The Corning Museum of Glass and Docker Corp. Retain The Christopher Group for Top Searches

December 18, 2023 – The Christopher Group (TCG), a boutique HR executive search and business solutions recruiting firm, has been retained by The Corning Museum of Glass and Docker Corp. to lead in searches for a chief people, culture, and belonging officer, and a head of people, respectively. “We are honored to partner with The Corning Museum of Glass in their search for a chief people, culture, and belonging officer,” said The Christopher Group’s Pam Noble, who is leading the assignment, along with Morgan Booker. “This strategic role, focusing on HR and diversity and belonging, aligns seamlessly with our commitment to fostering high-performing and embracing work environments. The chief people, culture, and belonging officer will play a pivotal role within The Corning Museum of Glass, and we are excited to contribute to the museum’s mission of exploring the world of glass through this crucial leadership search.” 

The chief people, culture, and belonging officer provides strategic thought and leadership to advance and align the HR and diversity and inclusion functions with the overall strategic direction and priorities of The Corning Museum of Glass. This role focuses on building institutional excellence through a full span of human resources and DEI&A-related practices that enable a high-performance, equitable and inclusive work environment. This position is a highly visible within The Corning Museum of Glass, reporting directly to the president and executive director and is a part of the executive leadership team.

Established in 1951 by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) as a gift to the nation for the company’s 100th anniversary, The Corning Museum of Glass is a not-for-profit museum dedicated to exploring a single material: glass. Annually welcoming just under half a million visitors from around the world, the Museum’s campus is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, the world’s foremost library on glass, and one of the top glass-working schools in the world.

Docker Assignment

“We are thrilled to embark on an exciting journey with Docker Corp in selecting their next head of people,” said Nat Schiffer, who is leading this assignment along with Ms. Noble. “The role holds immense significance as Docker, a double unicorn, gears up for rapid growth towards an IPO. Their developer-centric approach is truly game-changing in their industry, and we’re honored to be part of this transformative journey.”

Scaling the HR function will be a cornerstone of this role, especially as the company gears up for an IPO. The Christopher Group notes that the head of people will architect and implement scalable HR processes, from talent acquisition and onboarding to performance management and leadership development, ensuring they can seamlessly accommodate rapid growth without compromising quality. “Preparing the C-suite and top talent for this significant milestone demands strategic workforce planning, identifying and nurturing the right skills and leadership capabilities essential for a successful IPO and sustained growth post-offering,” the firm said.

“The head of people’s expertise in change management and transformation tools will be instrumental in navigating this phase. Collaborating cross-functionally, they will drive change initiatives, providing the frameworks and support needed for smooth transitions. From organizational restructuring to evolving policies and procedures, the role will be pivotal in steering the company through transformative periods, fostering adaptability and resilience within the workforce.”

Docker is a platform that helps millions of developers efficiently and collaboratively build. It simplifies and accelerates workflows with an integrated development pipeline and application components.

Founded in 1998 by Tom and Paula Christopher (former HR executives with GE, Pepsi, Progressive Insurance, and Citigroup), The Christopher Group is a leading boutique HR executive search and staffing solutions firms. TCG is staffed by former HR professionals and trained search practitioners who use proprietary, scientific and industry-leading systems, tools, and processes. The firm has offices in Willoughby, OH; Sarasota, FL; and Kansas City, MO.

Ms. Noble serves as president, executive recruiting solutions & DEIB practice leader. She joined The Christopher Group in 2020 as the consulting services division president, managing director, and chief human resources officer. She brings over 25 years of human resources leadership to the firm. Former CHRO and talent succession lead, Ms. Noble has built HR departments as a strategic business partner, strengthened corporate-wide employee engagement, led diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and become an advisor with a reputation of high personal integrity.

Related: The Christopher Group Recruits EVP of People, Culture, and Engagement for Myriad360

Ms. Booker has over 18 years of talent acquisition, employee relations, and human resource business partner experience. She joined The Christopher Group in 2022 as a recruiting manager and has since been promoted to recruiting director. Her focus is partnering with executive human resources candidates across the United States to fill HR executive roles.

Mr. Schiffer, CEO of the firm, specializes in all levels of HR search but frequently leads the firm’s most senior-level searches including CHRO, VP, and other levels. He has recently completed searches across multiple industries and HR verticals for organizations including Phillips 66, Lamb Weston, Parker Hannifin, Air Products, Altria, SC Johnson, Cal State Fullerton, and Acorn start-ups such as OYO Rooms.

New Ownership

The Christopher Group was acquired by a group of managing partners led by Nat Schiffer on March 31, 2023. The acquisition allows the firm to continue its growth trajectory while ensuring a smooth ownership transition. “The acquisition of The Christopher Group by its managing partners is a testament to the strength, depth, and resilience of our company,” said Mr. Christopher. “We are excited to have all of the partners take the reins and continue our legacy of excellence in the HR industry we support.”

The transition of ownership will be virtually seamless for the clients and candidates that TCG serves. Mr. Schiffer will serve as president and managing director; Pam Noble as managing partner, head of recruiting operations; Ayla Maloney as managing partner, head of people operations; and Tobin Anselmi, as managing partner, head of interim and consulting services operations.

“We are thrilled to be taking ownership of such a dynamic and successful company,” said Mr. Schiffer. “We are committed to capitalizing on the ever-growing demand for human capital solutions.  With that said, I would be remiss if I did not thank Tom and Paula Christopher for their 25-plus years of contribution, innovation, financial support, and so much more. Additionally, they both will play important roles going forward as advisors and consultants, and Tom and I will continue our partnership in critical business development opportunities.”

Related: The Christopher Group Recruits Director of Global Talent Acquisition for STERIS 

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media