Funk Associates Appoints President

November 13, 2025 – Funk Associates has made a leadership transition with the appointment of Willie Funk as president of the firm. Bill Funk will continue as the firm’s chief executive officer. In this role, he will continue to guide the strategic direction of the firm and will continue his engagement with clients and continue his consultancy on senior leadership positions. Mr. Funk will also continue moderating his popular podcast, “Voices of Leadership” which highlights interviews with leading higher education leaders.

“This is an exciting new chapter for Funk Associates,” said Bill Funk. “Willie has already demonstrated his leadership and effectiveness in executive search. His energy, perspective, and commitment to excellence will ensure the firm continues to thrive and expand its impact.”

“This is a natural evolution of the firm’s leadership structure, as Willie has been leading an impressive portfolio of senior-level search assignments and built strong relationships with client institutions while consistently delivering successful outcomes,” the firm said. “With this transition, Funk Associates reaffirms its commitment to delivering unparalleled expertise and partnership to colleges and universities across the nation. His proven leadership experience at Funk Associates – in addition to his legal background – provide a strong foundation for his new responsibilities as president.”

Willie Funk brings to the position both deep experience in executive recruitment and a thoughtful, client-centered approach that reflects the values of Funk Associates. He has been with the firm for a total of 13 years and has served as the firm’s managing vice president for the past five years.

Funk Associates is an executive search firm specializing in higher education executive recruitment. The firm has recruited chancellors/presidents for two-thirds of all public AAU universities. The firm has also recruited presidents or chancellors to more than one-half of U.S. News & World Report’s recently published “Top 30 National Universities.” Over time, it has conducted more than 425 searches for college and university presidents and chancellors as well as an even greater number of provosts, deans, and various vice presidents. The firm’s sports division, headed by Willie Funk and Scott Thompson, specializes in searches for athletic directors and coaches.

The firm has been recognized by the Women’s Network of the American Council on Education (ACE) for its work in recruiting women and minorities to senior levels of higher education. Notably, the search firm has broken the color and/or gender line in president searches at more than 40 institutions around the country, making it one of the most highly sought after search firms across the sector.

Leadership Appointments at Search Firms

Top leadership appointments have made headlines in recent months. Here’s a look at several examples taken from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:

BoardWalk Consulting has named Crystal Stephens as managing director and CEO. She succeeds Sam Pettway, who founded BoardWalk in 2002 and will continue to serve as founding director. Mr. Pettway will remain active in market development, select client engagements, and the continued growth of the firm’s reputation. “For 23 years, BoardWalk’s focus has been simple but absolute: finding leaders that matter for missions that matter,” said Mr. Pettway. “Crystal Stephens has been central to our success for over half that time. Her thoughtful, creative, and collaborative leadership with clients and colleagues alike makes her a sterling example of our vision in action. I’m thrilled she will be guiding our firm to its next level of impact.” Over the past 13 years, Ms. Stephens has led many of the firm’s most complex and high-profile searches, earning the trust of such national organizations as Earthjustice, ACLU, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Trust for Public Land, and Year Up United. Her impact in Atlanta is evidenced in the leadership of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Gateway Center, and the Betty & Davis Fitzgerald Foundation.

Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Priya Taneja as CEO, effective September 1, 2025. She will succeed Geoff Hoffmann, who will transition to the role of chairman of the board. This milestone marks a historic moment for the firm, as Ms. Taneja becomes the first non-family CEO in DHR’s 36-year history signaling a deliberate step forward as the firm accelerates into the next era of growth. She also becomes the third woman and first of color to run a top 10 executive search firm. Founded in 1989 by the family patriarch David Hoffmann, DHR last saw a leadership transition in 2012 when Geoff succeeded David as CEO. “Priya is a dynamic, trusted, and forward-thinking leader,” said Mr. Hoffmann. “She brings a rare ability to lead a global firm while staying deeply connected to our people, our culture, and our stakeholders. This transition has been thoughtfully considered for some time, and I couldn’t be prouder to see her step into this role. She’s the ideal leader for our next chapter, and I’m confident to know that the firm is in exceptionally capable hands.”

Global hospitality consulting firm HVS Executive Search has appointed Alice Sherman as CEO, beginning January 1, 2026. After more than 35 years in the retained executive search industry—including 12 years as CEO of HVS Executive Search—Court Williams will be retiring from his role. To ensure a seamless leadership transition and continued support for the company’s clients and team, Mr. Williams will remain actively engaged with the firm as chairman emeritus, providing strategic guidance and mentorship over the coming years. “Court has played a pivotal role in shaping HVS Executive Search into the respected global brand it is today,” said Stephen Rushmore, president and CEO of HVS. “His steady leadership and deep client relationships have had a lasting impact on our organization and the broader hospitality industry. We are fortunate to have Alice Sherman step into this leadership role—her energy, experience, and vision position her perfectly to lead the firm into its next chapter.”

Related: EY Says Big Deals Driving Record M&A Growth In U.S.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media