relations. Candidates must have a participatory and inclusive leadership style that fosters diverse points of view, respectful collaboration and accountability.

Shared Vision

Established in 1993 by a group of community volunteers who shared a vision of ending breast cancer forever, Komen Puget Sound is celebrating its 26th anniversary. Since its inception, the local affiliate has invested over $33 million in the fight against breast cancer, funding mammograms, early detection, patient treatment support and breast health education in Western Washington as well as contributing to global research to prevent and someday cure breast cancer.


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Organizations nationwide are under pressure to find leaders who can act as de facto chief fundraisers – and recruiters are in lock step to find talent to satisfy the demand. These leaders need to be strategic thinkers who can motivate the stakeholders whose philanthropy pulls everything together.

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Headquartered in Seattle with additional offices in San Francisco, Portland, OR and Phoenix, Waldron has 36 years of experience providing executive search and leadership development services to non-profits, NGOs and foundations.

Tom Waldron, CEO, founded the firm in 1982. He splits his time between direct client work in the social enterprise practice and developing and managing the strategic focus for the firm. “No matter how large we grow, I will always manage a portfolio of board and senior leader searches in the social enterprise sector,” Mr. Waldron said. “I love the work.”

Ms. Meyer serves as both a business partner and advisor to leading foundation CEOs and non-profit boards of directors seeking new talent. With the goal of identifying, attracting and integrating executive leaders who will advance each organization’s mission and impact, she develops customized search strategies and leverage significant networks. Ms. Meyer has led searches for a diverse group of nonprofit clients nationally including: the Raikes Foundation, the Lemelson Foundation, the Ford Family Foundation, the National Center for Family Philanthropy, GlobalGiving, RIP Medical Debt, Social Venture Partners and Mission Capital.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media

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