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Shelli Herman and Associates Tapped by Mystic Aquarium to Lead CEO Search
Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates was recently selected by Mystic Aquarium to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. The organization seeks an experienced, mission-driven CEO to lead the organization into its next chapter, defined by expanded conservation impact, philanthropic growth, and deeper community relevance. Reporting to the board of trustees, this
Furst Group Recruits President and CEO of Blessing Health System
Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, recently helped to recruit Mike Trachta as the president and CEO of Blessing Health System. “The board sought a leader who could shape long-term strategy, strengthen key partnerships, and preserve Blessing Health’s independence while advancing operational excellence and financial stewardship,” Furst Group said in a LinkedIn
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
BoardWalk Consulting Leading Chief Philanthropy Officer Search for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) to lead in its search for a chief philanthropy officer. The search is being led by Terri Kohan and Patti Kish. Philanthropy is central to that ambition. SVdP USA’s leadership aims to grow national fundraising substantially over the next three to
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Bespoke Partners Launches AI Leadership Benchmarks for PE-Backed Software and SaaS
Bespoke Partners has released its AI Leadership Benchmarking Guide for measuring AI deployment progress in software and SaaS company leadership for the private equity industry. “Panic drove the SaaSpocalypse fear that AI will kill software, but the transformation of software and SaaS using AI has been under way for years,” said Eric Walczykowski, CEO of
Search Leaders Have Mastered Prompting. Now They Want AI that Works for Them
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in executive search, firms are moving beyond basic adoption to determine how the technology can deliver measurable business value. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving productivity, strengthening client relationships, and giving recruiters more time to concentrate on high-value activities. But realizing those benefits will require more than
TurnkeyZRG Leading Athletic Director Search for the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is launching a national search for its next athletic director, with president-elect C. Cybele Raver leading the process in partnership with current president Domenico Grasso. The school has retained TurnkeyZRG to lead the assignment. The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan
Lock Search Group Leading Efforts to Recruit CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group was retained by Atlas Sign & Awning to find its next CEO. Recruitment consultant, partner Cameron Lappin is leading the assignment. Reporting directly to the CEO of the holding company, the appointed CEO for Atlas Sign & Awning will provide strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the business,
Slayton Search Partners Grows Consumer Practice
Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Karen Ouchterloney as vice president and managing principal in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are pleased to welcome Karen to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, CEO and managing partner. “Her combination of firsthand operating experience with leading consumer brands and more than 13 years advising clients
TRANSEARCH Adds New Member Firm in Poland
Executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting consortiums, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. TRANSEARCH International has added GP Executive as a member firm in
Consulting Partner Compensation Strengthens as AI and Private Equity Reshape the Market
The North American consulting market is showing signs of renewed strength, with improving revenue performance and resilient partner compensation. A new report from The Barton Partnership examines how compensation, ownership structures, and career expectations are evolving as consulting firms navigate shifting business models and growing private equity investment. The findings also point to mounting concerns
The Old Math Is Broken: Rethinking Growth, Headcount and Margins in the AI Era
The traditional growth model for executive search firms is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how recruiting businesses operate. For years, expansion meant adding more clients, mandates, recruiters, and overhead. Today, AI is creating opportunities to increase productivity, improve margins, and grow revenue without expanding headcount at the same pace. These advances are
