Roundtable of Executive Search Firms

​ACE is pleased to provide information and a means of facilitating communication with executive search firms that specialize in higher education. ACE does not evaluate or endorse the services of individual firms.


Academic Career & Executive Search

Designed for efficiency and flexibility, our academic executive search and academic career services are high precision but inexpensive. Savings are passed to the client. Executive Search: Six search options for every need and budget. The only constant - a unique search process driven by experienced recruiters, researchers and academics guaranteed to attract the ideal candidate. We work with the client until we find the right fit. Academic Career Services offers critical insight to aspiring higher education candidates.

Jennifer Muller
PO Box 370485 West Hartford, CT 06119
860-740-2600
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Athletics Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer

Academic Search

For more than four decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services to higher education institutions, associations, and related organizations. Academic Search was founded by higher education leaders on the principle that we provide the most value to partner institutions by combining best practices with our deep knowledge and experience. Our mission today is to enhance institutional capacity by providing outstanding executive recruitment services, executive coaching, and transition support, in partnership with our parent organization, the American Academic Leadership Institute.

L. Jay Lemons
1015 18th Street, NW, Suite 510 Washington, DC 20036
202-332-4049
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Athletics Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer

AGB Search

AGB Search focuses exclusively on higher education leadership. We offer interim appointments to preserve continuity, full search services to help institutions navigate the hiring process, transition assistance to set up leaders for long-term success.
Rod McDavis
1133 20th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20036
804-514-1982
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Athletics Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer

Buffkin/Baker

​Buffkin / Baker is a partner-led executive search firm focusing on Healthcare, Higher Education, Private Equity, Digital Transformation, Technology, Media & Telecom, and Non-Profit. As leaders in their respective fields, each partner has over a decade of retained search experience. Combined, the firm's partners have more than 175 years of search experience and more than 220 years of industry/operating experience. Office locations include Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, St. Simons Island, Washington, DC, and Winston-Salem with an affiliate office in London.

Martin Baker
420 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10170
646-354-6503
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Athletics Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer

Diversified Search Group | Storbeck Search

Consultants from Storbeck Search, Diversified Search, and Koya Partners form the Education Practice of The Diversified Search Group (DSG), a single firm comprising a portfolio of search firms focused on specialized market sectors. Founded by women, the three firms are recognized leaders in the areas of diversity and inclusion. The Diversified Search Group family of firms also includes BioQuest and Grant Cooper, with niches in life sciences and academic medicine. DSG is the official U.S. partner of AltoPartners, an international alliance of executive search firms.

Susan VanGilder
2005 Market Street, Floor 33 Philadelphia, PA 19103
484-263-5513
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.

We are a women-owned executive search firm. Our diverse consulting team has extensive experience in executive search, consulting, and training for all educational markets.
Jan Greenwood
42 Business Centre Drive, Suite 206 Miramar Beach, FL 32550
850-650-2277
Specialty: Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer

Harris Search Associates

​Harris Search Associates is a leading global executive search and board advisory consulting firm. Our practice is focused on identifying and attracting leaders to support the growth of clients in the areas of research, science, engineering, academic medicine and commercial enterprises. Clients include the foremost universities, research parks, institutes, academic medical centers and commercial organizations driving global innovation and discovery. Specialties: CAO, CEO, CFO, CHAIR, CIO, CS/PA, DEAN, DIR, VP

Jeffrey Harris
4236 Tuller Road Dublin, OH 43017
614-798-8500
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer

Hyatt-Fennell, Executive Search

Hyatt-Fennell, Executive Search - led by Marylouise Fennell and Cheryl Hyatt, is a highly successful national and international search firm with offices in Pennsylvania, Florida and Colorado. Together with a strong support staff and several independent senior academic consultants, they are rich in higher education and recruitment experience. Hyatt-Fennell is well-known and respected for placing top executives with colleges and universities. They partner with their clients to enhance and streamline the search process and provide a commitment to find the right person for each position. 
Cheryl Hyatt
P.O. Box 214 Conway, PA 15027
724-242-0476
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Dean, Department Chair, Director, Information Technology Officer, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer

Isaacson, Miller

Isaacson, Miller is a national retained executive search firm specializing in recruiting transformative leadership for mission-driven organizations. With the largest and most comprehensive higher education practice in the U.S., its searches have placed some of the most respected and successful presidents, chancellors, deans, department heads and administration professionals across a wide range of universities, colleges, and academic medical centers.
Pamela Pezzoli
263 Summer Street, 7th Floor Boston, MA 02210
617-262-6500
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer

Jack Farrell and Associates

​Jack Farrell & Associates finds the best talent in academic libraries - from Dean of Libraries/ University Librarian to Associate Dean, Associate University Librarian, and all other leadership levels in the organization. We are experts are building candidate pools that are deep and diverse. We work seamlessly with Search Committees to deliver swift and winning results for our clients. Our fees are typically less than others doing this work, and our results are second to none. Please tell us how we can help you!

