About Us

Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) is a full-service, retained search firm founded in 2004 by Dr. Jan Greenwood and Dr. Betty Asher, who have both served as tenured professors and university presidents. They have shared their deep understanding of the organizational structures and challenges within higher education with the GA&A team. This shared knowledge has provided a solid foundation for our continued growth through evidence-based process and commitment to diversity. Their pioneering spirit has created opportunities for hundreds of leaders during the past 30 years.

GA&A believes that successful searches are accomplished through trusting relationships with clients and candidates, and by offering comprehensive and customizable search processes that deliver effective outcomes. As a result, GA&A has a notable repeat client rate – a testament to our acuity, expertise, and longevity.

GA&A is now one of the premier education executive search firms within the United States.  Our results-driven team of highly trained consultants possesses the specialized skillset to both recruit future leaders and deliver prompt, clear communications to clients and stakeholders.

In 2020, GA&A joined forces with Kelly® Education. We now leverage the strength of our parent company to offer strategic search partnerships throughout the continuum of education.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Solutions And Expertise

Executive Search:
At Greenwood Asher & Associates, we approach executive search a little differently than most. We believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration, combined with evidence-based best practices and experience, to design a customized search for the unique needs and characteristics of each institution we serve. By providing concierge-level service and support to our clients and candidates, we are able to identify and recruit high-quality, diverse, executive talent. Our comprehensive referencing allows the search committee to confidently assess candidates and select the best person to lead the institution in fulfilling its mission.

Key positions we support:

  • Presidents
  • Chancellors
  • Provosts
  • Deans
  • Vice Presidents
  • Directors
  • Diversity Officers
  • Department Chairpersons
  • Research Leaders

Coaching & Assessment:
Educational organizations know that learning never ends. For true leaders, there’s always room for self-discovery and growth. We customize our services to develop senior and emerging leaders for long-term success through coaching partnerships and use of objective, predictive, and analytical tools.

  • Improving leadership insight, professional performance, and personal satisfaction through executive coaching
  • Providing results-oriented workshops and retreats•
  • Mediating and resolving conflict and dysfunctional cultures

Identifying the right leader often begins with an accurate and reliable assessment of current leadership competencies. During the selection process, we use a highly effective assessment tool that measures behaviors and maps them to a relevant competency model. Considered in combination with other information, valid and reliable assessment data supports a more informed selection process.

Strategic Services:
High performing leaders constantly evaluate their organization’s performance and potential to ensure growth and sustainability. We support our clients by facilitating strategic planning, conducting academic program/organizational reviews, and benchmarking policies and practices. We partner with institutions to design a planning process that best matches the culture and needs of the institution. Our work includes the use of evidence-based approaches, assessment of current and desired status through multiple mechanisms, grassroots engagement, development of measurement dashboards, and leadership development for those involved with strategic planning implementation.

Solutions
  • Assessment
  • Executive Search
  • Mgmt. Consulting
Functions
  • CEO/President

News Briefings

Greenwood Asher & Associates Places President and CEO for University of the District of Columbia

After an extensive, seven month search, Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has placed Maurice D. Edington as the new president and CEO of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Marion Frenche, associate vice president of executive search and practice leader for diversity, equity, and inclusion, led the assignment

Greenwood Asher & Associates Seeks New Leader for Stillman College

Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates is seeking a new president for Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL. Cynthia Warrick, the first woman to hold the position at the college, will retire from the presidency at the end of her contract term on June 30. The search is being led by Marion Frenche

Greenwood Asher & Associates Retained by the University of the District of Columbia to Find New Leader

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) has chosen Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Ronald Mason will step down from his position at the end of June. Marion Frenche, search manager/practice leader of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and senior

Greenwood Asher & Associates Adds Four Professionals to Senior Leadership Team

Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) has expanded with the additions of Robert Caret, Jeremy Duff, Jim Johnsen, and Tracey Weldon as new vice presidents. These experienced higher education and executive search professionals become senior members of its leadership team, alongside vice president and managing director Susanne Griffin who leads

Press Releases

Greenwood Asher & Associates’ Vice President of Executive Search Featured on National Media for her Role in the Oxford Dictionary of African American English

Miramar Beach, Florida – July 17, 2023 – Greenwood Asher & Associates’ vice president of executive search, Dr. Tracey L. Weldon, was recently featured on national media for her role as an executive editor and advisory board member of the forthcoming Oxford Dictionary of African American English. The dictionary, a collaborative effort between Oxford Languages

Greenwood Asher & Associates Expands Executive Team to Support Growing Demand, Serve Diverse Base of Higher Ed Clients

MIRAMAR BEACH, FL (February 1, 2023) – Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) today announced the appointment of four new vice presidents and experienced higher education and executive search professionals as senior members of its leadership team, alongside GA&A vice president and managing director Susanne Griffin who leads the firm. The expanded leadership team – which

Jan Greenwood, Marion Frenche Recognized by SIA as 2021 DE&I Influencers

(June 2021) Jan Greenwood, co-owner and partner at Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC and Marion Frenche, practice manager at the woman-owned executive search, consulting and training firm, were recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts, (SIA) as two of 2021’s #Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion influencers. Ms. Greenwood and Ms. Frenche’s critical work in diversifying leadership in higher education,

Mary Pedersen Named Colorado State University Provost and Executive Vice President

(July 2, 2020) Mary Pedersen, a distinguished educator and veteran administrator, has been named to serve as the next Provost and Executive Vice President at Colorado State University. Pedersen, who comes to CSU from Cal Poly where she most recently served as Interim Provost, will assume her duties at CSU on Aug. 1. The Provost

Clifford Porter Joins Norfolk State University as VP of University Advancement

Mr. Clifford Porter, J.D. will join Norfolk State University in the role of Vice President for University Advancement. As the University’s Chief Giving Officer, Mr. Porter will grow NSU’s private giving portfolio and lead the University’s forthcoming capital campaign.  Mr. Porter comes to NSU from Bethune-Cookman University where he has served as Vice President for