Completed Searches Archives - Page 3 of 4

Global law firm, Holland & Knight LLP, appoints Patrick O’Connor to lead business development and marketing strategy.

Client: Holland & Knight LLP | Role: Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer | Candidate: Patrick O’Connor

Recruiters: John Lamar, Managing Director; Jean Lenzner, Managing Director; William Lepiesza, Managing Director

Overview

Holland & Knight LLP, an internationally recognized law firm renowned for its collaborative culture and strategic growth, has partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer. As the firm continued to grow and evolve in an increasingly competitive global market, it required a proven leader to build integrated marketing strategies, enhance client engagement, and align business development initiatives with practice group priorities.

Key Leadership Need

The firm needed a Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer who could design and execute firmwide growth strategies, elevate branding efforts, and strengthen cross-practice collaboration. The ideal candidate would combine deep experience in business development leadership with the operational excellence needed to support attorneys across diverse practice groups and geographies.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Managing Directors John Lamar, Jean Lenzner, and William Lepiesza led a targeted search across professional services and consulting firms for senior executives with proven experience leading complex marketing and business development initiatives.

Search priorities included:

Expertise driving cross-practice collaboration, client engagement strategies, and brand evolution
Success leading marketing operations at scale within sophisticated, matrixed organizations
Ability to align marketing, sales, and business development functions around strategic goals

Patrick O’Connor emerged as the ideal choice due to his extensive leadership at EY, where he served as Principal and Americas Chief Operating Officer for the Forensic & Integrity Services Practice, as well as his proven success designing and executing business development initiatives across global teams.

Successful Placement and Impact

Patrick O’Connor brings nearly two decades of business development leadership, sales management, and strategic planning expertise within global professional services organizations.

Immediate Impact:

Launched integrated business development strategies aligned with firmwide priorities
Strengthened internal collaboration between practice groups and client-facing teams
Implemented scalable marketing operations systems to support global brand visibility
Enhanced strategic targeting and client engagement initiatives across industries

About Holland & Knight LLP

Holland & Knight LLP is a global law firm with more than 2,200 lawyers and professionals in 34 offices across the United States and internationally. The firm is recognized for its experience in real estate, litigation, energy, and government matters, and is known for fostering strong client partnerships through collaborative legal solutions.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is an executive search firm in Houston. The firm serves industries such as legal services, life sciences, healthcare, financial services, energy, technology, consumer goods, and nonprofit organizations, delivering strategic, results-driven leadership placements tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Interested in learning more about our executive recruitment services? Contact The Alexander Group today.

Leading legal network, PilotLegis, appoints Ryan Kovach to strengthen risk management, compliance, and member services.

Client: PilotLegis | Role: Assistant Executive Director | Candidate: Ryan Kovach

Recruiter: Amanda K. Brady, Managing Director/Chief Client Officer

Overview

PilotLegis, a national network of independent law firms focused on risk management and collaborative growth, partners with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit an Assistant Executive Director. As PilotLegis strengthens its service offerings and member engagement programs, the organization needs a dynamic leader to drive operational enhancements and lead compliance initiatives across its member base.

Key Leadership Need

PilotLegis sought an Assistant Executive Director who could oversee risk management programming, conduct member firm reviews, develop educational initiatives, and collaborate closely with the Board of Directors and standing committees. The ideal candidate would bring a proven track record of success in legal compliance, auditing, policy development, and risk mitigation, along with strong operational leadership skills.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Amanda K. Brady, Managing Director and Chief Client Officer, led a specialized search targeting candidates with legal operations expertise, risk management leadership, and experience supporting national legal networks or complex law firms.

Search priorities include:

Experience in legal compliance, auditing, and policy development
Ability to design and implement risk management programming for law firms
Collaborative leadership style capable of working closely with boards and committees

Ryan Kovach quickly stood out as the right candidate, bringing a wealth of operational experience from leadership roles at PilotLegis and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, along with a strong background in compliance, auditing, and risk mitigation for professional services organizations.

Successful Placement and Impact

Ryan Kovach joins PilotLegis as Assistant Executive Director. He oversees risk reviews, member services, and the development of industry-leading compliance programming, helping PilotLegis members adopt best practices across operations, risk management, and practice growth.

