Associate Director at Visual Effects Society
At Blair Search Partners, we know that the right leadership can unlock an organization’s full potential. Through our Project Impact series, we highlight changemakers placed in mission-driven roles and explore the transformative effect they’ve had on their organizations and communities.
Today, we’re excited to feature the journey of Elvia Gonzalez, Associate Director at the Visual Effects Society (VES). Over the past year, she has stepped into a new role and worked closely with colleagues to help the organization navigate challenges and build on its strong foundation.
Meet Elvia: A Leader Stepping Into New Challenges
Elvia spent more than a decade managing membership and sponsorships in the television industry, working closely with executives and corporate partners behind the camera. She later stepped into a fast-paced role at a major museum, supporting executive leadership and navigating the demands of a dynamic, high-profile environment. Along the way, she built a strong track record in relationship management, operations, and nonprofit growth.
When Elvia was ready for a new challenge with long-term potential, the newly created Associate Director position at the Visual Effects Society caught her attention. She reached out to Blair Search Partners’ Katie Do to learn more—starting the conversation that would ultimately lead to the role she holds today.
The Opportunity: Building a Role from the Ground Up
The Associate Director position at VES was brand new, which meant the responsibilities had to be shaped in real time. The role was created to support the Executive Director and Controller as they guided a global membership that continues to grow rapidly.
Elvia stepped into this space ready to work alongside her colleagues. Together, they focused on improving systems, streamlining processes, and making sure leadership could concentrate on high-level goals. By collaborating on updates that kept pace with the organization’s rapid growth, Elvia and the team helped strengthen the foundation for VES’s future.
Driving Positive Change Through Collaboration
When Elvia stepped into her role, she saw an opportunity to contribute to a culture grounded in trust, communication, and shared values. From day one, she focused on fostering strong relationships and encouraging open dialogue across the team.
Now, reflecting on her first year, Elvia sees a team that is even more connected, communicative, and aligned. Through consistent collaboration and mutual support, they’ve built a stronger foundation for working together and solving challenges collectively.
The Blair Search Partners Difference: Support at Every Step
For Elvia, working with Blair Search Partners made the transition easier and more rewarding. She describes the process as stress-free, with open, comfortable conversations that made it feel as though she was speaking to someone she had known for years. Katie’s down-to-earth, relatable approach, combined with consistent communication and guidance, ensured Elvia always felt supported through each stage of the process.
It’s an experience Elvia now encourages others to consider. She shared that after working with a recruiter through Blair Search Partners, she would make it her primary way of job searching in the future, and wishes she had done it much sooner in her career.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Impact
As she heads into her second year at VES, Elvia is focused on continuing to strengthen organizational systems, support leadership, and foster collaboration across the team. The progress of the first year, particularly in cultivating trust and stronger working relationships, has laid the groundwork for what’s still to come.
For Elvia, the impact is about ensuring VES is positioned to thrive well into the future.
Your Next Opportunity Starts Here
We’re incredibly proud of the impact being made at the Visual Effects Society through the dedication of Elvia and her colleagues. Their collaborative efforts are shaping a new role, strengthening systems, and nurturing a culture that will carry VES forward. Congratulations, Elvia!
If you’re an organization striving to make a difference by hiring a team of changemakers, or an individual looking for your next career move in the nonprofit sector, visit us at blairsearchpartners.com and let’s see what we can do together.
We’d love to help you find your next great hire.