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.
Sam Walton has over a decade of executive search experience and has executed hundreds of complex searches nationwide, primarily in the not-for-profit, academic and broader public sector. She provides strategic counsel to boards and search committees, fosters high-trust relationships with clients and candidates, and is committed to championing equitable, inclusive and accessible search processes.
Professional Focus
- More than 10 years of experience in executive search at the national and international level
- Specialized social impact expertise, with a track record of leadership appointments for academic, not-for-profit, healthcare, and purpose-driven organizations
- Additional search experience in retail, real estate, and technology
- Focus on governance, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion
Business Expertise
- Partner at a national executive recruitment firm specializing in the public, academic, and not‑for‑profit sectors; promoted from Principal role
- Senior Consultant at an international executive search firm; focused on the not-for-profit and academic sectors
- Associate at a leading professional services firm specializing in executive search and recruitment; focused on the not-for-profit, healthcare, and retail sectors
- Began career as a Project Coordinator at a global executive search firm
Additional Expertise
- Not-for-Profit
- Higher Education
- Healthcare
- Social Impact
- Public Sector
- Governance
- Board Services
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree (BFA) from Toronto Metropolitan University
- Certifications in AI Ethics and Governance, diversity & inclusion, and gender-based analysis
- The HERizon Project, Women in Communications and Technology (2026)
- All About Boards Series, Pillar Nonprofit Network (2025)
- Board Fundamentals Program, Institute of Corporate Directors (2024)
- Award of Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion, University of British Columbia (2022)
Affiliations & Awards
- Mentor, Merit Bursary Award Program (2025-present)
- Coach, Civic Action’s Diverse City Fellows Program (2024-2025)
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Featuring Marie-Hélène Gaudreault, Leader in Boyden’s Social Impact Practice
A family enterprise approaching its first generational transition found leadership fragmented across sibling-led divisions. Growth was possible, but cohesion was not guaranteed. By introducing independent executive leadership, the family gained clarity, strengthened governance, and set a foundation for long-term continuity. Here’s how unified leadership replaced complexity.
Featuring Marie-Hélène Gaudreault, Leader in Boyden’s Social Impact Practice
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 Sam Walton today and let's get started