Reffett Associates Retained by New Mexico Military Institute to Find New President
February 27, 2024 – Seattle, WA-based Reffett Associates has been selected by the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to lead its search for a new president and superintendent. The new president will succeed Jerry Grizzle, who has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2024. The search will be led by Eric Reffett, managing director of the Washington, D.C. office, and Thomas Young, director of operations of the firm. “We look forward to working with this well-known and highly respected college institution,” said Mr. Young. “Our team is confident that this will be another successful partnership, and are excited at the opportunity to continue working with the county’s talented veteran population.”
The new president must not only lead the educational development of the institution, but must also work as an advocate at the state level by building relationships with the governor and leaders of the New Mexico Legislature and state administrators to fuel the continued growth of this 125 year old educational institution. Additionally, Reffett Associates explains that the president must work in support of NMMI’s vision as a globally recognized institution of higher learning, and its vision to create leaders of tomorrow.
NMMI possesses a passionate alumni group, a wide and diverse donor base, and is highly regarded nationally. It is deeply involved with the local community, the citizenry of the state of New Mexico. The president / superintendent will work with all these stakeholders to ensure the continued success of the Institute,
Candidates should possess an advanced degree, with a PhD preferred. They must possess extensive senior level leadership experience in educational and/or military roles, and have a demonstrated record of success. They must be committed to maintaining the Institute’s relationship with its alumni, donor base, co-operative institutions, and other supporters.
Related: Reffett Associates Places Senior Advisor to Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability
Located in Roswell, NM, the New Mexico Military Institute was founded in 1891. It is a state supported institution, and operates under a board of regents, reporting directly to the governor of New Mexico. NMMI maintains a four year college preparatory program and a junior college degree course of study.
Nationally Recognized Firm
Reffett Associates is a nationally recognized executive search firm. The boutique talent provider has extensive experience in retail and consumer packaged goods, private equity, commercial and federal services, government sectors, and associations and non-profits. Its team is made up of executives with tangible industry experience, possessing real world, relatable knowledge about the challenges executives face in managing talent in a competitive marketplace.
Reffett Associates Recruits First Woman Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy
Reffett Associates has assisted in the recruitment of rear admiral Joanna Nunan as the first woman superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY. She succeeds vice admiral Jack Buono. After announcing the appointment, transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg said Ms. Nunan is: “The right leader at the right time for the Merchant Marine Academy.” Eric Reffett, managing director, said: “After an intensive search across the maritime industry and academia, admiral Nunan rose to the top as the best candidate to lead the Merchant Marine Academy into the future.”
Mr. Reffett has spent the last 15 years recruiting talent for the federal government and numerous private companies nationwide. He joined the search firm after having worked for former U.S. Rep. David G. Reichert of Washington State. Mr. Reffett has conducted private sector searches for the Seattle Mariners, Bartell Drugs, and Metropolitan Market, in addition to his other federal work for the Department of Transportation, the Department of Commerce, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Mr. Young has 13 years of federal legislative, policy, and constituent services experience. He works closely with a number of leading industry groups including the Clean Technology Alliance, The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound and the aerospace and maritime supply chain.
Related: Reffett Associates Places Senior Advisor to Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
