Storbeck Search | DSG Global Names Practice Leader for Education Practice
April 18, 2025 – Storbeck Search, part of DSG Global (Diversified Search Group), has appointed Dr. Steven Solnick as global managing partner and leader of the firm’s education practice. He succeeds Susan VanGilder, who will continue her work with clients as a managing director, leveraging her experience recruiting and advising presidents, provosts, vice presidents, and academic and administrative deans in higher education. “Education is at a pivotal moment where institutions need visionary and agile leaders who can embrace change and deliver meaningful outcomes,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG Global. “Steve’s leadership experience—as a head of school, college president, and board member— uniquely equips him to guide our education clients through today’s environment while shaping the future of education.”
With over three decades of leadership experience across higher education, independent schools, and philanthropy, Dr. Solnick has deep understanding of strategic planning, academic administration, and institutional leadership to this role. “His tenure at DSG | Storbeck has already been marked by a strong commitment to identifying and advising leaders who can address the opportunities in the education sector,” the firm said.
Before joining DSG, Dr. Solnick served as head of school at The Calhoun School in Manhattan, where he led the institution through significant milestones. Prior to that, he was president of Warren Wilson College, renowned for its innovative curriculum that integrates work, service, and academics. Earlier in his career, Dr. Solnick held key leadership roles at the Ford Foundation, where he oversaw extensive grant-making initiatives and managed international programs.
“These are complex times for both higher education institutions and K-12 schools,” said Dr. Solnick. “I’m thrilled to be working with such an extraordinary team of dedicated professionals at DSG | Storbeck to help schools, colleges, and universities find the leaders they need to navigate the challenges ahead.”
DSG is a family of firms serving specialized sectors. The firm was founded almost five decades ago for the express purpose of placing diverse candidates in client organizations. Shelly Weiss Storbeck launched Storbeck Search in 2007 to focus on executive search in the education and non-profit sectors. Now part of DSG Global, the firm works on behalf of colleges, universities, schools, and non-profit organizations across the nation, with headquarters in Pennsylvania and local offices in every region.
Related: Diversified Search Group Appoints CEO
DSG | Storbeck Search has conducted searches for some of the country’s top colleges and universities, private schools, and non-profit institutions. Its roster of university clients includes Brown, Columbia, Haverford, Johns Hopkins, Lawrenceville, Michigan State, Northwestern, Pomona, Princeton, Swarthmore, and the University of Wisconsin, among others.
New CFO
Last month, DSG Global named Rob Alessandrini as its new chief financial officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Rob to our team,” said Aileen K. Alexander, CEO of DSG. “His depth of finance experience in growth environments, strategic insight, and commitment to driving results will be invaluable as we continue to scale our organization and support our clients. Rob’s leadership will help us continue our growth trajectory and remain strategically agile in achieving our mission to make a positive impact on the future of leadership.”
“Rob’s impressive career is defined by his ability to balance financial acumen with strategic vision,” said Steve Morreale, chief operating officer of Diversified Search Group. “His proven track record in driving results, combined with his collaborative approach, makes him the ideal partner to help lead DSG into its next chapter of growth.”
Mr. Alessandrini brings significant financial leadership experience to DSG, including a track record in corporate finance, strategic planning, and investment management. He joins DSG following a tenure as CFO at The Judge Group, a staffing, training, and business solutions company. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in driving growth and operational excellence. His earlier experience includes key roles as an international equity analyst at DuPont Capital Management and as a financial analyst at The Vanguard Group, where he gained experience in financial modeling and investment strategies.
Related: Diversified Search Group Expands Corporate Practice
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
