We have some big news to share about changes at Harder+Company Community Research this year. At the end of March, Harder+Company founder Paul Harder will retire as CEO.
Paul’s contribution to our firm and the field of social sector consulting cannot be overstated. When Paul established Harder+Company in 1986, he didn’t just start a business — he helped to launch an industry that has changed the way nonprofits, foundations, and public organizations evaluate and plan their work. Using an approach that blended rigorous research methods with thoughtful strategy, Harder+Company has helped thousands of organizations increase their impact in communities around the country, and inspired dozens of researchers and analysts to enter the field and do the same. Today we continue to help our clients amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and work for a more equitable society.
This is an exciting time for Paul, who has been working towards this moment over the past several years. It’s also an exciting time for the firm. After nearly 20 years at Harder+Company, I’m looking forward to assuming overall leadership as president—a role I have already held since 2015. I’ll work closely with the executive management team, including Jennifer James, Maricela Piña, Richard Vezina, and Ruth Craig, to manage day to day operations. As always, we will do this work in close partnership the more than 60 talented, passionate team members who make up the Harder+Company family.
Our senior leaders have worked closely with Paul to develop a seamless and comprehensive transition plan that makes sense for the firm and our clients. The state of our company is strong, and I’m so excited to work with our talented and driven staff to write the next chapter in Harder+Company’s story. Together we are going to help our clients do incredible things. It’s been a fantastic 32 years, and the best is yet to come.
Michelle Magee
President