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Academic Search Recruits 10th President for the University of Saint Mary
Following a nationwide search, education-focused executive recruiter Academic Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ann Marie Fallon as the 10th president of the University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, KS. Senior consultants Suzanne Mellon and Disa Mason led the assignment. She will succeed Sister Diane Steele, who has led USM for 25 years and last summer announced her
Why Human Judgment Will Matter More in the Age of AI
AI will accomplish extraordinary things—but it will also tempt us to mistake output for humanity. It has the potential to boost productivity, reduce costs, accelerate insight and innovation, and, when used thoughtfully, even deepen our self-awareness. As AI agents and systems become increasingly capable of showing reasoning, empathy, and elements of judgment, many people will
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.
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
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?
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
JM Search Expands Search Team
JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s, has expanded with the additions of Amber Shockey as partner within its legal practice and Curtis Walker as principal within its media & telecommunications team. “Continued private equity investment across legal services, legal-adjacent businesses, and professional sports is elevating the importance of
Interim or Executive Search? Choosing the Right Leadership Solution
Interim leadership has moved well beyond being a stopgap solution for unexpected vacancies. As organizations face greater complexity, faster strategic shifts, and mounting pressure to deliver results, boards and CEOs are increasingly turning to experienced interim leaders as a flexible way to maintain momentum and address critical business needs. For executive search firms, that shift
Funk Associates Assists the University of North Florida with the Recruitment of Eighth President
Funk Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Michael P. Shannon as the eighth president of the University of North Florida (UNF). Past president Moez Limayem stepped down from his position in early 2026. “Mike Shannon is the leader who can build on UNF’s strong momentum and continue to elevate the University’s incredible impact across our
DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the
Mercuri Urval Expands International Public and ESG Expert Practice
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has expanded with the addition of former Danish government minister Astrid Krag to its international public and ESG expert practice. “With Astrid’s extensive experience in international public affairs, strong commitment to ESG and sustainability, and deep understanding of life sciences, she brings a valuable combination of expertise and
ZRG Partners Acquires N2Growth’s Spain Business
ZRG Partners has entered the Spanish market through the acquisition of the business formerly known as Blacksmith that had been doing business since 2023 under the umbrella of N2Growth. Through this integration, ZRG enters the Spanish market with an established local team and the goal of offering Spanish and international clients agile, high-touch advisory backed by
Family Offices Move Into Human Capital M&A
Altss’ latest ranking, The 50 Largest Family Offices in the World (2026), illustrates the scale family capital has reached. The 50 largest offices collectively manage an estimated $2.4 trillion, with the top 10 controlling more than $1.5 trillion. Twenty-eight of the top 50 are headquartered in North America, while private equity represents their largest average portfolio allocation
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: AI’s Hidden Cost
Companies everywhere are celebrating leaner teams, faster execution, and higher productivity thanks to AI, according to HIRECLOUT. From a business perspective, the logic is easy to understand, according to Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT. “Investors reward efficiency,” Mr. Antaplyan said. “Leaders are under pressure to do more with less. Automation is eliminating repetitive
Klein Hersh Recruits CFO for Sparrow Pharmaceuticals
Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has recruited George Eldridge as the new CFO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, a targeted cardiometabolic therapeutics company. “We are thrilled to welcome George to Sparrow at such an important time for our company,” said Robert Jacks, president and CEO of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals. “George
McCormack + Kristel Seeking Executive Director for NEXT Harm Reduction
McCormack + Kristel has been retained by NEXT Harm Reduction (NEXT Distro) to lead in its search for an executive director. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader and skilled fundraiser to take a nationally recognized organization with an urgent mandate and grow it to the scale the moment demands. Reporting to the board
Riviera Partners Expands Public Practice
San Francisco-based Riviera Partners, a recruitment provider specializing in C-level engineering, product, and design leader placements, has expanded with the addition of Archer McFall as a partner within its public practice serving large, publicly-traded companies and late-stage, pre-IPO companies. “Getting the right CTO, CIO, or chief AI officer in place, building the team structure around AI, making sure the
HelloSky Brings Its Graph of People, Investors, and Companies Into Claude and ChatGPT
