Trusted in Leadership Decisions.
We believe executive search can be done better.
Better doesn't mean faster or higher volume. It means deeper discovery, stronger relationships, greater accountability, and a search process that reflects the importance of the decision. That's why we intentionally limit the number of organizations we serve at one time and remain personally involved in every engagement.
As nonprofit executives and fundraisers, we approach executive search as stewardship. We thoughtfully represent your organization, engage leaders on your behalf, and take seriously the responsibility that comes with helping shape an institution's future.
We go deeper than most firms. We dig deep, do the work that doesn't scale, and stay engaged from beginning to end because getting it right matters.
Why Cooper Coleman.
At Cooper Coleman, you work directly with our most senior executive search professionals—your search team understands your world and is deeply committed to getting it right.
0%
Search completion rate.
0%
Retention rate of all placed leaders beyond the first year.
0%
of our business is from repeat clients and referrals.
0%
Candidates identify as diverse.
0%
National searches since 2021.
Award-Winning Service.
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We Are Cooper Coleman.
And We're Glad To Meet You.
Johnny Cooper
MPA, CFRE
Founder & CEO
Tony Paskauskas
Chief Operating Officer
Kiratiana Freelon
Executive Researcher & Search Consultant
Bill Coleman
MBA, M.Ed.
Principal & Co-Founder
J. Michael Durnil Ph.D.
Director, Executive Search & Senior Management Consultant
What distinguished Johnny’s approach was the time and care he took to understand our organization—our mission, our work on stage, and our place within the theatre community. This insight ensured that candidates were not only highly qualified, but also aligned with the passion, creativity, and drive that are essential to success at Writers Theatre.
As a result, we successfully hired an outstanding Director of Advancement who is already making a meaningful impact on our organization.
KATE LIPUMA
Executive Director, Writers Theatre
The Cooper Coleman team was an ideal partner in our recent search for our next Development Director. They served as strong strategic partners throughout the entire process providing meaningful insight into everything from role design, the structure of the interview process, and how to secure our final candidate. They combined best practice in the field of Search with the curiosity and cultural competency needed to support our unique organization.
I will absolutely partner with the Cooper Coleman team again on future searches.
BRIAN C. JOHNSON
Former Executive Director, Equality Illinois
Cooper Coleman’s strength is taking a tailored approach that goes deep into understanding the role, the needs, the broader context, and even the differing perspectives on the Board as to what is needed for a role.
They go beyond just delivering what’s “on paper” in the job description, seek to truly understand the needs and perspectives, and also facilitate alignment on the Board so an incoming candidate is set up for success.
KATE SCHRODER (placed candidate)
President + CEO
Interact For Health
I've dealt with a lot of recruiting firms and headhunters in my time, and you're the most thoughtful and organized firm I've encountered. It says a lot about you and your team, and I appreciate what you are doing here.
Whether or not this works out, I have introductions I'd like to make to organizations with roles to fill.
R.C.
COO Candidate 2022
I know I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating—I’ve worked with and interacted with a number of recruiting firms over the years, and I’ve never had such a positive experience as I did with you and your team.
K.W.
CFO Candidate 2025
Before the Board makes its decision, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the exceptional care and clarity you brought to this process. I don’t want my gratitude to be tied to the outcome. I want you to know what your support has meant to me, regardless of what happens next.
I’ve worked with many recruiters in my time as an HR executive and now as a CEO candidate. You are in a class of your own.
KISHALYNN ELLIOTT (placed candidate)
PMP, SHRM-CP, CTACC
CEO Candidate, 2025
The Fund for a Safer Future engaged Cooper Coleman to conduct a search for our first President and CEO. Johnny and his team partnered closely with the search committee to customize the search, rigorously vet candidates, and guide the process through onboarding, all on an ambitious timeline.
Their expertise, warmth, and good humor made the search productive and enjoyable. We recommend them without hesitation.
TIM DALY
Chair, Fund for a Safer Future
Senior Advisor, The Joyce Foundation
I CANNOT say enough good things about Johnny. He’s done a number of searches for us, finding excellent, diverse candidates. He’s incredibly diligent, highly professional, and also just fun to work with. He is, frankly, the best search consultant I’ve ever worked with.
KEVIN JENNINGS
CEO
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
I’ve worked with search firms in the past but have NEVER had an experience that is this impressive, comprehensive, and thoughtful. You’ve really created something special in Cooper Coleman.
JAY BUDNER
Chief Talent Officer
University of California, San Francisco
Featured Searches.
Canon for Operations
Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
Cleveland, OH
June 2026
Let's Get To Work.
Together.
If you're a nonprofit leader or board member and would like to discuss our services and the possibility of working together, please reach out here. We look forward to discovering how we can help you move your team and organization forward.
