Michelle R.S. Bonoan

Managing Director at Koya Partners, Executive Search for Nonprofit and Education Sectors

Michelle R.S. Bonoan

Michelle R.S. Bonoan is a Managing Director at Koya Partners, a national executive search firm that exclusively partners with the Education, Nonprofit and Social Enterprises sectors.2 With nearly 25 years of experience as a search consultant, she has led executive searches across a wide range of industries and functions.1 2

Key Facts about Michelle Bonoan

Managing Director at Koya Partners, a national executive search firm2
Over 25 years of experience as a search consultant1
Leads executive searches for the education, nonprofit and social impact sectors1 2
Brings an authentic DEI lens to her work and partners with clients to create inclusive and equitable search processes2
Has successfully completed searches for executives at the highest tiers, including CEO, President, Executive Director, Chief Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other key positions2
Clients include major organizations dedicated to philanthropy, social justice, education, arts and culture, LGBTQ+ issues, environment, health, and prominent educational institutions1 2
Previously worked at Heidrick & Struggles, Diversified Search, and Gary Kaplan & Associates2
Holds a BBA in Management from California State University, Northridge2

Michelle Bonoan's extensive experience, DEI focus, and track record of placing top executives make her a highly sought-after search consultant in the nonprofit and education sectors.1 2 3

Experience

Managing Director, West Coast at Koya Leadership Partners (August 2015 - Present)

Partner - Education & Social Enterprise Practice at Heidrick & Struggles (April 2013 - August 2015); Managing Director, Education & Not-for-Profit Practice at Diversified Search (February 2011 - March 2013); Vice President and Education & Non-Profit Practice Leader at Gary Kaplan & Associates (2006 - February 2011); Principal at Gary Kaplan & Associates (2000 - 2006); Director, Research & Systems at Gary Kaplan & Associates (1996 - 2006); Major Oil Sales at Commercial Petroleum Equipment (1994 - 1996)