WittKieffer

About Us

WittKieffer is the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm developing impactful leadership teams for organizations that improve quality of life. We work exclusively with organizations in healthcare, science, and education—the Quality of Life Ecosystem—and provide the essential knowledge, analysis and perspective that produce effective leaders and inclusive cultures. Through our executive search, interim leadership, and leadership advisory solutions, we strengthen organizations that make the world better. WittKieffer is proud to be 100 percent employee-owned. Visit www.wittkieffer.com to learn more.

ACHIEVEMENTS

WittKieffer

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We’re always learning from our clients when we conduct executive searches — about what it takes to lead organizations committed to improving the quality of life. Goals like making high-quality, cost-conscious healthcare widely available to individuals and families, advancing higher education, and life sciences companies achieving medical innovation require stewardship, highly-specialized knowledge and broad experience.

WittKieffer recruits great CEOs, CFOs, COOs, physician leaders, presidents, and other executives for hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers and other health-related organizations; life sciences companies including pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics and medical device corporations; colleges and universities and not-for-profit community service organizations and foundations. Our clients have relied on WittKieffer for more than 55 years to help recruit leaders with the best mix of skills, experience, vision and character to fulfill their missions. For them and for us, executive search is about much more than filling a chair —  It’s about bringing great leadership to your organization.

WittKieffer

Solutions And Expertise

WittKieffer recruits great CEOs and other executives for hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers and other health-related organizations; life sciences companies including pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics and medical device corporations; colleges and universities and not-for-profit community service organizations and foundations.

Solutions
  • Advisory Services
  • Assessment
  • Board Services
  • Data Analy./Mrkt. Intell.
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Executive Coaching
  • Executive Search
  • Interim
  • Leadership Consulting
  • Leadership Develop.
  • Mgmt. Consulting
  • Onboarding
  • Succession Planning
Industries
Functions
  • Board/Governance
  • Business Development
  • CEO/President
  • Communications/PR
  • Data/Analytics
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Finance/Accounting
  • General Management
  • GM/Operations
  • Human Resources
  • Information/Digital
  • Legal/Compliance
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Medical/Clinical
  • Research & Develop.
  • Risk Management
  • Supply Chain

WittKieffer

News Briefings

WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search

Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed

WittKieffer Recruits 22nd President for the University of Tulsa

Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has placed Stacy Leeds as the 22nd president of the University of Tulsa (UTulsa). Zachary Smith, Christine Pendleton, and Julia Bradley led the assignment. Ms. Leeds was selected following a competitive and comprehensive national search. Members of the search committee and full board were drawn to her unique portfolio of executive management, philanthropic success and unimpeachable academic credibility. “Stacy

Buffkin / Baker Seeking 11th President for Valdosta State University

Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker is currently assisting Valdosta State University (VSU) in its search for its 11th president. Partner Ann Yates and associate Dinah DeWitt are leading the assignment. President must provide transformational leadership that brings clarity, confidence and momentum to the university’s next chapter. This role begins with the ability to articulate a clear, compelling vision

WittKieffer Retained by the American Hospital Association to Find New Leader

Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been tapped by the American Hospital Association (AHA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Andrew Chastain, Paul Bohne, and Keshia Harris are leading the assignment. The organization seeks a dynamic, transformative leader to serve as its next president and CEO. This is a career-defining opportunity to advance

WittKieffer

Press Releases

WittKieffer and Ross & Company Join Forces to Advance Leadership in Investor-Backed Healthcare and Life Sciences

OAK BROOK, IL – December 17, 2025 – WittKieffer, the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm dedicated to improving quality of life through impactful leadership, today announced that it is acquiring the assets of Ross & Company and that its founder, Larry Ross, will join WittKieffer as Senior Partner and Lead Partner for Private Equity. This combination

Angelique David Named Chair of WittKieffer Board of Directors

WittKieffer, the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm serving organizations that improve quality of life, today announced that Angelique David was elected Chair of its Board of Directors, succeeding L. Thomas (Tom) Richards, M.D., who completed a distinguished tenure as Board Chair and concluded more than a decade of service on the firm’s Board. David, who assumed the

WittKieffer Expands Global Reach with New Office in Paris

WittKieffer, the premier global executive search and leadership advisory firm serving organizations that improve quality of life, today announced the opening of its new office in Paris, France. Leading the Paris office is veteran leadership advisor and Senior Partner, Virginie Lleu, who joined WittKieffer in June of this year to grow the firm’s presence in this

WittKieffer Welcomes Dr. Kasey Urquídez as Senior Advisor in Leadership Advisory

Oak Brook, Illinois – September 10, 2025 – WittKieffer, the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm improving quality of life through impactful leadership, announced today that Kasey Urquídez, EdD, has joined the firm’s Leadership Advisory solution as a Senior Advisor specializing in enrollment leadership. A nationally respected leader in enrollment management and student success,

Jeffrey Sturman Joins WittKieffer as Managing Partner and Information Technology Practice Leader

WittKieffer, the premier global executive search and leadership advisory firm committed to enhancing quality of life through impactful leadership, is pleased to announce a leadership transition within its Information Technology Practice. Hillary Ross, JD, who has led the Practice with distinction since 2017, turns the reins over to Jeffrey Sturman, who has joined the firm