Jeff Pitchford
Vice President & Senior Associate
Jeff brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience to every search. With a background spanning both business and nonprofit sectors, he offers a grounded perspective shaped by real-world decision-making. Before becoming a part of Nelson/Kraft & Associates, he held other prestigious leadership positions like Vice-President of Operations and Supply Chain for North America at Sun Rich Fresh Foods, and various manufacturing and procurement management roles at DuPont Canada Inc. and INVISTA (Canada) Company, where he achieved a Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Cross-Sector Experience
25+ years in executive leadership roles across business and nonprofit organizations.
Trusted Perspective
Known for helping teams move from uncertainty to clarity during pivotal transitions.
People-First Focus
Combines relational insight with strategic thinking to guide confident leadership decisions.
Grounded in Real-World Leadership
- Jeff has held executive roles in both private industry and the nonprofit sector, giving him a rare perspective on the shared challenges — and distinct dynamics — of each.
- His leadership experience within Operations, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Engineering uniquely positions him to find effective leaders in these roles.
- He’s led teams through growth, restructuring, succession, and strategic realignment, equipping him to understand what leadership really requires in times of change.
- As a consultant, Jeff brings practical empathy to every conversation — helping organizations make thoughtful decisions that align with their mission, people, and future direction.
- Clients trust Jeff for his clarity, empathy, and ability to translate complexity into action — especially when stakes are high and timing matters.
Areas of Focus:
Jeff approaches each search as a partnership — built on trust, context, and clarity. He helps clients define what they truly need in a leader, then walks alongside them from role shaping to final interviews.
- Candidate presentation and selection support
- Organizational needs assessment
- Role definition and calibration
Whether planned or unexpected, leadership changes can be tough. Jeff helps organizations navigate transitions with steady guidance — keeping people informed, values clear, and momentum moving forward.
- Team and board communication support
- Succession planning guidance
- Interim leadership navigation
When direction feels unclear, Jeff helps teams step back and reconnect with their purpose. His strategic facilitation surfaces what’s working, what’s missing, and how to move forward together.
- Clarity in structure and focus
- Mission and strategy facilitation
- Team alignment conversations
Jeff is skilled at working with boards — not just to recruit, but to lead better. He facilitates conversations that strengthen trust, clarify roles, and create shared direction.
- Values-based decision-making frameworks
- Board and leadership team alignment
- Governance structure review
At every step, Jeff keeps people at the centre. He brings calm, thoughtful presence to sensitive moments — and is often the steady voice clients return to when stakes are high.
- Coaching through tough decisions
- High-trust communication
- Conflict-aware facilitation
Contact Jeff
Having been both a for-profit leader and a non-profit board member, Jeff has sat in your seat, and understands the spectrum of challenges that come with making your organization the best it can be.
- jeff@nelsonandkraft.com
- 1 (647) 409-2922