WittKieffer Leading CHRO Search for the University of Tampa

January 28, 2025 – A number of universities have recently turned to search firms to find new chief human resources officers. Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been called in by the University of Tampa to lead in its search for a vice president, human resources, and chief human resources officer. Principal Sarah Palmer is leading the assignment along with consultant Ashlee Winters Musser. WittKieffer notes that this is an outstanding opportunity to establish a best-in-class strategic human resources organization to support a thriving community as the university builds on its strengths and anticipates its future. This position is open due to the upcoming retirement of Donna Popovich, who has served as an integral member of the University of Tampa’s community in a variety of roles for more than 40 years.

Reporting directly to president Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg and serving as a member of the cabinet, the CHRO will be charged with building upon the strengths of the human resources organization to reimagine the role that HR plays within the organization and shape a people-centered vision and strategy that charts a path for the future and further establishes the function as a value-added, employee-focused, and strategic resource for the community.

Areas of opportunity include but are not limited to building a programmatic and meaningful onboarding strategy, developing a robust career architecture for employees, establishing comprehensive learning and development opportunities for managers and staff at all levels, shaping an effective performance management program tied to benchmarked and transparent compensation program, creating a centralized repository for updated employee policies to support employees and managers and to ensure compliance and risk mitigation, and producing innovative and forward-thinking strategies and programs to engage employees at all levels, according to WittKieffer.

The University of Tampa community seeks a leader who brings demonstrated experience advancing transformational change in complex mission-driven environments, who possesses broad human resources knowledge and expertise in delivering strategic consultative services to organizational leadership, and unquestionable integrity. Candidates who are able to exercise legal dexterity in their approach to policy development, compliance, and risk management are desired as state and federal laws and regulations evolve.

Additionally, leaders who demonstrate active engagement in human resources professional networks and organizations in order to stay abreast of emerging trends, innovative solutions, and best practices are encouraged, WittKieffer explains. At least 10 years of progressive leadership in human resources in a complex mission-driven environment and an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education are required. Prior experience in higher education and a juris doctorate degree or master’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field is preferred, as is professional certification in the field of human resources.

Related: Villanova University Retains WittKieffer to Find VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Founded by community leaders in 1931, the University of Tampa offers more than 200 programs of study, including 19 master’s degrees and a broad variety of majors, minors, pre-professional programs and certificates. Some of the school’s most popular majors include international business, biology, marketing, marine science, criminology, finance, communication, psychology, sport management, entrepreneurship and nursing.

Finding Senior Leaders

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.


Rutgers University Selects WittKieffer to Lead Search for 22nd President

WittKieffer has been retained by Rutgers University to lead in its search for its 22nd president. The university board of governors’ announcement officially initiates the process of selecting a successor to president Jonathan Holloway, who announced last month he would step down on June 30, 2025. “This is an important time for Rutgers University and an opportunity for Rutgers to chart a bold path forward,” said Amy L. Towers, chair of the board of governors. “Rutgers is in a terrific position to attract the best of the best in its next president. The university deserves a dynamic leader and communicator who shares Rutgers’ values, appreciates our multicampus identity, and brings with them experience running large, complex organizations with institutional effectiveness, accountability and a commitment to excellence.


Ms. Palmer is an experienced human resources leader and talent recruiter with a passion for connecting talent to leadership opportunities in higher education. Based in Exeter, NH, she brings to her search work a history of recruiting senior-level executives, driving organizational change and alignment, improving processes and engaging employees and senior leadership. Ms. Palmer recently completed the eCornell certificate program in diversity and inclusion, which focuses on improving employee engagement, counteracting unconscious bias and fostering an inclusive work climate.

Ms. Winters Musser works in WittKieffer’s education practice. Her expertise in research and recruiting, extensive experience in the public policy arena and educational background in higher education administration make her qualified to engage candidates at colleges and universities across academia. Since joining WittKieffer, she also has completed the eCornell certificate program in diversity and inclusion.

Related: WittKieffer Recruits 7th President for Franklin Pierce University

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media

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