Howard joined NCP in 2021. As Vice President of Talent, Howard is responsible for senior-level executive searches and talent strategy for NCP’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining NCP, Howard co-founded and ran Leadhr, an executive assessment and talent advisory company. Previously, Howard worked for boutique executive search firms where he focused on C-suite and Board Director recruitment for the Private Equity industry. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Watsi, the first non-profit to go through the Y Combinator. His work at Watsi has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, and BBC World, among other publications.
Howard holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina and an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University.
Of the five NCP Values, which is your favorite one? Why?
“Be genuine” is my favorite NCP value. As an organization that looks to build great companies, attracting “A” players is critical. We must establish strong relationships in a short period of time, which requires trust, honesty, and authenticity.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being part of the founding of Watsi, a non-profit, early in my career. Since our inception, we have helped over 20,000 underserved people receive life-changing medical treatments.
What are some words of wisdom you live by?
When my grandfather passed away in the late ’90s, I found a quote in his wallet by Cardinal Gibbons that I have kept on me ever since. “The higher men climb, the longer their working day. And any young man with a streak of idleness in him may better make his mind at the beginning that mediocrity will be his lot. Without immense, sustained effort he will not climb high. And even though fortune or chance were to lift him high, he would not stay there. There are no office hours for leaders.”