Event
What Makes an Effective Charitable Board in 2024 and Beyond?
Alain Pescador
Principal, Canada
Alain connects people and organizations to create social and economic impact. An accomplished executive recruiter, he focuses on Board, C-suite, and VP searches for purpose-driven organizations with a global footprint. Having previously led non-profit initiatives and advised politicians, NGOs, and high-profile public figures, Alain brings to his work firsthand leadership and advisory experience, as well as a vast network of contacts in government, business, and civil society.
Professional Focus
- More than 10 years’ experience as the founder and director of global initiatives in the fields of economic development, human rights, diversity & inclusion, and the creative industries
- Substantial background working with some of the world’s most prominent government and not-for-profit leaders, including a Governor General of Canada, a President of PEN International, and a Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, among others
- Extensive expertise in partnership building, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, strategic event production, and government relations
- Deep Canadian and international network of contacts in the public, private, and NGO sectors
- Bilingual English and Spanish
Business Expertise
- Co-Founder of the Toronto Global Impact Network, a community of city-builders who are working to position Toronto as a major player in the global social impact space
- Executive Director of What Design Can Do Mexico, an international foundation that promotes the role of creativity as a catalyst for social impact
- Founding Director of 6 Degrees at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, one of Canada’s leading non-profits; built a thought leadership platform that fostered the development of more inclusive societies
- Director of Programs and Content at the International Economic Forum of the Americas, an organization committed to heightening awareness of major issues concerning economic globalization
- Special Advisor to the office of John Ralston Saul, one of Canada's leading intellectuals, and the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, 26th Governor General of Canada
Additional Expertise
- Social Impact
- NGOs (Canadian and international)
- International Development Organizations
- Intergovernmental and Multilateral Organizations
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Government
- Board Services
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Master’s degree in political science from the University of Salamanca, Spain
- Bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Trent University, Ontario (awarded four-year Trent Global Citizen Scholarship and Trent International Award)
Case Studies
View All
Driving Liquidity Strategy Leadership for a Transforming Private Credit Platform
Boyden partners with a leading private credit asset manager to appoint a Director of Fund Liquidity to support complex global fund structures and evolving investor demands.
Building Institutional Investment Operations Leadership for a Mission-Driven Family Office
Boyden partnered with a leading family office and its affiliated foundation to appoint a Head of Institutional Investment Operations capable of designing and implementing a scalable operational platform to support a growing investment portfolio and long-term philanthropic objectives.
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
View All
Articles & Papers
Unlocking Global Talent: A Q&A with Jack Mardack, Oyster's Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer
Articles & Papers
Navigating Change: Canada's Decision to Cap International Student Permits and Its Global Impact
Boyden’s Alain Pescador engages in a discussion on this timely issue with Isaac Garcia-Sitton and Muraly Srinarayanathas
Articles & Papers
Global Leadership Matters: Edition 3 feat. Josée Touchette
A conversation with Executive Director of the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD), Josée Touchette, about the importance of resilience in leadership and diversity as a key driver for organizational effectiveness and success.
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
News & Events
View All
In the Media
Canadian Recruitment Trends and Use of AI
Forbes named Boyden Canada the No. 5 executive recruiting firm in its 2026 rankings. Regional Managing Partner Brent Cameron highlighted the importance of human judgment, trust, and relationships in executive search, despite the growing use of AI.
Press Release
Calgary Co-op Proudly Announces New CEO
Boyden is pleased to share the appointment news of Andrew Clarke, a recruitment co-led by Catherine Van Alstine, Ron Burkholder, Nicole Bendaly, Glenn Eberth and Mackenzie Jones
Contact Alain Pescador today and let's get started