Preng & Associates Recruits Chief Construction Officer for Pacifico Energy
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Ronald Hall as chief construction officer at Pacifico Energy, a global energy infrastructure developer specializing in power generation and customized energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and data center customers. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Pacifico Energy as the company advances major power generation developments to meet
Potrero Group Currently Seeking Executive Director for The Pisgah Conservancy
San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group is currently leading the executive director search for The Pisgah Conservancy. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. The executive director serves as TPC’s chief executive and is the primary steward of its mission, culture, and long-term vision. This is an opportunity to lead a respected conservation organization
Charles Aris Appoints Senior Practice Leader
Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has expanded with the recent addition of Scott Kennedy as senior practice leader. He will lead CFO and senior finance executive searches for growth-oriented and sponsor-backed companies, with a particular focus on software, technology and TMT. Over more than a decade in executive search, Mr. Kennedy has worked on
Talent Alignment: Why Human Capital Must Be Central to Business Strategy
While growth is expected to strengthen a business, many organizations eventually reach a point where the opposite appears to be true. Decision-making slows, accountability becomes less defined, and initiatives begin to lose momentum. Leaders begin wondering whether they need different people, a recent report from Ascentria Search Partners explained. Sometimes they do, but not always. But
Isaacson, Miller Recruits 17th President for Virginia Tech
Boston-based Isaacson, Miller has assisted in the recruitment of Richard Linton as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. He succeeds Tim Sands, who announced his resignation in April. Greg Esposito and Julie Filizetti led the search with Kristen Andersen, Raul Bernal, Victoria Castillo, and Gabrielle Nayar. “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a
NU Advisory Partners Recruits Chief Marketing Officer for Paula’s Choice
NU Advisory Partners has placed Sheila Shekar Pollak as chief marketing officer of Paula’s Choice. The search was led by Libby Naumes, Penina Remler, and Kelsey Kelly. Ms. Shekar Pollak brings more than 20 years of marketing and brand leadership experience across consumer, beauty, apparel, and outdoor brands. Most recently, she served as chief marketing officer
Modern Executive Solutions Names New Leader to Drive M1 Technology Community Expansion
Atlanta-based talent consultancy Modern Executive Solutions has expanded with the addition of Joan Rohs as senior partner, M1 Technology Community. “We’re building an integrated network that connects exceptional leaders, brings together the right expertise, and helps prepare executives for a world being reshaped by AI,” said Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. “Joan brings an extraordinary
StevenDouglas Expands HR Practice
StevenDouglas recently expanded with the addition of Brittney Molitor as a director, human resources search. “Brittney takes a highly consultative approach to search, focusing on both the capabilities required for a role and the cultural alignment needed for long-term success,” StevenDouglas said in a LinkedIn post. “She is passionate about building genuine relationships with clients
Insight Partners Launches Empower to Prepare CIOs for Board Roles
AI and software investor Insight Partners has launched Empower, a program that helps Global 2000 CIOs plan and prepare for board seats, startup advisory positions and other portfolio-career paths while they are still in their operating roles. Empower launches with 10 delivery partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, Riviera Partners, and Global Mentors Group, and has
Brettschneider Executive Search Tapped by William Paterson University to Find Next Provost
New York City-based Brettschneider Executive Search has been retained by William Paterson University (WP) to lead in its search for a provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Reporting to president Richard J. Helldobler, the provost will serve as chief academic officer and as a visible, collaborative partner to the president, cabinet, deans, and faculty governance bodies.
Klein Hersh Recruits President and CEO for Shenandoah Therapeutics
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Steve Worland as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors at Shenandoah Therapeutics. Co-founder and founding CEO Isabella Graef, has transitioned to chief scientific officer and will continue to lead Shenandoah’s scientific strategy. “I’m delighted to welcome
Harris Search Associates Seeking Research Leader for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
Harris Search Associates is currently seeking the inaugural director of research for Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute (TSI). Jeffrey Harris and Richard Skinner are leading the assignment. Working in close partnership with the TSI Director and other Institute leaders, the director of research serves as a catalyst to refine and evolve the TSI’s research strategy, focused on large-scale academic-industry-government private
BarkerGilmore Names Senior Director
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, recently expanded with the addition of Jesus Meraz as senior director. He brings a unique combination of leadership experience, legal training, and strategic business insight to the firm’s executive search practice. His career has been defined by helping organizations identify, attract, and develop
Revenge Quitting Creates New Challenges for Recruiters
You spend weeks helping a team find the right person. A few months later, that same role lands back on your desk because the employee has resigned. Now the position is urgent, the hiring manager wants a replacement right away, and the pressure is coming from every direction. When exits like this occur at particularly
Peña Search Seeking Chief Strategy Officer for Housing Forward
Peña Search was recently retained by Housing Forward to lead in its hunt for a chief strategy officer. Travis Hillier is leading the assignment. Reporting to the president and CEO, the chief strategy officer will serve as Housing Forward’s chief strategist and a member of the executive leadership team. The CSO will oversee the teams
Nexus Search Partners Recruits CEO for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Bryant Owens as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. He will succeed Laura Belcher, who has served the organization with distinction for more than 12 years. Owens will become the sixth CEO
Charles Aris Launches Interim Search Business
Organizations are increasingly turning to flexible leadership solutions to navigate periods of change, execute strategic initiatives and drive value creation, especially in private equity. In response to this growing demand, Greensboro, NC-based executive search firm Charles Aris Executive Search has launched Charles Aris Interim Solutions, a new division dedicated to connecting organizations with experienced independent talent for interim
What are Boards Doing Differently for Better Executive Appointments in 2026?
Boards are increasingly reshaping how they approach executive appointments—building the governance discipline, assessment rigor, and future-facing criteria needed to make confident leadership decisions in a more volatile and accelerated world. Leadership decisions are moving faster, carrying higher stakes and less room for error, according to a recent report from Signium. “Today, boards are asking whether
Buffkin / Baker Retained by Lees-McRae College to Find New Provost
Executive recruitment firm Buffkin / Baker has been selected to assist in the search for a new provost for Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. Managing partner Martin M. Baker is leading the assignment. Lees-McRae College is seeking a creative and dynamic provost who will provide active and engaged leadership across campus, serve as an advocate for the faculty,
RM Nephew and Associates Recruits CFO for the International Institute of New England
Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates has placed Celine Mukasine as the new chief financial officer for the International Institute of New England (IINE) in Boston. Ms. Mukasine previously served as director of finance for Foster America, an organization that seeks to improve the lives of those who are in foster care or at risk
IRC Appoints Americas Regional Leader
IRC Global Executive Search Partners has named Carlos Acosta of The QualiFind Group as the group’s Americas regional leader. “We are very fortunate to have Carlos joining us in this key position,” said Rohan Carr, president of IRC Global Executive Search Partners. “He brings a depth of search experience and s strong knowledge and understanding of
McDonald’s is Tying Executive Pay to Diversity Hiring. Will it Work?
In the end, money may be the only way to move the diversity needle. After watching most companies fail in their efforts to add more leaders of color, the world’s largest fast-food chain has decided to tie executive pay to the challenge. McDonald’s said it is tying 15 percent of an executive’s bonus to meeting targets
More Americans Shifting to Hybrid Workplace Model as Spring Recovery Begins
The Labor Department reported this morning that 719,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 675,000 filings. This is the lowest level for this average since March 14, 2020 when it was 225,500. The previous week’s average was revised down by 6,500 from 736,000 to 729,500. The Fed have
Vetted Solutions Tapped by the American Composites Manufacturers Association to Find New Leader
Washington, D.C.- based executive recruitment firm Vetted Solutions has been selected by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) to lead its search for a new executive director. The search firm is seeking a dynamic leader to head the world’s largest composites industry trade group. Vetted notes that this is an “exciting opportunity for a seasoned executive with
JM Search Forms Legal Practice
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has formed a new legal practice. Dan Figueroa has been named partner and leader of the new focus area. “Adding Dan to our team and launching this new practice further demonstrates the strength of our growing commitment to our clients,” said John
The Moran Company Seeks CEO for National Ski Patrol
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, was recently enlisted to find the next chief executive officer for the non-profit National Ski Patrol (NSP), a leading authority on winter mountain safety, in Lakewood, CO. Leading the assignment is senior search consultant Bruce Scott. The CEO of the NSP will
Here’s How Women Leaders Can Win Their First Board Seat
Until the late 1970s, corporate board seats were generally filled by “friends of the boss.” In other words, they were usually men, mostly white, who often ran in the same social circles as the CEO. By the 1980s, however, societal demands for corporate diversity began to change boardrooms—or at least what they looked like. While
Why Recruiters Hunt for Inner Motivation
Is it the need for power and prestige that drives you in your career, or is it a passionate desire to change the world? People are different, and the things that make us perform at our best can also be varied, according to a new report by EMA Partners International’s Frode Pettersen. Located in Norway
Greenwood /Asher & Associates Seeks CHRO for Clemson University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has been enlisted to find an associate vice president/ chief human resources officer for Clemson University in South Carolina. Clemson is seeking a dynamic leader on the cutting-edge of human resources strategy development and deployment, said Greenwood /Asher & Associates. The new CHRO will report to
Crist|Kolder Associates Recruits CFO for Foot Locker
Crist|Kolder Associates recently assisted in the placement of Andrew E. Page as the new chief financial officer of New York-based specialty athletic retailer Foot Locker. The previous CFO, Lauren B. Peters, is retiring. “We are pleased to welcome Andrew as Foot Locker’s next CFO,” said Richard Johnson, chairman and CEO. “Andrew has a track record of successfully leading finance functions,
NPAworldwide Adds Seven New Member Firms
Seven new independent recruitment firms have recently joined member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Africa. These search outfits seek to increase revenue through NPAworldwide’s cooperative placement model. NPA now has 550 member offices across six continents. “Congratulations to each of our new members,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining the network, these
Skills Gap Points to Why We Need to Invest in People
Despite persistently high unemployment levels, the skills gap is costing employers millions of dollars annually. A new report from Horton International explores how the skills gap has evolved and takes a deep dive into what human capital is, and why we need to invest in people. The report, authored by Guillermo Cepeda, says that the nature of work is
Pandemic Era Spawns New C-Suite Roles
Along with the sudden rise in importance of chief people officers and CHROs, the pandemic era has spawned many new C-suite roles. But only some of those are likely to become permanent corporate fixtures when the current crisis subsides. A new report from Boyden explores how CEOs have used the creation of new executive roles to help
Greenwich Harbor Partners Fills Board Position for Teach for America
Greenwich Harbor Partners partnered with Teach for America in the recent recruitment of TransUnion executive Hilary Chidi to its board of directors. “Hilary is a rising star at TransUnion, a company that is highly committed to social responsibility; he was immediately attracted to Teach for America’s mission to support educational equality and excellence,” said Ted Pryor,
Phillips Oppenheim Seeking CEO for New York Botanical Garden
New York City-based executive search firm Phillips Oppenheim has been retained by the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) to lead its search for a new chief executive officer. Leading the assignment are Sarah James and Becky Klein. NYBG seeks a leader of unusual vision, intellectual breadth, managerial experience and cultural sensibility to enhance the relevance, impact and appeal
CannabizTeam Opens Office in Newark
Marijuana has become more popular than ever in the last few years. The legalization of the plant in many countries has led to a boom in the cannabis industry. Consumer spending on cannabis has topped $10 billion in the U.S. alone, and worldwide sales are expected to top $100 billion before the end of the
Canadian Executive Search Market Recovery Expected by Second Half of 2021
Canada enjoys second best-ranked status among countries around the world, according to the latest Best Countries survey by U.S. News & World Report. The Great White North is second only to Switzerland and jumped ahead of Japan in the latest roster—which is based on global perception metrics that include cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, power, and
RSR Partners Assists Driscoll’s in Finding New Board Members
Although boards of directors are considered the backbones of organizations, director recruiting has grown markedly more challenging, say recruiters who conduct searches in that area. As a result, companies continue to turn to executive search firms to help find new board members. Greenwich, Conn-based RSR Partners recently assisted fresh berry provider Driscoll’s in the recruitment of Giannella Alvarez,
WittKieffer Names Chief Growth and Transformation Officer
Following a wave of recent growth, WittKieffer has appointed Michael Castleman as chief growth and transformation officer. “Michael’s keen ability to assess and navigate complex situations as well as his comprehensive perspective and innovative thinking made him an ideal addition to our leadership team,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO of WittKieffer. “He will be a
CohenTaylor Executive Search Seeks Executive Director for Regions Hospital Foundation in Minnesota
Minneapolis-based CohenTaylor Executive Search is conducting a search for an executive director for the Regions Hospital Foundation. The organization provides oversight and stewardship of all charitable contributions to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN, which is part of HealthPartners, the largest consumer-governed, non-profit health care organization in the nation. “The executive director is primarily responsible
Harvey Nash Appoints Regional Managing Director for Central Europe
Even in the face of a global pandemic, executive search consultants are seeing an increase in hiring mandates from around the world. To meet demand, they continue to develop new practices, hire new recruiters, and open new locations. Global recruiting firms, meanwhile, are taking advantage of a resurgence in certain geographic areas. Recently, recruitment firm Harvey Nash appointed
The State of Gender Equity on Boards
Around the world, countries are taking steps to encourage or mandate improved gender diversity in the boardroom. Those efforts vary by country, as does their effectiveness and impact. A new report from Russell Reynolds Associates takes a look at what is occurring in six countries, hears from female directors about what they are encountering, and provides recommendations
Caldwell Recruits Chief People Officer for Showpad
With the coronavirus crisis disrupting the world economy, chief people officers are stepping up at businesses across the country, playing a vital role in helping organizations navigate what is looking to be an even greater challenge than the Great Recession. As a recent article in The Economist put it, chief people officers “keep employees healthy;
Reffett Associates Recruits IT Leader for the Seattle Mariners
Following a nationwide search, Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has assisted the Seattle Mariners Baseball Club in placing Kari Escobedo as the new senior vice president of information technology. The search was led by Marshall Reffett, managing director, with assistance from Tom Young, director of operations. This is a new position for the organization and is part of
WittKieffer Partners with International Hospital Federation to Expand Young Executive Leaders Program
WittKieffer and the International Hospital Federation (IHF) have announced a partnership to advance the organization’s Young Executive Leaders (YEL) program, helping to build global healthcare leadership competencies among the next generation of leaders in the IHF’s international membership. WittKieffer has supported the healthcare industry for more than 50 years, serving as strategic leadership experts to
Felix Global Appoints Executive Search Practice Leaders
Leadership development, recruiting and outplacement firm Felix Global has named search veterans J. James O’Malley and Marc Detampel to lead its new executive search practice. “The addition of an executive search practice has been a desire of ours for some time as we continually look for ways to diversify our expertise,” said Jim Graham, chief
Jobless Claims Fall Below 700,000 for First Time Since Pandemic Start
The Labor Department reported this morning that 684,000 Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits. This marks the first time the number has fallen below 700,000 since the COVID-19 pandemic began just over a year ago. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected 735,000 filings. The reading also lands below the previous week’s revised total of
CarrSports Creates Social Justice Recruiting Team
Executive search firm CarrSports Consulting LLC has established a social justice recruiting team led by vice president Kevin Anderson. Working closely with Mr. Anderson in an advisory role will be Leonard N. Moore, former vice president for diversity and community engagement at the University of Texas at Austin. “In light of today’s media and intense public scrutiny, it
Allegis Partners Recruits CEO for the United States Golf Association
New York City-based executive search firm Allegis Partners has placed Mike Whan as the eighth chief executive officer of the United States Golf Association (USGA) in Liberty Corner, NJ. Current USGA CEO Mike Davis will step down later this year. The assignment was led by Keith Meyer, global practice leader of Allegis Partners’ CEO & board practice. “When







