Bryant Group Helps Fill Senior Role for the University of San Diego
April 21, 2025 – Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of John Rogers as associate vice president for university events and partnerships for the University of San Diego (USD). Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “It was clear through the interview process that John’s extensive experience and leadership developing and implementing significant, high-profile events aligns perfectly with this role,” said Rick Virgin, vice president for university advancement at University of San Diego. “He is also committed to building meaningful partnerships across and beyond the USD community. As we embark on our upcoming comprehensive campaign, we are looking forward to having John’s knowledge and experience on our university advancement team.”
Mr. Rogers is a seasoned professional fundraiser with more than 15 years of experience in executive board management, presidential, advancement and alumni events at both Ohio University in Athens, OH, and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. He also has extensive experience with admissions events, communications and media relations at Johnson & Wales University in Denver, CO. He most recently served as the executive director of engagements and events at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), where he managed university events and ceremonies, corporate sponsorships, executive communications and president-level engagements.
In his new role, Mr. Rogers will elevate the breadth and depth of USD’s corporate and select benefactor support of university programs. He will also provide a platform to support the overall efforts of the university. He will oversee a team of advancement professionals to ensure strategic outreach and communication of institutional priorities, signature events and partnership agreements.
“I am thrilled to join the University of San Diego at such a pivotal time in its history,” said Mr. Rogers. “USD’s commitment to academic excellence, service and global impact aligns perfectly with my passion for creating memorable experiences that showcase the incredible work USD’s students and faculty do every day. I look forward to contributing to the university’s dynamic community and helping to shape its bright future.”
With more than 9,000 students from 85 countries and 50 states, the University of San Diego is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. Its small class sizes, compassionate culture, unique learning opportunities and state-of-the-art resources support 43 undergraduate programs and 41 graduate programs.
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Bryant Group specializes in advancement, fundraising, and leadership for universities, hospitals, and other non-profits. Its services include recruiting, talent development, and leadership coaching. The organization’s higher education clients include Stanford University, Harvard University, Michigan State University, Baylor University, the University of New Mexico, and others. Its healthcare clients include UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, the Mayo Clinic in both Minnesota and Arizona, Henry Ford Health Systems, Betty Ford Center, to name just a few. Its other non-profit clients include the American Heart Association, March of Dimes in both California and New York, the J. Paul Getty Trust, and more.
30 Years of Experience
Bryant Group is led by CEO Sally Bryant. She joined the search firm in 2007 and brings 30 years of experience in advancement management, consulting and recruiting, as well as achievements from the corporate sales arena and success in other entrepreneurial activities. Christopher P. Bryant, co-founder and advisor of Bryant Group, is a leader in the recruitment of advancement, development, and fundraising professionals. In 1988, he helped start what the firm describes as the country’s first executive search firm to specialize exclusively in philanthropy recruitment.
Bryant Group Leading CHRO Search for Boise State University
Bryant Group was recently retained by Boise State University to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. “Boise State University is nationally known for innovation,” said Boise State University president Marlene Tromp. “We are looking for a forward-thinking, strategic leader to guide our human resources team, support our thriving community of employees, and collaborate with executive leadership to position Boise State as a premier destination for talent. This crucial role will help grow, develop and shape Boise State’s workforce of tomorrow.”
The CHRO will lead a highly skilled HR team, committed to creating a people-first environment where talent is recognized as a vital asset and Boise State is recognized as an employer of choice. They will oversee the full spectrum of HR functions, including talent acquisition, career development, succession planning, leadership training, employee engagement, compensation, benefits, HRIS and payroll. The successful candidate will thrive in an environment of collaboration, working alongside other visionary leaders and a motivated staff.
Bryant Group is the successor firm, established in 2002. Now under the leadership of Ms. Bryant, the woman-owned firm focuses on advancing great leadership through executive search, leadership coaching and interim leadership services. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served more than 270 organizations.
Ms. Hempen has over 20 years of fundraising and advancement leadership experience, serving most recently as assistant vice president of development at the University of South Florida. Having served both public and private universities, she has developed and led annual giving teams that consistently exceeded goals and created new revenue channels focused on building a pipeline for major gifts.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
