ZRG Strengthens Education, Nonprofit & Social Impact Practice with Acquisition of Sterling Martin Associates

Global talent advisory firm ZRG has acquired Sterling Martin Associates, a Washington, D.C.-based executive search firm specializing in professional associations and mission-driven nonprofit organizations. This acquisition significantly expands ZRG’s Education, Nonprofit & Social Impact (ENSI) practice by integrating a firm recognized for its high-touch approach to leadership transitions and governance. For the nonprofit sector, this move signals a consolidation of specialized executive search services, aiming to provide boards with more data-driven insights and a broader global reach during critical leadership changes.

The acquisition brings Sterling Martin Associates’ deep expertise in the association and nonprofit space into ZRG’s growing portfolio. Founded in 2006 by David Martin, the firm has established a reputation for advising national associations and nonprofits through complex leadership transitions and periods of strategic growth. Notable clients served by the firm include the National PTA, the Society for Neuroscience, the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, and the Ecological Society of America.

David Martin will transition to the role of Managing Director at ZRG, bringing with him a geographically diverse team of consultants based in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Denver. This integration is designed to enhance ZRG’s national capabilities while maintaining the personalized, high-touch service model that Sterling Martin is known for. According to Rosa Morris, Managing Director and Leader of ZRG’s ENSI practice, the addition of Sterling Martin’s dedicated association expertise will allow the firm to offer boards a sharper, more informed perspective on leadership decisions when they matter most.

ZRG CEO Larry Hartmann emphasized that the acquisition is a disciplined move to advance the firm’s ENSI platform rather than a pursuit of scale for its own sake. The integration will provide Sterling Martin’s clients with expanded access to ZRG’s data-driven Zi platform, which utilizes talent intelligence and candidate insights to streamline the executive search process. This combination of sector-specific judgment and global advisory capabilities aims to support organizations navigating the unique challenges of mission-driven leadership, complex governance, and strategic growth.