WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
“We (the search committee) recently retained Preston Human Capital Group to lead the Executive Search for Women’s College Hospital Foundation’s next President & CEO. Right from the beginning, PHC was professional and highly motivated to find the best candidate for the role. Their broad network, unwavering integrity and belief in our mission led us to the right candidate. I would highly recommend the PHC team.”
— Wendy daniels, chair of the search committee, women’s college hospital foundation
“Recently we retained Preston Human Capital (PHC) to help us fill key senior positions within our organization. PHC presented a large and diverse pool of candidates, each bringing a broad spectrum of talent from highly applicable and in some cases, unexpected, backgrounds. PHC delivered on time and on budget offering a solid methodology, obvious experience, and thoughtful nuance. In a very competitive market, we successfully recruited exceptional leaders, thanks in no small part, to the guidance and reach of Cathy and Lindsay.”
— Ken Mayhew, President & CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation
"I had the pleasure of working with Cathy and Lindsay Preston during my executive placement process and highly recommend PHC. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and support were exceptional throughout. They took the time to fully understand my career goals and ensured I was well-prepared at every step of the journey. Their market and role insights were invaluable. What truly sets them apart is their thoughtful and personal approach. After my placement, they have continued to stay in touch, showing their genuine commitment to long-term success. If you're looking for an executive search team that truly cares about both clients and candidates, Cathy and Lindsay are the ones to trust.”
— Shelly anwyll, vice president business development & member experience, ontario chamber of commerce
“It was an absolute pleasure working with PHC to find a top executive to oversee fundraising and community engagement at Greenwood. PHC distilled our needs and brand into a clear job profile, and articulated the role and our values to interested candidates in their efforts to find an excellent match. The team at PHC displayed professionalism and perseverance, and brought a wealth of experience to our recruitment endeavour.”
— HEATHER THOMAS, principal, head of school, greenwood college school
“PHC ‘s knowledge of the not-for-profit space is second to none. Their extensive experience, knowledge and most importantly passion lead our Board through a process that brought forward exceptional CEO candidates.
PHC demonstrated deep listening, clear communications, and followed a strong process to guide our Board to the selection of the best candidate for our organization. They were true partners throughout the recruitment process and beyond”
— denise carpenter, icd.d, gcb.d, former chair of the board, ronald mcdonald house charities toronto
“For over a decade, Preston Human (PHC) has been an indispensable partner in shaping the success of our global PR, Social Media, and Corporate Communications efforts at Four Seasons Corporate. With PHC's strategic support, our team has expanded exponentially, elevating our role as a key pillar of our organization's achievements. Cathy and Lindsay have consistently demonstrated their dedication to understanding our needs, delivering exceptional talent, and contributing to our team’s strategic growth. I would not hesitate to recommend Cathy and Lindsay as your strategic partner in human capital recruitment and selection.”
— Sarah Tuite, senior vice president, corporate communications & public relations
Four seasons Hotels & Resorts
“Unique. From the beginning. The speed. The scope and scale of searching and securing. Pushing us to think differently about what and who we needed. And the service! Nobody does personal, passionate, always-on-point service like PHC. It’s like PHC is on your team. Because they are. No barriers. No bureaucracy. No BS. Unique. Period.”
— Daniele Zanotti, president & chief executive officer
“Preston Human Capital Group are a true partner of UHN Foundation. They don’t take shortcuts and we always know we are in good hands in large part because of their thorough process. As partners, we trust their judgment and guidance, from benchmarking candidates to taking the time to understand the role and the final step of securing the candidate. Those we’ve recruited with PHCs help are exceptional talent and an integral reason to why we are one of the top hospital foundations in the country. As far as a search partner goes, PHC are amazing, and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”
— Louise Aspin former Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer
“The team at Preston Human Capital Group convinced me to switch from the private sector into the not for profit world and join the talented team at the UHN Foundation. It has only been a year and I have relied on their expertise to help fill several innovative and challenging positions. They are great listeners and thoughtful advisors and have made my transition smoother than I thought possible.”
