A Decade of Impact is a new series highlighting the amazing organizations we’ve partnered with over the last ten years. 2026 is a big year for us — we’re celebrating our ten years as Cook Silverman Search, expanding our suite of services, and have many new, exciting things in store.

Stick with us. We can’t wait to tell you more.

 

client spotlight

 
 

“Cook Silverman’s approach in a very competitive market helped us secure the talent we need in these roles. They understand not only our mission and programs, but our culture, brand and strategy too.” - David Lewis, Executive Director

Save The Bay is building a movement to protect and restore San Francisco Bay through policy change, hands-on restoration, and deep community connection. For more information about Save The Bay and how you can support the mission, please visit savesfbay.org.

Roles placed:

  • Director of Individual Giving, 2022

  • Major Gifts Officer, 2022

  • Political Director, 2019

“Cook Silverman helped us find a truly transformative leader. Since joining us in 2021, our Director of Philanthropy has nearly doubled the program and reshaped how we think about fundraising. That kind of impact speaks to Cook Silverman’s deep understanding of mission-driven organizations and the leaders they need to thrive.” - Kymberly Miller, CEO

Children’s Fairyland sparks imagination and a desire to learn by bringing stories  to life through immersive experiences. Nestled lakeside in Oakland, Children's Fairyland creates a magical world of wonder that delights visitors of all ages - especially children - through attractions, performances, animals, gardens, programming, and community partnerships. For more information about Children’s Fairyland and how you can support the mission, please visit fairyland.org.

ROLE PLACED: Director of Philanthropy, 2021

 
 

“Cook Silverman invested time in understanding our organization’s current state and future direction, bringing us candidates whose expertise aligns with where we’re headed.” - Julie Seelen, CFRE, Director of Philanthropy

Sempervirens Fund’s mission is to ensure coast redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains thrive for generations to come. To learn more, go to sempervirens.org

ROLES PLACED:

  • Director of Major Giving, 2022

  • Manager of Philanthropic Engagement, 2022

  • Associate Director of Development, 2017

 
 
 
 

“Cook Silverman deeply understood OMCA and our needs, bringing rigor and thoroughness to every step while aligning the search with the Museum's mission and delivering a strong, diverse slate of candidates for us to consider.” - Lori Fogarty, Director and CEO

The mission of the Oakland Museum of California is to inspire understanding and empathy with stories and experiences of California’s art, history, and natural environment to build more equitable and connected communities. To learn more, go to museumca.org.

ROLE PLACED: Director of Philanthropy, 2021

"Morgan Autism Center sincerely appreciated Cook Silverman’s expert guidance and support during our Executive Director and Development Director searches. Victoria and her team demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and genuine care throughout the process." - Josh Drake, Executive Director

Morgan Autism Center’s mission is to help children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities maximize their potential in a dignified, positive, and loving environment. To learn more, go to morgancenter.org.

ROLES PLACED:

  • Development Director, 2025

  • Executive Director, 2023

 
 

"Working with Cook Silverman was a pleasure! Victoria was consistently professional, responsive, and effective. Her interviewing process gave us the best possible opportunities to screen the candidates that she recruited." - Vince Scheidt, Vice President

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is the state’s leading voice in conservation, plant science, and native plant appreciation. Founded in 1965, CNPS brings together science, education, conservation, and gardening to power the native plant movement. To learn more, go to www.cnps.org.

ROLE PLACED: Executive Director, 2022

 
 

"Cook Silverman guided us through hiring our Chief Development Officer with expertise and accountability. They were collaborative and responsive, ensuring key stakeholders were meaningfully involved throughout the process. A trusted partner we'd work with again.” - Eddie Kaufman L.C.S.W., Chief Executive Officer

Mission Graduates empowers youth and their families on the path to higher education, equipping them for fulfilling careers that will strengthen future generations. To learn more, go to www.missiongraduates.org.

ROLE PLACED: Chief Development Officer, 2023