Cooper Coleman Named to Forbes' 2026 List of America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms

CHICAGO, IL – Cooper Coleman, a Chicago-based retained executive search firm serving nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, has been named to Forbes’ 2026 list of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms, ranking #50 among 175 firms recognized nationally.

The annual ranking, developed by Forbes in partnership with Statista, is based on survey responses from recruiters, hiring managers, and job candidates. Firms are selected based on the volume of recommendations received from clients, candidates, and industry peers.

Founded in 2020, Cooper Coleman has built its practice around a high-touch, stewardship-driven approach to executive search that emphasizes diligent representation of client organizations, a rigorous and transparent search process, and a candidate experience grounded in dignity and respect.

“Our approach to search breaks the mold in different ways to solve for gaps I had experienced as a hiring organization and candidate. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects how our approach is experienced by clients and candidates, and regarded by peers in the industry,” said Johnny Cooper, Founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman.

The firm works exclusively with nonprofits and social impact organizations; foundations; education, health, and research institutions; and museums, zoos, and aquariums on executive, board, and senior leadership roles.

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About Cooper Coleman LLC

Cooper Coleman is a leading national executive search firm serving mission-driven organizations across the nonprofit and social impact sector. The firm partners with arts and cultural institutions, museums, zoos and aquariums, public health organizations, educational and research institutions, associations, and social service organizations nationwide. A member of The Giving Institute and the Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants, Cooper Coleman is ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media among the Top 250 recruiting firms and the Top 65 nonprofit executive search firms in the United States.

Founded by nonprofit leaders and executive search professionals, Cooper Coleman brings decades of firsthand sector experience to every engagement. The firm approaches executive search as stewardship, representing organizations and their missions with care, rigor, and integrity. Cooper Coleman is often selected by boards and senior leaders when the stakes are unusually high, and leadership decisions carry lasting organizational consequence.

For more information about Cooper Coleman LLC, visit www.coopercoleman.com or connect on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/coopercoleman.