Search Process

The R. H. Perry Foundation believes that there are many well qualified men and women in all walks of life who comprise an untapped, high potential resource for board service. Many of these individuals have a latent desire to serve as trustees – to “give something back” – yet they have never acted on it. The reason is simple: there has never been an easily accessible means to do so. The R. H. Perry Foundation provides that means.

Our process model is based upon best practices in higher education and other sectors of executive search to recruit optimally qualified trustees. We begin by reaching a clear understanding of the board’s goals, needs and expectations, as well as its criteria for a new trustee. We then develop a profile of the board’s needed skills and experience to best complement those of its current membership. This profile serves as a blueprint for the process with the objective of identifying and attracting individuals who will have a highly positive influence through their expertise and leadership.

Sourcing Strategy

We next implement a research and sourcing strategy to concurrently identify prospective candidates that are both “internal” and “external” to the institution.

• The “internal” search focuses on alumni, friends of the institution and community leadership. This is done by working with alumni and development databases focusing our search on expertise rather than wealth. Often we are able to identify prospects among alumni who were hitherto unrecognized by the college or university.
• The “external” search is facilitated by a marketing/ publicity outreach that casts a nationwide net of opportunity. This allows us to capture recommendations for and direct responses from individuals who wish to serve. Nominations may be submitted to the Foundation by sending a letter with a resume (if available) including contact information to resume@rhperryfoundation.org. (For more information, see Contact Us).

In addition to these resources, we are able to call on our strategic alliances with numerous organizations. Among these is the Registry for College and University Presidents, representing over 300 former presidents and senior level administrators.

Sharing Our Process to Support Future Searches

When a trustee search is completed, the Foundation provides documentation of each step of the process used during the assignment. Our goal is to assure that by sharing our methodology, the institution will be able to fill future governing board vacancies on its own.  While the Foundation will not play the lead role, it will provide support through consultation and resources - such as its nationwide trustee database.