Event
Boyden Joins as Sponsor for AFP 2026 Fundraising Day in Boston
Kelly McWherter
Senior Associate, United States
Kelly Russell McWherter has over 15 years’ executive search and management consulting experience. Specializing in oil and gas, she has executed and supported searches for a range of clients seeking exceptional candidates for board, C-suite and other leadership roles. Kelly’s functional expertise spans all aspects of an organization, with a focus on finance, general management and sales.
Professional Focus
- Over 15 years’ experience in retained executive search and management consulting
- Specialty in the oil and gas industry
- Experience with search assignments at the board, C-suite and business segment leadership levels for domestic and international clients, from private equity-backed startups to large, integrated companies
- Broad functional expertise, with particular focus in finance, general management, and sales
Business Expertise
- Previous experience with another top-tier global executive search firm, as well as a top-tier global human resources consulting firm
- Engaged in all phases of the search process throughout her career: business development, search strategy, research, search execution, and candidate assessment
Education & Certifications
- MBA from Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University
- Bachelor’s Degree from University of Texas at Austin
Affiliations & Awards
- Involved in a variety of nonprofit organizations, including Children’s Fund of Houston, Bo’s Place, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, and Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital
- Active alumna of Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, University of Texas at Austin, The Kinkaid School
Case Studies
View All
Building a High-Performance HR Function for a Multi-Site Laboratory Organization
Through collaboration with Boyden, the Chief People Officer of a PE-backed company secured two pivotal leaders, a Vice President of Human Resources and a Head of Talent Acquisition, to elevate human capital strategy, drive transformation, streamline recruitment, and strengthen enterprise alignment.
Strategic Board Renewal for a High-Growth Cybersecurity Leader
Boyden partnered with a publicly traded cybersecurity firm to appoint a transformative director whose reputation and leadership experience amplify the company’s strategic ambitions and market position.
From Transition to Transformation: CFO Leadership in Premium Wine Operations
How Boyden navigated a high-stakes CFO search for a global wine producer’s U.S. subsidiary.
Thought Leadership
View All
Articles & Papers
A Regional CEO Search to Realise U.S. Market Potential for a European Family-Owned Business
A European family-owned business approaching generational transition recognized that its U.S. operation required more than continuity—it required growth. The challenge was to redefine leadership for a critical market while navigating family dynamics and cross-border complexity. Here’s how the right appointment helped unlock the company’s U.S. potential.
Articles & Papers
Navigating Uncertainty: AI Drives an Inflection Point for the Global Economy
In this edition of Navigating Uncertainty, explore how AI is reshaping the global economy, while private equity reveals the truth about AI ‘bubble mania’.
Articles & Papers
MedTech Leadership Succession & Next-Gen Executive Strategy
Discover why MedTech leadership succession is a strategic imperative—and how these companies can build strong, future-ready executive pipelines.
Articles & Papers
Navigating Uncertainty: Global Instability Reshapes the Private Equity Playbook
In this edition of Navigating Uncertainty, explore how global instability is reshaping private equity as firms adapt through diversification, defensive strategies, and AI-driven value creation to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Media
View All
News & Events
View All
In the Media
Meet the judges for the 2026 Executive of the Year Awards – United States
President & CEO of Boyden, Chad Hesters, joins the distinguished judging panel for The CEO Magazine’s 2026 Executive of the Year Awards – United States, recognizing top leaders shaping transformative impact across industries.
In the Media
Layoff announcements are reading more like AI-era manifestos
A Business Insider piece explores how layoff announcements are evolving into AI‑era strategy statements, highlighting Boyden Partner Rick Wargo’s insights on why companies now emphasize shifting skill needs and long‑term transformation over cost‑cutting.
Contact Kelly McWherter today and let's get started