Ventura Partners Selected by Penn State to Find Next Women’s Head Basketball Coach
March 22, 2019 – Universities continue to turn to search firms to fill their top coaching vacancies. Executive recruitment firm Ventura Partners has been chosen to lead the search for the next women’s head basketball coach at Penn State University. After 12 seasons, the program elected to move on from coach Coquese Washington. Partner Chad Chatlos will spearhead the nationwide search for Ventura Partners.
“We both agree that the program is not where it needs to be, and this change of leadership is best at this time,” said Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour.
Penn State wants a dynamic and experienced leader with a strong commitment to NCAA Division I-A athletics, integrity, compliance, character, diversity, and the academic and athletic experience of the student-athlete. The head coach will be responsible for maintaining and strengthening a nationally competitive women’s basketball program by presenting a clear vision and strategy to compete for B1G and NCAA Championships, said Ventura Partners.
The women’s basketball head coach must also engage in the personal, academic and athletic development of student-athletes and is responsible for the program’s strict compliance with university, Big Ten Conference and NCAA regulations. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs. Coaching experience at the collegiate level is required.
Candidates must have a commitment to comply fully with the mission statements of the university and department, including Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics’ vision to prepare students for a lifetime of impact. “Proven organizational, evaluation, administrative and communication skills; a demonstrated ability to work well under pressure; and knowledge of NCAA regulations are required,” the search firm said.
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The incoming coach will inherit a team that went 12-18 in 2018-19, marking the fourth time in the last five seasons it finished at .500 or worse. The Lady Lions have not advanced to the NCAA Tournament since making a Sweet 16 run in 2013-14.
Collegiate Sports Associates Finds Head Basketball Coach for University of Georgia
Collegiate Sports Associates placed Tom Crean as the men’s head basketball coach for the University of Georgia. The firm was paid a consulting fee of $60,500. Georgia has turned to search firms in other coaching hires.
Ventura Partners is one of a growing cadre of search firms dedicated to the explosive growth sector of sports – focused on finding preeminent leaders in college and professional sports recruitment, and leading searches for college athletic directors, commissioners, premier coaches and senior executives across all sports. Ventura recently completed searches for Ole Miss, Clemson, Texas A&M, Auburn, Iowa, Utah, Kansas State, Nebraska and Purdue.
A Top Recruiter
With offices in Beverly Hills, Chicago and Atlanta, the firm also serves an array of other clients, including top-performing private equity funds, well-known and industry-disrupting brands, and leading industrials. Ventura Partners’ practice groups include: consumer products and services, industrial, private equity, CFO services, board services, sports and entertainment, and senior leadership assessment.
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Mr. Chatlos specializes in senior executive searches across the sports industry with a focus on diverse roles in the intercollegiate athletics landscape. His clients include major sports leagues, teams, conferences and leading colleges and universities. He has completed Power Five athletic director and commissioner searches as well as head coaching searches for football, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, strength and conditioning, and more, with marquee programs. In addition, he has led innovative searches in marketing, revenue-generating roles, eSports and player personnel positions.
Prior to joining Ventura Partners in 2016, Mr. Chatlos worked for Korn Ferry. He completed searches for the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NCAA, multiple national governing bodies, brands and universities. He has held senior leadership positions with the PGA Tour, Carey International and various sports marketing agencies. He has significant business development, marketing, sales and operational management experience across major sports and entertainment sectors.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
