When a nonprofit faces a leadership transition, it’s a defining moment that shapes the organization’s future. Lori Clement, Partner at DRG Talent, has spent over 15 years guiding mission-driven organizations through these pivotal junctures. With a background spanning education, philanthropy, and public sector leadership, Clement has become a trusted advisor to boards and executives seeking not just talent, but transformation.
Across her career, she’s supported more than 70 nonprofits across human services, health, housing, and education sectors. One lesson stands out: the most successful searches are born from true partnership. “The relationship you build with your search consultant can completely transform the outcome of your search,” she explains. “The best results happen when organizations treat their search consultant like a strategic partner, not a vendor.”
It’s a mindset shift that starts with openness. Boards that move beyond the job description to share context, such as the organization’s greatest challenges, strategic priorities, and the nuances of its culture, enable consultants to represent them with greater authenticity. “When we understand your full context, we can identify leaders who align deeply with your values,” Clement says. “You’re not just filling a role. You’re shaping your organization’s future.”
This approach often reveals opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Clement’s process, grounded in inclusive search design, ensures that every engagement centers on equity, transparency, and a deep understanding of organizational culture.
The Foundation of Trust and Transparency
At the heart of any effective search lies a culture of honest communication. Openness about internal dynamics, decision-making processes, and even areas of tension is critical to a consultant’s ability to deliver the right outcome. “We’re not here to judge,” she says. “We’re here to help you navigate those dynamics with care and clarity.”
Regular check-ins, for example, allow consultants to refine the narrative they share with potential candidates, one that captures not only what an organization does, but who it truly is. This kind of storytelling helps attract leaders who are not just capable, but mission-aligned and culturally attuned.
Clement believes that this degree of transparency not only improves search outcomes but also strengthens an organization’s leadership ecosystem. “The more open and responsive you are, the better we can adapt our approach and deliver a slate of strong, mission-aligned candidates who truly fit your needs.”
The Search Is Only the Beginning
The conclusion of a successful placement doesn’t mark the end of a relationship. It marks the start of a new chapter. “We want to know how your new leader is settling in, what’s changing, and what’s next for you.” This ongoing partnership is what enables search consultants to serve as connectors within the sector. By maintaining these relationships, consultants gain insight into evolving leadership needs, enabling them to support organizations with succession planning, onboarding, and long-term talent strategy.
“Search consultants think constantly about leadership pipelines and the next generation of changemakers,” Clement says. “When you invest in that ongoing relationship, you gain a trusted advisor who understands your organization’s DNA and can support your long-term growth.”
Building the Conditions for Leadership to Thrive
Leadership transitions are, at their core, about people: how they connect, how they lead, and how they embody an organization’s mission. The right leadership can transform not only organizations, but entire communities. Through her work at DRG Talent, Clement continues to help nonprofits build the inclusive, high-performing teams they need to scale sustainably and deliver meaningful impact.
“In the end, search is about people,” she says. “When organizations and consultants partner with honesty and openness, that’s when real transformation begins.”
Connect with Lori Clement on LinkedIn to learn more about how to get the most out of your search consultant.
