AGB SEARCH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Research Associate
- in 2022 As a Research Associate
Aaron Tyson joined AGB Search in 2022 as a Research Associate. The firm benefits from his diverse background and research skills in support of our client engagements. Coming from a career in sport management and executive search, he brings a unique perspective to conducting research and presentation of potential candidates. Most recently, he worked for VCG Sports, where he advocated for collegiate and professional coaches as they search for new career opportunities. Mr. Tyson earned his B.S. in Sport Management from Delaware State University, M.S. in Business Administration, and M.S. in Sport Business Management from the University of Central Florida.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of ExecComp Service and Senior Executive Search Consultant
- Senior Associate Vice President Emeritus of the University of Wisconsin System
Alan N. Crist, Ph.D., joined AGB Search in 2015 as the Director and Senior Consultant for the firm/CUPA-HR ExecComp service. The ExecComp service, a partnership of AGB Search and the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), provides benchmarking of executive compensation.
Dr. Crist has 45 years of diverse leadership experience in higher education, with 11 years as the chief human resources officer for the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) where he coordinated 31 senior executive searches; 22 chancellors, one president, five senior vice presidents, two vice presidents, and one chief audit executive.
Dr. Crist also serves as Senior Associate Vice President Emeritus of the University of Wisconsin System. Before joining UWS, Dr. Crist served for 30 years in enrollment management and admissions leadership positions at UW-Madison, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), and UW-Parkside. During his time at IUPUI he served a year at the College of DuPage as an ACE Fellow (1996-97). Also, while at IUPUI he had a joint appointment with Ivy Tech Indianapolis as part of its student preparation and transfer articulation program. With his work at public two year, four year regional, urban, and flagship institutions and university system administration, Dr. Crist has a unique perspective on public higher education and the leadership opportunities and challenges which makes him a valuable resource to search and screen committees, governing boards, and institutional leadership.
Alex Richardson joined AGB Search in 2023. With 15+ years of experience in launching and transforming educational products and strategies for leading institutions like Yale, Wharton, The Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, Unilever, Campbell Soup, and Dell Technologies, Mr. Richardson has devoted his career to developing the next generation of leaders. Since 2017, he has dedicated his practice to leadership and executive career coaching.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
Andrew Bowen joined AGB Search in August 2020 bringing with him a variety of experience in higher education. Mr. Bowen has experience supporting an array of public and private universities, with particular emphasis on President, Provost, CFO, Audit/Compliance, Development, Student Affairs and Communications/Marketing searches.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- in 2011 As a Research Associate
Anne Hoffman joined AGB Search in 2011 as a research associate and in 2021 took on the role of Executive Search Associate. She has continuously worked in the executive search field for over 20 years. For the past 16 years she has focused exclusively on higher education search work.
Ms. Hoffman began her career with The Walt Disney Company supporting executive searches in the corporate, consumer products and film divisions, followed by ten years with retained executive search firms specializing in higher education, retail, health, and accounting. She has been engaged with a variety of the higher education sector including large public universities, small liberal arts colleges, institutions abroad and those specialized in a specific arena such as theology and art. Additionally, Ms. Hoffman has been involved with a variety of search positions ranging from president, academic affairs, advancement, finance, deans and professors.
She is a graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor's degree in human development.
Brian Desmond joined AGB Search as a Research Associate in 2012. Since that time, he has worked on over sixty searches, including more than thirty presidential searches. He has also assisted with numerous searches for system heads, as well as searches for chancellors, provosts, vice presidents for advancement, vice presidents for finance and administration, and deans. Recently completed searches include:
University of Minnesota - President
Iowa State University - President
Louisiana Board of Regents - Commissioner of Higher Education
University of Montana - President
Nevada System of Higher Education - Chancellor
University of the District of Columbia - President
City Colleges of Chicago - Chancellor
Prior to joining AGB Search, Mr. Desmond taught in Theatre and English departments at Pacific Lutheran University, University of California at Santa Barbara, Washington & Lee University, and George Mason University. Earlier in his career, Mr. Desmond served as the Artistic Director of Theatre at Lime Kiln in Lexington, Virginia, and as the Producing/Artistic Director of the Washington Shakespeare Company in Washington, D.C. He has also worked as a professional actor, director, and playwright at theatres throughout the country, has credits in film and television, and has recorded dozens of books on tape.
Mr. Desmond was born in Cyprus and has lived in Iran, Ecuador, Madagascar, Okinawa, England, and various places throughout the United States. He earned a B.A. in English from the College of William and Mary and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from George Mason University.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
- Member of the Editorial Board of Hispanic Outlook
Carlos Hernández joined AGB Search in 2013. He has conducted many successful searches for senior leadership positions at private and state universities, and community colleges, most recently for:
Albizu University (PR/FL) - President
Northwestern University (IL) - Associate Vice President Title IX and Equity
Broward College (FL) - President
Henry Ford College (MI) - President
City University of New York (CUNY) Kingsborough - President
St. John's University (NY) - Dean of the School of Education
Dr. Hernández previously served as President of New Jersey City University for 19 years and in 2012 was named President Emeritus of the University. Under his leadership the University expanded its scope, underscored its urban mission, and attained university designation on May 29, 1998. Dr. Hernández also served in various capacities at the institution: as Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Executive Assistant to the President, and member of the faculty.