Executive search firms are increasingly looking for ways to move beyond traditional databases and static candidate profiles as clients demand deeper market intelligence and faster, more precise insight into leadership talent. Advances in artificial intelligence are giving recruiters new tools to connect people, companies, investors, relationships, and career outcomes in ways that can strengthen candidate
Harris Search Associates Leading Senior Assignment for Carnegie Mellon University
Harris Search Associates has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to lead in its search for newly created role of associate vice president for research computing and data (AVP RCD). Jeffrey Harris and Ed Christ are leading the assignment. This role offers a unique opportunity to elevate and transform CMU’s research computing ecosystem positioning it to better support
Preng & Associates Assists SOGC, LLC with President Search
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
NPAG Appoints Senior Advisor
Executive search firm NPAG has appointed André Blackman as senior advisor. In this new role, he will build and lead a practice focused on mission-driven innovation — connecting dynamic leadership talent and the development resources to keep that talent in seat, to founders and organizations solving problems that matter. “André brings a rare combination of strategic insight, storytelling
Sheffield Haworth Adds Private Equity & Growth Venture Portfolio Assets Veteran
Global leadership advisory and executive search firm Sheffield Haworth has expanded with the addition of Michael McDonnell as managing director, private equity and growth venture portfolio assets. He is based in the New York office and works within the technology sector practice. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the team,” said Paul Gillespie, managing director of the
Leadership Needs Shift in a Changing Federal Market
Executive search across the federal contracting, government services, defense, and technology sectors is entering a new phase as companies look for more sophisticated ways to evaluate leadership beyond résumés, references, and past performance. In markets where specialized experience, relationships, and an understanding of complex government customers can be critical, the challenge is not simply identifying
Private Equity Rollup Wave Reshapes Executive Search
What may once have looked like a series of isolated transactions is increasingly taking on the shape of a broader industry shift. As capital moves into the sector and firms rethink where they have true competitive strength, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. “A year ago, I would have called this a prediction, today,
HARTZ Search Seeking Chief Revenue Officer for Geisinger
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search was recently retained by Geisinger to lead in its search for a chief revenue officer. This executive will direct, manage, and implement programs to ensure efficient revenue management operations and sufficient cash flow to support Geisinger operations and strategic initiatives. The role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, reducing, and resolving revenue management issues
Kincannon & Reed Places Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Carney as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. Dave Smith stepped down from his executive role after leading the association for more than 30 years. “Patrick pairs dairy industry knowledge with
How Talent Diligence is Becoming a Priority for Private Equity Firms
Private equity firms are facing growing pressure to reduce execution risk as holding periods lengthen and operational performance becomes more critical to investment outcomes. In response, investors are placing greater emphasis on leadership evaluation earlier in the deal process, recognizing that management capability can have a direct impact on value creation, speed to scale, and
Ferguson Partners Names President
Chicago-based Ferguson Partners has appointed Graham R. Beatty as president. “As president, Graham is the ideal candidate given his deep expertise in the real assets industry, unwavering commitment to exceptional client service, and great respect by clients and colleagues alike. We are thrilled to have him on board,” said William J. Ferguson, co-chairman and CEO of the firm. “With a
Adapting to Today’s Evolving Search Market
In 2023, TRANSEARCH International navigated the challenges of the market with resilience, maintaining revenue levels in comparison to 2022. “Our commitment to adapt and innovate has been the cornerstone of our success, ensuring that we remain well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the market at large,” said Celeste Whatley, CEO of TRANSEARCH,
Utilizing the Power of Job Architecture and Career Frameworks
From police departments to libraries, public sector organizations face increasing challenges in attracting, retaining and developing talent — under growing internal and external scrutiny. Organizations must take a more strategic approach to human resources management. Job architecture and career frameworks can strengthen public sector employers, according to a recent report from Gallagher’s Erik Henry Smetana
Funk Associates Leading Dean Search for the University of South Alabama’s College of Engineering
Funk Associates was recently retained by the University of South Alabama to lead its search for a dean for the College of Engineering. The dean, reporting to the EVP and provost, serves as the chief academic officer for the college and guides the college’s efforts in academic curriculum development, faculty and staff development, research and
BoardWalk Consulting Helps Recruit New CEO for Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital
Following a nationwide search of more than 250 diverse leaders, executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has assisted in the recruitment of Kim R. Ford as the new CEO of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital (GSNC). Director Cynthia Moreland and senior associate Diane Westmore led the assignment. “Kim is an exceptional leader with a track record of nurturing youth and families,” said Barbara Krumsiek, Girl
How Recruiters Facilitate Founder-PE Firm Agreements When Sourcing New Talent
In the high-stakes world of private equity acquisitions, aligning the strategic visions of PE firms and the founders of the companies they acquire is pivotal for achieving aggressive growth targets and operational excellence. However, this alignment often encounters its first significant hurdle regarding talent acquisition—a critical component for scaling operations and enhancing value, according to
Flatiron Search Partners Assists Exaltare Capital Management with CEO Search
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has assisted in the recruitment of Heather D’Agosta as the new CEO of Exaltare Capital Management – GF Venture Group Inc. “Congratulations to Heather D’Agosta on her new role as CEO at Exaltare Capital Management, LLC- GF Venture Group, Inc.,” Flatiron Search Partners said in a LinkedIn post. “This platform is a leading franchisee
BroadView Talent Partners Seeking New Leader for Communities in Schools
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Communities in Schools in Ohio to lead in its search a new executive director. Christie Angel, Johanna Vargas, Donna Young, and Elizabeth Keyser are leading the assignment. The executive director will serve as the primary leader and director for Communities In Schools, guiding the organization toward successfully realizing
Education Executives Seeking Dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Delaware
Santa Barbara, CA-based Education Executives is currently leading a search for the new dean for the College of Engineering at the University of Delaware. Ilene H. Nagel, John D. Simon, and Charles E. Kaler are leading the assignment. The search began in January. The school seeks a forward-looking, engaged, and strategic new dean of its College
Per Ardua Associates Names Leader of Board Practice
London-based financial services search firm Per Ardua Associates has expanded with the addition of Karin Barnick to lead its board practice and strengthen its asset and wealth management practice. “I am very excited to welcome Karin into the firm. Amongst other things, she will lead our board practice,” said Simon Hearn, chair. “With her leadership we
9 Things Executive Search Consultants Say Not To Do
Over the decades, executive search professionals have gathered much intelligence about critical aspects of how candidates need to present themselves when represented by their search practice. Recruiters are retained by the hiring company, so they know the firm, know the pay range, know the benefits plan, know the hiring manager requirements, know the culture, know
Buffkin / Baker Recruits President for Palmetto Infusion
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker recently assisted in the placement of Tim Hadley as the new president of Palmetto Infusion in Columbia, SC. The search was led by Jackson Ross, partner, and Ryan Baggett, associate partner. “Tim’s wealth of experience and dedication to healthcare align seamlessly with our mission,” said David Goodall, CEO of Palmetto Infusion. “As we focus
Bespoke Partners Recruits CFO for Exostar
San Diego, CA-headquartered executive search firm Bespoke Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Rick Simpson as the new CFO of Exostar. Vice president Katelyn Quaresma, Ross Kinnaird, and Leeta Gupta led the assignment. The move comes as the company anticipates building on its record-setting success in the aftermath of its acquisition by private equity firm Arlington Capital
Bryant Group Helps Fill Positions for the University of Washington
Following nationwide searches, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has helped to recruit Brad Joutras as assistant vice president, health sciences, and Suzanne Rinker as assistant vice president, schools and colleges for the University of Washington (UW). Sarah Hempen, vice president, led the assignment. “Reimagining the UW legacy structure will help ensure our
Strategies for Engaging Millennials in the C-Suite
For HR professionals and business owners, the rise of the Millennial workforce represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Traditional management practices, workplace structures, and career paths often do not align with Millennials’ expectations. This mismatch can lead to disconnects in recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies. However, by understanding the unique attributes and aspirations of
SP&A Executive Search Tapped to Find 23rd President for the University of Arizona
SP&A Executive Search has been chosen by the Arizona board of regents to lead in the search for the 23rd president for the University of Arizona. According to reports, the contract with SP&A is worth $275,000. The announcement comes after current president Robert C. Robbins said he would be stepping down. In 2017, the University
SearchWide Global Tapped by the Alaska Raptor Center to Find New Leader
Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been retained by the Alaska Raptor Center to lead in its search for a new executive director. Nicole Newman, the search firm’s vice president, is leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, and management of the Alaska Raptor Center’s multi-faceted programs and business
True Partners with Leadership Circle
