Our Value Proposition
LeaderFit partners with executives and Boards of mission-driven organizations to discover, evaluate, and select extraordinary leadership talent.
We invest significant time and energy to become trusted advisors to our clients, and we work hard to understand each client’s unique culture, strategic objectives, program offerings, and talent needs.
Nonprofit Expertise
Our team’s extensive experience as nonprofit leaders, Board members, and volunteers has given us first-hand knowledge of the sector’s unique challenges and opportunities. Our exclusive focus on the nonprofit sector has further sharpened our knowledge and networks.
Proven Process
Having successfully completed more than 225 searches, we have developed a best practices methodology to maximize our clients’ limited time and resources. We balance discipline, flexibility, and a sense of urgency to lead each search efficiently and create the most value for our clients.
Diverse Network
We have cultivated a network of leaders, not only in the nonprofit sector, but also in business and government, who serve as our connectors to leading talent. In addition to the thousands of candidates who apply to our searches each year, we proactively connect with a diverse selection of top talent.
RECENTLY COMPLETED SEARCHES
Our Approach
1. Understanding Your Needs
Our first step is to learn about your organization's unique culture. We interview key stakeholders to understand the ideal candidate’s experience, skills, and personal attributes. We develop a position description for advertising the role in addition to an internal tool for evaluating and comparing top candidates.
2. Sourcing Top Talent
To develop a robust and diverse pipeline of highly qualified candidates, we build our sourcing strategy in a few different ways. First, we contact our extensive network of executives and key thought leaders across the nonprofit sector. Next, we conduct in-depth research to look for new sources of talent. Then, we place targeted advertisements to generate leads from outside our network.
3. Evaluating Candidates
Leveraging our researched-backed interview methodology, we carefully evaluate and assess each candidate. We select the top candidates for you or your search committee to interview. We then prepare your team with the information and tools to conduct a thorough evaluation. We also conduct detailed reference and background checks, as necessary, to ensure proper due diligence.
4. Negotiating the Offer
Finally, we help you craft a competitive offer and facilitate negotiations with the candidate. Since we get to know your organization and the selected candidate so well during the recruiting process, we are well-positioned to develop an onboarding plan to ensure a successful transition.
Our team
What Our Clients Say About Us
"LeaderFit helped our Board navigate a challenging leadership transition. They worked tirelessly to identify a diverse group of talented candidates and provided guidance throughout the entire process. When it came time to make our final decision, their insight added a valuable perspective."
Noralisa Leo
Chair, Latino Economic Development Center
"LeaderFit is a terrific partner in the search for a senior executive. They learn the client and its needs, organize and facilitate the search process, and keep the entire Search Committee focused on its goal. And they are nice people to boot. I highly recommend LeaderFit."
Marc L. Fleischaker
Chair, DC Bar Foundation
“I have worked with LeaderFit on several successful searches. They have done a great job identifying candidates from both traditional and non-traditional sources. They are very client-focused – eager to engage in carefully defining both the skills and style that are the best fit for the position but also able to shift gears if the needs change during an assignment. I would be happy to work with them again.”
Michela English
President & CEO, Fight for Children
Some of our favorite articles about talent and executive search
Call us: (202) 827-7407
© LeaderFit 2009 -
LeaderFit ® is a registered trademark of LeaderFit, LLC.
Call us anytime at (202) 827-7407.
LeaderFit’s office
1875 Connecticut Ave
10th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
For scheduled meetings, please come directly to the 10th floor and check in with the receptionist.