Dr. Hernández is a member of the editorial board of Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education. He has served on the American Council on Education's Commission on Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Equity, the Board of Trustees of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, and is a past chair of the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Hernández is a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Association for Higher Education and chaired the Association's Hispanic Caucus. He is also a former member of the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and served as a member of the American Council on Higher Education's Commission on International Education. Dr. Hernández has also served on the NCAA Division III Presidents' Council.
In New Jersey, Dr. Hernández served as chair of the Presidents' Council Academic Issues Committee and is a former member of the Committee. Dr. Hernández is also a former chair of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He serves on the boards of the Eastman Fund, the Liberty HealthCare System, Inc., Provident Bank, and is Chair of the Board of the Open Sky Museum.
Dr. Hernández is the recipient of several awards, among them, India's prestigious Priyadarshni Academy's Global Award for Promotion of Education, the Prabhakar R. Shukla Humanitarian Award, and the State of New Jersey's Many Faces - One Family Award.
Dr. Hernández holds a Doctorate in Psychology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from York College of the City University of New York. He resides in Jersey City.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Search Consultant
- Senior Fellow for AGB Consulting
Carlton Brown Ed.D. joined AGB Search in 2017. Dr. Brown is also a Senior Fellow for AGB Consulting focusing on Business Strategy. He stepped down from the presidency of Clark Atlanta University (GA) in June 2015 after seven years of service preceded by one year as executive vice president and provost. He previously served as special assistant to the chancellor of the University System of Georgia for the implementation of system-wide change initiatives.
Dr. Brown has recently completed searches for:
Bethune-Cookman University (FL) - President
Claflin University (SC) - President
Texas Christian University - Inaugural General Counsel
Dr. Brown's first presidency was at Savannah State University, from 1997 to 2006. Previously, he spent 10 years in the administration of Hampton University as a dean of education, dean of liberal arts and education, and then dean of the graduate college and vice president for planning.
He has served on the boards of NAFEO, UNCF, the Holmes Group, and AACTE. He currently serves on the advisory board of the Epicenter at Stanford University and Momentus: a Sustainability Collaborative. In civic and professional service, Dr. Brown has served as the chair of the AACTE National Commission on Multicultural Education and the boards of the Youth Futures Authority in Savannah, the Savannah Economic Development Authority and vice chair of the Hampton Virginia School Board.
Dr. Brown has completed international endeavors. He has served as the chair of the University Consortium for Liberia and initiated an economic summit for the Liberian Government in Atlanta and help an education and business summit in Liberia. He currently serves on the advisory board of the Osei TuTu Institute of Technology in Ghana and serves as an institutional and leadership consultant to the University of The Bahamas.
Dr. Brown holds a B.A. in English and American studies as well as an Ed.D. in Multicultural Education and Organizational Change, both from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Board of Trustees, City University of New York
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director for Business Development
- Senior Assistant Director for Client Development
Colleen Thornton joined AGB Search in September 2017 as Assistant Director for Business Development. In September, 2018, she moved into a new postion as Assistant Director of Search Support and Research where she works closely with the AGB Search consultants and research associates to manage the adminstrative aspects of all current, full searches for our clients. As well, she provides support for the firm's ExecComp.
Before joining AGB Search, Ms. Thornton spent a decade in the Federal government contracting sector working in federal health IT, accounting, and architecture and engineering. Her experience includes strategic planning, business development, proposal management and writing, and marketing.
Trained as a printmaker in New York City art schools, Ms. Thornton's career focused on not-for-profit advocacy, arts administration and fundraising. She is a co-founder and former director of the nonprofit artists' organization, City Without Walls Gallery, in Newark, NJ. While living in Europe for over two decades, she worked within the fine arts and architectural professions on various projects which included fundraising, gallery exhibitions, corporate events, and international professional conferences.
In collaboration with former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Richard N. Swett, FAIA, she researched and co-authored the book, "Leadership by Design: Creating an Architecture of Trust" (2005). Her writings on cultural topics have been published in the UK, Denmark and the US.
Concetta M. Stewart, Ph.D., joined AGB Search as executive search consultant and principal, bringing with her more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education. Prior to AGB Search, Dr. Stewart also spent several years as principal at another prominent executive search firm assisting with senior-level searches across higher education. She has completed over 80 searches for public and private colleges and universities including both research and liberal arts-focused institutions.
Dr. Stewart also served as a trustee of the American College of Greece for more than a decade, including terms as Board Chair and Vice-Chair, as well as on the executive councils of the American Council of Education's Office of Women in Higher Education and the Inclusive Excellence Group. Prior to her time in higher education, she worked in the telecommunications industry in product management and market development.