— Lynn Fletcher vice president marketing, communications & community giving
“Today’s market is more competitive and complex than ever. When working with Preston Human Capital Group, you can be assured that your organization will be able to access some of the best talent out there – people that can drive your organization forward and align with its values. Their persistence, professionalism, transparency and integrity are key to delivering the right talent fit. Preston Human Capital Group always exceeds expectation."
— Caroline Riseboro President & Chief executive Officer
“My initial exposure with Preston Human Capital was for the critical search for SVP, Marketing, Brand and Communication for Trillium Health Partners Foundation. As Vice Chair of the Board and with an HR background, I was integrally involved with our CEO. I found Preston Human Capital’s knowledge of talent that could fit this role was exceptional. The team worked tirelessly to source top talent and engage them quickly in the process. We were able to recruit an exceptional candidate, after a very efficient and effective search process.
I re-engaged Preston Human Capital in an even more critical search approximately 6 months later – for the CEO and President of Trillium Health Partners Foundation. This process required participation of many stakeholders and the firm’s support and direction was invaluable. The level of talent that the Firm was able to bring to the table exceeded everyone’s expectations. Moreover, the search was done in a very timely manner and Cathy and Lindsay both demonstrated a sense of urgency and commitment that is rare.
The decision to work with PHC for the CEO and President role was an easy one to make. The Firm had proven its knowledge of the not for profit space, familiarity with a vast network of talent and “can do” attitude that is matched by a sincere desire to find the right talent for their clients. I have worked with many search firms in my HR career, and I put PHC at the top of my list.”
— olga Giovanniello former board chair
“Having the right people in the right seats is one of the most important roles of a leader. I have relied on the expertise of PHC to help me with this important task many times, and every time I have been delighted with both the process and outcome. They know the talent market, and they know how to identify a diverse group of candidates that helps me clarify exactly what I need in each role to achieve results for my organization. Simply put, Preston Human Capital are the best in the business.”
— meaghan stovel mcknight Chief executive officer
“PHC understand that in order for a charitable organization to be successful, there is more to it than attracting diverse fundraising talent. They work alongside the business to build out core functions like Digital Technology, Finance, People & Culture and Operations – core enabler departments that are vital to organizational success.
I am a Finance, Technology and Operations leader, and aspired to a role in an organization that faced significant change management and business transformation opportunities. It had to be the right fit, mission, mandate with ambitious leadership at a national organization that was poised for significant growth. I’d known PHC, and when the SVP Finance & Business Operations role at Make-A-Wish Canada (MAWC) came to market, they were able to provide me with a narrative as to why this would be an excellent career move and stewarded me through the process seamlessly and professionally. I have always felt they have had my best interest at heart. It never felt transactional, they care – and worked hard to ensure all parties were set up for success. Since I joined the organization, we have engaged their services on several other key leadership roles and I am grateful each and every day for the team I work alongside – in a very large part thanks to PHC. We are ‘in it to win it’ and they have been our partner to get us there!
If you are looking for a search partner who you can trust, who listen and who will help you identify diverse talent, manage a rigorous process from end to end and add value by providing counsel around roles and associated position profiles, I would highly recommend PHC.”
— Tim Deweerd Senior vice president, finance & business operations
“Cathy is a trusted advisor not just for her exceptional knowledge of the nonprofit sector, but for her honesty and willingness to get to know her clients on a deeper level to ensure she is delivering the highest quality opportunities and candidates at every stage. She is both intuitive and an excellent listener - I always feel that she deeply understands my vision for my career and balance of life priorities, and she only presents opportunities that are value-aligned, well timed and a strong match for my consideration. I've always had an excellent experience working with PHC, and highly recommend without hesitation.”
— Bonnie Shepherd Vice President, central canada
“I have been both a candidate and a client of PHC. They were instrumental leading the recruitment efforts for the role I currently hold as CEO. Now as their client, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing how they operate from both sides of the table. In both cases they conduct themselves with transparency, a high degree of professionalism, they take the time to listen and above all, ensure the process keeps momentum. I highly recommend them.”
