Myers McRae Tapped by Florida A&M to Find CHRO
March 25, 2026 – Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to lead in its search for an assistant vice president and chief human resources officer (AVP/CHRO). Jennifer Barfield, executive vice president, is leading the assignment. This senior executive position provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight of all human resources functions across the university’s campuses and locations. They are responsible for shaping and executing human capital strategies that advance the university’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and operational effectiveness.
The CHRO is accountable for the effective university-wide planning and administration of all HR activities on the main campus and satellite locations. This position develops and implements HR strategies aligned with the organization’s business goals, mission, and values, and leads the HR function to support organizational growth and transformation.
Those applying should have the proven ability to develop and execute strategic HR plans aligned with institutional priorities as well as a strong commitment to ethical leadership, integrity, and confidentiality. They must have in-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, collective bargaining, and HR best practices. Candidates must also have experience in higher education human resources systems, shared governance structures, faculty personnel matters, and large decentralized institutions.
President Search
Last year, Myers McRae assisted in the recruitment of Marva Johnson as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Her selection followed a thorough presidential search, which narrowed the field to four highly qualified Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, Brian Lamb, noted Ms. Johnson’s corporate connections, coupled with her vision for student success, will enhance the FAMU career pipeline to new levels.
Related: Myers McRae Recruits President for State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
“Marva Johnson’s confirmation as the next president of FAMU marks a new chapter in the university’s legacy,” he said. “Her visionary leadership, deep commitment to improving outcomes for students, and passion for innovation will be the catalyst for FAMU to build on the rich tradition and have a greater impact on the local community, the state, and the nation.”
Ms. Johnson was appointed to the Florida State Board of Education in 2014, was elected chair in 2015, and served in that capacity for four years. During her tenure, she championed policies aimed at improving educational outcomes for all students.
Founded in 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, located in Tallahassee, is the third oldest university in Florida’s State University System and is the state’s only public historically Black university. With an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students, FAMU ranks among the nation’s Top 100 public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” ranking.
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Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting serves colleges, universities, independent schools, and other not-for-profit institutions. Nearly all of its search professionals have a minimum of 20 years of experience in higher education. The majority of the firm’s searches have been for presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and other senior academic and administrative leaders.
Ms. Barfield works directly with colleges and universities on the recruitment and evaluation of candidates to fulfill their search needs. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education in fundraising, public relations, program development, strategic planning, and alumni and donor relations to our clients. Her career experience ranges from stints at a private college-preparatory school, First Presbyterian School; a private university, Mercer University; and a state university, Middle Georgia State University.
Related: Myers McRae Assists Pfeiffer University with Provost Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