Job Titles:
- Director for Search Services
Courtney Valentine joined AGB Search in 2023 as the firm's Director for Search Services. In this role, she is responsible for providing key support to search operations in reporting and reviewing trends in searches to enhance the quality of AGB Search's work in the future.
Ms. Valentine most recently served as the Operations and Training Manager at Odgers Berndtson, where she was responsible for collaborating with executive leadership and heads of departments to identify training needs and developing strategic training operations based on firm objectives, processes, systems, and tools. She also played an integral role in user testing, planning, developing, executing, and training multiple software product rollouts firmwide including Salesforce. She has experience across operations for the full spectrum of the search process. Ms. Valentine previously served as a Project Coordinator at Odgers where she provided executive level support and project managed multiple partners across Life Sciences, Sports, Finance, and Technology practices.
Prior to joining Odgers Berndtson, Ms. Valentine spent shy of eight years at Hilton Club at Hilton Grand Vacations and last served as the Marketing Executive Assistant where she operated as the head air-traffic controller supporting the daily marketing operations for New York City and Washington, DC's marketing teams.
Education
B.S. degree in Sports Management and M.S. degree in Sports Administration from Florida State University
Job Titles:
- Associate
- in 2017 As a Research Associate
Dalene White joined AGB Search in 2017 as a research associate and in 2021 took on the role of Executive Search Associate. She has worked on a wide variety of searches including Presidents, Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Institutional Advancement and Financial Affairs, among others. Prior to joining AGB Search, she served for over 15 years in a variety of positions within the Higher Education Industry including Director of Planned Giving and Major Gifts, Director of Communications and Public Relations and as a Presidential Chief of Staff. In addition, she is a licensed CPA and manages the financial and tax affairs for clients across the country. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Accounting, with a minor in Economics, from the University of Kansas.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
David Beacham joined AGB Search in 2022. For over four decades, Mr. Beacham was a key member of the administration of Wofford College (SC). He began his career at the college after completing his bachelor's degree there in 1977. Following his work on the admission and advancement staffs, he served as chief advancement officer for twelve years and oversaw an unprecedented $90 million campaign.
For twenty years under three successive presidents, Mr. Beacham was secretary to the Wofford College Board of Trustees, in addition to his role as senior vice president for administration, and was the main liaison between the college and the 2012-13 Presidential Search Committee. He also staffed searches for provost, chaplain, and several vice presidencies, including marketing/ communications and advancement. Additionally, he was the primary link for the college's relationship with the United Methodist Church.
Mr. Beacham is deeply committed to civic and church activity. He has served on the boards of Partners for Active Living (chair), the Piedmont Chapter of the American Red Cross (chair), St. Luke's Free Medical Clinic, Habitat for Humanity and the Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, and is president-elect of the Board of Governors of The Piedmont Club.
Of signal importance to him is church leadership, having served as elder and deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg. He has chaired numerous church committees, campaigns and projects, including chair of the senior pastor nominating (search) committee.
David Beacham was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's most significant civilian award, during his final meeting with the Wofford College Board of Trustees in May 2022.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
Dawn Overstreet, Ph.D. joined AGB Search in 2022. Dr. Overstreet brings over twenty years of experience at four (public and private) universities in positions within the Offices of the President, Provost, Dean, and VP for Student Development. Included in these positions, she served as the Assistant Vice President of Student Development and Associate Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Loyola University Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Community College - Chief Student Services Officer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Secretary - Treasurer / Member, Board of Trustees, the College of New Jersey
Elizabeth Alvarado, Ed.D., joined AGB Search in 2023 as a Research Associate. Dr. Alvarado has more than a decade of experience working with presidents and governing boards as part of the consulting departments at the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). She earned a doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning at The George Washington University where she conducted research on how board professionals 'job crafted' throughout presidential transitions. Dr. Alvarado is also a health and wellness coach focused on workplace wellbeing and helping people to find meaning at work.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education
- Executive Search Consultant
Ellen Meyer joined AGB Search in 2017, after serving as president of two art, design, media, and film institutions for 21 years. She is an experienced higher education administrator, having held various faculty and leadership positions. Throughout her career Ms. Meyer has led or supported interdisciplinary curriculum development, technological innovation, executive and faculty recruitment and management, strategic planning and partnerships, fundraising, financial planning and oversight, exhibitions, facilities design and construction, and trustee and community relations.
