Brettschneider Executive Search

About Us

At Brettschneider Executive Search, we connect organizations with entrepreneurial, high-performing executive talent. Our advisors are former CEOs and COOs who understand firsthand the demands of executive leadership. Many were previously placed by our founders or served as clients themselves, forming a close, experienced peer network. With offices throughout the United States we operate nationally and take a deliberately hands-on approach: the senior team that launches each search leads each project through sourcing, in-depth interviews, off-list referencing, and final hiring guidance. Core work is never delegated to junior staff, and we limit our client engagements to ensure focus, rigor, and speed.

We serve organizations at pivotal moments, from multi-billion-dollar institutions with complex governance structures to founder-led companies under $20 million or even those building their first C-suite. Our clients care deeply about their mission and culture and we assist with their most critical transitions.

Brettschneider Executive Search’s recruiting blends deep research capabilities with carefully cultivated relationships across industries. While advanced technology enhances speed and reach, our strongest placements come through trusted networks built over decades. We are known for creative, cross-sector recruiting, bringing fresh perspectives when traditional candidate pools fall short.

Every search begins with deep listening and concludes with rigorous assessment, off-list referencing, and often post-placement coaching. We guarantee placements for 18 months. The result is a tailored, transparent, and highly effective search process built on judgment, values alignment, and long-term success.

Brettschneider Executive Search

Solutions And Expertise

Solutions
  • All Solutions
Industries
  • Academia/Higher Education
  • Cleantech/Sustainability
  • Consumer Goods & Services
  • Corporate
  • CPA's
  • Financial Services
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • HR/Diversity
  • Legal/Compliance
  • Life Sciences
  • Non-Profit
  • Professional Servcies
  • Technology
Functions
  • All Functions
  • C-Suite/President/Managing Partner
  • Chief Human Resource Officer/Chief Diversity
  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Diversity Equity & Inclusion
  • Human Resources
  • Legal/Compliance

Brettschneider Executive Search

News Briefings

St. Olaf College Taps Brettschneider Executive Search for Chief Information Officer Search

New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been selected by St. Olaf College to lead in its search for chief information officer. St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative CIO. The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources

Brettschneider Executive Search Seeking Inaugural SVP of Advancement for Wilmington University

New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by Wilmington University (WilmU) to lead in its search for an inaugural senior vice president of advancement to lead the University’s next phase of philanthropic growth. Reporting to WilmU president LaVerne Harmon, the SVP will partner closely with the president, board and University leaders to advance the University’s strategic

Brettschneider Executive Search Completes Search for Western Colorado University

New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Sharoni Little as dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business. “Dr. Little’s forward-thinking approach will help shape the future of business education at Western, creating opportunities for students to thrive in today’s competitive economy,” said Brad Baca, president. With a career spanning academia, corporate leadership,

Brettschneider Executive Search Appoints Senior Partner

New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has expanded with the addition of Joanne DeStefano as senior partner. “This is a defining milestone in the firm’s first three years that underscores its commitment to leading each search from start to finish by seasoned executives,” Brettschneider Executive Search said in a release. “DeStefano will play a pivotal role

Brettschneider Executive Search

Press Releases

St. Olaf College Seeks Chief Information Officer, Partners with Brettschneider Executive Search

St. Olaf seeks a values-forward, innovative Chief Information Officer (CIO). The next CIO of St. Olaf College will serve as a trusted advisor to the provost, president, and president’s leadership team on the role of information and library resources in institutional and academic strategy, enrollment, and student success. Overseeing a team of 55 talented staff

Brettschneider Search Tapped for Program Manager Search based in Manhattan

Brettschneider Executive Search is pleased to announce an opportunity for a Program Manager with a private philanthropic foundation based in Midtown Manhattan that is dedicated to making strategic grants that create meaningful impact. The Program Manager will partner closely with foundation leadership, supporting grantmaking, foundation operations, and organizational effectiveness within a collaborative family office environment.

Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped to Lead Inaugural Senior Vice President for Advancement Search at Wilmington University

Wilmington University has partnered with Brettschneider Executive Search to lead its inaugural Senior Vice President for Advancement search. The national search is being led by Joanne DeStefano and Kim Brettschneider, and interested candidates are encouraged to reach out directly at wilmu@brettsearch.com. Brettschneider Executive Search specializes in senior leadership placements for mission-driven organizations, bringing a highly

Brettschneider Executive Search announces Joanne DeStefano has joined the Firm

New York, NY — April 13, 2026 — Brettschneider Executive Search is pleased to announce that Joanne DeStefano, most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Cornell University, has joined the firm as its first Senior Partner. This is a defining milestone in the firm’s first three years that underscores its commitment to leading each search from start