1987

Founded in New York City

DRG is founded as an executive search firm by David Edell and Linda Lowe to serve mission-driven organizations, built on deep partnership, trust, and a commitment to leadership that advances purpose.

1991

Expanding a National Footprint

DRG establishes a partnership with the Child Welfare League of America, becoming a preferred search provider to its member agencies and conducting more than 100 leadership searches over the next eight years.

1995

300 Searches Completed

DRG reaches its 300th executive search, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s growing reputation for thoughtful, relationship-driven search.

1998

David Edell Becomes President

Following the retirement of co-founder Linda Lowe, David Edell becomes President and leads the firm into its next chapter.

2002

DRG Celebrates 15 Years

DRG marks its 15th anniversary, reflecting on a decade and a half of partnership with mission-driven organizations and leadership search excellence.

2007

600 Searches Completed

DRG completes its 600th executive search, reflecting continued growth and trusted partnerships across the nonprofit sector.

2013

DRG Celebrates 25 Years

DRG marks its 25th anniversary by launching a virtual leadership conference, featuring conversations with nonprofit executives, corporate leaders, and board members on the evolving challenges of leadership.

2014

1,000 Searches Completed

DRG surpassed the milestone of conducting more than 1,000 executive searches for nonprofit organizations. That same year, DRG named Dara Klarfeld—then with the firm for five years—as Managing Director, responsible for implementing growth at DRG.

2015

Setting the Path for Growth

DRG’s executive team began a consultant-led strategic evaluation and planning process to consider how to strengthen the firm and prepare it for its next decade of growth.  It also set the groundwork for a leadership succession process.

2018

A New Chapter of Growth Begins

Dara Klarfeld becomes CEO and leads DRG into its next era, expanding the firm nationally and broadening its work beyond executive search.

2018

Organizational Consulting Takes Shape

DRG begins building organizational consulting services alongside executive search, helping clients strengthen strategy, structure, leadership teams, culture, and long-term growth.

2021

Marilyn Machlowitz Joins DRG

Marilyn Machlowitz, founder of Machlowitz Consultants, joins DRG as an advisor, bringing decades of nonprofit leadership and governance expertise to the firm.

2021

Wickenden Associates Joins DRG

DRG partners with Wickenden Associates, a storied search firm serving independent schools, expanding its reach and deepening its expertise in education leadership.

2022

DRG Becomes DRG Talent

The firm becomes DRG Talent, reflecting its expanded national presence and broader commitment to serving the full leadership and organizational needs of mission-driven clients.

2023

Leadership Team Expands

Heather Gowdy and Ami Abramson become Senior Partners, joining Dara Klarfeld in leading the firm through its next phase of growth and impact.

2024

3,000 Engagements Completed

DRG completes its 3,000th engagement, a milestone that reflects decades of trusted partnerships and meaningful leadership placements across the country.

2026

DRG Acquires Sangfroid Strategy

DRG acquires Sangfroid Strategy, strengthening its ability to partner with clients on data-informed social impact consulting, deepening expertise, and expanding its ability to support mission-driven organizations with greater depth and continuity.

2026

Introducing DRG Consulting

Following years of thoughtful growth and integration, DRG introduces DRG Consulting, a refreshed expression of its evolving work with mission-driven organizations. While remaining grounded in leadership search, the firm now brings together expertise across Leadership, Strategy, Teams, and Partnerships to help organizations maximize their impact.