Olivia Stam

Olivia Stam partners with cultural, philanthropic, and educational institutions during key leadership transitions and other inflection points. She is a key member of the Firm's Arts & Culture, Social Impact & Education, and Board & CEO Advisory Practices.

Based in Washington, D.C., Olivia works with mission-driven organizations and specializes in partnering with boards on recruiting CEOs, Artistic Directors, and high-performing C-suite leaders. Her clients include organizations across the performing arts; visual arts; museums; associations; historic preservation; education; conservation; human services; philanthropy; and more. Olivia also brings particular expertise leading searches for operational and financial leaders across a wide variety of organizations.

Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Olivia worked at the Portland Symphony Orchestra. There, she was part of a team that developed a music literacy program for ESL students that was ultimately implemented across Portland Public Schools. She also spent time at the Portland Conservatory of Music, one of Maine’s largest community music schools, where she worked closely with the Executive Director on key initiatives. Earlier, Olivia was a Physician Recruiter at Maine Medical Center where she focused primarily on attracting high-performing physicians and executives to work in rural health.

Committed to her community, Olivia is Chair of Nominating & Governance, Junior Board at Washington Performing Arts, one of D.C.’s largest arts presenters and community arts organizations. She also serves as a Coach with the Posse Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to recruiting, training, and funding college students from underserved backgrounds.

Olivia has had a lifelong passion for music, playing flute in community orchestras and chamber ensembles globally.