Event
Boyden Joins as Sponsor of CASE Strategic Talent Management 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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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
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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.
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
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.
Media
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News & Events
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In the Media
Big Food’s race to reinvent as market shifts
Big Food is rapidly reinventing itself through accelerated M&A, rebranding, and wellness‑driven product innovation. Boyden Partner Doug Ehrenkranz provides expert insights on the rising demand for protein-rich, nutrient‑dense, and gut‑friendly foods shaping today’s CPG strategies.
In the Media
CFO-to-CEO pipeline will likely taper on economic upswing: Boyden
CFO‑to‑CEO promotions recently hit their highest level in a decade, but Boyden’s Craig Stevens explains why this pipeline may narrow as economic conditions improve and leadership needs shift.
Contact Kelly McWherter today and let's get started