BoardWalk Consulting CEO Sam Pettway strives to find ‘leaders that matter’ – Atlanta Business Chronicle

Editor’s Note: This is a preview of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEO Awards, highlighting leaders who propel the performance of their organization and strengthen the fabric of the Atlanta community. The event will be held Aug. 15.

Sam Pettway, a Vietnam War veteran, founded BoardWalk Consulting in 2002 to serve the nonprofit world after 25 years in executive search and board recruitment, mostly at top-notch firms. When he started the firm, he had no staff, a dream and a coffee maker. The firm now serves nonprofit clients across the U.S. and in 16 countries.

BoardWalk Consulting prioritizes community involvement

BoardWalk Consulting has recruited leaders for four Atlanta mayors and many of metro Atlanta’s most iconic institutions, such as the UPS Foundation, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Gateway Center, Morehouse School of Medicine and The Carter Center. Four years ago, Pettway and his firm led the search for a new executive director for the Rotary Club of Atlanta.

Outside of Atlanta, the firm has recruited leaders for organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, the Sierra Club and Habitat for Humanity.

BoardWalk Consulting’s Pettway encounters challenges

Pettway told the Atlanta Business Chronicle three years ago that recruiting nonprofit leaders can be more challenging than recruiting corporate executives. The rewards are rarely economic and more personal. Passion, however, isn’t the sole attribute that can win them the job, he said, because of the complexities of operating nonprofits today. But he said passion can give an edge in hiring when all other attributes are similar.

BoardWalk Consulting is building inclusiveness in the industry

Pettway received an annual community commitment award from the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants. He later joined the board of the global organization. Pettway has also been actively involved with the Council on Foundations’ committee on inclusiveness. The nonprofit organization works with philanthropies, and the committee serves to help them develop diversity and inclusiveness in philanthropic leadership, programs and services.