Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
June 17, 2026 – Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of NACD.
Ms. Stevens brings more than 30 years of human resources leadership experience spanning financial services, technology, and professional services organizations. Most recently, she served as chief human resources officer for the Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance, where she led human resources, communications, and facilities and partnered closely with executive leadership and the board of directors on talent strategy, succession planning, organizational design, and leadership development. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations build high-performing cultures, strengthen leadership capabilities, and align talent strategies with long-term business objectives.
“I am honored to join NACD at such an important moment in the organization’s growth,” Ms. Stevens said. “NACD’s mission depends on exceptional people, strong leadership, and a culture that enables employees to do meaningful work with clarity, accountability, and purpose. I’m excited to partner with the leadership team and employees to build the talent, capabilities, and culture that will support NACD’s continued impact.”
The National Association of Corporate Directors is the leading member organization for corporate directors who want to expand their knowledge, grow their network, and maximize their potential. For more than 48 years, NACD has helped boards and the business community elevate their performance and create long-term value.
Lochlin Partners conducts searches for board and executive-level positions within government and corporate affairs, government contracting, technology and services, higher education, the public sector, financial services, and healthcare. The firm is led by managing partners Liza Wright, and Pat Friel. Each of the managing partners has been in the search business for 20 or more years and has been a partner in one of the four large international firms—and in most cases has run a major office or practice at those firms.
Related: Lochlin Partners Assists the Entertainment Software Association with CFO Search
Ms. Wright has over 25 years of experience in the executive search industry. Prior to co-founding Lochlin Partners, she served at the highest levels of government, working at the White House as the assistant to the President and director of Presidential Personnel. As the senior personnel advisor to former President George W. Bush, she met with the President regularly to recommend individuals to fill critical presidential appointments, including Cabinet Secretaries, ambassadors and other key positions in cabinet-level departments and U.S. regulatory agencies.
For more than 25 years, Mr. Friel has provided executive search and leadership advisory services to a broad range of clients. He works extensively with clients in government, financial services, technology and professional services organizations, trade and membership associations, and non-profits, helping these clients build world-class management teams. Mr. Friel provides particular expertise in recruiting senior executives in the areas of general management (CEOs and general managers), financial management (CFOs, controllers, tax and audit leadership) and business management functions including marketing, business development, legal and human resources.
Center for Strategic and International Studies Search
Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of John Adams as the new CFO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. “John is an exceptional talent who brings deep financial expertise and strategic judgment to CSIS,” said CSIS president and CEO John Hamre. “With a record of innovative leadership and sound management, he is well positioned to help CSIS build on a period of strong growth and reinforce the foundation needed to scale our research and deepen our impact.”
Executive Search Continues Its Confident Climb As Transformation Takes Center Stage
The executive search industry entered 2026 from a position of strength. According to Hunt Scanlon, fee revenue at the 50 largest executive search firms in the U.S. / Americas – the global talent sector’s largest and most dominant region – jumped 11 percent last year, topping out at $6.69 billion. Seventy-five percent of search firms on the roster polled by Hunt Scanlon reported positive growth, with nearly half (24 firms), expanding by double digits. By every measure, it was a big year.
Leadership demand across private equity and venture capital, healthcare services and healthcare tech, financial services, technology, AI, and professional services swelled last year. Legal recruiting, particularly the business of finding elite law firm partners, accelerated as strategic expansions across the sector exposed acute high-impact partner shortages.
To read the full issue of Hunt Scanlon Media’s 2026 Rankings Edition of Executive Search Review, click here!
Mr. Adams brings to CSIS more than 25 years of experience leading complex, mission-driven organizations through sustained financial growth and institutional modernization. He will oversee the center’s financial strategy, operations, and long-term planning, including finance, accounting, audit, and risk management.
With an annual operating budget exceeding $65 million, CSIS stands at the forefront of shaping the future of national security through rigorous, nonpartisan scholarship on the issues that will define American prosperity and security for decades to come—including defense, economic security and technology, geopolitics, and global development.
Related: Lochlin Partners Assists the National Audubon Society with CDO Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
