McAleer Gray Seeking New Leader for Space Foundation
September 15, 2022 – Denver-based executive search firm McAleer Gray has been retained by Space Foundation to lead in its search for a chief executive officer. Founding partner Brad Gray is leading the assignment. Current CEO Tom Zelibor will retire following the 38th Space Symposium, to be held April 17-20, 2023. In 2017, McAleer Gray recruited Mr. Zelibor for the Space Foundation role.
The new CEO will lead a premier team of over 100 professionals, providing information, education, and collaboration services to the space industry, educators and students, government officials, and news media around the world, said the search firm. The position will be based at Space Foundation headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO.
“Today’s Space Foundation is a very different organization than it was five years ago,” said Mr. Zelibor. “We have grown to meet the challenges of the increasingly competitive and complex space economy. I love what we at Space Foundation do, what we stand for, and the impact we make. Leading this organization is an incredible honor, and I look forward to the great things we will do next.”
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is an advocate for all sectors of space, and is a global, non-profit leader in space awareness activities, educational programs, and major industry events, including the Space Symposium. Driven by a partnership model, Space Foundation operates three divisions that unite the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education, and local communities — through support from corporate membership, sponsorship, fundraising, and grants.
C-Suite Recruiting
McAleer Gray is a national boutique search firm with offices in Denver and New York. Its clients extend across a multitude of industries, and its focus ranges from board director placements to all C-level functions, as well as their direct reports. The firm’s clients include Berkshire Hathaway, The Walt Disney Company, Ball Aerospace, CSG Systems, HIS, AT&T Wireless, Digital Globe, Davita, Harbinger, Prologis, Ford Motor Company, Janus, Comcast, Cricket Communications, Eddie Bauer, Rent A Car, Johns Mansville, Harry & David, Aviva Insurance, The Broe Companies, and Credo Petroleum, among others.
Mr. Gray is a founding partner with McAleer Gray. He has over 15 years of executive search experience and was previously a partner in the Denver office of Korn Ferry International. While with Korn/Ferry, he led the firm’s global wireless telecom sector and co-led the overall communications practice. His clients have included high growth, early stage companies, as well as large established firms in telecom, technology, energy, call center, and other industries.
Terry McAleer, also a founding partner, has a background in executive search of almost 20 years. His client experience extends from early stage private companies to large multinational, publicly held corporations. He has over 20 years executive search experience and was previously a partner in the Chicago and Denver offices of Korn Ferry International, where he served as a member of the firm’s global industrial, manufacturing, advanced technology and professional services practices. His clients have included high growth, early stage companies, as well as large, established organizations in telecom, technology, energy, call center, and other industries.
Recent Search
McAleer Gray recently assisted in the placement of Grover Wray as CHRO for ModivCare. Mr. Wray’s extensive career includes executive human resource assignments at Digital Globe, CHRO; Western Union, EVP, HR; and Janus Capital Group, vice president. Additionally, he has substantial consulting experience as a managing partner, human resources, North America at Accenture and as president at Animus Advisors. The search was led by McAleer Gray HR practice lead John O’Loughlin, who specializes in executive human resource roles.
“Grover brings us a stellar three-decade track record of acquiring and developing talent, motivating team members, increasing staff engagement and productivity, and supporting improved business results through effective human resources partnership,” said Daniel Greenleaf, president and CEO of ModivCare. “We are thrilled to have him on board as we continue our journey to transform and grow ModivCare’s one-of-a-kind integrated supportive care solutions platform.”
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