LeaderFit has been privileged to work with exceptional social impact organizations, including:
- America’s Promise Alliance
- Arabella Philanthropic Advisors
- Beacon House
- Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington
- BBYO
- Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence
- Byte Back
- CASA de Maryland
- Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
- Charter Board Partners
- Community Wealth Partners
- Corporation for National and Community Service
- DC Bar Foundation
- DC Prep
- DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative
- DC Public Education Fund
- DC SCORES
- DC Vote
- Echoing Green
- Excel Academy Public Charter School
- Exponent Philanthropy
- Fair Chance
- Fight for Children
- Fisher House Foundation
- Flamboyan Foundation
- Friends of Choice in Urban Schools (FOCUS)
- Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ)
- Groundswell
- Issue One
- KIPP DC
- Landon School
- Latino Economic Development Center
- Leading Educators
- Marriott Foundation
- Martha’s Table
- Metro TeenAIDS
- Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
- Philip L. Graham Fund
- Search for Common Ground
- Share Our Strength
- SMYAL
- Strive (Sports Challenge Leadership Academy)
- Teach for America
- The Management Center
- Turnaround for Children
- Center for Policing Equity
- Venture Philanthropy Partners
- Washington Humane Society
- Washington Jesuit Academy
- Washington Latin Public Charter School
- Washington School for Girls
- Women In Cable Telecommunications
- 826DC
- Aga Khan Foundation
- Aspen Institute
- Association of American Law Schools
- Association of Small Foundations
- Big Brothers Big Sisters National Capital Area
- Capitol Hill Village
- ClearPath Foundation
- Community Foundation of the National Capital Region (CFNCR)
- CrimsonBridge
- DC Alliance for Youth Advocates
- DC School Reform Now
- Educare
- For Love of Children
- Fresh Taste
- Georgetown University Berkley Center
- Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia
- Gonzaga College High School
- Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO)
- Higher Achievement
- Jefferson Awards Foundation
- KaBOOM!
- KEEN
- Malala Fund
- Mobilize.org
- My Brother’s Keeper Alliance
- National Fatherhood Initiative
- NATS Washington Baseball Academy
- New Futures
- Peace Players International
- PICO National Network
- Pro Bono Institute
- REAL School Gardens
- Service Year
- Shared Interest
- Shelter House
- St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families
- Thurgood Marshall Academy
- Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)
- Washington Lawyers Committee
- Weissberg Foundation
- Wyman Center
- Campaign Legal Center
- DC Bar Pro Bono Center
- Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School
- Humane Rescue Alliance
- The Peter G. Peterson Foundation
- Ready At Five
- Sandy Hook Promise
- United Way Worldwide
- University of Washington School of Law
- World Wildlife Fund
- Woodley House
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, DC
- The Wendt Center for Loss and Healing
- Demos
- Hire Heroes USA
- The Consortium of Catholic Academies
- Refugees International
- A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation
- National Conference on Citizenship (NCOC)
- U.S. Soccer Foundation
- Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
- Washington Tennis and Education Foundation
- The Greater Washington Community Foundation
- Georgetown University Office of Advancement
- Catalogue for Philanthropy
- YWCA National Capital Area
- Legal Aid
LeaderFit’s Completed Searches
Executive Director
- 826DC
- Beacon House
- Byte Back
- Capitol Hill Village
- Catalogue for Philanthropy
- Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
- Consortium of Catholic Academies
- The Crimsonbridge Foundation
- DC Bar Foundation
- DC Bar Pro Bono Center
- DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative
- DC SCORES
- Fair Chance
- Friends of Choice in Urban Schools (FOCUS)
- Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ)
- Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia
- Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
- Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)
- National Conference on Citizenship
- New Futures
- Pro Bono Institute
- Ready at Five
- Shelter House
- Sports Challenge Leadership Academy
- Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL)
- The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)
- Washington Tennis & Education Foundation
- The Weissberg Foundation
- The Wendt Center for Loss and Healing
- Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
- Woodley House
- YWCA National Capital Area
Senior Leadership
- Assistant Dean for Advancement, University of Washington School of Law
- Assistant Director, Family Engagement and Education, Martha's Table
- Associate Counsel, State and Local Programs, The Campaign Legal Center
- Associate Director, Consulting, Arabella Advisors
- Associate Director, Foundation Relations, Demos
- Associate Director, Managed Organizations, Arabella Advisors
- Associate Vice President of Development, The Greater Washington Community Foundation
- Chief Administrative Officer, Campaign Legal Center
- Chief Development Officer, The Brady Campaign
- Chief Development Officer, Higher Achievement
- Chief Development Officer, Humane Rescue Alliance
- Chief Development Officer, Malala Fund
- Chief Development Officer, Service Year
- Chief Finance Officer, Community Foundation of the National Capital Region
- Chief Finance Officer, Higher Achievement
- Chief Health Officer, Whitman Walker Health
- Chief Operating Officer, Fight For Children
- Chief Operations Officer, Higher Achievement
- Chief Program Officer, Exponent Philanthropy
- Director, City Engagement, KaBOOM!
- Director, City Partnerships, KaBOOM!
- Director, Communications, Berkley Center at Georgetown University
- Director, Communications, Issue One
- Director, Communications and Marketing, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
- Director, Corporate Partnerships, KaBOOM!
