Marcia Ballinger, PhD
Co-founder and partner
Marcia has been a leader in the Twin Cities executive search community for over two decades. Over the years, she has developed a specialty in nonprofit recruiting, most often working with boards of directors and search committees, assisting them as they make important and often challenging decisions.
Marcia got into executive search after a career in human resources development with technology companies, beginning with IBM. Marcia has written three award-winning books- The 20-Minute Networking Meeting, Winning the Executive Interview, and Make the Jump: Reinvent Your Career in the Nonprofit Sector. She is a frequent speaker on the topics of executive networking, career management and best practices in executive recruiting.
“To me, executive search is both a science and an art. The rigor of finding the right candidates and the creativity of helping guide a complex process…that makes me feel good.”
Education
Marcia holds a doctorate in organization and management from Capella University where her dissertation topic (in conjunction with Personnel Decisions International) focused on executive coaching. She has a master’s degree in speech-communication and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota. Marcia is trained in executive coaching through New Ventures West and is certified as Senior Professional in Human Resources by the Human Resources Certification Institute. Marcia is also a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).
Recognition
“The (Real) Power 50” by Minnesota Business magazine
“Top Women in Business” by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Luminary Award from the National Association of Woman Business Owners
"50 Over 50" by AARP of Minnesota and Pollen
Civic Leadership
Board Chair, Capella University 2007-2016
Board of Directors, Tubman, 2021 - present
Board of Directors, Nexus Family Healing, 2021 – present
Board of Directors, Children's Home Society of Minnesota 2016 - 2021
Board of Directors, Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul 2017 - 2020
Board of Directors, HR Connection 2014 - 2020
Board of Advisors, Employee Strategies Inc. 2015 - 2020
Member, National Association of Corporate Directors 2012-2016
Board of Directors, Vice Chair, American Red Cross, Twin Cities Chapter 2004-2011
Board Member and Chair, Human Resources Executive Forum 1997-2012
Board Member, Minnesota Adoption Resource Network, 2008-2010
Board Member, Milkweed Editions 2000-2004
Volunteer and Board Member, Crisis Connection, 1990-2002
Member, United Way Women’s Leadership Council
Participant, Leadership Minnesota
Fun Facts
Marcia and her husband, Brad, are the proud parents of adult daughter Analisa as well as parents to two dogs, Reuben and Wesley
Marcia is a registered therapy dog handler, currently working with Reuben
Marcia loves to entertain, play piano, hike, travel and read. She is also an exceptional whistler, dabbler in a variety of hobbies, and Les Miserables fanatic.
