WittKieffer Appoints IT Practice Leader
September 18, 2025 – Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has named Jeffrey Sturman as managing partner and information technology practice leader. He takes over from Hillary Ross, who has led the practice since 2017. Ms. Ross will shift her full-time priorities to client engagements and working alongside Mr. Sturman to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities. “We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to WittKieffer,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO. “His visionary leadership and deep industry expertise will be invaluable as we help organizations navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Jeff’s values and mission align perfectly with our commitment to improving quality of life in the communities we serve and build upon the legacy Hillary helped establish.”
Mr. Sturman brings over 30 years of experience in technology leadership and consulting. Most recently, he served as senior vice president and chief digital information officer at Memorial Healthcare System/South Broward Hospital District—the third-largest public healthcare system in the U.S. In that role, he oversaw a diverse portfolio including IT, business intelligence, clinical engineering, clinical efficiency, population health, and contact center operations, leading a team of more than 1,000 professionals and managing a $200 million annual budget.
A nationally recognized thought leader and change agent, Mr. Sturman has held senior roles at top consulting firms including Chartis, Cumberland Consulting Group, and Ernst & Young. He is a certified healthcare chief information officer (CHCIO) and certified digital health executive (CDH-E), and serves on several advisory boards across the healthcare and technology sectors.
“I’m honored to join WittKieffer and lead the information technology practice at such a pivotal time for digital innovation in healthcare, academic medicine, and higher education,” said Mr. Sturman. “WittKieffer’s reputation in executive search and leadership advisory is unmatched, thanks in large part to the foundation built by Hillary Ross and other visionary leaders. I’m excited to contribute to the firm’s mission and make a meaningful impact on a national and global scale.”
Related: WittKieffer Appoints Chief Operating Officer
WittKieffer assists hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers, medical schools, and physician groups; biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical device companies; colleges and universities, and not-for-profit community service and cultural organizations with senior administrative recruiting assignments. With more than 100 search professionals nationwide, its consultants recruit CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CNOs, physician executives, and other leaders.
Board Advisory Solution Leader
WittKieffer also recently appointed Laura Orr to expand and lead the firm’s board advisory solution. “Boards that are engaged, effective, and strategically aligned have a significant impact on organizational success,” said Susan M. Snyder, executive partner for leadership advisory at WittKieffer. “We’re thrilled to welcome Laura to our team to develop these high-impact boards. Laura’s background, expertise, and consultative approach help her bring an insightful perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by today’s governing boards.”
WittKieffer Names Five Senior Partners
WittKieffer has appointed five new senior partners. As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering leadership from within, WittKieffer elevates individuals based on demonstrated leadership qualities, expertise in the search and advisory professions, and commitment to company values, the search firm explained. “For 56 years, WittKieffer has flourished due in large part to the dedication and expertise of its senior partners,” said Andrew Chastain, president and CEO. “The elevation of five exceptional leaders to senior partner reflects our commitment to developing leaders from within and supporting their career aspirations and achievements. These five inspire us all and I’m excited to see the future impact they will have on our firm and the clients and communities we serve.”
As a senior partner and global board advisory leader, Ms. Orr is partnering with boards to acknowledge their strengths, identify their opportunities, and increase their impact. She is an accomplished executive and board advisor with two decades of operations, strategic planning, and board governance experience and has deep expertise in facilitation and leadership coaching. In 2021, Ms. Orr founded her own firm, Forward Governance Consulting, which provided guidance for boards of directors in healthcare, academic medicine, and related industries. Her board consulting supported boards to evolve their structure, navigate leadership transitions, and align on strategy.
“I am honored and excited to write my next career chapter with WittKieffer,” said Ms. Orr. “With more than half a century of experience, WittKieffer demonstrates an unwavering commitment to organizations impacting the quality of life and has built a culture of excellence. I look forward to joining this strong, respected team and bringing my passion for governance to help clients optimize board performance, drive strategy, and advance mission through governance excellence.”
Related: WittKieffer Launches Global Emerging Sciences Practice
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
