Patti Gillenwater
Patti Gillenwater is CEO of Elinvar, a retained search firm focused on mission-driven leadership. As Elinvar’s leader since 1995, Patti has built the Elinvar organization around her belief that great results stem from leadership and great leadership happens when leaders are working in an environment that supports them. “It is with great leaders at the helm that mission-driven organizations are able to create good things for all of their stakeholders.”
Patti’s extensive nonprofit board experience makes her a key resource for boards of mission-driven organizations seeking new leaders for the organizations they serve. Over the years Patti has served in various leadership roles and has invested her time in community service related to public school advocacy and support for all children having access to a world-class education. Current board positions she holds include serving as Chair and Board member of NC Early Childhood Foundation, Board member and Past Chair for NC IDEA Foundation, and Corporate Board member of the Independent College Fund of North Carolina.
Patti began her career in recruiting following her tenure as a CPA. She gained financial and operational knowledge with two companies – Deloitte and International Paper Company. An honors graduate of the University of South Carolina with an undergraduate degree in Accounting, Patti has received numerous certifications in assessments related to leadership and team performance. She is also a writer and speaker on leadership issues. In 2012 she completed the Governing for Nonprofit Excellence program at Harvard Business School and became a BoardSource facilitator for Board Development in 2020.