Bryant Group Leading CHRO Search for Boise State University
March 24, 2025 – A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group was recently retained by Boise State University to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, is leading the assignment. “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.
The successful candidate is an exceptional leader to guide the HR team in transforming the future of the institution. In this critical role, the CHRO will drive groundbreaking initiatives, cultivate a thriving campus community and position Boise State as a top destination for the best talent. Reporting directly to the president, the CHRO will be a key member of the executive leadership team, shaping the future of the university’s workforce.
The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking, strategic leader with a proven track record of driving innovative HR initiatives. This individual will be skilled at aligning HR strategy with the broader goals of a large, complex organization. A Bachelor’s Degree and at least ten years of progressive experience in human resources management, with at least six years in a senior HR leadership role, are required.
Boise State University is a public, metropolitan research university providing leadership in academics, research, and civic engagement. The school has more than 24,000 students from every state and more than 60 foreign countries. Boise State is designated as a doctoral research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. It offers about 200 programs of study, including 11 doctoral programs. The university is an integral part of its metropolitan environment and is engaged in its economic vitality, policy issues, professional, and continuing education programming and cultural enrichment.
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.
Related: Bryant Group Tapped by the University of Washington to Fill Senior Role
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.
Boston-based executive search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has placed Laura Kendall as executive director of Boise State University’s Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts. “Laura Kendall is an inspired choice for both the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts and for Boise State University,” said Martin Bragg, senior vice president of Arts Consulting Group. “Her experience working with faculty, students, resident companies and the community will ensure great success for both the Morrison Center and for Boise State.”
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.
Recent Assignment
Bryant Group was also retained by the University of San Diego to lead in its search for an associate vice president for university events and partnerships. “On the heels of an exceptional 75th anniversary year, the University of San Diego is well-positioned to live out its vision of fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love,” said Richard P. Virgin, vice president of advancement. “University of San Diego’s inspiring surroundings bring together outstanding students, brilliant faculty members and impactful programs that are taking on humanity’s urgent challenges. We’re seeking an experienced leader who will help University of San Diego light the way forward by providing strategic vision on key institutional events, cultivating successful corporate and community partnerships, and working collaboratively across campus to inspire support for the university and uplift the people and programs that make it great.”
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.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