Immediate Impact:

Conducts in-depth risk assessments for members and prospective firms
Leads strategic initiatives to strengthen member compliance programs
Coordinates education programs and national conferences for member engagement
Supports membership growth and operational innovation across the network

About PilotLegis

PilotLegis is a collaborative network of independent law firms committed to excellence in legal services, risk management, and firm leadership. Through education, peer engagement, and operational best practices, PilotLegis supports its member firms in delivering superior client service while minimizing operational risks.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is an executive search firm in Houston. The firm partners with organizations across industries—including legal services, life sciences, healthcare, financial services, energy, technology, and nonprofit sectors—to deliver leadership placements that drive operational excellence and strategic growth.Looking for proven leadership to help your organization grow and thrive? Contact The Alexander Group to learn how we deliver transformative executive talent.

It has been a busy, exciting and productive spring and summer for The Alexander Group.

We celebrated the firm’s 40th anniversary, welcoming clients, friends, and family to The Podium at Porsche River Oaks in Houston. We’ve also welcomed industry-leading experts to The Alexander Group, expanded our reach with new locations and continued to identify world-class talent for our clients.

Tap here to read our Summer 2024 Newsletter here.

Stay connected to The Alexander Group and receive our quarterly newsletters by subscribing here.

National law firm, Carlton Fields, appoints Maria Anderson to lead attorney recruiting, development, and retention strategies.

Client: Carlton Fields | Role: Director of Legal Talent Management | Candidate: Maria Anderson

Recruiters: John Mann, Managing Director; Michael Doering, Senior Associate

Overview

Carlton Fields, a nationally recognized law firm serving a wide range of industries, partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Director of Legal Talent Management. As the firm continued its strategic growth, it needed a proven leader to oversee attorney recruitment, professional development programs, and long-term retention strategies across its offices.

Key Leadership Need

Carlton Fields sought a Director of Legal Talent Management who could lead full-cycle recruiting, design structured professional development initiatives, and strengthen the firm’s attorney engagement and retention programs. The ideal candidate would bring a blend of operational leadership, recruiting expertise, and a focus on attorney career advancement within a client-focused law firm environment.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Managing Director John Mann and Director Michael Doering conducted a targeted search, focusing on legal recruiting executives with strong leadership backgrounds in midsize and large law firms.

Search priorities include:

Deep experience in lateral partner, associate, and summer associate recruitment
Strong focus on talent development, retention programming, and DEI initiatives
Ability to build scalable frameworks to support attorney engagement and firm culture

Maria Anderson stood out due to her nearly two decades of leadership at Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, where she served as Director of Legal Personnel and Recruitment, overseeing attorney hiring, training, and career progression programs.

Successful Placement and Impact

Maria Anderson joins Carlton Fields as Director of Legal Talent Management. She will oversee attorney recruiting, design professional development initiatives, and collaborate with leadership to align talent strategies with the firm’s long-term growth goals.

Immediate Impact:

Enhances lateral hiring and summer associate recruitment processes
Develops formalized career development frameworks for attorneys at all levels
Launches attorney retention and engagement programs tailored to practice group needs
Strengthens the firm’s overall attorney experience and internal mobility opportunities

About Carlton Fields

Carlton Fields is a national law firm with offices across the Southeast and nationwide, serving clients in sectors including financial services, healthcare, construction, and technology. The firm is recognized for its commitment to client service, collaboration, and legal innovation.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is an executive search firm headquartered in Houston. The firm specializes in placing senior leadership across legal services, life sciences, healthcare, financial services, energy, technology, consumer goods, and nonprofit sectors, helping clients achieve growth through strategic talent acquisition.

Ready to transform your leadership team with proven talent? Partner with The Alexander Group to find the executives who will drive your growth.

The Milken Institute, a global think tank, appoints Kevin Herglotz to lead business development, partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives.

Client: Milken Institute | Role: Executive Vice President, Institutional Advancement | Candidate: Kevin Herglotz

Recruiters: Jane Howze, Managing Director; Sarah Mitchell, Director

Overview

The Milken Institute, a globally recognized nonprofit think tank advancing solutions to the world’s most critical challenges, partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit an Executive Vice President of Institutional Advancement. As the Institute expanded its global impact, it sought a dynamic executive leader to drive business development, institutional partnerships, fundraising, marketing, and government engagement initiatives.

