AGB Search Names Leader of Interim Division
February 13, 2020 – Across the board, in every industry, today’s market is fueled by growing demand for top talent against a landscape of short supply. This has led to nearly three million people taking temporary jobs, a number that is expected to grow at a healthy pace over the next few years as companies strive to stay agile in the midst of changing market needs.
Recently, Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search appointed Melinda Leonardo as director of the firm’s interim search division. The division was previously led by Joseph Johnston, who stepped down from the role in December. As director of interim search, Dr. Leonardo will oversee new business development, candidate recruitment and the search process for interim appointments.
Dr. Leonardo has served as a search consultant for AGB Search for more than six years. She is the program coordinator for the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education, a program designed to prepare leaders for a higher education presidency. She also serves as AGB Search’s coordinator of training and orientation for a team of over 50 consultants. Additionally, she is certified and serves as one of the firm’s Predictive Index analysts.
“Melinda is an outstanding professional who brings both search expertise and a commitment to excellence to our firm,” said Rod McDavis, managing principal at AGB Search. “We look forward to the growth and expansion of our interim search division, under Melinda’s impeccable leadership.”
Dr. Leonardo has more than 15 years of experience in executive search for higher education, assisting colleges and universities in presidential and vice-presidential searches. Prior to joining AGB Search, she worked with Academic Search, where she was responsible for the firm’s marketing initiatives, proposal development, pitch presentations and contract negotiations.
“During my tenure with AGB Search, I have had the opportunity to work with exceptional leaders from all facets of higher education,” Dr. Leonardo said. “AGB Search has such passion for the industry, emphasizing relationships with clients and candidates, and prioritizing quality in all we do. I am looking forward to expanding my role with the firm and being part of its exciting future.”
AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership, conducts searches for college and university presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, university system heads and CEOs of coordinating boards and related foundations. The firm was founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges in 2010.
Staying Nimble
According to a report released by CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists International, hiring temporary and contract employees can help businesses sidestep talent gaps and remain nimble. The study said that more companies will be tapping into this labor segment, with temporary employment expected to add 173,478 jobs from 2016 to the end of 2018 – an increase of 5.9 percent.
Massive Shift to Contract Employment Underway
By 2025, most workers (70 percent) and employers (68 percent) agree that a majority of the workforce will be employed in an “agile capacity” (i.e. contractor, consultant, temp worker or freelancer), according to a study released by Randstad US.
“Today, nearly three million people are employed in temporary jobs, and that number will continue to grow at a healthy pace over the next few years as companies strive to keep agile in the midst of changing market needs,” said Kyle Braun, president of CareerBuilder’s staffing and recruiting group. “Opportunities are opening up in a variety of occupations and pay levels, and this is a trend we’re seeing in a wide range of industries and company sizes.”
A separate report by CareerBuilder found that 47 percent of employers reported that they planned to hire temporary or contract workers this past year, up slightly from 46 percent last year. Of these employers, 58 percent plan to transition some temporary or contract workers into full-time, permanent roles.
Related: Demand for Interim Executives on the Rise
“Temporary employment benefits both sides of the labor market,” said Mr. Braun. “Hiring temporary and contract workers helps companies stay flexible and adapt quickly to changing market demands. For workers, it opens doors for those who want to utilize various skills, build relationships with different organizations and explore career options.”
Closing Talent Gaps
These figures coincide with similar findings by the Execu | Search Group. Its “Hiring Outlook: Strategies for Adapting to a Candidate-Driven Market” report found that 26 percent of hiring managers surveyed planned to increase hiring of temporary employees last year.
In addition, an Adecco study, “Definitive Guide to Building a Better Workforce,” found that 67 percent of companies use contingent labor to enhance their workforce and close talent gaps. The study surveyed 536 C-suite executives across the U.S. regarding the types of talent they need, skills that are most difficult to find, how they are using contingent labor and progressive recruiting methods to enhance their workforces, employee retention techniques and more.
The report found that 80 percent of employers agree that the U.S. skills gap is a real challenge, and it provides insights into how different companies conceptualize and address this gap in talent. Part of the reason for the increased use of temporary workers: companies are having difficulty finding quality talent.
Related: Massive Shift to Contract Employment Underway
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