— Sandra Sualim President & Chief executive officer
“I first encountered Preston Human Capital as I was planning a move to Toronto from the UK. Lindsay kindly took the time to meet with me, made helpful suggestions about applying my experience to the Canadian market, and kept me in mind for potential roles. A few years after the move, we were in touch about a position with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra that could combine my fundraising experience with my second career as a musician. It seemed like the perfect fit - and it was! Cathy ran a process that, as a candidate, I found rigorous and efficient; she always updated me promptly as we powered through the different stages, and fully supported me throughout the process, advocating for me and for the organization until we reached a positive outcome for everyone. I was delighted with the experience, and would heartily recommend working with the PHC team.”
— Robert Dixon CHief Development Officer
“Preston Human Capital Group are trusted advisors. We have come to rely on their guidance and expertise on a number of key executive search mandates. We have been very pleased with their services and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”
— Doug Roth Chief executive officer
“We retained Preston Human Capital Group to help us with a mission critical role VP Marketing and Development of Social Business. Not only were they successful with that mandate but through the process they took the time to understand our business model and people and recommended another candidate who we hired as our VP Philanthropy, formerly from the Art Gallery of Ontario. Cathy and her team are unique search professionals in that they think like business people and exceed expectations through their rigorous process and focus on ‘fit’. We also found that working with PHC contributed enormously to our understanding of our own ways of functioning and helped us untie some knots that we'd been grappling with.”
— zita cobb founder
“We have worked with PHC for many years, and in each engagement, it is always an exceptional experience.
Lindsay brings a natural curiosity to this work, exploring the unique elements of the position that will make the candidate a great fit. She is looking beyond the role itself to find a match – in values, mindset, and vision to see the future state for where the organization is headed.
Lindsay built out a framework that moved us through the recruiting process that was just the right mix of structure and flexibility, giving us opportunities to shift some things, make some quick sprints forward, and allow for some pauses when required. It was the perfect balance to keep us on track while allowing the right candidate to emerge.
Lindsay’s strong communication skills, attention to detail, and follow up / follow through were critical in keeping the many stakeholders engaged through the hiring process. This is no easy task when working with a larger group where each holds a varying perspective. We are incredibly grateful for both Lindsay and Cathy’s commitment to our work, connecting us with great people who consistently move our organization forward.”
— Diane hodgins chief financial officer
“Diabetes Canada retained Preston Human Capital to support us in our search for a new Senior Vice President, Fundraising late in 2020. This was a critical hire for our organization, not only because of our need to recover from the financial consequences of COVID but also because of our need to set a new tone and culture for fundraising at Diabetes Canada. And Preston Human Capital delivered in spades. Cathy and Lindsay have an unparalleled knowledge of the top fundraising talent across the country and were able to source candidates for our consideration that were as impressive as they were varied. PHC’s process also makes it easy for the client. It was always clear, tailored to us and our situation, and forward-thinking which, for us, included a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and on team work styles. When we ran into any challenges, PHC was solution-oriented and client-centric. They were both excellent ambassadors for our organization in this highly competitive marketplace. I am thrilled with our new Senior Vice President, Fundraising and we were able to recruit him in large part to the work of PHC.”
— Laura Syron president & chief executive officer
“Cathy and Lindsay recently helped us find our next Executive Director. Our current Executive Director (who PHC placed in 2011 and is retiring) has been truly outstanding so finding the right person seemed a challenge and a half!
During our process, they demonstrated the following exceptional skills:
Access to the best talent, a keen knowledge of the market for talent relevant to our needs.
Representing our organization in the marketplace. Seeming like an extension of our brand, what we stand for.
Gaining and sustaining the trust of candidates. Fielding exceptional candidates.
Excellent interviewing, candidate assessment, and sound judgement.
Preparing/managing our selection team. Participating in our selection deliberations in just the right way.
