Leading with Purpose: Placing a CFO to Power Mission-Driven Change

The Client

Founded in 1964, our client is a California-based nonprofit organization providing mental health and substance use treatment to underserved communities. With a workforce of over 400 employees, the organization operates a network of behavioral health clinics dedicated to delivering evidence-based, whole-person care. Over the decades, they have become a trusted presence in the region—anchored by a mission of compassion, stability, and access for all.

As the organization looked to evolve both structurally and financially, they needed a financial leader who could help navigate change without losing sight of their purpose-driven values.

The Challenge

The organization was at a pivotal juncture. It was relocating its headquarters, undergoing a significant transition from a traditional reimbursement-based revenue model to a fee-for-service structure, and managing the day-to-day complexities of a multisite healthcare nonprofit—all at once.

They needed a seasoned interim Chief Financial Officer who could step in quickly, provide stability, and lead strategic financial initiatives through a complex operational environment. The ideal candidate had to:

• Lead a nonprofit finance team with clarity and confidence
• Understand the nuances of behavioral health and government-funded programs (Medicare, Medicaid)
• Navigate change and complexity with a steady hand
• Drive performance improvement without compromising mission alignment

Though nonprofit experience was a plus, deep familiarity with multisite healthcare operations and comfort with public funding mechanisms were non-negotiable. Ideally, the candidate would be based in the Bay Area, with the possibility of transitioning into a permanent role if the fit was right.

Our Approach

We launched a highly targeted search focused on senior finance executives with a blend of nonprofit understanding and healthcare sector expertise. Emphasis was placed on those with experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or state-funded care models.

We also prioritized candidates who had overseen complex financial transformations—such as revenue model transitions or large-scale system implementations—and who had worked in dynamic environments requiring cross-functional leadership.

In partnership with the CEO and Board, we refined the profile to ensure alignment not just on technical ability, but also leadership style, cultural fit, and long-term vision. The client emphasized the need for someone with strong communication skills, empathy for mission-driven work, and comfort operating in ambiguity.

The Placement

Within 25 days—including the holiday season—we placed an experienced finance and operations executive with a rare blend of strategic acumen and mission alignment:

• Over two decades of leadership experience in financial services, healthcare, and insurance
• Deep knowledge of state-funded healthcare programs and nonprofit organizations
• Track record of leading teams through major transitions, including COVID-era volatility
• Successfully implemented NetSuite for nonprofit finance operations
• Passionate about expanding access to mental health and substance use treatment
• Known for building strong teams, creating strategic dashboards, and driving organizational efficiency

His ability to quickly assess challenges, mobilize teams, and implement practical solutions made him a natural fit. More importantly, he brought a human-centered leadership style that resonated deeply with the client’s mission and values.

The Outcome

Initially brought on as an interim leader, the CFO quickly proved indispensable. He led the finance team through the office relocation, helped lay the groundwork for a new revenue model, and built the operational rigor needed to sustain future growth.

Impressed by his impact, the organization converted him to a permanent role—cementing a long-term leadership solution and reinforcing the strength of the placement.

This engagement is a testament to the value of precise, mission-aligned executive search—where speed and strategy go hand in hand to deliver real results for organizations doing meaningful work.