Event
Boyden Joins as Sponsor of CASE-NAIS Independent Schools Conference 2026
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
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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.
CEO Succession for a Global Precision Manufacturer
Boyden partners with a highly engineered products manufacturer to recruit a CEO who combines strategic pedigree with entrepreneurial execution, positioning the company for its next phase of growth.
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.
Thought Leadership
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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.
Articles & Papers
The 6 Types of CFOs and How To Find the Right Fit for Your Business
Looking at the 6 types of CFOs and their roles can help you think about finding a leader who aligns with your business strategy.
Blog Post
Finding the Right Talent to Lead Your Strategic Initiatives
One of the most difficult challenges real estate private equity managers face in finding executives to run product platforms or geographic sectors is the scarcity of leaders with the right blend of investment acumen, operational expertise, and sector-specific knowledge.
Articles & Papers
The Essential Need for CFO Succession Planning in Healthcare
To cope with high turnover and severe financial pressures, learn what healthcare CFOs prioritize in their successors and the need for CFO succession planning in healthcare.
Media
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Curiosity vs Expertise—Why Leaders Are Generalists with Xenia Wickett Founder of Wickett Advisory
Podcast
Boyden with Texas A&M: What we Celebrate and what we Tolerate
Podcast
Why Planning Your Career Can Hold You Back with Laurent Therivel, former CEO of UScellular
Podcast
Leading Through Complexity with Dee Smith, CEO of Strategic Insight Group
Podcast
Contact Kelly McWherter today and let's get started