Helping us with concluding candidate selection with our Board.
Overall, methodically and relentlessly driving our process to an outstanding conclusion.
Over the years, I have worked with a number of search organizations. This experience with PHCAP is as good as I have ever seen. Thank you!”
— kenneth morell former board chair
“From and client and candidate perspective, Preston Human Capital Group stand apart as a search firm within the industry. Focused, thoughtful, smart and versatile, Cathy and her team are experts in their ability to manage and deliver on the entire process from beginning to end. She and her full service team do an amazing job of assessing organizational culture and need, searching and screening for the best prospects while skillfully matching all of that for consideration and finalization of the hiring committee. Both sophisticated and flexible in their approach to representing individuals and organizations, Cathy and the team are simply masters at getting the job done....above and beyond!”
— BRUCE RIVERS OUTGOING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“Preston Human Capital has been a valuable recruitment partner of The Royal Conservatory for many years. Their understanding of the business needs and culture of our organization enhances the level of candidates they bring forward. PHC’s people-centric philosophy goes beyond matching skills and experience to the role, they look at the overall fit with the team and the organization. I know when PHC presents a candidate, the vetting process has been thorough and thoughtful. Working with Lindsay and Cathy is an absolute pleasure. They are always professional, honest and exude positivity. Highly recommend!”
— Diane Elliot Vice President Development
“We retained Preston Human Capital Group to support our recruitment for the position of Director of Clinical Services. Lindsay and the entire Preston team led and supported us throughout the process from start to finish. The Human Capital brought forward from the PHC team was of the highest level. Their professionalism, expertise, communication and dedication is the highest SHIP has seen from a search firm in over 30 years. Lindsay, Cathy and her team understood who SHIP is, our needs and therefore the type of person we needed. SHIP will definitely look to the Preston Human Capital Group as our first choice for our recruitment support in the future.”
— David Marcy Director Human Resources & Communications
“When I think of Preston Human Capital I think: Thorough; gets the business and the importance of talent in driving and delivering results; big picture thinker; knows the field and the people in it very well; definitely “an added-value, top notch professional."
— Darrell Gregersen Former President & Chief executive officer
"I was part a search committee tasked originally with hiring a Chief Development Officer, but ultimately, as our needs evolved, with the new task of hiring a new President & CEO. The need to pivot quickly as the summer months approached was something with which most service providers would have struggled. Instead, Cathy and Lindsay moved quickly into solution mode and were extremely responsive, flexible and engaged in the process. They understood the challenges we faced, including the need to engage a multitude of senior stakeholders, and had a strong grasp of the qualities and abilities the new President & CEO would need in order to be successful. The search progressed in a very timely manner, from start to finish – and the attention to detail and organized manner that they exhibited consistently throughout the process was very impressive. I highly recommend the PHCAP team and would happily use them again."
— Dave Sturdee Board Chair
"My experience with Preston Human Capital was awesome. They took the time to really understand my strengths and what I needed in my next professional role. Their caring approach and focus on cultural fit ensured that I was put forward for opportunities where I would thrive. Because of their thoughtful due diligence in the process, I feel confident in my successful placement with Big Brothers, Big Sisters Toronto. I’m excited for my next career adventure!"
— Leanne Nicolle President & Chief executive officer
“We had unique search requirements when sourcing the new CEO for our not-for-profit organization. As a social enterprise we needed both private sector and not-for-profit experience. Preston Human Capital Group worked closely with our Search Committee and provided a tremendous slate of candidates. Efficient and professional, Preston Human Capital Group was a true partner in our search process.”
— The Search Committee
“I have worked with PHC since 2019 when we hired our CEO. Since then we have engaged the team on several key roles – CFO, Board Director, People & Culture and Marketing and Philanthropy positions. All of these roles have been critical in achieving our mission: to support children around the world to overcome barriers and access education so they can be a voice for change. On each search their process was rigorous and thorough and I knew they would represent us brilliantly in a highly competitive market and provide a diversified candidate pool in a very timely manner. In every search the outcome has resulted in exceptional talent – plus, we had a lot of fun along the way. I would not hesitate to recommend the PHC team.”