Ms. Meyer served as the President of Watkins College of Art in Nashville for seven years, where she was appointed President Emerita and subsequently President Emerita of Watkins College of Art at Belmont University. Previously, she served as President of Atlanta College of Art (Woodruff Arts Center) for 14 years, as Director of Continuing Education and Special Programs at Rhode Island School of Design, and as Vice President of Marketing and Extension at Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
Ms. Meyer has served as Chair of the Board of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education; on the Commission on Accreditation for the National Association of Schools of Art and Design; as President of the Mid-America College Art Association; on the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce's technology steering committee; and on the boards of the National Black Arts Festival, the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design, and the Midtown Alliance (Atlanta). She is an alumna of Leadership Music, Leadership Atlanta, and Leadership Nashville.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
Franklin (Frank) A. Newton, Ed.D., joined AGB Search in 2023, bringing with him over 35 years of experience in education, most in higher education. He has served in roles in student affairs, academic affairs and at the assistant and associate dean level as well as vice president and chief of staff to the university president.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Search Consultant
For over three decades, Fred Moore has devoted his life to mission-driven organizations aiming to improve the human condition. As a leadership coach, executive search consultant, and university president, as well as a nonprofit and public company board member, Fred has helped place and develop leadership talent that has enabled organizations to transform lives.
Fred enjoyed a successful 22-year tenure as president of Buena Vista University (BYU) in Storm Lake, Iowa, and was named President Emeritus at the conclusion of his presidency. Mr. Moore's search expertise includes leading President, Provost/VPAA, Deans, and Vice Presidents searches.
Mr. Moore has served on the boards of The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, The Council of Independent Colleges, and The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. He also chaired the boards of The Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, The Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and Iowa Campus Compact. He was appointed by Iowa's governor to numerous commissions and task forces, including the Iowa College Student Aid Commission and the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. He formerly chaired the board of Pathward, a publicly traded financial services company. He also serves on the CampusWorks' Executive Advisory Board.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Search Consultant
Garry W. Owens joined AGB Search in 2011 after working five years as a senior consultant with another Washington, DC-based search and consulting firm. Dr. Owens has completed 90 searches for presidents, vice presidents, provosts, and deans in public and private colleges and universities, as well as in church-affiliated schools, specialized colleges, and the for-profit sector.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
George W. Hynd, Ed.D., joined AGB Search in 2023. Dr. Hynd is a child neuropsychologist who has had a distinguished administrative and academic career in higher education. Throughout his career he has maintained a passionate commitment to excellence through comprehensive strategic planning, personnel and institutional resource development and creative solutions to fostering successful university-community partnerships. Over the course of his career in senior leadership positions Dr. Hynd has coordinated or served as the hiring officer for cabinet level positions, vice presidents, associate vice presidents, provosts, deans, and center/institute directors.
Experience and Honors
Most recently, Dr. Hynd served as the interim president at Winthrop University and as the interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and provost at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Prior to this, Dr. Hynd served as president at Oakland University in Michigan where he led a transformative campus-wide master planning process which then informed the strategic planning process. He has held other academic and senior administrative positions including serving as the provost and executive vice president at the College of Charleston, dean of the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education at Arizona State University and as dean of the College of Education at Purdue University.
Dr. Hynd received numerous national and international awards and recognitions for his creative leadership in higher education and for the impact of his NIH-funded research. He received a Distinguished Hoosier Award in Indiana from then Governor Mitch Daniels, a special tribute from the Michigan State Legislature and community engagement leadership awards from the cities of Auburn Hills, Pontiac and Rochester, Michigan. In addition to being a Fulbright award recipient, Dr. Hynd is a Fellow in the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Hynd is also a distinguished research professor emeritus at the University of Georgia.
Education
B.A. degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University
M.A. degree in Psychology: General-Clinical from Pepperdine University
Ed.D. in Psychology from University of Northern Colorado
Job Titles:
- Engineer
- Executive Search Consultant
- in 2017 As an Executive Search Consultant
Gwendolyn E. Boyd joined AGB Search in 2017 as an executive search consultant. Dr. Boyd is an engineer and a prominent advocate of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. She is described as a dynamic and relevant leader, a prolific motivational speaker, and a powerful preacher. Since joining the firm she has assisted in senior leadership searches for:
Edward Waters University (FL) - President
Chicago State University - President
Tougaloo College (MS) - President
Dr. Boyd's professional career of more than three decades at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics laboratory was highlighted by exemplary leadership and dedicated services as part of engineering teams. Boyd was a direct report to the President of Johns Hopkins University serving as chair of the Johns Hopkins Diversity Leadership Council from 2001-2014.
Dr. Boyd returned to her alma mater, Alabama State University, in 2014 to serve for three years as the 14th and first female president of ASU. Highlights of her presidency included establishing the university's first engineering degree program with approval for a BS in biomedical engineering. She and her team had the university removed from SACSCOC warning status from previous financial instability. The largest freshman class was documented during her tenure.
Dr. Boyd is a nationally recognized champion of education, especially in the STEM disciplines. She was nominated by President Barack Obama and was confirmed by the Senate to serve as a trustee to the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation in 2009. She later served on the President's Advisory Commission on Education Excellence for African Americans in 2014.
Rev. Dr. Boyd is an ordained itinerant elder in the African American Methodist Episcopal Church. She serves on the ministerial staff of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD.
