Diversified Search Group Expands Healthcare Practice
October 21, 2024 – Diversified Search Group (DSG), a leading search firm backed by private equity firm ShoreView Industries, has expanded with the addition of Rick Barr as managing director in the healthcare practice. “Dr. Barr’s consultative approach combined with his leadership and industry experience will provide tremendous value to our healthcare clients during this time,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of Diversified Search Group. “We are excited to have Rick on board as a key member of our team.”
“Dr. Barr’s hiring is a significant milestone for our healthcare practice as we enhance our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Ed Stout, global managing partner, healthcare. “His deep industry knowledge and commitment to advancing healthcare outcomes will be invaluable as we continue to drive positive impact at our clients.”
With over 30 years of leadership in pediatric healthcare, Dr. Barr brings a wealth of expertise in executive search and leadership consulting to the firm. He has a career in executive leadership roles within academic healthcare, having served as executive vice president and chief clinical and academic officer at the Arkansas Children’s System. He has experience in securing record funding and elevating research initiatives.
In his new position with Diversified, Dr. Barr will provide strategic talent consulting to healthcare organizations assisting them with their succession planning and executive search by leveraging his experience in clinical operations, research, and education. “He has track record in recruiting senior leadership will empower clients to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape,” Diversified said in a release.
“I am honored to join Diversified Search Group and look forward to contributing to its mission,” said Dr. Barr. “Together, we will empower healthcare organizations to elevate their leadership and improve patient care through strategic talent acquisition.”
Related: Diversified Search Group Appoints Leaders for Education Practice
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 Expansion
In August, Diversified 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 Ms. Alexander. “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.” 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.”
Diversified Search Group Expands Corporate Practice
Diversified Search has strengthened its corporate practice with the additions of Nora Sutherland and John Burnes as managing directors. Ms. Sutherland, who will serve as managing director in the corporate practice’s technology team, will provide talent consulting to private equity clients and other high-growth software companies. “Nora’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for our firm as we grow our technology practice capabilities,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO. “Her proven track record and deep industry knowledge will undoubtedly enrich our corporate practice and drive impactful results for our clients. We warmly welcome Nora to our tech team and look forward to achieving new heights together.”
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.
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.”
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
