Two executive search professionals re-uniting to launch new firm focused on

finding leaders for the civic sector.

Saint Paul, MN July 8, 2014 Marcia Ballinger and Lars Leafblad have reunited as
business partners to co-found Ballinger | Leafblad, Inc., a new executive search firm
focused exclusively on civic sector clients foundations, nonprofits, higher education
institutions and professional associations. Ballinger | Leafblad, Inc. inaugural clients
include Bush Foundation, CaringBridge, Northland Foundation, Rve Academy and the
University of Minnesota.
Ms. Ballinger and Mr. Leafblad worked together from 2007-2012 as business partners
and co-chairs of the civic practice at another Twin Cities-based executive search firm,
KeyStone Search and are thrilled to be reuniting to pursue their shared passion for
serving civic clients locally, regionally and nationally. Ballinger | Leafblad, Inc. is still
finalizing a permanent office location but will be based out of the greater Saint Paul, MN
area. Their website is located at http://www.ballingerleafblad.com.
Ms. Ballinger has been a leader in the Twin Cities executive search community for
nearly two decades and is known for her body of work in recruiting across many sectors
and functional areas. She is co-author of The 20-Minute Networking Meeting, and is a
frequent speaker on the topics of networking, career management and best practices in
executive recruiting. She currently serves as board chair of Capella University and is a
member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Her former board
membership includes American Red Cross Twin Cities chapter, Human Resources
Executive Forum, Minnesota Adoption Resource Network, and Milkweed Editions.
Ms. Ballinger has been recognized as The (Real) Power 50, Minnesota Business; Top
Women in Business, Minneapolis St Paul Business Journal; and with a Luminary Award
by the National Association of Woman Business Owners. She holds a PhD,
Organization and Management from Capella University where her dissertation topic (in
conjunction with Personnel Decisions, Intl.) focused on executive coaching. She has an
MA, Speech-Communication and BS, Business Administration, from the University of
Minnesota.
Mr. Leafblad has been called the most networked man in the Twin Cities in the pages
of Minnesota Business magazine and has spent his career doing what he loves best;
connecting people with one another and with new opportunities to develop their careers
and connections. Hes served as Chief Development Officer for the Humphrey School of
Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and most recently led the Bush Fellowship
leadership programs for the Saint Paul, Minnesota-based Bush Foundation. He is also
the founder and publisher-emeritus of Pollen (http://www.bepollen.com), a network of
10,000+ civic minded connectors in the upper Midwest who share jobs, events and
career recognition news with one another.
Mr. Leafblad has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 by Minneapolis-St. Paul Business
Journal; The (Real) Power 50 by Minnesota Business magazine, and 200
Minnesotans You Should Know and 100 People to Help You Thrive in 2013 by Twin
Cities Business magazine. He has appeared on Minnesota Public Radios Daily Circuit
and Midmorning programs and on Twin Cities Public Televisions Almanac. He holds
an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and a
BA, Economics, from St. Olaf College. He has also participated as a Policy Fellow at the
Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota.

Contact:
Lars Leafblad
Co-founder, Principal
Ballinger | Leafblad, Inc.
lars@ballingerleafblad.com
612-598-7547

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