Dr. Boyd was elected to serve from 2000-2004 as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Known as the "Technology President", Boyd helped to establish technology in all facets of the sorority's activities and administration. Her four-year tenure included transformative accomplishments, such as the launching of Project SEE (Science in Every Experience), an initiative funded by a $1.6 million National Science Foundation grant with a goal of promoting math and science for middle school African-American girls. She led the sorority's humanitarian and education advocacy efforts in various African nations. In 2013, Boyd served as chair of the sorority's Centennial Celebration, culminating in its Washington, DC-based convention that drew more than 40,000 participants from around the world.
Dr. Boyd has been awarded four honorary doctorates; Congressional recognitions; 32 "Keys to the City"; a Key to the "State of Florida"; declaration of Gwendolyn E. Boyd Day in eight cities; leadership awards, and professional awards, and professional awards for her achievements in the fields of engineering and higher education. She is a member of the Capital City Chapter of the Links, Inc., the Washington, DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Leadership Greater Washington.
Dr. Boyd earned her B.S. from Alabama State University with a major in mathematics and a double minor in physics and music. She received a fellowship and was the first African-American female to earn an M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University. She has earned both the M. Div. and D. Min. Degrees from Howard University.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
Howard Lipman joined AGB Search in 2023 with more than 30 years of advancement and executive experience. He served as the Senior Vice President of University Advancement at Florida International University (FIU) and Chief Executive Officer of the FIU Foundation, Inc. for 13 years. As the leader of FIU's $750 million Next Horizon capital campaign, he led the Advancement Team toward accomplishing FIU's campaign goals and its NextHorizon2025 strategic initiatives in Student Success and Research Excellence. He successfully formed integral connections with his Foundation/Advancement staff, which was among the most diverse in higher education fundraising, as well as with emerging campus leaders.
Mr. Lipman led University Advancement and the FIU Foundation from 2010 to 2023, after serving as Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the FIU Foundation from 2002 to 2006. Alumni work has been a key focus throughout his career. At FIU, he was the chief architect of the University's revitalized alumni program, bringing in top professional talent to build out the program, expanding staff, and broadening its functions. As Foundation CEO, he managed the 501(c)(3), which was responsible for investment of endowment funds, philanthropic revenue growth, ethical stewardship of gifts, and the operation of a 44-member Board of Directors, work that advanced the university and strengthened the community.
Mr. Lipman also has a significant background in medical school fundraising. He secured gifts to establish FIU's medical school in 2006, raised funds for the Ear Institute and a Transplant Research Chair at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, and served on a team that brought in the largest gift in the state of Ohio-a $105 million investment to name Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University.
Mr. Lipman has held positions in the non-profit sector including at Oakwood Healthcare System Foundation and the Zoological Society of Florida. He is the Former President and CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Miami and the Keys, a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Miami chapter.
Mr. Lipman received a bachelor's degree in political science from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He also completed studies in higher education administration and organizational leadership at Southern Illinois University and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
Hunt Scanlon Media's Distinguished Leaders in Executive Recruiting
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Search Consultant
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
- Senior Fellow for Board Education
Jim Lanier is one of five founding Search Consultants who launched the AGB Search enterprise in 2010. His professional background, success in philanthropy, and his broad-based higher education leadership experience with university and foundation presidents and trustees have proved to be valuable resources for clients. His personal focus has been aimed toward uniting highly competent philanthropic leaders with institutions where they can fit and flourish. Mr. Lanier has conducted myriad searches for the firm including:
University of Alaska Foundation - President
Louisianna State University Foundation - Vice President for Advancement and CEO of the Foundation
University of Louisianna at Lafayette - Vice President for Advancement
United State Naval Academy (MD) - Director, Foundation and Corporation Relations; Director, Planned Giving; Major Gifts Officer; Special Gifts Officer
United States Naval Academy Foundation (MD) - Executive Vice President for Alumni Engagement
Marshall University (WV) - President
Florida Polytechnic University - Vice President for Advancement
Oakland University (MI) - Vice President for Development
Dominican College (NY) - Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Mr. Lanier joined AGB as a Senior Fellow for Board Education and Consulting to create the AGB Consulting Group. This team provides assistance and guidance for AGB members with longer-term governance and specific board and committee issues. The Consulting Group has grown into a staple of the AGB brand and is now run by an AGB Vice President for Consulting.
Since joining AGB, Jim has completed over a hundred successful consulting and search engagements with institutions and boards around the country. Clients range from governing, foundation and alumni boards at major research universities and systems to small private and community colleges. He is recognized as an expert in board governance and roles in philanthropy and campaigns.
Mr. Lanier served for 23 years as Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, and President of two foundations at East Carolina University. Throughout his career, he has published articles and been invited frequently to speak at regional and national meetings sponsored by AGB, CASE (Council for Support to Education), and NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers). He chaired a join AGB/CASE Taskforce that developed the National Illustrative Model Memorandum of Understanding between Institutions and Foundations that has become a national standard.
