Korn Ferry Recruits CEO for Wounded Warrior Project
June 22, 2016 – Executive search and leadership solutions provider Korn Ferry has recruited Michael S. Linnington as chief executive officer of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
Mr. Linnington will oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations and set strategic vision to guide the organization forward. He will be responsible for ensuring that WWP’s free, direct programs and services continue to have the greatest possible impact on the more than 100,000 warriors, WWP alumni, caretakers and families who rely on the organization’s life-changing services.
He joins WWP from the Defense POW / MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), where he was appointed director by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. There, he led the U.S. government’s efforts to research, investigate, recover and identify the nation’s missing / unaccounted for personnel from past conflicts.
Prior to his retirement from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant General, Mr. Linnington served as the military deputy to the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) and as the commanding general of the Military District of Washington / Joint Force Headquarters – National Capital Region. He also held general officer positions of responsibility as deputy commanding general at Fort Benning, Ga.; commandant of cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point; and Deputy chief of staff for plans and policy for the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command (IJC) in Kabul, Afghanistan. His decorated 35-year military career includes three tours in combat operations and key command positions in numerous assignments around the world.
“Mike’s extensive military experience and proven leadership credentials make him the perfect candidate to lead WWP,” said Anthony Odierno, chairman of the WWP board of directors. “Mike understands the unique needs of our nation’s veteran community, is a collaborative team-builder, and is deeply committed to fulfilling our mission of honoring and empowering Wounded Warriors. I am excited for WWP’s path forward under his leadership.”
“I have long held the utmost respect and appreciation for Wounded Warrior Project’s vital mission, and I am excited to join them as CEO,” said Mr. Linnington. “When our wounded veterans return home from combat, they rely on WWP and the organization’s dedicated team to provide necessary physical and mental health services, as well as economic empowerment and engagement programs that make a meaningful impact on their lives, and the lives of their families and caregivers. Being part of an organization committed to this important mission is a sacred duty and solemn responsibility.”
WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. It is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL.
Various charitable foundations have tuned to executive search firms in recent months to find new leaders. Here is a look at just a few taken from the Hunt Scanlon Media newswire archives:
- Phillips Oppenheim has been retained by YouthBuild USA to lead its search for a new CEO. Principal Paul Spivey is leading the search. YouthBuild is a non-profit organization which provides education, counseling and job skills to unemployed young adults (between ages 16 and 24), generally high school dropouts;
- Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected by Help for Heroes to lead its search for a new CEO. Founded by Bryn and Emma Parry in 2007, Help for Heroes has grown to become one of the best known charities in the U.K. The firm was also retained by Save the Children UK to lead in its search for a new CEO. Save the Children UK is a member of the Save the Children Alliance. It designs, develops, and commissions programs delivered by Save the Children International;
- Harvard Group International (HGI) has been selected by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to recruit six new board members. Chuck Cain, a senior partner active in the firm’s non-profit practice, is heading the search. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s roots stretch back to 1982 when the American Paralysis Association was formed. Christopher Reeve sought out the organization following his injury in 1995;
- Miller Black Associates placed Andrea Carter as chief people officer of Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta. Managing director Joanna Miller led search. Habitat for Humanity is devoted to building “simple, decent, and affordable” housing, a self-described Christian housing ministry, and the organization has addressed the issues surrounding poverty housing all over the world;
- CarterBaldwin Executive Search tapped J.C. Watts as president and CEO of Feed the Children. Bill Peterson, co-leader of the firm’s non-profit and academic search practice, led the assignment. Feed the Children’s mission is to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry;
- Witt/Kieffer has placed Michael W. Coughlin as president and CEO of Crotched Mountain Foundation. Crotched Mountain Foundation is a charitable organization founded in 1953 with a mission to serve individuals with disabilities and their families, embracing personal choice and development, and building communities of mutual support;
- Koya Leadership Partners recruited Mimi LeClair as the president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. Managing director Alison P. Ranney and Marissa Martin, vice president of executive search, are leading the assignment.
Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media