Key Leadership Need

The Milken Institute was looking for an Executive Vice President of Institutional Advancement who could lead cross-functional teams spanning business development, global events, marketing and communications, and external affairs. The role required a leader with proven expertise in scaling nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, building international partnerships, and developing high-impact strategic initiatives.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Managing Director Jane Howze and Director Sarah Mitchell conducted a national search targeting senior executives with experience across nonprofit advancement, business development, strategic partnerships, and global communications.

Search priorities included:

Proven leadership scaling nonprofit, governmental, or mission-driven organizations
Expertise in building global partnerships, marketing, and event management strategies
Strong strategic planning and team leadership capabilities

Kevin Herglotz emerged as the leading candidate with more than three decades of experience in executive leadership roles spanning government, business, and nonprofits, including his prior leadership at HPA Strategies, the National AIDS Memorial, and Safeway.

Successful Placement and Impact

Kevin Herglotz joins The Milken Institute as Executive Vice President of Institutional Advancement. He will lead efforts to expand the Institute’s partnerships, drive business and program development, and elevate the Institute’s visibility and influence globally.

Immediate Impact:

Oversees global business development, marketing, communications, and government relations initiatives
Leads strategic partnerships to support the Institute’s global conferences and policy platforms
Develops growth strategies aligned with the Institute’s long-term mission objectives
Strengthens internal team performance across advancement functions

About The Milken Institute

The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that advances collaborative solutions to global challenges by connecting leaders in finance, public health, technology, philanthropy, and public policy. Through events, research, and partnerships, the Institute drives impactful initiatives that improve lives worldwide.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is an executive search firm based in Houston, known for delivering transformative leadership across nonprofit, healthcare, legal services, financial services, life sciences, technology, and energy sectors. The firm partners with organizations seeking growth, innovation, and global impact through strategic leadership placements.

Seeking proven leaders to elevate your mission-driven organization? Partner with The Alexander Group to secure the executives who create impact.

The American Heart Association, a national nonprofit organization, appoints Sharlene Jenner to drive digital marketing innovation and engagement.

Client: The American Heart Association | Role: SVP, Digital Marketing | Candidate: Sharlene Jenner

Recruiters: Amanda K. Brady, Managing Director; Jean Lenzner, Managing Director

Overview

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. It partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing. As the organization sought to strengthen its digital-first engagement strategy, it needed a visionary marketing leader to amplify its science-driven mission through digital innovation, emerging technologies, and strategic storytelling.

Key Leadership Need

The American Heart Association sought an SVP of Digital Marketing who could drive integrated digital marketing strategies, leverage emerging technologies like AI for personalized engagement, and align marketing initiatives with the organization’s mission-driven goals. The ideal candidate would bring deep expertise in digital ecosystem leadership, omnichannel marketing, and data-driven decision-making in a nonprofit or large-scale mission-driven environment.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Managing Directors Amanda K. Brady and Jean Lenzner lead a national search to identify digital marketing executives with proven success in scaling engagement strategies, driving innovation, and aligning digital ecosystems with organizational impact goals.

Search priorities included:

Expertise in digital transformation, omnichannel marketing, and marketing technology leadership
Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and integrate emerging technologies into marketing strategy
Experience aligning digital marketing strategies with organizational missions and revenue growth initiatives

Sharlene Jenner rose to the top with over two decades of leadership experience at organizations such as Vizient, AbelsonTaylor, and Hilton Worldwide, where she specialized in driving digital innovation, marketing transformation, and audience-centered storytelling strategies.

Successful Placement and Impact

Sharlene Jenner joins The American Heart Association as SVP of Digital Marketing. She oversees the strategy and execution of digital marketing initiatives, content strategy, and the integration of emerging technologies to drive relevance, engagement, and revenue growth across both consumer and scientific audiences.

