CAA | Hanold Executive Search Recruits VP for People, Equity and Culture for Grand Valley State University

January 15, 2025 – CAA | Hanold Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Robert Shorty as the inaugural vice president for people, equity and culture at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Valerie Lopez and Ashley Schiele led the assignment. This appointment comes after a search process that included campus forums for the finalists, allowing the GVSU community to provide feedback. Among the attributes that helped distinguish Shorty were commitments to teamwork and collaboration, alignment with the university’s core values, strong leadership qualities and authenticity.
“I am thankful for the entire search process, from the thoughtful committee who helped bring in a strong group of finalists to the campus engagement with our finalists,” said Jenny Hall-Jones, vice president for student affairs and search committee chair. “Dr. Shorty stood out in his ability to connect to all of the constituents as well as his experience in both human resources and DEI, and the depth of his examples of previous accomplishments.”
âDr. Shortyâs appointment to this new leadership position marks a significant step in one of our key priorities, further investing in Grand Valleyâs people and our culture,â said Philomena V. Mantella, president. âI look forward to his work to advance the support of our faculty and staff, making us one of the best places to work in the country and providing a foundation for GVSU to grow and succeed.â
Mr. Shorty began his career as a social worker before moving into corporate human resources and DEI positions and leadership, most recently as senior director of human resources for Nike. He also worked in those areas at Target, McDonalds and Starbucks, where for the latter he served as the talent management partner for the Northeast region and developed a DEI action plan that saw an increase in diversity of mid-level store managers. His leadership also extended to the community, where he developed programs to expand access to higher education for high school students as well as adult learners seeking college degrees.
This new position with GVSU position is designed to strategically advance human resources efforts, inclusion and equity initiatives and more to support faculty, staff and students. He will lead a streamlined division that connects people-centered operations including human resources, inclusion and equity support, office for Civil Rights and Title IX and the employee ombuds, which will enhance organizational capacity. Mr. Shorty said that throughout his career, he has been drawn to roles where he can ignite people and their purpose. After getting to know GVSU and its stakeholders, he believes this opportunity will empower him to be that catalyst.
“I envision championing a people-centered culture of inclusivity, equity and belonging that isn’t just an aspiration, but a reality that exists at every corner of our university,” Mr. Shorty said. “The people, equity and culture team will spearhead strategic initiatives, forge collaborative partnerships with stakeholders, and ensure we all remain accountable to fostering an environment where every individual feels not only supported but truly empowered to thrive. By doing so, we will clear a path for everyone to pursue their passions and purpose with unwavering confidence.”
Hanold Associates serves CEOs of startups, founder-led organizations, family offices, pre-IPO companies, PE firms and Fortune 100 organizations. The firm has completed more than 2,000 searches for its clients across industries, which include American Airlines, Apollo, a16z, A+E Networks, Acushnet, BlackRock, Blackstone, Cartier, College Football Hall of Fame, CBS, Dickâs Sporting Goods, Dominoâs Pizza, eBay, Electronic Arts, Fanatics, Federal Reserve Bank of NY, Ford Motors, Ford Foundation, Gucci, Hearst, Indeed, KKR, L Catterton, Live Nation, MGM Resorts, Moderna, Nederlander, The New York Times, Nordstrom, Paramount, Patagonia, Phillips 66, Prada, Kering, Robert F Kennedy Human Rights, Riddell, Save The Children, Shore Capital, TB12, Uber, Under Armour, Vail Resorts, Walgreens, and Zoom. Founded in 2010, Hanold Associates is headquartered in Chicago, with partners located in Boston, New York, Salt Lake City, Detroit, and Phoenix.
Ms. Lopez is a partner and head of Hanold Associatesâ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practice. She specializes in recruiting executive level DEI, human resources and talent leaders. Ms. Lopez has over a decade of experience in rapid-growth, private equity-backed SaaS businesses, specializing in M&A integrations and change management. Prior to joining Hanold Associates, she spent 15+ years in progressive operational roles at Cision.
Related: CAA | Hanold Executive Search Recruits VP of HR for the U.S. Soccer Federation
Ms. Schiele, a partner and head of client services with Hanold Associates, uses her advanced degree in organizational psychology to leverage both organizational dynamics and skill assessment in order to identify and recruit key talent. Ms. Schiele has experience recruiting across industries and functions including, but not limited to, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, IT, sales and marketing.
Recently Acquired
In October, Hanold Associates was acquired by entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Hanold Associatesâ team of 20 colleagues was folded into CAAâs executive search division. âWe continue in our longstanding efforts to innovate growth opportunities across all facets of CAA that further our commitment to providing unmatched resources to our esteemed clients worldwide,â said Paul Danforth, CAA managing director and president, CAA Sports. âCAA was the first talent agency to launch an executive search division, and we are thrilled with the incredible success that Joe Becher, Asher Simons, and their team consistently deliver to their clients across sports and entertainment. The addition of Hanold Associates, and its unique expertise, will amplify our efforts in this important service area and we are excited to see what these two teams can accomplish together.â
âThe recruitment of effective human resources leadership is vital to the growth and success of any organization, and Neela, Jason, and the team at Hanold Associates are without peer in this space,â said Mr. Becher. âThere are tremendous synergies across our businesses and clients. Hanoldâs culture and approach to client service is complementary to ours, and we are thrilled to join forces to bring these world class resources to our clients globally.â
CAA Executive Search was co-founded by Mr. Becher and Mr. Simons in 2017. It serves the sports, entertainment, and media industries, working closely with its clients to help build leadership teams through executive search; designs and develops organizational structures and compensation plans; and engages with investors, venture capital and private equity firms on human capital due diligence projects, providing expert insight into senior management teams within acquisition targets. Since its launch, CAA Executive Search has worked across major global sports rightsholders, technology companies, record labels, esports leagues and franchises, gaming publishers, live entertainment promoters, sports betting companies, traditional and digital media businesses, agencies, global brands, private equity firms, VC funds, and family offices.
Related: Hanold Associates Recruits SVP of HR and Diversity for New York Giants
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor â Hunt Scanlon Media