— dave wilson vice president people and culture
“We selected Preston Human Capital Group as part of a competitive process, which included several global search firms. They demonstrated the passion, drive and networks that we were looking for. We were not disappointed. PHC presented an impressive range of CEO candidates, including our perfect match, and advised us every step of the way.”
— Dermot Finch former Interim chief executive officer Prince’s Trust
“The team at PHC excel by taking a personalized, comprehensive approach to their work. From a candidate perspective, I appreciated the accessible, engaging, ‘wraparound’ experience I received — including thorough briefings based on their depth of knowledge; expert guidance, coaching and insights shared and exchanged throughout the process; and the opportunity to debrief and learn. PHC is passionate about the non-profit sector and enjoys making great connections for people and organizations to create lasting impact — and this comes through in every aspect of their work.”
— Sharon Broughton Former chief executive officer (retired)
“It’s been a treat working with Preston Human Capital Group. I’ve so enjoyed working together - your professionalism, your care for people, your directness, your listening ability...I could go on. Looking forward to doing more in the future.”
— Ronan Ryan former CHIEF DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING OFFICER
“Hiring the right talent is crucial. It takes a special skill set, a strong knowledge of the sector, an understanding of organizational culture, and the drive to ensure the process is completed. PHC brought all three to the table – resulting in a candidate with right skill set, the right fit with team, and the process completed on time.”
— Susan Larkin former Senior Director Philanthropy
“The Executive Director of our organization recently announced her decision to retire and we undertook a search process to replace what had been a long-standing community leader. Right from the beginning, Preston Human Capital Group understood what we were going through and what we needed. Every step of the way, they guided us through a seamless and organized search process. Our ability to work with the PHC ensured that we were able to thoroughly consider a number of interesting candidates and successfully find a new leader for our organization. Thank you to Cathy and Lindsay for their diligence, interest and professionalism."
— ALAIN STRATI board chair
“My experience with Preston Human Capital Group, specifically with Lindsay Preston was fantastic. I have dealt with many recruiters over the years, and nobody has provided the care and level of service that Lindsay did. She was informative, honest, approachable, and forthcoming throughout the recruitment process, which was a breath of fresh air. After an extensive interview process led by PHC, I have landed in a wonderful role with a prestigious organization. To any candidate or organization considering working with or looking to hire a recruitment firm, I would highly recommend Preston Human Capital Group.”
— PAUL Buksner executive director
"I was first introduced to Cathy and Preston Human Capital Group as a candidate for an opportunity years ago. The experience was so positive that it really stood out. Always professional, respectful, upbeat, and kind, as well as having the uncanny ability to make you feel supported and at ease no matter the outcome, have always been the hallmark of their approach. So it’s no surprise that when the time came to undertake a search, I turned to PHC. We’ve now worked together on a number of searches, and we are extremely pleased with the results, but also the great working relationship that we have been able to build together. Cathy and Lindsay listen to our needs, provide advice, are confidential and efficiently and effectively jump to get the job done with gusto. They are extremely committed to our mission, but they have also become wonderful ambassadors of our cause, passionately and authentically creating excitement about our vision and what we are trying to accomplish with the in-demand talent we are trying to attract. In these competitive markets, we are grateful to have representatives working hard to make our organization stand out and who are looked to by fundraisers as a trusted source when it comes to opportunities in the charitable sector. "
— KRISTA O’DONNELL chief advancement officer
“I cannot say enough about the quality of service we received from Preston Human Capital Group. PHC took the time to learn about our agency and our needs. Without a proper fit to the culture and values of Youth Without Shelter, the success of a candidate simply wouldn’t be possible. PHC matched qualified candidates to our needs and supported us throughout the entire process. I would strongly encourage any agency or company to use Preston Human Capital Group. They are truly a pleasure to work with.”