Diversified Search Group Expands Education Practice
April 22, 2024 – Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has 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 Aileen K. Alexander, CEO. “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.”
“As a seasoned consultant, Dr. Mason brings 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.”
“With over two decades of experience spanning various sectors within the education ecosystem, Dr. Mason’s wealth of expertise and insights aligns with the firm’s reputation and commitment to providing leadership solutions and expertise to clients across industries,” DSG said.
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.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Mason served as a practice manager at Education Advisory Board (EAB), where she assisted colleges and universities nationwide in developing internal leadership talent, enhancing faculty diversity, and fostering student success initiatives, among other institutional priorities. Before moving to consulting, Dr. Mason has held faculty positions at Skidmore College and Southern Methodist University and was an Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in the Humanities Consortium at UCLA.
“I am delighted to join DSG’s education practice,” said Dr. Mason. “My work has focused on helping organizations engage and communicate with key constituents as they define and pursue plans for transformation and growth, and DSG’s approach fits very well with my own. The team focuses on serving as strategic advisors and thought partners with their clients and has an exceptionally high bar for client service.”
Related: Diversified Search Group Appoints CEO
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.
Recent Growth
In February, DSG named Caitlin Iseler as practice leader and managing director, software technology. She is based in Philadelphia, PA, and Jackson Hole, WY. “As a VC-backed founder and talent advisor Caitlin approaches every client and engagement with a listen-first approach to ensure the best long-term fit for investors, companies and executives alike,” said Ms. Alexander. “We’re so thrilled to welcome Caitlin to our team and to leverage her expertise for the benefit of our clients and candidates.”
Ms. Iseler most recently served as a partner at Korn Ferry, the founder of a software-focused executive search firm, and the founder of Happyly, an HR tech software business, which is a partner to DSG. Happyly’s tools help users accomplish personal wellness goals – from improving mental and physical health to strengthening teammate connections.
Diversified Search Group also recently appointed Lauren E. Smith as co-head of its board and governance practice. She is helping to expand the firm’s impact in the boardroom. Ms. Smith shares leadership of the practice with Veronica Biggins. “Lauren’s passion for how our firm can make a difference in the boardroom is infectious. I am thrilled to have her join Veronica Biggins, who founded our practice, and is a widely recognized and highly regarded leader in the industry,” said Ms. Alexander. “Working together in this growing area will enable us to expand our reach to have an impact in even more corporate boardrooms.”
Ms. Smith joined Diversified Search Group in 2008 as managing director and has recruited senior executives from a broad range of industries for C-suite and boardroom positions. She conducts senior-level executive search assignments for clients ranging from high-growth early-stage organizations to multinational corporations, specializing in working with companies that are growing and/or transforming into new markets and businesses.
Related: Diversified Search Group Appoints Leaders for Education Practice
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
