For over 20 years, we've treated executive search as an Ardent pursuit — personal, never transactional. By pairing relational depth with AI-empowered research, we find leaders who respect your origin story and share your vision and mission.
We help you find the right leader, not just eager applicants. Our approach is "Ardent" — characterized by passion, devotion, and fervor for your mission and vision, backed by a transparent fee structure, and transparent partnership.
Co-Founder & President at Ardent Search Co
Tim Bernstein is the Co-Founder and President of Ardent Search Company, where he has spent more than 20 years recruiting and placing essential leaders in values-driven organizations. Tim co-founded Ardent on a simple conviction: the right leader isn’t just a qualified candidate — they’re someone who genuinely believes in your mission, respects your origin story, and is ready to champion your vision.
Tim is involved in every search from discovery through placement. His background spans leadership roles in operations, strategy, and organizational development across nonprofit, educational, faith-based, and municipal organizations — giving him firsthand understanding of the complexity and stakes involved in values-driven leadership transitions.
His graduate training in organizational leadership (Masters in Organizational Leadership from Biola University) and marriage and family therapy (Masters from California Lutheran University in Marriage and Family Therapy) gives him ability to assess not just a candidate’s qualifications, but their relational fit, values alignment, and readiness to lead through change. That depth, paired with AI-empowered research tools, ensures every Ardent search is both personal and precise.
Tim’s clients trust him for his transparency that keeps interests fully aligned, and his tenacious commitment to finding the right fit — not just filling a role.
Tim and his wife, Beth have four children and live in Southern California.
Of-Counsel and Emeritus of The Dingman Company & Co-Founder at Ardent Search Co
Bruce Dingman is the Co-Founder of Ardent Search Company and a trusted advisor with decades of executive search experience.
“Working with Tim Bernstein was exceptional from start to finish. He took time to understand my background, goals, and values, and connected me with the right opportunity.
His communication was consistent, transparent, and supportive throughout the entire process.”
Placed CFO, Hume Lake Christian Camps – Hume Lake, CA
“Tim Bernstein led our nationwide Executive Director search with excellence. He communicated clearly, listened deeply, and met an exceptionally tight timeline while presenting strong candidates.
Tim made us feel like his top priority, and I would highly recommend working with him.”
Vice Chair, Lahai Health – Lynwood, WA
“Campus by the Sea required uniquely gifted leadership, and Tim Bernstein approached the search with enthusiasm, diligence, and deep respect for our ministry.
His experience, communication, and Spirit-led discernment guided us to an ideal candidate. We appreciated his honesty, consistency, and steadfast commitment throughout the process.”
Board Chair, Campus by the Sea – Avalon, CA
“Ardent Search Company provided an outstanding search experience. Tim and his team were attentive, responsive, and deeply invested in understanding our mission.
What stood out most was their faith-centered approach—rooted in integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to Christ-centered leadership.”
Search Committee Chair, Salem Union Gospel Mission – Salem, OR
