Author: Holly Peña

Six Questions With Executive Search Firm Peña Search

April 6, 2026 No Comments

Holly Peña of Peña Search shares her take on what the nonprofit industry can do to reduce turnover; what executive-level candidates can do to address common deficits she’s observed; and the qualities she looks for when hiring a fundraiser.

Holly Peña

Founder and CEO, Peña Search Holly Peña deeply cares about the people who have dedicated their lives to nonprofits. Her passion is part of the heart of Peña Search, which she founded in 2009 with a unique vision to serve both the mission of an organization and the careers of its employees. Over a 20-year career in recruiting, Holly has a proven track record of successful, high-level placements across the United States and in Mexico. Currently, Holly leads many of the CEO-level searches while also managing and assisting team members in providing the highest possible quality of service. Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle, Holly received her Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University before earning her Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law in 1990. She practiced law for seven years, focusing on cross-border transactions and trade. She is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and the Small Business Association Emerging Leaders Program. Holly’s civic and community involvement has included work with The Hockaday School and Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, membership in Leadership America, and service on the boards of directors of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and Big Thought and the board of advisors of The FIRST Fund. When not working, she can be found spending time with family and friends, training for a half-marathon, traveling, cooking, or reading.