How Stanton Chase Sofia gave its time pro bono to find Education Without Backpacks a new Executive Director
>The Background
A Bulgarian Education Nonprofit Prepares for a Change of CEO
Founded in 2015, Education Without Backpacks brings Khan Academy to students and teachers across Bulgaria. It has translated more than 7,400 video lessons into Bulgarian, along with thousands of math and science exercises, and supports teachers with intensive training and ongoing mentoring as they bring these tools into the classroom. Today, it works with 28 schools and several hundred teachers, and by November 2025, Khan Academy in Bulgaria had 162,700 registered users.
Rozalina Laskova had led the organization as CEO since its founding and guided much of that growth. After ten years, she decided to step down and remain as an advisor, and the Management Board began its search for a successor who could build on her work.
>The Challenge
Finding a Nonprofit Executive Director Who Can Raise Funds and Grow a National Program
Reporting to the Management Board, the new Executive Director would lead a team of 25 employees, supported by more than 1,000 volunteers and a Board of Advisors drawn from the business community. They would be responsible for the organization’s long-term plan and financial stability, as well as the quality of every project. They would also represent Education Without Backpacks to the media, public institutions, business networks, and Khan Academy’s global network.
Few candidates bring all of this. The profile called for at least three years in senior leadership and a proven record in fundraising and managing large budgets. Candidates also needed a history of building partnerships with donors and companies, an understanding of digital innovation in education, experience with public institutions, and the excellent English required for regular contact with Khan Academy’s head office. A background in nonprofits or education was an advantage, particularly knowledge of Bulgaria’s laws on nonprofits and schools. Above all, the board wanted an entrepreneurial leader who would make the mission their own.
>The Solution
A Cause-Led Executive Search in Bulgaria
Education has long been one of the causes Stanton Chase Sofia supports, so when the organization asked for help, the office agreed to conduct the search pro bono. Darina Peneva led the assignment as a personal commitment as much as a professional one, while Rozalina supported the Management Board and the Education Without Backpacks team throughout the selection process.
The position profile was written for people committed to education, and it opened by asking readers whether they believed education changes lives and whether they wished to give every Bulgarian child access to world-class knowledge. Announcements issued with the search carried the same message and invited both applications and recommendations, so the search could reach leaders drawn to the mission who were not looking for a new role.
>The Results
A New Executive Director for Education Without Backpacks and Khan Academy Bulgaria
Education Without Backpacks appointed Venelin Petkov as its new Executive Director. The appointment was announced in September 2026, timed for the first day of the new school year. Stanton Chase Sofia was named in the announcement.
As an advisor, Rozalina is helping Venelin settle into the role, which keeps a decade of experience within the organization. Darina has also offered to introduce the new leadership to potential partners from her own network.
>Our Team
Executive Search in Bulgaria with Stanton Chase Sofia
Darina Peneva is Managing Director of Stanton Chase Sofia and HR Regional Practice Leader for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. She led the search with Valentina Skocheva and Mateya Nikolova.
Stanton Chase Sofia helps companies and nonprofits across Bulgaria appoint senior executives and board members. Alongside executive search, the office provides board services, executive assessment (including Hogan assessments), succession planning, and leadership onboarding support.
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