Diversified Search Group Expands Education Practice
August 6, 2024 – Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has expanded its education practice with the addition of Felicia McGinty as managing director. “Felicia’s proven leadership in higher education and dedication to fostering transformative change make her a tremendous asset to our team,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of Diversified Search Group. “Her strategic oversight of multi-million-dollar budgets and extensive leadership of large-scale teams exemplify her ability to inspire and empower others. We’re excited to embark on this journey together.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Felicia to our team at Storbeck | Diversified Search Group,” said Susan VanGilder, global managing partner and practice leader, education practice. “Her unparalleled experience in senior leadership roles at prestigious institutions, coupled with her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, align perfectly with our mission to support our clients in achieving their strategic goals through exceptional executive placements.”
With a career dedicated to fostering transformative leadership in higher education and beyond, Ms. McGinty brings strategic expertise and a passion for developing the next generation of leaders. Her career in higher education includes tenures at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, University of California Santa Cruz, and Penn State University Park. At Rutgers, she served as vice chancellor for student affairs, overseeing a large team and managing a substantial budget, and later as executive vice chancellor for administration and planning, where she led campus-wide operations and administrative initiatives.
In new position with Diversified, Ms. McGinty will lead strategic initiatives to enhance executive search solutions, focusing on identifying and placing senior talent across academic and administrative leadership roles.
“Joining Diversified Search Group as a managing director in the education practice is an exciting and full circle opportunity that aligns my higher education experience with my passion for connecting exceptional leaders with opportunities where they thrive,” said Ms. McGinty. “I’m eager to leverage my experience as a cabinet executive and my work with HERS to help institutions and organizations identify solution-oriented leaders who are equipped to meet higher education’s current and future challenges. As director of outreach and engagement at HERS, I come to DSG with an expansive network of more than 6,000 leaders who are poised to lead institutions and organizations into the future.”
Related: Diversified Search Group Acquires Alta Associates
Diversified Search Group is a family of recruiting firms serving specialized sectors. The firm was founded almost five decades ago by Judith 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.
Previous Hire
In April, Diversified named Jennifer Mason as a managing director in its education practice. “We’re thrilled to have Dr. Mason join our esteemed team of experts, especially at a time when the dynamics of leadership in higher education are rapidly evolving,” said Ms. Alexander. “Dr. Mason’s extensive experience and dedication to advancing change and partnering with clients in some of the country’s most prestigious institutions aligns with our efforts to make meaningful strides in shaping the future of education leadership.”
Diversified Search Group Appoints Leaders for Education Practice
Diversified Search Group (DSG) has announced that managing directors, Jim Sirianni, and Susan VanGilder, will co-lead the firm’s education practice following the retirement of its current leader, Shelly Storbeck, who will remain with the firm as a strategic advisor. “Over the last three years, our education practice has grown significantly, and it’s a testament to Shelly’s leadership and our tremendous team who serve as trusted advisers to some of the nation’s most prestigious educational institutions,” said Aileen Alexander, CEO of Diversified Search Group. “We are delighted that Susan and Jim will be leading our highly recognized education practice. They will work closely with our colleagues to continue delivering high-quality service and outcomes for our clients.”
“As a seasoned consultant, Dr. Mason has a depth of experience navigating the complex challenges within educational institutions,” said Susan VanGilder, education practice leader and global managing partner. “Her collaborative spirit and innovative approach align seamlessly with our team, ensuring successful partnerships and unparalleled results for our clients. We’re delighted to have her on board and look forward to the significant impact her expertise and insights will bring to our collective efforts.”
Dr. Mason has led collaborative engagements with higher education institutions, edtech companies, associations, foundations, and other influential organizations dedicated to driving positive change within the education landscape. As the founder of her own consulting practice, she provided strategic guidance to clients such as Johns Hopkins University, the National Institute of Health, and the World Bank Education Group.
Related: Diversified Search Group Appoints CEO
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
