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
“Cook Silverman is very knowledgeable in the field of philanthropy, resulting in top-notch recruitment selections. Perfect examples are our Peninsula Family Service (PFS) Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Donor Engagement, Major Gifts recruited for us by Cook Silverman and still providing superb leadership at PFS nine years later.” - Heather Cleary, Chief Executive Officer
Peninsula Family Service strengthens our community by providing families, children, and older adults the support and tools to realize their full potential and lead healthy, stable lives. To learn more, go to www.pfso.org.
ROLES PLACED:
Development Manager, 2022
Director of Donor Engagement, Major Gifts, 2017
Director of Advancement, 2016
“Cook Silverman is a true strategic partner for nonprofit leadership. Their expert team drives effectiveness in hiring, equity, and mission advancement in ways I continue to value deeply - first as an executive candidate, and now in the nonprofit I currently serve. We reflect every day on the foundation for success they've helped build at Ability Now Bay Area, and for the many candidates and organizations they bring together through excellence in search processes.” - Amanda Eicher, Executive Director
“My experience with Cook Silverman reinforced that a successful search is about finding the right mission fit, not just filling a role. Their team took the time to understand my background, values, and professional goals, and guided me through a thoughtful and transparent process. Through them, I joined Ability Now Bay Area, where I'm able to advance a mission that is meaningful to me while contributing to ANBA's growth and impact. I also highly value their commitment to building strong, lasting connections between nonprofit leaders and the organizations they serve.” - Dr. LizaDawn Aduvisor, CFRE, Director of Development
Ability Now Bay Area (ANBA) supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in leading full, self-directed, and meaningful lives. ANBA provides a range of innovative programs, vocational training, community-based activities, advocacy, and health and wellness services that increase independence and create lasting opportunities. To learn more, go to www.abilitynowbayarea.org.
ROLES PLACED:
Executive Director, 2025
Director of Development, 2026
"When our long-time and highly respected CEO announced her retirement plans to our board, we were concerned about finding a qualified candidate in a relatively small market, and we knew a CEO transition needed to be carefully managed. When interviewing search firms, the team at Cook Silverman was a clear best fit for our needs. Once selected, they led us through an organized and equitable search and selection process, and their support throughout was extremely valuable. They helped us hire an exceptional candidate whose leadership skills are a great fit with our needs. Could not be happier with Cook Silverman Search." - Barbara Collins, Former Board Director & Head of Executive Search Committee
"To be honest, I really wasn't sure I wanted to leave my previous position or apply for such a significant leadership role in our community. Cook Silverman expertly guided me through the process, including coaching me through my initial hesitation. I ultimately decided to move forward, knowing that even if nothing came of it, I would learn something along the way. I wound up getting and accepting the offer, and it has been a tremendous fit for me. Victoria and her team believed in me and knew I could do it, and I'm so grateful I followed their lead." - Erin White, President & CEO
Hospice Giving Foundation believes in living fully and dying peacefully. Our community-based support promotes personal choice, preparedness, and the highest standards of compassionate, dignified end-of-life care for individuals and their loved ones. To learn more, go to www.hospicegiving.org.
ROLE PLACED: President & CEO, 2024