Before ECU, he spent a number of years at Louisburg College, a 230 year old Methodist school near Raleigh. While there he held several positions including teaching, Admissions, and six years as the institution's Chief Advancement Officer.
Mr. Lanier continues is a senior adjunct instructor at the Duke Nonprofit Center, and has served on numerous for-profit and nonprofit boards such as CASE, the Harold H. Bate Foundation, the Community Foundation of Eastern North Carolina and the LeRoy T. Walker Olympic Assessment Center.
He earned his B.S. and M.S. Ed degrees from East Carolina University, and also completed the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
- Founding Managing Principal
Jamie Ferrare is the founding managing principal at AGB Search. In this role, Dr. Ferrare helped to build and lead an extremely successful team of consultants, research associates and office personnel.
Prior to joining AGB Search, he was a senior consultant and past president of a Washington D.C. based search and consulting firm where he served for 10 years. Since 2000, he has led more than 100 searches for presidents, vice presidents and deans in public and private colleges and universities as well as church affiliated schools and independent liberal arts and fine arts institutions. Prior to his move to Washington, D.C., Dr. Ferrare was Dean of the School of Education at Drake University. As Dean, he successfully enacted what he taught in his faculty role, that of Associate Professor of Leadership and Adult Development. While at Drake, Dr. Ferrare led a string of successful searches for university administrators, faculty members, and high-profile school superintendents. Prior to his deanship, Dr. Ferrare was a faculty member and Assistant Dean responsible for policy development, budgeting, and student support. Previously, he served as Associate Executive Director of the School Administrators of Iowa and as Associate Superintendent of Schools for the nationally renowned West Des Moines Community School district. He also taught at public middle and high schools in Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Search Consultant
Janice S. Fitzgerald joined AGB Search in 2011. Ms. Fitzgerald's work with over 65 searches has focused on public higher education leadership for universities, colleges, community and two-year colleges, and state system heads.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
Jean Kim, Ed.D., joined AGB Search in 2017 following a 37-year career in higher education administration, specifically in student affairs and enrollment management, in both private and public universities. Having served as a senior leader and member of Executive Cabinets at both private and public universities, Dr. Kim has extensive experience in leadership search processes: as the hiring officer, chairing search committees, and participating in presidential and other cabinet member searches.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
Jeanne Foster Jacobs joined AGB Search in 2021. As a proven leader in higher education, she brings over 35 years of executive experience that advanced strategic direction, innovation, and institutional performance in community and state colleges. Dr. Jacobs searches expertise includes President/Chancellor, Provost/VPAA positions for public and private higher education institutions.
Dr. Jacobs is a nationally recognized higher education leader, winning numerous awards including: City of Homestead Community Award in Education (2020); Top Black Educator, Legacy Magazine (2017); Citizen of the Year Award, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (2016); ICABA Distinguished Achiever (2015); Educational Leadership Honor, Legacy Magazine (2013); Tribute to Women's History Month (March 2012) and Honoring Jeanne Jacobs (March 2010), United States Congressional Record; Outstanding Leadership in Education, Lumina (2011); Outstanding Woman in Education & Research, In the Company of Women Awards (2010); Proclamation of Jeanne F. Jacobs Day, Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and County Commissioners (2011, 2008); Top 25 Most Influential Black Women in South Florida (2007); and Top 10 African-American Women in Dayton, Ohio (2004).
Jeanne Melloni joined AGB Search in 2012. To date, she has successfully completed over 50 permanent searches for Presidents, Chancellors, Provosts/VPAAs, Academic Deans (variety), Vice President of Advancement/CEO Foundations, Vice President of Finance & Administration/CFOs, Directors, Vice President for Enrollment Management/Financial Aid and medical related positions. Recent searches include:
Saint Xavier University - Dean College of Arts and Sciences
Rider University - Vice President Finance and Treasurer/CFO
Tougaloo College - President
Schreiner University - Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ms. Melloni has worked closely with all types of higher education institutions including large and small 4-year public and private colleges and universities, community colleges, HBCU's, and religious affiliated institutions. Initially, she created a standardized due diligence process and reporting method for the firm in its work related to verifying candidates' academic credentials and listed publications.
Prior to joining AGB Search, Ms. Melloni had a twelve-year career in commercial banking as a Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager with Bank of America, NA in Washington D.C. and San Francisco, California specializing in the commercial real estate industry. Ms. Melloni holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the College of William and Mary.
Jennifer Ferrera joined AGB Search in August of 2012, and has provided research assistance for more than 85 searches. She has supported a variety of searches for private and public higher education institutions and institutions abroad, including searches for presidents, vice presidents, provosts, deans, and general counsels, including most recently:
Albizu University - President
Fresno Pacific University - President
Hawaii Pacific University - Business Dean
University of Central Florida - General Counsel
Howard Community College - President
St. Thomas Aquinas College - Director of Finance
Miami Dade College - President
In addition, she serves as the administrator of surveys for the firm. Prior to joining AGB Search, Ms. Ferrera worked for over 20 years in a broad range of management positions for Talbots, Inc. Some of her duties included research and development of local & regional marketing strategies, sales associate and support staff development, and operations and visual coordination. Ms. Ferrera earned a Bachelor's degree in office administration with a minor in accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Finance
Jennifer Green-Butler joined AGB Search in 2014 as the firm's finance and administrative assistant. In this capacity, she assists with all business and finance functions including processing invoices and payments.
