A TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR NONPROFIT BOARDS AND LEADERSHIP TEAMS

Executive search and management consulting for mission-driven organizations in arts, culture, social services, education, philanthropy, and more.

INSIGHT AND EXPERIENCE IN NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP

Philip DeBoer partners with nonprofit boards and executive teams to navigate leadership transitions and organizational change. His background spans executive search, governance, and strategic consulting across mission-driven sectors—particularly in arts, culture, and social services.

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Executive Search & Leadership Advisory

Leads CEO and senior-executive searches for arts, culture, and social-service organizations across North America.

Combines extensive search experience with board-level insight, disciplined methodology, and a consultative approach to leadership transitions.

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Global Arts Management & Education

Holds a Master’s in Management of International Arts and Culture (MMIAM) from HEC Montréal, SDA Bocconi (Milan), and Southern Methodist University.

Brings international study and work on four continents together with expertise in arts management, cultural competency, and global nonprofit operations.

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Trusted by Leading Institutions

Advisor to symphonies, universities, foundations, and civic organizations—including prominent institutions in Chicago and Miami.

Recognized for cultivating enduring professional networks and relationships grounded in trust, collaboration, and measurable results.

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Board and Community Service

Trustee of Miami City Ballet and past board member of Chicago’s cultural organizations, advancing artistic and philanthropic initiatives.

Merges governance experience with firsthand understanding of nonprofit operations and community engagement.

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Testimonials

With nearly two decades of experience creating value for the nonprofit sector, Philip DeBoer helps organizations and leaders thrive through his dynamic portfolio of professional services. Based in Miami and serving clients around the world, he combines deep industry knowledge with a global perspective shaped by his work and studies across four continents.

I worked with Philip on several critical and strategic searches, including for our CEO and CFO, and he was an ideal partner. Philip always listened carefully to our goals and objectives but also used his expertise to help us define and refine those goals and achieve our objectives. Philip struck a perfect balance: with his broad and deep knowledge of the industry and long experience, he established an effective search process and actively led us through that process; at the same time, he ensured that we were the ultimate decision-makers and every step of the search was designed to identify the right candidate for us and then find and hire that candidate. He was both highly effective and a pleasure to work with. I strongly recommend Philip.

Craig Silliman

Co-Chairman of the Board, New Jersey Symphony

In early 2019, I chaired a committee which hired DHR Global to represent The Memphis Zoo. The purpose was to present us with viable candidates to replace our longtime President & CEO. DHR, under the leadership of James Abruzzo and Philip DeBoer, presented the committee with five exceptional candidates from around the US. We ultimately hired Jim Dean, who had extensive experience in the theme park business. With DHR’s counsel, as a part of Mr. Dean’s employment agreement with the Memphis Zoo, he embraced the idea of mentoring an internal candidate who was also a part of the 2019 interview process. That transition from Mr. Dean to Matt Thompson happened in 2022 without a blip. DHR Global lived up to the high expectations of the Memphis Zoo and its board.

Tommy Farnsworth III

Search Committee Chair, Memphis Zoo

We retained Phil and DHR Global to help us recruit a new CEO for our mid-size nonprofit on a fairly tight timeline. Phil devised and led a strategy that identified about 200 prospects nationally and ultimately brought us a slate of amazing candidates. Phil was fully involved in our process until the final hiring of our preferred candidate, and his advice and attention to detail was invaluable as we navigated some tricky factors unique to our situation. I have led or been a part of several CEO searches, both for companies and nonprofits. This search went as well as any with which I have been involved.”

Howard Carver

Board Chair and Search Committee Chair, Keystone Science School

I was responsible for chairing a search committee for the CEO of a major US zoo. After research and
interviews with several agencies, we contracted with DHR Global and Phil DeBoer was our consultant. We were given a great number of candidates who met our requested criteria, and any one of the candidates would have been an excellent choice. Phil, and the DHR team, guided us through the
entire process. From conducting a consensus-building exercise with stakeholders at the start of the
search, managing PR distractions, and giving us advice and benchmarking information which was key in making our selection, we were very happy with our results.

Jennifer Massanova

Search Committee Chair, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

A STRATEGIC PARTNER TO NONPROFIT LEADERS

Philip DeBoer combines consulting expertise with an insider’s appreciation of nonprofit culture, offering boards and CEOs tailored guidance to strengthen leadership and organizational performance.

Tailored Executive Search

Conducts searches with a nuanced understanding of nonprofit governance and organizational priorities—helping clients identify leaders who align with mission and strategy.

Management Consulting

Provides customized advisory support including compensation analysis, succession planning, executive contracts, organizational design, strategic planning, and leadership coaching.

Speaking & Publications

Shares insights through conference presentations, board retreats, guest podcasts, and written commentary that advance dialogue in nonprofit management.

Insights

Philip regularly explores trends in nonprofit leadership, market dynamics, and management practices. His perspectives draw on academic study, professional experience, and global exposure—and reflect a genuine curiosity about how mission-driven organizations evolve and thrive.