Kaye/Bassman Grows Higher Education Practice
September 16, 2025 – Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International recently expanded with the addition of Lou Stark to its higher education practice. “We are extremely proud to have Lou join our higher education practice,” said Eric Dickerson, managing director of Kaye/Bassman’s academic leadership division. “His years of experience working in tier-one research institutions give him excellent insight into the needs of organizations large and small. He also reflects the commitment of Kaye/Bassman to academics in this ever-changing and evolving environment.”
With a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in senior leadership roles across selective liberal arts colleges and top-tier research universities, Mr. Stark brings expertise and perspective to the team. Before joining Kaye/Bassman, he had a successful tenure as an executive search consultant specializing in higher education at AGB Search. Previously, Mr. Stark served as vice president for student affairs at Case Western Reserve University, where he retired in 2023 after a notable career. Throughout his professional journey, he has worked closely with institutional leadership, mid-level managers, and boards of trustees, giving him deep insight into organizational dynamics, culture, and leadership fit.
Mr. Stark holds a BS in psychology from Davis and Elkins College and an MS in counselor education from Hofstra University, where he graduated with distinction. He has also completed advanced studies in higher education and holds a certificate in management from Tulane University. An active contributor to the field, Mr. Stark currently serves on the board of trustees at Davis and Elkins College and has served on the NCAA Management Council for Division III.
“Lou’s addition reinforces KBIC’s dedication to serving the evolving leadership needs of colleges and universities nationwide,” Kaye/Bassman said. “His passion for student development, commitment to academic excellence, and decades of leadership experience will be invaluable to clients and candidates alike.”
Kaye/Bassman’s experienced higher education executive search teams combine partners, search consultants and project staff who have deep industry, occupational and regional knowledge. The practice identifies top-tier academic candidates for executive-level and campus-level leadership, administration, and campus-based individual contributors.
Related: Kaye/Bassman Names Managing Partner
Kaye/Bassman is a global search and recruitment solutions firm. It offers expertise in a number of industries, including construction and real estate, banking, insurance, private wealth management, healthcare, energy, security, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and medical device. During the last two decades, Kaye/Bassman has conducted nearly 5,000 mid- to senior-level searches.
Past Addition
Earlier this year, Kaye/Bassman expanded with the addition of Edward Canning as managing partner within its pharmaceutical and biotechnology recruiting practice. “Bringing Ed Canning onto our already formidable team represents a tremendous opportunity,” said Michael Pietrack, who leads the pharma and biotech division. “His integrity and values align perfectly with our culture, ensuring we can deliver even greater service to our clients.”
COORS Leadership Capital Transitioning Executive Search Services to Kaye/Bassman
COORS Leadership Capital is transitioning executive search services Kaye/Bassman International, a Starfish Partners company with more than 30 years of industry expertise. Cheryl Coors, president, CEO and founder of COORS Leadership, is retiring after a 25-year career in executive search. She has dedicated her career to providing healthcare executive search services, successfully placing over 2,500 talented professionals and transforming countless organizations along the way. “The relationships I built with clients, candidates, and colleagues have made my experience truly meaningful,” she said. Moving forward, Eric Dickerson, managing director at Kaye/Bassman International, will support the smooth transition and continue to support COORS clientele, leading the firm into its next chapter.
With over a decade of experience in executive recruitment, Mr. Canning has improved his expertise in the life sciences sector. He has a track record as an advisor in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device sectors. Before joining Kaye/Bassman, Mr. Canning was managing director with Shepherd Regulatory Search, an executive search firm focused on the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Before that, he gained experience as a recruiter with Dennis Partners.
Kaye/Bassman’s experienced pharmaceutical and biotechnology executive search teams combine managing directors, partners, and tenured consultants with exceptional industry, occupational, and regional knowledge. Since 1981, the firm has partnered with small to large pharmaceutical corporations, start-ups to established biotechnology firms, and clinical research organizations.
Related: Kaye/Bassman Expands Search Staff
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
