About The Team
Nicole Gakidis
President & CEO
Nicole has an extensive background in executive search that spans 25 years. She partnered with large national firms before launching a search practice specializing in the recruitment of nonprofit leaders.
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As a former corporate communications executive, Nicole has the added experience of having built organizational infrastructure while managing change. Before launching her consultancy, she held the position of Vice President of Corporate Communications at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, helping to merge two prestigious Harvard-affiliated academic medical centers. In addition, she held external relations positions at Beth Israel and Brigham and Women’s hospitals, Signature Healthcare, and the Vermont Department of Education.
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Nicole is a passionate volunteer leader who is committed to board service. She understands the significant impact nonprofits can have on building and fostering healthy, just, and equitable ecosystems that support mission advancement. Her academic background includes a B.S. in Mass Communication and Journalism from Emerson College, and a degree from Walnut Hill School for the Arts, where she currently serves as a Trustee.
Mary Ann Botelho
Senior Executive Search Consultant
Mary Ann commenced her executive search career in 2001, drawing on her extensive experience in in-house marketing communications for numerous nonprofit organizations, including Handel & Haydn Society, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston University School of Law.
Mary Ann’s proficiency in all aspects of the recruitment process, including position marketing, local/regional/national candidate outreach, and thorough candidate screening, distinguishes her from others in the field. Her successful record of sourcing top-notch professionals across nonprofit sectors, includes C-suite executives and senior leaders in philanthropy, finance, human resources, marketing communications, ecommerce, and academic medicine.
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Over the years, Mary Ann has collaborated with clients in healthcare, higher education, arts and culture, human and social services, as well as research/advocacy and behavioral health nonprofits. Her approach centers on being a credible, authentic, and passionate advocate for clients while working respectfully with candidates. Mary Ann holds a BA in Psychology and an MS in Public Relations from Boston University.
Robin Popp
Executive Search Consultant
Robin brings a wealth of knowledge to our search practice. In her 30+ year career, she has held leadership roles in numerous health and human services nonprofits, including Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Anna Jaques and Down East Community hospitals, the American Cancer Society, and the New Hampshire Association for the Blind (now Future In Sight). She is a long-time board member and past president of the New England Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. She holds a BA in Communications from Emerson College and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
Susan Rogers
Candidate Developer / Researcher
With 30 years of experience in healthcare and arts/cultural sectors — a decade of which was committed to hospice philanthropy — Susan brings a wealth of knowledge to her role in research and candidate development. She leverages the experience of having forged trusted relationships to effectively engage candidates in our searches. Her deep understanding of the functions and essential qualities needed to foster strong organizational cultures makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Susan holds a BA from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Irena Sinclair
Office Manager / Researcher
Irena is a former immigration attorney who is also a committed nonprofit volunteer for social justice missions. Since 2016, she has been an invaluable asset to EES supporting a myriad of functions, such as client and candidate support, research, and promotion. Her meticulous attention to detail and data-driven approach ensures that our searches receive optimal visibility across various media channels. Originally from the Czech Republic, Irena holds a BS in Business Administration from Western Connecticut State University and a JD from California Western School of Law.
Stephanie Peterson
Digital Strategist
Stephanie is a talented and imaginative digital marketer and graphic designer who collaborates with our team to develop various promotional materials, including our esteemed search overview documents that provide a comprehensive representation of our client organization and the position to potential candidates. Our search prospectuses’ well-written content and appealing design consistently receive positive feedback from clients and candidates alike. Stephanie obtained a BA in PR, Advertising, and Communications from Edinburgh Napier University, and an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design from the Florence Institute of Design International in Italy.
