Wendy S. Pangburn is an innovative and seasoned executive with over three decades of unparalleled success in creating and implementing international and national programs and special projects. She also advises global clients on good governance, public relations and change management. Her particular leadership and expertise in nonprofit and association management has benefited a host of not-for-profit organizations, as well as, high profile individuals, government, corporate and political entities.
As a former Partner in the Washington, DC office of Heidrick & Struggles, the world’s second largest executive recruiting firm, Wendy led the firm’s executive recruiting efforts in the nonprofit and association arena in the nation’s capital. She has also served as a consultant to Korn Ferry International, the world’s largest executive recruiting firm, and DHR International.
Wendy served for over a decade as Executive Director of Chief Executives Organization, Inc. (CEO), a nonprofit international group of 2,000 chief executive officers and former leaders of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) whose mission is to improve executive leadership effectiveness through continuing education and idea exchange. She worked in over forty countries and produced over 150 international events and conferences.
Earlier in her career, she was one of Washington, DC’s leading special events and fundraising experts. She was the Corporate Affairs Director for the G-7 Economic Summit held in Houston, Texas, the Finance Director of the National Victory Celebration (the Desert Storm Homecoming), and the Director of the American Spirit Pavilion of the Republican National Convention in Houston, Texas. She also served as a consultant to the National Law Enforcement Memorial located in the nation’s capital.
Wendy has managed numerous annual fundraising and award recognition programs for organizations such as the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum (SAAM) and the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars. She held significant roles with the State funerals of both President Ronald Reagan and President Gerald Ford. She conceptualized and produced the Lincoln 2.0 Inaugural Ball for the Smithsonian during President Barack Obama’s first Inauguration.
Wendy also has Capitol Hill experience having raised funds for many national and statewide campaigns and national party organizations. She has traveled around the globe supporting the Office of White House Presidential Advance.
She is currently Chair of the Harvard University Kennedy School Alumni Board. She has also founded a national nonprofit (www.jewelryshopformom.org) that supports children from lower income households while learning valuable life lessons.
An active leader in the trade association arena and a strong proponent of continuing education and travel, Wendy earned her CAE (Certified Association Executive) through the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She is an avid contemporary art collector, photographer and traveler. To date she has traveled to over 100 countries and continues to lead educational missions to developing countries.
Wendy earned Bachelor degrees in Economics and Art from Bucknell University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.
Contact Wendy at wendys@pangburnpartners.com or at www.wpangburnpartners.com