Event
What Makes an Effective Charitable Board in 2024 and Beyond?
Beth Parsons
Principal, United States
Beth Parsons specializes in the education and non-profit sectors, having held fundraising and leadership roles in prominent educational and social impact organizations for over 25 years. She partners with clients to develop search strategies on the basis of organizational needs and core values. Her extensive advancement network serves as a source of high-impact talent.
Professional Focus
- Experience in executive search along with overe 25 years in the education and non-profit sectors
- Specialized expertise in secondary and higher education, charitable and cultural institutions and foundations
- Track record of successful placements in annual, major, and planned giving; corporate and foundation relations; and alumni engagement, as well as cross-functional positions across organizational levels
- In-depth understanding of education and non-profit leadership competencies as well as functional areas such as fundraising, outreach, program management, operations, partnerships, and governance
Business Expertise
- Search Director at a global executive search and talent management firm specializing in the non-profit sector
- Director, Museums & Educational Outreach at Phillips Academy, Andover; promoted from Associate Director, Museums & Educational Outreach
- Senior Associate Director, Boston College Fund at Boston College; promoted from Associate Director
- Assistant Director of Development at Tufts University
- Director of Fundraising at United Ways of New England (UWONE), Boston; promoted from Associate Director of Fundraising
Additional Expertise
- Social Impact
- Education
- Not-for-Profit
- Cultural Institutions
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in human development from Boston College; minor in human resources management, specialization in organizational behavior
- Certificate of Completion - Discipline of Frontline Fundraising, Plus Delta Partners
Affiliations & Awards
- Mentoring Chair, Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
- Co-Chair, New Advancement Professionals Track, CASE
- Member, Women in Development of Greater Boston (WIDGB)
Case Studies
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Strengthening Advancement Capacity and Culture Through a Long-Term Search Partnership
With Boyden’s support, Loyola Marymount University built a high-performing advancement team by filling 15 key fundraising roles over five years, strengthening collaboration, continuity, and campaign readiness.
Strategic Turnaround: A CFO’s Role in Rebuilding Culture and Financial Leadership
Boyden supports a major charter school network with the recruitment of the right CFO to bridge strategy, execution, and collaboration.
A New CEO for a New Chapter
A non-profit addressing food insecurity selected a new CEO experienced in change management to navigate post-pandemic challenges.
Thought Leadership
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Boyden Report Series
As social impact organisations stir our conscience, where does your organisation stand?
Social Impact Report: Analysing the trends and companies reshaping the role of enterprise in society, with expert insights from Boyden's Global Social Impact Practice Members
Blog
Middle Managers: The Untapped Growth Engine in Mid-Market Firms
Discover why middle managers are the hidden growth drivers in mid-market firms and how investing in their development can unlock strategic execution, team cohesion, and long-term performance.
Articles & Papers
Boyden in Malta: Momentum in the Mediterranean
A look at Malta’s most vibrant industries and economic successes with insights from local Partner Dr. Vassilis Trochalidis of Boyden Greece, Cyprus and Malta.
Blog
Navigating the Executive Talent Paradox: Strategies for Differentiation
Explore the challenges and opportunities organizations face in aligning talent with strategic objectives to drive growth and success
News & Events
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In the Media
Tim Cook Turned Apple into a $4 Trillion Company by Not Trying to Be Steve Jobs
Tim Cook’s Apple legacy offers a powerful leadership lesson in succession. A Boyden insight on how operational excellence, not imitation, drove $4 trillion in value.
In the Media
What made leaders successful in the past no longer guarantees the future
Global Boyden CEO Chad Hesters explains why leadership success in the past no longer guarantees the future, highlighting adaptability, AI fluency, curiosity, and humility as essential traits for today’s executives.
Contact Beth Parsons today and let's get started