About Us

Harris Search Associates is a leading global executive search and board advisory consulting firm. Modeled after the first premier management-consulting firms, in 1997, we launched our practice exclusively focused on executive search and management consulting of executive leadership to support the growth of the foremost universities, research parks, institutes, academic medical centers, children’s hospitals and healthcare organizations driving global innovation and discovery. Based in Columbus Ohio, we have additional regional offices in San Francisco and Dallas. We have successfully completed over 900 assignments.

We are the only national firm that combines the recruiting and leadership assessment expertise of consultants from the largest, most well-recognized retained search organizations with highly respected, former university Presidents, Provosts, Deans, Vice Presidents, and senior administrators from across the country.

At the highest level, retained executive search is a combination of both art and science. We are naturally curious, listen intently, and fervent in our aggressive recruitment of talent. Analytics, assessment tools, artificial intelligence, and the efficient use of data help inform our judgment, but skillful, adept search counsel guides the relationship between each client and our firm.

Each year, our business is represented by over 70% from repeat client institutions. Over the life of our firm we have successfully completed 94% of engagements. Assignments are consistently completed within 110 days, utilizing a process that blends efficiency with thorough due diligence. Average tenure of candidates placed leads the industry at 4.6 years.

Recent Placements

Solutions And Expertise

Modelled after the first premier management consulting firms, our practice remains solely focused on the distinctive needs of higher education. We recognize the transformative impact higher education plays in the growth of our country and understand leadership of an academic enterprise is more challenging than it has ever been, requiring an increasingly wide range of skills to balance the diverse missions of research, education, and service.

The responsibility to serve as higher education executive search counsel to the foremost institutions that educate and train the next generation of scholars, creators, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators remains an honor in every search assignment.

At the highest level, retained executive search remains a combination of both art and science. Analytics, assessment tools, the efficient use of data, and a reach that’s truly global informs our judgment; but, in the end, creation of a deep sense of partnership with mutual accountability, followed by specific, actionable recommendations, is paramount to our shared success.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss the future executive leadership needs at your institution.

Solutions
  • Executive Coaching
  • Executive Search
  • Leadership Consulting
  • Leadership Develop.
  • Mgmt. Consulting
Industries
  • Aerospace/Defense
  • Colleges/Universities
  • Government
  • Healthcare Services
Functions
  • Board/Governance
  • CEO/President/Executive Director
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Finance/Accounting
  • General Management
  • GM/Operations
  • Government
  • Human Resources
  • Information/Digital
  • Informational/Digital
  • Legal/Compliance
  • Marketing & Sales

News Briefings

Harris Search Associates Assists Johnson County Community College with Senior HR Search

Executive recruiters are in hot pursuit of chief human resource officers and other senior-level HR leaders across the nation. Why such pent-up demand for top flight HR experts? Corporate leaders want HR leaders who are sophisticated, proactive and strategic-minded, with strong business savvy to drive their people capabilities like they would a P&L, according to

Harris Search Associates Seeking Top HR Leader for Johnson County Community College

Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ of Harris Search Associates have been called in by Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS, to lead its search for a vice president of human resources. The search firm seeks a dynamic, energetic, visionary leader who fosters innovation and collaboration in a shared governance environment. This senior leader

Harris Search Associates Recruits Founding Dean for Xavier University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine

Following an extensive national search that included a highly competitive candidate pool from across the country, Harris Search Associates has placed Steven Halm as founding Dean of the Xavier University proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, which slated to become the nation’s first Jesuit osteopathic medicine school opening its doors to students in 2027. “Xavier is gaining a

Harris Search Associates Fills Senior Position for Nuvance Health

Following an extensive search that included a highly competitive candidate pool from across the country, Harris Search Associates has recruited Jeffrey Joyce as vice president for research and innovation at Nuvance Health. Dr. Joyce most recently served as senior associate dean for research and graduate programs at Florida State University’s (FSU) College of Medicine, a role

Press Releases

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Abigail Wexner Research Institute selects Harris Search Associates to lead the search for the next Chief Scientific Officer

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Abigail Wexner Research Institute has selected Harris Search Associates to lead the search for the next Chief Scientific Officer Nationwide Children’s Hospital Abigail Wexner Research Institute has selected Harris Search Associates to lead the search for the next Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). The Abigail Wexner Research Institute (AWRI) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Harris Search Associates recruits Dr. Charles A. Pierce as Dean of the School of Business at Oakland University

Harris Search Associates has recruited Dr. Charles A. Pierce as Dean of the School of Business at Oakland University Following an extensive national search that included a highly competitive candidate pool from across the country, we are pleased to announce the recruitment of Dr. Charles A. Pierce as Dean of the School of Business at

Harris Search Associates recruits Dr. Ellen Evans as Chair of the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health

Harris Search Associates has recruited Dr. Ellen Evans as Chair of the Department of Kinesiology at the Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health (IU-SPH-B). Following an extensive national search that included a highly competitive candidate pool from across the country, we are pleased to announce the recruitment of Dr. Ellen Evans as Chair of

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Selects Harris Search Associates to Lead Search for the Next Dean of the College of Science and Health

(March 2022) Charles R. Drew University University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has selected academic medicine executive search firm Harris Search Associates to lead the search for its next Dean of the College of Science and Health (COSH). Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost, the Dean is responsible for guiding, directing, and

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Selects Harris Search Associates to Lead the Search for the Next Associate Dean for Medical Education

(March 2022) The Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM) has selected academic medicine executive search firm Harris Search Associates to lead the search for its next Associate Dean for Medical Education. The Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University is seeking an experienced medical education leader to serve as the associate dean