Diversified Search Group Acquires Yardstick Management

January 18, 2023 – Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has acquired Yardstick Management, a black-owned management consulting and executive search firm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. As a part of this acquisition, Yardstick Management Institute, a specialized leadership program designed for leaders and senior executives, also becomes part of Diversified Search Group.

“With this acquisition, we are continuing to advance Diversified Search Group’s purpose and decades-long commitment to investing in our clients’ long-term success as they respond to the evolving environment with a focus on innovation, resiliency, and growth,” said Aileen K. Alexander, chief executive officer of Diversified Search Group. “Yardstick offers unmatched expertise and scalable, actionable solutions to clients who are looking to create more inclusive cultures and achieve higher levels of engagement and performance.”

Headquartered in Atlanta, Yardstick Management brings extensive expertise in management consulting and data-driven business solutions. Yardstick’s team has a track record of providing organizational strategy, diversity, equity, inclusion consulting and solutions, and executive search expertise to organizations across multiple industries. Their clients span hundreds of companies, non-profit and social impact organizations, and higher education institutions. The firm was founded in 2012.

“We are beyond thrilled for the opportunity to join forces with Diversified Search Group, an organization that is aligned with our values and shares our mission to level the playing field for marginalized communities,” said Ebbie Parsons, founder and managing partner of Yardstick Management. “We are looking forward to scaling the firm’s practices globally and with the backing and support of Diversified Search Group, we are certain to make this growth a reality.”

“We are fortunate to have Ebbie and his distinguished team join Diversified Search Group,” said Judith von Seldeneck, founder and chair of Diversified Search Group. “This acquisition marks an exciting next step on our strategic growth trajectory and builds on our foundation and track record of broadening the ranks. We look forward to joining forces and continuing to help our clients meet their business priorities of today, while preparing for the demands of the future.”

Related: Hunt Scanlon Ventures Facilitates CTR Group Acquisition of RM Nephew & Associates

Diversified Search Group is a family of recruiting firms serving specialized sectors. The firm was founded almost five decades ago by Ms. von Seldeneck for the express purpose of placing diverse candidates in client organizations. It is today the largest U.S. female-owned and founded firm in the executive recruitment industry. It is comprised of a combination of specialty practices with deep industry expertise under industry recognized brands, including Alta Associates, BioQuest, Koya Partners, Grant Cooper, and Storbeck Search.

Recent Acquisition

Last year, Diversified Search Group acquired Alta Associates, a Flemington, NJ-based search firm founded by Joyce Brocaglia specializing in cybersecurity, IT risk management, and data privacy. Hunt Scanlon Ventures, based in Greenwich, Conn., facilitated the introduction and transaction between both organizations. “This is a strategic acquisition that will add significantly to our business offering in a key field that touches every client we serve,” said Ms. Alexander. “Cybersecurity, data privacy, and resiliency are top priorities for boards and senior leadership across every sector of our economy. Joyce Brocaglia has been a pioneer in this field, and we are delighted to welcome Joyce and her talented team who bring a shared sense of purpose along with deep expertise, insights, and knowledge of talent that will be valuable to our clients.”


Diversified Search Group Appoints CEO
A top 10-ranked executive search firm prepares for big growth and expansion with a key leadership appointment. Aileen Alexander will set Diversified Search Group on a new course, pivoting the firm to a more tech, digital, and security-driven orientation across key practice areas including life sciences, energy, technology, financial services, private equity, consumer & retail, supply chain, industrial, and the sports, media, and entertainment sectors. Delivering transformational, high impact, diverse leaders will be central to her mandate across the firm’s growing stable of female-founded recruiting businesses.


Ms. Brocaglia, Alta’s founder and CEO, launched the firm in 1986. Since then, Alta Associates has specialized in providing leadership to firms ranging from private equity and venture-backed growth companies to the world’s largest and most complex global corporations. Alta Associates’ experienced and tenured search executives bring a significant level of expertise and knowledge of talent that will broaden Diversified Search Group’s capabilities across industry verticals.

Related: Hunt Scanlon Ventures Facilitates ZRG Acquisition of Turnkey Search

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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