Jack Farrell
PO BOX 1241 Princeton, NJ 08542
609.945.2330
Specialty: Dean, Department Chair, Director

Keeling & Associates

K&A is a higher education consulting firm; we work exclusively with colleges and universities, university systems, and higher education professional organizations. Our projects have a common purpose: to improve outcomes in higher education. We accomplish that purpose in different ways - by renewing vision and strategy; advancing innovation in academic programs; strengthening student support services; increasing institutional capacity through executive search services; improving organizational and operational effectiveness; and increasing alignment and synergy in institutional governance.
Liliana Rodríguez, PhD
55 Harry Kemp Way Provincetown, MA 02657
212-229-4750
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer

Lincoln Leadership, LLC

Lincoln Leadership is uniquely positioned to influence the organizations that push society forward. We acknowledge this privilege and commit to transcend diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and deliver leadership capable of expanding opportunities. We encourage leaders closest to the problem to advance meaningful solutions.
Andrew Wheeler
1025 S. Farragut Street Philadelphia, PA 19143
267-257-1910
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Information Technology Officer, Other Vice Presidents, Provost/Chief Academic Officer

Lindauer

Lindauer is a global search and talent firm with a true understanding of the nonprofit world and what it takes to succeed in its challenging environment. Our proven success across multi-disciplines includes higher and secondary education; hospitals and academic research centers; think tanks, research facilities and foundations; and advocacy, public service, social justice and other mission-driven nonprofits. Our client list today represents the most prestigious and innovative organizations.

Faith Montgomery
420 Boylston Street, Suite 604 Boston, MA 02116
617-262-1102
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Dean, Other Vice Presidents, Provost/Chief Academic Officer

NES Search

​NES, a national higher education search firm, focuses on recruitment and placement of enrollment professionals in admission, financial aid, and marketing leadership roles. We align searches to strategically match the goals of each institution. Established in 2014 as Napier Executive Search, NES consists of seasoned enrollment professionals with considerable consultative experience. The mission of NES is to build on our national reach, demonstrate excellence in enrollment searches, and work with synergy as a team to provide results to institutions.

Laura Robinson
801 Hanover Rd DeLand, FL 32724
773-576-3361
Specialty: Dean, Director, Other Vice Presidents

R. William Funk & Associates

R. William Funk & Associates, is recognized for its unparalleled record in recruiting many of the nation's most esteemed college and university leaders. During the past two decades, no higher education search firm has had a greater impact on college and university leadership nationally than RWFA and its consultants. We have conducted many of the most important university and system President, Provost, VP, and Dean searches in the nation. RWFA was founded on the belief that we are partners with our clients, working towards a mutual goal of advancing the universities and colleges we serve. 

Robert Funk
2911 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75219
214-295-3312
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Dean, General Counsel, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer

Registry for College and University Presidents

​Founded in 1992, the Registry is the "Gold Standard" interim leadership firm in higher education. The Registry has contracts with over 600 former college and university presidents and senior administrators, in over 49 states, all of whom have been selected for membership based upon nominations and pre-screening evaluations. Experience confirms that the Registry interim function increases the probability of success for the permanent president or senior administrator. Specialties: ADV, CAO, CEO, CFO, CIO, CS/PA, DEAN, GC, SPO, VP

Bryan Carlson
3 Centennial Drive Site 320 Peabody, MA 01960
978-532-4090
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer

Russell Reynolds Associates

Russell Reynolds Associates is an executive search team that helps clients identify and develop future-ready leaders who share the values of an organization and move the business forward. We take a broad, creative approach to identifying potential candidates. We evaluate candidates against both what your needs are and what success looks like across your industry. During the interview stage, we gather feedback and manage candidate expectations-serving as your trusted advisor throughout the entire recruitment process.

Jett Pihakis
1700 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20006
202-654-7870
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer

Spelman Johnson

Spelman Johnson is a premier executive search firm serving higher education. Recruiting talented leaders, Spelman Johnson's success is strengthened by their deep, diverse relationships and their investment in the development of a leadership pipeline.

Ellen Hefferman
3 Chapman Avenue Easthampton, MA 01027
413-529-2895
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Athletics Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Director, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer

Summit Search Solutions, Inc.

Summit is a boutique executive search firm dedicated to serving the higher education and non-profit sectors nationwide. In addition to offering traditional comprehensive search, Summit offers sourcing-based models where clients can select components of the search process at an hourly rate or fixed fee. All searches include strategies to identify and attract passive candidates and diverse candidates. Based in Asheville, NC, Summit has a team of experienced recruiting consultants in locations across the country including CA, CO, KS, NC, MD, and NY.
Carrie Coward
P.O. Box 9824 Asheville, NC 28815
828-669-3850
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer

William Spelman Executive Search

​William Spelman Executive Search is a retained executive search firm specializing in identifying and recruiting highly qualified and diverse candidates for executive positions in higher education. Our searches are rooted in the close partnerships we form with our clients, with whom we share a commitment to finding the best and brightest to carry out the important work of educating the world's future leaders. Specialties: ADV, ATH, CFO, CIO, DEAN, DIR, SPO, VP

Megan Spelman
667 Midship Circle Webster, NY 14580-3916
585-750-7091
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer

WittKieffer

WittKieffer is the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm developing impactful leadership teams for organizations that improve quality of life. We work exclusively with organizations in education, healthcare and life sciences-the Quality of Life Ecosystem. Through our executive search, interim leadership, and leadership advisory solutions, we strengthen organizations that make the world better. WittKieffer is proud to be 100 percent employee-owned. Visit wittkieffer.com to learn more.
Lucy Leske
2015 Spring Road, Suite 510 Oak Brook, IL 60523
630-575-6164
Specialty: Advancement/Development Officer, Athletics Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff/Presidential Assistant, Dean, Department Chair, Director, General Counsel, Information Technology Officer, Other Vice Presidents, President/Chancellor, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Strategic Planning Officer