Immediate Impact:

Leads digital engagement strategies aligned with the AHA’s brand and mission
Introduces AI-driven personalization and data analytics to enhance marketing campaigns
Strengthens omnichannel marketing efforts across consumer, professional, and donor audiences
Elevates the AHA’s digital brand presence through innovative content and storytelling

About The American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke, the two leading causes of death worldwide. Through groundbreaking research, education, and advocacy efforts, the Association helps millions live longer, healthier lives.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is an international executive search firm headquartered in Houston. Serving nonprofits, healthcare organizations, legal services, technology firms, and more, The Alexander Group helps mission-driven organizations secure transformative leadership to drive strategic impact and sustainable growth.

Looking to elevate your organization’s digital strategy? Partner with The Alexander Group to find the visionary leaders who drive engagement and growth.

National insurance leader, GEICO, appoints Tangela Richter to lead legal operations, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

Client: GEICO | Role: General Counsel | Candidate: Tangela Richter

Recruiters: John Lamar, Managing Director; Sarah Mitchell, Director

Overview

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is one of the largest and most recognized auto insurance companies in the United States. It partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a General Counsel. As GEICO continues to expand and navigate a dynamic regulatory environment, it sought a highly experienced legal leader to oversee all aspects of legal operations, corporate governance, compliance, and risk management.

Key Leadership Need

GEICO wanted a General Counsel who could lead the company’s legal strategy across regulatory compliance, corporate governance, litigation, risk management, and M&A support. The ideal candidate would possess extensive experience advising senior leadership teams, overseeing large legal departments, and aligning legal strategy with organizational growth objectives in a fast-paced environment.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Managing Director John Lamar and Director Sarah Mitchell conducted a focused national search targeting senior legal executives with extensive leadership experience in insurance, financial services, and regulated industries.

Search priorities included:

Expertise in corporate governance, securities law, regulatory compliance, and litigation management
Proven ability to advise C-suite leadership on strategic initiatives and operational matters
Experience leading large, high-performing legal teams in highly regulated environments

Tangela Richter emerged as the ideal candidate, bringing over two decades of leadership experience across organizations such as Wells Fargo, American Express, LendingClub, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where she consistently advised on governance, compliance, and strategic legal issues.

Successful Placement and Impact

Tangela Richter joins GEICO as General Counsel. She will lead all legal, regulatory, compliance, and risk management functions, supporting GEICO’s growth strategies while ensuring operational integrity across its national footprint.

Immediate Impact:

Strengthens corporate governance practices and regulatory compliance frameworks
Advises senior leadership on legal risk and business strategy alignment
Leads internal and external counsel management for operational efficiency
Develops proactive legal strategies to support the company’s continued expansion

About GEICO

GEICO is a national provider of auto insurance and related products, serving millions of policyholders throughout the United States. As a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, GEICO is dedicated to providing affordable and reliable insurance services while upholding a customer-first philosophy.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm based in Houston. The firm partners with leading organizations in insurance, financial services, technology, healthcare, and professional services to recruit senior leaders who drive innovation, growth, and operational excellence.Building a world-class leadership team starts with the right search partner.

Discover how The Alexander Group helps organizations secure transformative legal and executive talent.

Milbank LLP, an elite global law firm appoints Anne Radke to lead talent strategy and HR operations.

Client: Milbank LLP | Role: Director of Human Resources | Candidate: Anne Radke

Recruiter: Sarah Mitchell, Director

Red M for Milbank on black and white background

Overview

Milbank LLP, a premier international law firm with a reputation for excellence in complex financial and transactional matters, partners with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Director of Human Resources. As the firm grows its international reach and enhances internal operations, it needs a seasoned HR leader to strengthen talent systems, support firm culture, and align human capital strategy with business priorities.

Key Leadership Need

Milbank sought a Director of Human Resources who could:

Lead firmwide HR operations.
Support the professional development of attorneys and staff.
Implement best practices across recruitment, retention, performance management, and employee engagement.

The ideal candidate would bring law firm or professional services experience and a strong track record of building scalable HR systems within high-performance environments.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Director Sarah Mitchell led the search, focusing on HR executives with experience managing human capital strategy in fast-paced, global organizations.

Search priorities included:

Experience in a law firm or professional services HR leadership
Ability to align HR operations with organizational goals and cultural values
Strength in employee relations, development programs, and performance management

Anne Radke emerged as the ideal fit, bringing a clear strategic mindset and proven operational discipline, along with experience building inclusive, people-first HR programs that scale.