Global talent provider True has partnered with Leadership Circle, a global provider of executive coaching, assessments, and advisory services. “We help the most innovative companies recruit the right talent to drive their visions, and Leadership Circle understands, assesses and drives leadership effectiveness better than anyone,” said Joe Riggione, True co-CEO and co-founder. “Our companies are both data-centric and
AltoPartners Adds New Member Firm in Ireland
AltoPartners, an international alliance of boutique executive search and leadership consulting firms, recently named its first-ever partner firm in Ireland. After an exhaustive search, Dublin-based Cronin Partners International Search joined the global partnership. Founded by Claire Cronin in 2003, Cronin Partners has a track record based on its work among the Irish diaspora, as well as serving local and
A Look at How the CFO Role in Private Equity is Evolving
Navigating a tapestry of challenges, private equity CFOs have undergone a transformative evolution, shifting from being financial overseers to becoming strategic pilots. Their role surpasses the scope of accounting and reporting monthly numbers; they now own and harness data, providing invaluable insights that improve fact-based decision making for the organization at large, according to a
August Leadership Assists Paradigm for Parity with CEO Search
Executive recruitment firm August Leadership has recruited Nadine Bullock-Pottinga as the new CEO of Paradigm for Parity (P4P), a non-profit dedicated to closing the gender gap in business leadership. The search is being done by August Leadership on a pro bono basis. “We are delighted to have Nadine at the helm of our executive management,” said Ellen Kullman, Paradigm
Lochlin Partners Recruits CEO for The COMMIT Foundation
Executive search firm Lochlin Partners has helped to recruit J.C. Glick as the new CEO of The COMMIT Foundation in Bozeman, MT. “We are thrilled to welcome JC as the new CEO of The COMMIT Foundation,” said Guy Filippelli, co-founder and board chair. “He represents everything we could hope for in a leader. He will absolutely
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CEO for Santa Cruz Metro
After a nationwide search attracting dozens of applicants, Krauthamer & Associates recently recruited Corey Aldridge as the new CEO of Santa Cruz Metro. His appointment came almost two months after former Metro CEO/general manager Michael Tree announced he would retire from the agency, less than two years after he assumed the role. Board chair Kristen
DHR Global Names Vice Chairman
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Ayman Haddad as vice chairman. In his new role, Mr. Haddad will continue to play a pivotal role in DHR’s ongoing expansion across the Middle East and Africa, with a strategic focus on entering new growth markets, including Saudi Arabia. “Ayman’s elevation to vice chairman is a testament to
Navigating Opportunities in Changing Tides for the Non-Profits in 2024
In the fabric of our society and global economy, non-profit organizations have long been the stitching that binds community care and human altruism. However, in 2024, a new report from ExecSearches.com’s F. Jay Hall says that as dynamic shifts continue to alter the socio-economic landscape, the non-profit sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture, brimming
Eastward Partners Recruits CEO for Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils
New York-based Eastward Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Manny Rodriguez as the new CEO of Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils in Dallas, TX. The search was led by Brett Vecchio and Lonia Zylberman. “Eastward Partners is pleased to announce the appointment of Manny Rodriguez as chief executive officer for Living Earth – Mulch, Compost, Soils,” the search firm
RMN Electi Fills Top Marketing Post for the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism
As business becomes more global and complex, and power shifts from producers of goods and services to consumers, top marketing executives’ responsibility of planning and coordinating an organization’s marketing activities has become much more challenging, according to recruiters specializing in the function. A past DHR Global study found that the companies that have reputations for
WittKieffer Seeking CHRO for Texas Tech
A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Oak Brook-IL-based WittKieffer was recently selected by Texas Tech University to lead in its search for a new CHRO. Ryan Crawford and Luis Bertot are leading the assignment. The school seeks an CHRO to lead the institution’s efforts to redefine human
Wilton & Bain Opens Office in Dubai
Wilton & Bain recently opened a new office in Dubai. “We are delighted to announce the opening of our new office in Dubai,” said David Heron, CEO. “We will serve clients across the Middle East and North Africa, with further announcements to follow of our new managing partner who will be leading Wilton & Bain
Creating a Winning M&A Leadership Team
What makes a merger or acquisition a success? It all starts with having the right leaders in place. Research shows that strong leaders predict M&A strategy success and specific competencies are associated with high-performing deals. The right leadership team is so critical because they have a big job on their hands: ensuring executive alignment, setting the
Aspen Leadership Group Leading Chief Development Officer Search for the Pittsburgh Public Theater
Aspen Leadership Group, an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting top talent for philanthropic organizations, has been called in by the Pittsburgh Public Theater to lead in its search for a new chief development officer. Jeanette Rivera-Watts is leading the assignment. Reporting to the managing director and partnering closely with the artistic director, the
