David S. Martin is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education, Nonprofit, and Social Impact practice, bringing more than 30 years of executive search experience with a focus on professional and trade associations.

David began his search career in 1989 after eight years in the private sector, later holding senior roles at global firms including Korn/Ferry International and Boyden. In 2006, he founded Sterling Martin Associates, which became a leading executive search firm for professional associations and trade organizations, having successfully completed over 300 CEO and C-suite searches.

He has led complex CEO and Executive Director searches across associations, professional societies, and mission-driven organizations nationwide. David pairs deep sector insight with disciplined evaluation, having interviewed more than 18,000 executives over his career. His work is especially valued by boards navigating leadership transitions in specialized industries, where alignment between organizational mission and industry context is critical.

He is a recognized voice in the industry, regularly advising boards and contributing thought leadership as a panelist and speaker with the American Society of Association Executives and the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives.

David is based in Washington, D.C.