Before joining AGB Search, Ms. Green-Butler served as an accounts payable clerk at BAE Technology Systems. During her time at BAE, she performed a variety of administrative and accounting functions, such as maintaining accounting files, running reports, processing payments, and handling invoices.
Education
B.S. degree in Accounting at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Job Titles:
- Biomedical Engineer
- Executive Search Consultant
Jerome A. ("Jerry") Gilbert, Ph.D. joined AGB Search in 2022. Dr. Gilbert is a biomedical engineer with experience as an administrator, a faculty member, and a funded researcher. His fervent commitment to excellence combined with significant experience in higher education policy, strategy, and governance, has been devoted to increasing diversity and universal access to education.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Executive Director for Finance and Administration
Jill Martin brings a wealth of experience and energy to AGB Search, serving as its Executive Director for Finance and Administration since August 2014. Ms. Martin is responsible for all internal operations related to budget, business, planning, marketing and finance for the firm. In coordination with the assistant Director for Research and Human Resources, Ms. Martin oversees contractual and financial elements of all client agreements.
Prior to joining AGB Search, Ms. Martin was the senior accountant at the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) for more than 23 years. In this capacity she developed and directed accounting departments, managed system reviews, and conducted financial reporting and analysis for the thriving non-profit association. While at AGB, she was also responsible for the daily management of the accounts payable and accounts receivable department, payroll, and preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports for submission to senior management and the board of directors.
Ms. Martin takes pride in mastering every detail of her area of responsibility. She also has significant experience in human resource and benefits management.
Education
B.A. degree in Accounting from Hampton University
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Governor, State of Nebraska
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Interim Search Services
Joanne Owens is the coordinator of Interim Search Services for AGB Search, providing administrative and search support for AGB Interim Search. In her role, Ms. Owens facilitates communication with candidates and client institutions and coordinates interim search services for the firm.
Ms. Owens has enjoyed a 30-year career in higher education, most recently serving as Coordinator of Graduate Programs in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her role there included administrative support to multiple departmental search committees and coordinating all faculty candidate visits and agendas. Prior to that, she served in administrative support roles at Texas Tech University, Northern Arizona University, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Education
Bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chancellor Emeritus, Tennessee Board of Regents
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
Joy Yablonsky joined AGB Search in 2018 and brings 25 years of executive search experience garnered with top executive search firms and a diverse practice in higher education, legal and nonprofit. She serves comprehensive public universities, systems, and small private institutions. Ms. Yablonsky has led over 100 searches for senior leadership positions including provosts, deans, VPs for advancement, enrollment management, information technology, human resources and externally funded chairs and directors. Her expertise spans the health sciences, humanities, business, and STEM with extensive work in a myriad of healthcare specialties. She possesses well-honed skills for assessing an organization's culture and identifying candidates who will align with the mission and strategic goals.
Job Titles:
- Executive Search Consultant
Julie Staggs, EMBA, EdD, joined AGB Search in 2021. She brings extensive experience in the field of higher education spanning more than 30 years. Dr. Staggs search expertise includes CFO/VPFA, Finance/Auditing, Business Officers positions in private and (mostly) nonsecular public institutions and master's programs Universities. Additionally, she is an accredited executive coach and serves within the AGB Search coaching services.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President Emeritus, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Kim Bobby, Ed.D. has had a distinguished career in the field of higher education prior to joining AGB Search. Dr. Bobby's expertise and understanding of meeting the needs of diversity and inclusion have enabled her to successfully identify and place diverse talent in higher education institutions and serve as the senior advisor for Justice, Equity, and Inclusion for AGB. She has conducted various executive searches at the President, Provost, Chief Diversity Officers/DEI, and Vice President level.
Kimberly S. Templeton, J.D. has more than has 25 years of experience as an executive search professional in the higher education, nonprofit, and legal sectors; senior advancement leader; and corporate attorney. Ms. Templeton partners with leading public research universities, regional comprehensive universities, private universities, liberal arts colleges, and academic medical centers to identify institutional and senior leaders, including presidents/chancellors, general counsels, vice presidents for research (and economic development), vice presidents for advancement and presidents of institutionally related foundations, vice presidents for health affairs, vice presidents for business and finance, and school and center directors, among others.
