Alexandria, Va.—The National Women’s History Museum today announced it retained Koya Leadership Partners, a leading national executive search firm that works exclusively with mission-driven clients, to conduct the search for the Museum’s next leader.

The Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating Americans about the diverse contributions of women to our nation’s history and raising awareness about the critical need for a national women's history museum in Washington, DC. The organization announced that Joan Bradley Wages transitioned from her position as president and chief executive officer the end of 2017.

After an extensive process considering proposals from the top leading search firms, the Museum selected Koya because of the firm’s demonstrated commitment to recruiting diverse women and placing them into leadership roles for women and girls’ advocacy groups and other nonprofit organizations. Koya also has deep expertise working with cultural institutions.

“We are excited about the next phase of the Museum’s evolution, and new leadership is a key component to furthering our mission,” said Museum Board Chair Susan D. Whiting.  “Koya Leadership Partners is a perfect fit with their experience, expertise and success record in recruiting diverse leadership for mission-driven organizations like ours.”

Koya has assumed a leadership role nationally with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The firm’s own national staff is 40% people of color, well above industry average. In the almost 15 years that Koya has been serving clients, more than 33% of the firm’s placed leaders are people of color and more than 65% are women. Many of Koya's placements are the first women or leaders of color to serve as CEO, president or executive directors of their organizations.

“As a woman-founded and led firm, Koya’s mission and values closely align with those of the Museum,” said Koya Founder and CEO Katie Bouton. “We’ve seen first-hand how the right person in the right place can change the world, and we’re looking forward to finding an exceptional leader who will bring great ideas and vision to the Museum, help further its mission, and help shape its very bright future.”

Koya managing director Alison P. Ranney and principal Alexandra Corvin will lead the search. To learn more about the opportunity, please visit www.KoyaPartners.com or email [email protected].

About the National Women's History Museum

Founded in 1996, the National Women’s History, a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has researched, collected and exhibited the contributions of women to the social, cultural, economic and political life of our nation in the context of our collective history. The Museum uses innovative and engaging means including an interactive website, online and physical exhibits, educational programs, live presentations, social media and other outreach efforts to communicate the breadth of American women's experiences and accomplishments to reach the widest possible audience. Through these efforts and its future physical presence, the Museum serves as a guiding light to inspire people regardless of gender, class, race or culture to move into the future with respect, equal confidence, greater partnership and opportunity. For additional information visit www.WomensHistory.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Koya Leadership Partners

Koya Leadership Partners is a national retained executive search and consulting firm that works with mission-driven organizations and institutions of higher education. Koya was founded in 2004 on a single belief—the right person in the right place can change the world—and is deeply committed to its clients and to the missions they serve. Koya was named to Forbes’ “America’s Best Executive Search Firms 2017” list. More information can be found at https://KoyaPartners.com

###