WittKieffer Names Academic Medicine and Health Sciences Practice Co-Leader
January 12, 2021 – WittKieffer has appointed Deborah Wing as a new principal and co-leader of the firm’s academic medicine and health sciences practice. “Dr. Wing is an absolutely terrific addition to WittKieffer and our team in academic medicine. Her reputation as a clinician and leader in the field of women’s health and reproduction is stellar,” said Kimberly A. Smith, managing partner and practice leader of WittKieffer’s academic medicine and health sciences practice. “She is also passionate about everything she does, from mentoring and supporting up-and-coming leaders to helping clients find the ideal executive for their needs. We are fortunate to have her on our team.”
“Dee will make an immediate contribution to our clients based on her experience as a physician, researcher, academic leader and senior executive search professional,” said Andrew P. Chastain, president and CEO of WittKieffer. “She and Kimberly Smith will continue to expand our service to academic medical centers and health systems as they continue to navigate a very challenging environment and build their leadership for the future.”
An internationally recognized physician leader, researcher and professor with over 25 years of experience in maternal-fetal medicine, Dr. Wing brings vast, contemporary industry knowledge to her new role with WittKieffer. Based in Irvine, CA, she will help to guide the academic medicine and health sciences practice and lead searches for academic healthcare executives including CEOs, COOs, chief medical officers, deans, chairs, division chiefs and institute directors at top-tier organizations. “Her national network of contacts in academic medicine reflects her involvement with leading academic medical centers and governmental agencies originating in research in women’s healthcare and education, and will allow her to source exceptional candidates and provide counsel for WittKieffer’s clients,” the firm said.
Dr. Wing served three years as a senior client partner for the academic health center practice with Korn Ferry. Before that, she held positions as professor of obstetrics-gynecology and director of the division of maternal-fetal medicine at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. Among her many career appointments and accomplishments, she has been a member of the maternal-fetal medicine division of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the board of directors of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and the editorial board of the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has recent advisory committee experience with the U.S. FDA and on an NIH study section for grant reviews.
Seasoned Search Consultants
WittKieffer, based in Oak Brook, IL, 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.
WittKieffer Names Board Services Practice Leader
WittKieffer has appointed James King as leader of its board services practice. In addition to his new role, Mr. King serves as a senior partner and the firm’s chief quality officer, a board member and member of its diversity council. “Today’s business landscape has been severely altered as a result of COVID-19, leaving even the most seasoned boards questioning traditional governance practices and wondering if their members have the skills and abilities to thrive in an uncertain future,” WittKieffer said.
In October, the firm added Greg Duyck as leader of the firm’s advancement practice. “Greg’s extensive executive search experience in the field of higher education, as well as his notable expertise in the realm of fundraising, make him well-suited for this key role within our firm,” said Zachary Smith, managing partner and leader of WittKieffer’s education practice. “I can attest to what a dynamic leader he is and am excited for what’s to come for the Advancement Practice with him at the helm.” The firm described Mr. Duyck is a natural fit to guide WittKieffer’s team for advancement, an area within the firm’s education practice dedicated to recruiting vice presidents of advancement and development; capital campaign leaders; and executives in all areas including principal gifts, advancement services, alumni relations, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving for prominent higher education institutions.
WittKieffer recently appointed Natalie Derry to the role of managing partner and practice leader, education, for its WittKieffer International operations. Based in London and Edinburgh, Ms. Derry has been instrumental in WittKieffer’s growth outside the U.S. and in fulfilling its ability to operate seamlessly on a global scale. “We are fortunate to have Natalie leading the continued expansion of our education practice internationally,” said C.J. Bolster, WittKieffer’s managing director of global operations. “She has worked with some of the most prestigious institutions in education and continues to build the reputation of our firm worldwide.”
WittKieffer also expanded its interim leadership practice into the field of higher education. The practice, first launched in 2018 to provide interim leaders to the firm’s healthcare industry clients, will now also serve clients in academia that are seeking temporary executives to ensure leadership continuity in these difficult times, the firm said.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