Ms. Templeton's representative searches include:
President, University of Nebraska
President, Ramapo College
Executive Vice President, Knowledge Enterprise, Arizona State University
Targeted research center leadership recruitments, Arizona State University
Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Boise State University
Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, University of Iowa
Vice President and General Counsel, University of Central Florida
General Counsel, Maricopa County Community College District
Vice Chancellor for Business, Finance and Business Development, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean, School of Medicine, University of South Dakota
Chief Executive Officer, University at Buffalo Foundation
President, University of Alaska Foundation
Vice Dean for Research and Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University
Ms. Templeton's other clients served include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Missouri Western State University, Rider University, Seton Hall University, Rutgers University Foundation, Stony Brook University, University of Arizona, University of California, Riverside, University of Central Florida Foundation, University of Colorado, University of Maryland, University of Iowa, University of Washington, and Yeshiva University, among many others. Ms. Templeton is recognized for her ability to recruit high caliber candidates, superior search execution, client partnerships, and aptitude to identify and communicate a client institution's unique culture, opportunities and challenges in a compelling manner.
Prior to joining AGB Search, Ms. Templeton served as Vice President and Practice Director for an executive search firm serving mission-oriented institutions and as Director of Business and Candidate Development for a prominent attorney executive search and consulting firm. Previously, Ms. Templeton spent nine years as a senior advancement leader in her role as Director of External Affairs for the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia, one of the Southeast's top museums. A key member of the management team, she provided leadership and direction for the institution's development, marketing and communications, and government relations programs.
Ms. Templeton began her career as an attorney with Cahill Gordon & Reindel, a prominent New York based international law firm, where her practice included corporate transactions and commercial litigation. She received her B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College (Phi Beta Kappa) and her J.D. from New York University School of Law. She holds professional certification as a lobbyist from the Association of Government Relations Professionals.
An advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, Ms. Templeton has served on the boards of nonprofit disability organizations and is a frequent speaker on inclusive education, including at the White House for the 40th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
James H. McCormick, Ed.D., joined AGB Search in 2011. Dr. McCormick's work with over 65 searches has focused upon public higher education leadership for universities, colleges, community and two-year colleges, and state system heads, including the following:
City Colleges of Chicago (IL) - Chancellor, Provost, 6 College Presidents
Emporia State University (KS) - President
Housatonic Community College (CT) - President
Illinois Board of Higher Education - Executive Director
Iowa State University - President
Johnson County Community College (KS) - President
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education - President
Louisiana Board of Regents - Commissioner
Montana Technological University - Chancellor
New York State Education Department - Commissioner
North Dakota State University - President
Pittsburg State University (KS) - President
State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (CO) - President
University of Idaho - President
University of Iowa - President
University of Montana - President, Provost
University of North Dakota - President, Provost
University of Northern Iowa - President, Provost
University of the District of Columbia - President, Provost
Western Connecticut State University - President
As Chancellor Emeritus of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Dr. McCormick began his term of office there in July 2001, and concluded service to the system in 2011. Before undertaking Minnesota leadership, Dr. McCormick was the founding chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and also holds the title Chancellor Emeritus there. He was president of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (1973 to 1983) and a professor and administrator for Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in the preceding years.
International, national, and statewide leadership has seen Dr. McCormick's participation in Project Interchange with the Institute on American Jewish-Israeli Relations and as a visiting professor for Kuwait University in the "Building a World Class University" post-war project. He was chair of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact; chair of the Higher Education Advisory Council for the Minnesota Office of Higher Education; and founding chair of the Minnesota P-20 Education Roundtable/Partnership. Leadership roles with numerous organizations include the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Association of System Heads, serving as national chair for the latter. He also was elected national chair of the State Higher Education Executive Officers; served on the SHEEO Executive Committee; and chaired the SHEEO Federal Relations Committee. Dr. McCormick was a member of the National Council of State Directors of Community Colleges, an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges.
Dr. McCormick is the recipient of several honors and recognitions, among them a citation for "model" leadership style in the publication, Shared Visions of Public Higher Education Governance. He is proud to be recipient of an Ojibwe name, Wabiska Maengun (White Wolf),
by the Fond du Lac Reservation in Cloquet, Minnesota. He also has been recognized by the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties' prestigious Distinguished Friend of Higher Education Award. Other noteworthy awards given him came from the Minnesota Association of School Administrators with the Distinguished Service Award; the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership's Ron McKinley All My Relations Award; and Minnesota's American Indian Conference Award.
Dr. McCormick has been a frequent speaker, particularly on issues addressing characteristics of leadership, governance, workforce development, higher education opportunity for the underserved and underrepresented, and the public higher education access mission in universities and community colleges.
A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. McCormick earned Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed post-doctoral study at Columbia University, the University of Michigan, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director for Search Operations
Job Titles:
- Director of Interim Search and Senior Executive Search Consultant
Job Titles:
- Associate Managing Principal and Senior Vice President for Client Development
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Board of Trustees, Texas Christian University
Job Titles:
- Executive Director for Client Development
Job Titles:
- Coordinator for Search Services
Job Titles:
- Online Systems Consultant