Kaye/Bassman Names Practice Leader for the South Division
April 30, 2026 – Plano, TX-based executive search firm Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), a Starfish Partners company, has named Ashley Richards as practice leader for the South division. “Ashley’s leadership, consistency, and track record of performance have made her one of the most respected partners within our organization. Her ability to build deep client relationships, while delivering exceptional talent solutions, has been instrumental to our growth in the construction and real estate sectors,” said Ryan Lange, president of Starfish Partners. “We are excited to see her step into this expanded leadership role, where she will bring alignment, momentum, and strategic direction across our construction practice’s South division.”
In this expanded role, Ms. Richards will oversee the firm’s recruiting operations across Texas, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. She has been a member of KBIC’s construction & commercial real estate practice since joining the firm in 2010. Over the past 16 years, Ms. Richards has built a successful recruiting business, partnering with general contractors, developers, specialty contractors, and end-users to place talent across all levels. Her work has spanned disciplines including operations, business development, safety, finance, marketing, human resources, and preconstruction, supporting some of the most recognized and respected organizations in key growth markets.
After just four years with the firm, Ms. Richards earned managing partner and ownership status, demonstrating her ability to build, scale, and lead a high-performing search practice. In addition to her recruiting success, she has played a key role in new client development and strategic marketing efforts across the region.
In her role as managing partner and South division practice leader, Ms. Richards will focus on scaling KBIC’s footprint across the region while continuing to deliver tailored, high-impact recruiting solutions. Her approach combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to long-term client relationships and talent strategy.
“I’m excited to step into this expanded leadership role and continue building on the strong foundation we’ve established,” said Ms. Richards. “Our team is deeply committed to helping our clients secure the talent they need to grow, and we’re ready to continue expanding that impact across the South.”
Related: Kaye/Bassman Integrates Ambulatory Surgery Center & Surgical Hospital Recruiting Practices
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.
New Managing Partner
Kaye/Bassman recently appointed Will Smith as managing partner within its construction practice. “Will’s promotion to managing partner is a proud moment for our team as he is the embodiment of our life laws including leadership, performance, commitment to clients, flexibility, unselfishness, and fun,” said Lee Martin, managing director of the Midwest construction & real estate practice. “He has played a critical role in expanding our presence in Missouri and consistently delivers exceptional results for construction companies at every stage of growth. We are excited to see his continued impact on our firm and the industry.”
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As managing partner, Mr. Smith will continue to lead market expansion efforts, mentor team members, and deepen client partnerships across the construction sector. As a key leader on the Midwest team, Mr. Smith drives strategic growth across the Missouri market, partnering with leading construction organizations to secure high-impact talent and elevate operational performance. In addition to his expanded leadership role, he serves as director of the Missouri commercial building practice within the firm’s construction and real estate specialty practice, which serves clients nationwide.
Related: Kaye/Bassman Grows Higher Education Practice
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