- Director of Corporate Partnerships, US Soccer Foundation
- Director, Development and Communications, The Wendt Center for Loss and Healing
- Director, Development and Engagement, Higher Achievement
- Director, Development and Marketing, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, DC
- Director, Development and Volunteer Engagement, Aga Khan Foundation
- Director, Development, Association of American Law Schools
- Director, Development, Landon School
- Director, Development, Legal Aid
- Director, Development, NATS Washington Baseball Academy
- Director, Development, PeacePlayers International
- Director, Development, Sandy Hook Promise
- Director, Early Childhood Education, Martha's Table
- Director, Engineering Initiatives, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation
- Director, Employee Engagement, The Greater Washington Community Foundation
- Director of Ethics Program, Campaign Legal Center
- Director, Finance, Share Our Strength
- Director, Foundation Relations, Share Our Strength
- Director, Grants and Foundation Relations, CityBridge Foundation
- Director, Growth and Development, Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School
- Director, Healthy Start, Martha’s Table
- Director, Human Resources, Share Our Strength
- Director, Impact Investing and Operations, Shared Interest
- Director, Impact Investing, Arabella Advisors
- Director, Law Annual Giving, Georgetown University
- Director, Major Gifts, Humane Rescue Alliance
- Director, Marketing Analytics, United Way Worldwide
- Director, Marketing, Arabella Advisors
- Director, Operations and Partnerships, Friends of the National Zoo
- Director, Operations, DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative
- Director, Programs and Partnerships, Aga Khan Foundation
- Director, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications, Aga Khan Foundation
- Director, Recruiting, Arabella Advisors
- Director of Strategic Partnerships, KaBOOM!
- Director, Washington, DC Initiatives, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation
- Global Climate & Energy Lead Scientist, World Wildlife Fund
- Global Food Lead Scientist, World Wildlife Fund
- Global Forest Lead Scientist, World Wildlife Fund
- Global Freshwater Lead Scientist, World Wildlife Fund
- Global Oceans Lead Scientist, World Wildlife Fund
- Global Wildlife Conservation Lead Scientist, World Wildlife Fund
- Head of School, The Washington School for Girls
- Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, The Peter G. Peterson Foundation
- Manager, Corporate Partnerships, KaBOOM!
- Manager, Development, CASA de Maryland
- Manager, Email Campaigns, United Way Worldwide
- Managing Director, Jefferson Awards Foundation
- Managing Director, The Campaign Legal Center
- National Partnerships Director, Real School Gardens
- Program Manager, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
- Program Officer, Multi-Input Area Development, Aga Khan Foundation
- Regional Director, REAL School Gardens
- Senior Director, Development, Fisher House Foundation
- Senior Director, Education, Martha's Table
- Senior Director of Finance, Campaign Legal Center
- Senior Director, Healthy Eating, Martha’s Table
- Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, Gonzaga College High School
- Senior Director of Operations, United Way Worldwide
- Senior Director, Talent Management and Strategy, Georgetown University
- Senior Manager, Educational Outreach, Share Our Strength
- Senior Manager, Services, CASA de Maryland
- Senior Program Officer Civil Society, Aga Khan Foundation
- Sr. Consultant, Community Wealth Partners
- Senior Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships, Center for Policing Equity
- Vice President of Mission Advancement, America’s Promise Alliance
- Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, KaBOOM!
- Vice President, Development, America’s Promise Alliance
- Vice President, Development, Gonzaga College High School
- Vice President of Philanthropy, Refugees International
- Vice President, Programs, Community Foundation of the National Capital Region
- Vice President, Programs, St. Ann’s Center
- Vice President, Talent Management, Inclusion and Operations, KaBOOM!
- Vice President, Talent, KaBOOM!
Current Searches
Sarah Dressel
Sarah Dressel is a Senior Associate at LeaderFit, where she supports client engagements through research, project management, and candidate communication. Sarah’s previous experience includes research and project planning experience during an internship at The Peace Corps Office of University Programs. She also assisted an anthropologist in the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History.
At George Washington University, Sarah was Vice President of Member Development for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity’s DC Alpha Chapter, where she developed a new academic mentorship program and facilitated the academic and personal development programming for 150 members. Sarah has also been involved in serving the refugee community in Columbus, Ohio teaching math and typing skills as well as testing students for placement in an ESL program. Sarah has a BA in Organizational Sciences with a minor in Sociocultural Anthropology from The George Washington University.
