Harris Search Associates

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 1100 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

Harris Search Associates

Our Team

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Our diverse team of seasoned consultants combine experience from the most well-recognized, global retained executive search organizations with expertise from successful careers in academic administration.

Harris Search Associates

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

Harris Search Associates

News Briefings

Harris Search Associates Recruits CHRO for Cuyahoga Community College

A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Following an extensive national search that included a highly competitive candidate pool from across the country, Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has recruited Dua’a (Dee) Weber as vice president and chief human resources officer of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)

Harris Search Associates Recruits Dean for Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Monica G. Ferrini as dean of the College of Science and Health (COSH) at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in Los Angeles. “I look forward to the flourishing of COSH under Dr. Ferrini’s leadership,” said Sylvia Manning, interim provost and

Harris Search Associates Seeks Chief Scientific Officer for Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Harris Search Associates has been selected to help find the next chief scientific officer for the Abigail Wexner Research Institute (AWRI) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH. Search firm founder and managing partner Jeffrey G. Harris is leading the assignment. AWRI wants an experienced pediatric research leader for this role, said the Dublin, OH-based

Harris Search Associates Seeks CHRO for Cuyahoga Community College

Dublin, OH-based executive recruitment firm Harris Search Associates has been selected to help find the next vice president and chief human resource officer of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland. Search firm founder and managing partner Jeffrey G. Harris is leading the assignment. Tri-C is seeking a collaborative and visionary leader with the experience and

Harris Search Associates

Press Releases

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

University of North Texas Health Science Center Selects Harris Search Associates to Lead Dean of the School of Public Health Search

(March 2022) The University of North Texas Health Science Center has selected higher education executive search firm Harris Search Associates to lead the search for its next Dean of the School of Public Health. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean in collaboration with the Office of the Provost

The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota Selects Harris Search Associates to Lead the Search for the Next Cryo-EM Program Faculty Director

(March 2022) The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota has selected higher education executive search firm Harris Search Associates to lead the search for its next Cryo-EM Program Faculty Director. The Hormel Institute is searching for a Full/Associate Professor level faculty member with a strong track record of outstanding leadership within relevant research areas, with a

Oakland University selects Harris Search Associates to Lead the Search for its Next Dean of the School of Business Administration

(March 2022) Oakland University has selected higher education executive search firm Harris Search Associates to lead the search for its next Dean of the School of Business Administration. Oakland University (OU) seeks a visionary Dean with the highest academic standards who will provide active and engaged leadership, have an unwavering commitment to faculty, staff, and

Indiana University Selects Harris Search Associates to Lead Chair of Kinesiology Search

(March 2022) Indiana University School of Public Health – Bloomington has selected Harris Search Associates to lead its Chair of the Department of Kinesiology search. POSITION SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES The Department Chair provides inspirational and practical leadership for the department’s research, teaching, and service mission. The chair is responsible for leading this historic department including: