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BarkerGilmore Fills Senior Legal Post for Firefly Aerospace
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Kristen Price as associate general counsel, commercial at Firefly Aerospace in Cedar Park, TX. “Firefly is at a defining stage as a newly public company, and Kristen joins at a pivotal moment as the company continues to scale its commercial capabilities
Myers McRae Assists the University of Montana Western with Chancellor Search
Kenny Daugherty of Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Estee Aiken as the next chancellor of the University of Montana Western (UMW). “Dr. Aiken’s broad and extensive experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher as well as her demonstrated dedication to education at all levels, including teacher preparation, makes her an ideal
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.
Lock Search Group Fills Senior Position for Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto-headquartered executive recruitment firm Lock Search Group has assisted in the recruitment of Layton Henderson as vice president and general manager of Emergent BioSolutions’ Winnipeg manufacturing facility. “We’re grateful to celebrate a successful executive placement with our valued partner, Emergent BioSolutions,” Lock Search Group said in a LinkedIn post. “Congratulations to Layton Henderson on his appointment. We’re
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?
Options Group Expands Dubai Office
Options Group has expanded in Dubai office with the additions of Eugenio Chiappini and Ben Prickett as vice presidents. Mr. Chiappini specializes in the private equity and family offices sectors. His addition strengthens the firm’s presence in the Middle East and supports its work with alternative investment firms and private capital clients seeking senior talent. Before
Executive Search Evolves, but Relationships and Judgment Still Matter Most
Executive search is evolving as firms face growing pressure to deliver stronger talent outcomes while providing deeper advisory value to clients and candidates. The most effective search organizations are looking beyond individual assignments to build broader networks, strengthen market intelligence, and create relationships that endure across careers and leadership transitions. That shift is placing renewed
Executive Diligence Takes on Greater Role in Senior-Level Hiring
Executive search increasingly extends beyond assessing experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. For boards and investors, understanding a senior candidate’s background, reputation, and potential risk profile has become an important part of evaluating whether that individual is equipped to lead in a high-stakes environment. That has made investigative diligence a more meaningful component of senior-level
BarkerGilmore Recruits General Counsel for Stanford University
Boutique search firm BarkerGilmore, which specializes in building corporate legal and compliance teams, has recruited Timothy G. Lynch as vice president and general counsel of Stanford University. He succeeds Debra Zumwalt, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after 26 years as Stanford’s vice president and general counsel. BarkerGilmore’s Sarah Sullivan, Brittney McDonough, and
Calibre One Recruits CPO and Chief Technology and Information Officer for Production Resource Group
Calibre One has placed Jennifer Caserta as chief people officer and Joe Simon as chief technology and information officer at PRG (Production Resource Group) in New York City. “We are building PRG for a bigger future, and that means investing across every part of this business: our leadership, crews, talent development, and the equipment, technology and
TRANSEARCH International Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
TRANSEARCH International has expanded in Singapore with the addition of The Executive Collective Asia as its newest member firm. Led by managing partner Angela Roche, the addition further strengths the organization’s executive search and leadership consulting capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “Singapore is strategically important to TRANSEARCH not only within Asia-Pacific, but to our global business,”
Beyond the Single AI Path: You Can Have It All
Executive search firms are moving beyond early experimentation with artificial intelligence and focusing more closely on how the technology can support different roles, workflows, and levels of adoption across their organizations. Rather than forcing every user into the same model, firms are increasingly looking for flexible approaches that can improve efficiency while preserving the judgment
Six Trends Driving Private Capital Hiring
Executive hiring across private capital is becoming more complex as firms rethink the leadership capabilities needed to compete in a changing investment environment. Search mandates are broadening beyond traditional dealmaking backgrounds as firms place greater value on operating expertise, technology fluency, capital formation, and experience navigating more difficult market cycles. For executive search firms serving
Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits President and CEO of Mystic Aquarium
Following an extensive national search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has placed Rachel Metz as the new president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium. She will succeed Susette Tibus, who has led Mystic Aquarium since April 2023 and has been a recognized leading champion for the Aquarium for decades. “Rachel is an accomplished, thoughtful and inspiring leader whose experience
Academic Search Seeking Provost for James Madison University
Education-focused executive recruitment firm Academic Search has been selected by James Madison University to lead in its search for a new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Senior consultant Ann Die Hasselmo, consultant Christopher Butler, and associate consultant Kate Cusimano are leading the assignment. The school seeks an innovative and responsive leader to serve as its next provost and senior
ForceBrands Appoints Head of Executive Search
ForceBrands, a hiring and talent solutions partner for the consumer industry, has strengthened its executive search practice with the addition of Brian Waivada. He will lead the team and oversee the practice’s continued expansion. “This appointment builds on the strength and momentum of our executive search practice,” said Rob Ganjon, CEO of ForceBrands. “We’ve spent
Potential vs. Performance: Rethinking the Leadership Pipeline
Being a successful business leader has always been associated with a fast-paced management style, but today more than ever, leaders must constantly adapt and be prepared to navigate rapid change. Leadership roles across organizations of all types have become increasingly complex, requiring the ability to balance competing priorities at the same time. In this environment,
DHR Global Grows Sports Practice with Jobplex’s Acquisition of Ascension Sports Partners
Jobplex, the Chicago-based partner company of DHR Global, has acquired Ascension Sports Partners, an executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and collegiate athletics. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ascension founder and president Dan Rossetti joins Jobplex as a partner, working alongside DHR’s sports practice. “This acquisition marks an important expansion of
Russell Reynolds Associates Tapped by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to Lead CEO Search
Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) to lead in its search for a new president and chief executive officer. Andrew Kriegler, its inaugural president and CEO, has informed the board of directors that he will not be seeking a further term. The board has commenced the
The Moran Company Recruits CEO for The Arc of New Mexico
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has placed Tracie Fletcher as the new executive director of The Arc of New Mexico. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Tracie brings a 25-year track record of leadership in non-profit, government, and community organizations,” The Arc of New Mexico said in a
Solomon Page Launches AI Retained Executive Search Practice
New York City headquartered executive search firm Solomon Page has launched a retained executive search practice dedicated to artificial intelligence leadership. The practice is led by managing director Ryan Kellner. The practice partners with organizations in financial services, healthcare, life sciences, and venture-backed technology to place chief AI officers, heads of AI, heads of data science, and
Ema Raises $77 Million in Funding
Enterprise adoption of artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimentation as companies look for tools that can deliver measurable outcomes across core business functions. As organizations seek to automate more complex workflows in areas such as HR, IT, and finance, investors are increasingly backing platforms designed to operate at enterprise scale rather than remain stuck in
The Counteroffer Dilemma: What Candidates Need to Know Before Resigning
Landing the job offer of your dreams should be the culmination of a successful search process. But for many professionals, one of the most difficult parts comes after the offer is accepted: telling a current employer they are leaving. A recent report from The Bridger Group examines how companies respond when valued employees resign and
True Launches Boutique Search Practice for Venture-Backed Companies
Global executive talent platform True has launched True Venture Studios, a boutique executive search practice serving founders and venture-backed companies across AI infrastructure, HardTech, SpaceTech, DefenseTech, Fintech, healthcare, and life sciences, among others. “True Venture Studios is our way of reasserting our roots, giving founders a dedicated team that moves at their speed and fights for the
Vetted Solutions Recruits CEO for GO2 for Lung Cancer
Washington, D.C.-based Vetted Solutions has placed David Benson as the new CEO of GO2 for Lung Cancer. “David is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” said GO2 board president Rick Sherlock. “His collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the right
TalentRise Assists Grassroots Gardens of WNY with Executive Director Search
TalentRise has assisted in the recruitment of Megan Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens of WNY. “We’re thrilled to announce Meg Kelly as the new executive director of Grassroots Gardens WNY,” the organization said. “Meg brings experience to our garden network from her work with the region’s business and entrepreneurship community, and enters
Private Equity Firms Rethink Executive Hiring for Future Growth
PE investors routinely underwrite businesses based on their future state. For example, an investment thesis may assume a restaurant company will double its unit count, accelerate franchising, expand geographically, complete acquisitions, improve margins, or become significantly more institutionalized during the hold period. Executive hiring, however, often remains anchored to the present, according to a new
ON Partners Recruits CFO for Fortera
Partners Josh Nathanson and Chris Clements along with principal Alexis Rohe of ON Partners have placed Albert Luu as the new CFO of cement manufacturer Fortera in San Jose, CA. “Fortera is at a stage where the work we’ve done to prove the technology now has to be matched by our ability to finance and execute at scale,”
BoardWalk Consulting Assists Downtown Atlanta with CEO Search
BoardWalk Consulting has recruited Kyle Waide as the new CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search was led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The search committee began its work in April of 2026 under the leadership of Egbert Perry, CEO, Integral Group; longtime member of CAP and
SearchWide Global Recruits President and CEO for Visit California
SearchWide Global has helped to recruit Julie Coker as the new president and CEO of Visit California. She succeeds longtime leader Caroline Beteta, who announced her retirement earlier this year. The assignment was led by Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide. The appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive global search conducted in partnership
Talent and Technology: A New Generation of Leadership Enters the C-Suite
Riviera Partners recently surveyed more than 1,000 technology executives for its latest report, revealing a major shift in how leadership is structured. According to Riviera, AI, data, and cross-functional collaboration are pushing technology roles to the forefront of enterprise strategy. The report identifies five key positions now demanding space in the C-suite: Chief AI officer (CAIO), chief
DRi Tapped by The Jed Foundation to Find Chief Medical Officer
Over the past few months, numerous healthcare organizations have turned to executive search firms to find new chief medical officers. In the era of COVID-19 we can expect this to be another burgeoning area for executive search firms. Arlington, VA-based executive search firm Development Resources inc. (DRi) has been retained by The Jed Foundation (JED) to lead its search
Collegiate Sports Associates Leading Athletic Director Search for Boise State University
Collegiate Sports Associates has been called in by Boise State University to assist in finding its next director of athletics. Curt Apsey recently stepped down from the role he has held since 2015 to transition to a job in university-level fundraising. “I am excited that our search will include Collegiate Sports Associates,” said Marlene Tromp, president of
Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Search Assignments for 2020
In 2020 the pandemic resulted in one of the most challenging years on record for executive search firms. But the need for talent continued unimpeded for most companies across dozens of disciplines. Despite fears that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) would get pushed to the backburner by the demands of the COVID-19 crisis, recruitment in
DHR Seeking Chief Diversity Officer for Central Michigan University
Chicago-based search firm DHR International has been chosen to help find a vice president/ chief diversity officer for Central Michigan University (CMU) in Mount Pleasant, in the state’s Great Lakes Bay region. The vice president and chief diversity officer is charged with leading the institutional efforts to create opportunities and implement strategies to define, promote and evaluate
FaithSearch Partners Names Leader of its Mission Enterprise Service Line
Executive search firm FaithSearch Partners (FSP) has named Bryan Fowler as the leader of its mission enterprise service line (including non-profit and private for-profit). Mr. Fowler, who has 25 years of experience in business formation, growth and leadership development, takes the reins from Greg Barnes, who launched the division in 2018 following the firm’s merger with Halftime Talent
What Leadership Looked Like in 2020
Will we need more than just “tough people” to emerge from these tough times? Adam Pekarsky, founding partner of Pekarsky & Co., was recently struck by a Harvard Business Review study on the future of leadership and how we are developing leaders. “Here we are launching all of these ambitious initiatives, initiatives which, at the end the day,
Greenwood / Asher & Associates Recruits 12th President for Western Illinois University
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood /Asher & Associates has placed the new president of Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb, IL. Guiyou Huang, president of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, will begin his new role on Jan. 1. Betty Asher, partner and vice president, and Alex Matthews, senior executive search consultant, led the assignment. “We
H C Smith Assists The Wallace Foundation in CHRO Search
Beachwood, OH-based executive search firm H C Smith has assisted in the placement of Melkeya McDuffie as chief human resources officer (CHRO) of The Wallace Foundation. She will succeed Sharon Clark, who will retire at the end of 2020. Herbert C. Smith, founder and president of the firm, led the assignment along with Rebecca R. Smith, principal.
Odgers Interim Expands in the U.S.
Odgers Berndtson has added former HR executives Glen Johnson and Lori Rubin to Odgers Interim in the U.S. as partners. They will both be based in the firm’s Atlanta office. “We are delighted to welcome two extraordinary human resources and recruiting professionals to the Odgers Interim team in the U.S. Lori and Glen’s combined experience recruiting senior executives for both internal and
Herbert Mines Associates Appoints Managing Director
Recruiters in the search industry continue to climb the ladder within their respective firms. Just recently, New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates promoted Caitlin Kenefick to managing director. “We are excited to announce that Caitlin Kenefick has been promoted to managing director,” said chairman and CEO Hal Reiter. “With over 10 years of
Caldwell Unveils Benchmarking Data Behind the CISO Role
In an environment where chief information security officers are increasingly part of the C-suite, and are viewed as business risk executives, time is scarce, and accurate, real-time aggregated benchmarking data is difficult to find, according to a new report by cybersecurity practice leaders at Caldwell and security research firm IANS Research. The CISO study focuses
Americans Continue to File for Unemployment as New COVID-19 Lockdowns Occur
The Labor Department reported this morning that 885,000 more Americans filed new claims for state unemployment benefits last week as the new waved of COVID-19 lockdowns takes effect. The average estimate of economists polled by FactSet had anticipated initial claims falling to 790,000 and seeing 5.7 million continuing claims. This was the highest weekly total since
Caliber Associates Recruits Chief Scientific Officer for GentiBio
Growing pressure to rapidly advance scientific discovery and expand market share in the face of COVID-19 is making the hunt for top talent more fierce than ever before. Recently, Caliber Associates placed Thomas Wickham as chief scientific officer of GentiBio, an emerging biotherapeutics company. The assignment was led by Steven P. Hochberg, the search firm’s
Reffett Associates Assists Air Force Research Laboratory in Filling CMTO Post
Executive recruiting firm Reffett Associates has assisted the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in placing Yadunath Zambre as chief microelectronics technology officer (CMTO). The nationwide search was led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, with assistance from managing director Marshall Reffett in the firm’s Seattle location. Dr. Zambre previously led the new
Horton International UK Expands Global Healthcare Recruiting Practice
Horton International UK has expanded with the addition of Emma Whittle as partner in its global healthcare practice. “I feel privileged to be in a position to help access talent that enables these sectors to cope with the scale and growth that will lead to society being able to return to some future sense of normality,” said
Sci.bio Recruiting: Winning the War for Biopharma Talent
One of the hallmarks of companies that are thriving in these challenging days of not only a pandemic but rapidly shifting talent needs is the ability to meet change with speed and agility. That’s why on-demand services and interim staffing are emerging as forces to be reckoned with in the “new normal” that is taking
Prodigy Search Assists United States Association of Blind Athletes in Selecting New Board
The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) has announced its new board of directors, which includes seven new appointees. Freehold, NJ-based Prodigy Search, a recruiting firm focused on sports recruiting, helped to lead the search process for the board member positions. The at-large board directors are chair Mark Ackermann; vice chair Dr. Skye Arthur-Banning; treasurer Gary Remensnyder; secretary Amy
HealthSearch Partners Fill Three Key Positions for Healthcare Organizations
Dallas, TX-based HealthSearch Partners (HSP) recently placed leaders of three important healthcare provider organizations: Phillip Mazzuca was recruited as chief executive officer of Williamson Medical Center (WMC) in Franklin, TN; Helen Johnson joins Sparrow Eaton Hospital, part of Central Michigan’s Sparrow Health System, as president; and Monte Wilson becomes president of CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health
AMN Leadership Solutions Names Executive and Physician Leadership Search Practice President; Appoints Other Practice Leaders
Executive recruitment firm AMN Leadership Solutions has named former oncology clinical nurse specialist Christine Mackey-Ross as president of the firm’s executive and physician leadership search practice. This follows two other new leadership appointments. Ms. Mackey-Ross joined AMN Healthcare in 2019. Her expertise in executive-level retained searches is built on a hands-on healthcare foundation. She is
ZRG Opens New Office in Dubai
ZRG has opened a new office in Dubai with the addition of Tim Rotherham as managing director and member of the firm’s financial services and private equity practice. “ZRG is now poised to support clients within the UAE through our global financial services and private equity practice,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “Additionally, ZRG will offer
Turnkey Search Recruits Chief DE&I Officer for the Orlando Magic; Fills ACC Commissioner Role
Turnkey Search, a subsidiary of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, has placed Esu Ma’at as the new chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer of the Orlando Magic. This becomes the ninth NBA team to add a vice president-level position or higher dedicated to addressing diversity. “Turnkey Search is honored to help the Orlando Magic advance equity because it’s in
20/20 Foresight Acquires Saenger Associates
Chicago-based 20/20 Foresight has acquired Saenger Associates, a retained search firm focused on serving clients in the manufacturing, distribution and supply chain of the industrial products, aerospace and defense, and consumer products verticals. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Saenger Associates will operate under its new name, ‘Saenger Associates, a 20/20 Foresight Company,’ and will continue
Spencer Stuart Selected by Blue Apron to Find Next CFO
According to recruiters, the pressure on chief financial officers during the pandemic has been significant. That has made finding the best ones big business for executive recruiters. Just recently, Blue Apron Holdings retained Spencer Stuart to replace its outgoing CFO, Timothy S. Bensley, who resigned to pursue another opportunity. Mr. Bensley will continue to serve
Rush & Company Names Kimber McFadden Vice President
Rush & Company, a national executive search firm focused on the textile industry, has named Kimber McFadden as vice president of nonwovens and industrial textiles. “Kimber has been a tremendous addition to Rush & Company, going back close to a decade,” said Rick Rush, founder, and president. “She has been instrumental in building our nonwoven
The Good Board Expands Search Team
U.K.-based executive search and leadership consultancy firm The Good Board has appointed five new team members. Jo Sands joins as leader and director of interim and executive search, Lexie Sims as director of search and diversity, equity and inclusion; Veronica Linares as director of leadership development; Shivani Patel as a research manager; and Sian Gatenby
Finding the Right Leaders, Step by Step
In business, recruiting the right leaders at the right time is a competitive advantage. A new book, ‘Leadership Recruiting’ is an authoritative guide to doing so, every step of the way, for rapidly growing small companies to global 100 conglomerates. The book is intended for all executives, from candidates for new positions to managers responsible
Hobbs & Towne Assists Impossible Foods in Recruiting Chief Scientific Officer
Executive search firm Hobbs & Towne has assisted in the placement of Vanderbilt University biochemistry department chair John D. York as chief science officer at Impossible Foods. CEO Andy Towne led the assignment along with partner Ryan Houder for the search firm. Dr. York, whose first day at Impossible Foods will be Jan. 4, will serve on the senior
RM Nephew and Associates Fills Board Position for Watts Water Technologies
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. Executive recruitment firm RM Nephew and Associates’ board diversity practice recently placed Michael J. Dubose as new
Online Talent Platform Assembles $32 Million Funding Round
Turing.com, which describes itself as an automated platform that enables companies to use and manage remote software developers, has assembled $32 million Series B funding. The capitalization round was led by $3.3 billion fund WestBridge Capital. The round includes a number of high-profile investors, including Foundation Capital, which led Turing’s seed round. Altair Capital, Mindset Ventures, Frontier
AltoPartners Appoints Global Chair
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, has elected Sonal Agrawal as its new global chair. Ms Agrawal has served on the global board for AltoPartners since its inception in 2006 and has been at the forefront of various initiatives across governance, geographic expansion, and marketing strategy over the years. Ms
Isaacson, Miller Called in by Harvard Business School to Find Chief Diversity Officer
The role of chief diversity officer is expanding at universities across the country. It has, in fact, become one of the most important positions for shaping the vision, culture and very face of institutions of higher learning from coast to coast. Pandemic or not, higher educational institutions need talent and these roles are now seen