Katie McNerney
Katie McNerney is the founder of LeaderFit, where she advises Boards and executive teams of nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises in all aspects of human capital strategy, including talent acquisition, performance evaluation, leadership development, and succession planning. She also provides coaching and guidance to the LeaderFit team to ensure they provide exceptional service and counsel to LeaderFit’s clients. With Annie, Katie manages the firm’s strategy, operations, and administration.
Katie’s previous experience includes managing a B2B marketing program at eBay, advising high net worth individuals on their international philanthropic investments at The Endeavor Group, and leading client engagements for financial services firms at Corporate Executive Board. She also served as the founding CEO of EdFuel, a nonprofit that attracts and trains new talent for leadership roles in the education reform sector.
Katie is a Board member at Fair Chance and the Harvard Business School Club of Washington, D.C. She is a 2017 Presidential Leadership Scholar, a member of Leadership Greater Washington’s Class of 2014, and volunteers with Girls on the Run of Montgomery County. Katie has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was President of the University’s oldest honorary society.
Annie Linehan Czerwinski
Annie Linehan Czerwinski is a Partner at LeaderFit, where she advises Boards and executive teams of nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises in all aspects of human capital strategy, including talent acquisition, leadership development, and succession planning. She also provides coaching and guidance to the LeaderFit team to ensure they provide exceptional service and counsel to LeaderFit’s clients. With Katie, Annie manages the firm’s strategy, operations, and administration.
Prior to joining LeaderFit in 2011, Annie was a Program Director at the CityBridge Foundation, where she designed and implemented corporate civic engagement programs for the ServiceCorps practice. Annie started her career with AmeriCorps in Washington, D.C., where she taught nutrition through a program developed by the Capital Area Community Food Bank. At UNICEF Argentina, Annie helped build public private partnerships. Her experience also includes corporate marketing with The Advisory Board Company and Corporate Executive Board.
Annie is Vice Chair of the Board of Higher Achievement, where she also serves as a member of the Governance Committee. She has a MPP from Georgetown University and a BA from the University of Notre Dame.
Shaina Amaya
Shaina Amaya is a Vice President at LeaderFit, where she advises Boards and executive teams of nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises in all aspects of human capital strategy, including talent acquisition, leadership development, and succession planning.
Shaina joined LeaderFit in 2013, after more than six years at the Endeavor Group, a boutique philanthropy and business consulting firm. As Vice President of Operations, she was responsible for all aspects of the firm’s operations, financial management, human capital development and marketing strategies. Earlier in her career, Shaina served as a key member of the marketing and communications team at Unitus, where she worked closely with the organization’s international microfinance partners.
Shaina has a BA from Western Washington University in Spanish and Latin American Studies.
Gabe Albornoz
Gabe Albornoz is a Vice President at LeaderFit where he advises boards and executive teams of nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises in all aspects of human capital strategy, including talent acquisition, leadership development, and succession planning.
Gabe joined LeaderFit in 2017 after working in the non-profit and public sector for his entire career. He has over 16 years of executive experience serving as a cabinet official in Montgomery County, Maryland and as a non-profit executive in Washington, D.C. He brings a unique perspective on organizational development and administration and is deeply committed to the long-term success of LeaderFit's clients.
Over the course of his career he has served on over 37 Boards, Commissions, and Advisory Councils at the State, County, Political, and Non-Profit level. Currently, he serves on the Board of St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families. In 2017, He was selected as a Presidential Leadership Scholar, an initiative of the Presidential Libraries of Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Johnson. Gabe has an MBA from the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University and a BA from the University of Maryland College Park.
Joelle Deleveaux
Joelle Deleveaux is a Senior Associate at LeaderFit, where she supports client engagements through research, candidate communication, and project management with a special focus in advancing our efforts to help close the racial leadership gap. Prior to LeaderFit, Joelle served as a Research Associate and a Fellow at CityBridge Education, where she designed evaluation systems, implemented social-emotional learning measures, and conducted research to support K-12 public schools in Washington, D.C.
At Princeton University, Joelle managed orientation activities and programming for the Davis International Center and served as an Advising Fellow at Matriculate, a nonprofit that assists low-income students in applying to college. Joelle's experience also includes extensive qualitative research based in Memphis, Tennessee with the George Washington University, where she studies school-community relations in the context of school turnarounds.
Joelle has a BA in History from Princeton University and is currently pursuing an MA in Education Policy from George Washington University's School of Education and Human Development.