Successful Placement and Impact

Anne Radke will lead the firm’s HR operations, working closely with leadership to enhance employee experience, modernize HR systems, and build processes that support growth and retention across Milbank’s global offices.

Immediate Impact:

Lead HR planning and operational improvements across departments.
Develop initiatives to support attorney and staff engagement and retention.
Align HR practices with the firm’s long-term talent development goals.
Enhance infrastructure to support future scale and cultural continuity.

About Milbank LLP

Milbank LLP is a global law firm with offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The firm is widely recognized for its strengths in capital markets, project finance, restructuring, and M&A, and is known for a client-focused approach rooted in excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm headquartered in Houston. With deep expertise in legal, professional services, financial, and corporate sectors, the firm helps leading organizations identify and hire the senior leaders who move strategy forward and deepen culture.

Need help building a leadership team that drives performance and culture? The Alexander Group delivers the talent that makes transformation possible.

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP appoints Alex Schoultheis to lead attorney recruitment, development, and integration strategy.

Client: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP | Role: Chief Recruiting and Development Officer | Candidate: Alex Schoultheis

Recruiter: John M. Mann, Managing Director

Overview

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, a full-service law firm with offices across Ohio and Washington, D.C., partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Recruiting and Development Officer. As the firm continues to attract top legal talent and support attorney development, it seeks a forward-thinking leader to build scalable programs aligned with its strategic growth goals.

Key Leadership Need

Calfee seeks a Chief Recruiting and Development Officer to lead firmwide attorney hiring, integration, and career development. The ideal candidate brings a background in legal recruiting and talent development, strong strategic planning skills, and the ability to partner with firm leadership to drive growth and retention across practice areas.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Managing Director John M. Mann conducts a national search focused on legal talent executives with experience in attorney recruiting, lateral integration, and firmwide professional development strategies.

Search priorities include:

Experience leading attorney hiring and development initiatives in law firm environments.
Strategic thinking across talent acquisition, onboarding, and training systems.
Strong collaboration skills to engage with firm leaders and practice group heads.

Alex Schoultheis rises to the top with nearly a decade of experience across firms like Squire Patton Boggs and Thompson Hine, where he leads legal talent teams and builds development systems that align with firmwide goals.

Successful Placement and Impact

Alex Schoultheis joins Calfee as Chief Recruiting and Development Officer. He leads the strategy and implementation of firmwide attorney recruiting, hiring, integration, and development initiatives, ensuring alignment with Calfee’s long-term business goals.

Immediate Impact:

Leads lateral and associate recruitment strategy across offices.
Builds integration programs to improve attorney onboarding and retention.
Develops structured development frameworks to support attorney growth and advancement.
Enhances firm culture through talent-driven leadership.

Insights from the Recruiter

“Alex is a high performer and precisely the Chief Legal Recruiting and Development Officer Calfee needs to build and elevate their recruiting function. His experience with sophisticated firms and background in the Ohio market will serve him well as Calfee continues to expand their outstanding practices. We are excited to see Alex utilize his technical skills and strong emotional intelligence at Calfee.”

– John Mann, Managing Director, The Alexander Group

About Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Calfee is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 160 attorneys serving clients from offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Washington, D.C. The firm is known for its practical legal guidance and deep industry insight across litigation, business law, government relations, and IP.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm based in Houston. With decades of experience serving law firms, professional services organizations, and corporate leadership teams, the firm helps clients hire leaders who elevate performance and culture.

Searching for legal talent leadership that drives growth? The Alexander Group delivers the people behind your long-term success.

Robinson+Cole appoints Liz Sobe to lead strategic business development and client growth initiatives.

Client: Robinson+Cole | Role: Director of Business Development | Candidate: Liz Sobe

Recruiter: Amanda K. Brady, Managing Director and Chief Client Officer

Overview

Robinson+Cole, a national Am Law 200 firm known for its deep industry insight and collaborative culture, partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Director of Business Development. As the firm aimed to expand its client relationships and sector focus, it sought a leader to elevate firmwide business development strategies and embed growth-focused initiatives across practices.

Key Leadership Need

Robinson+Cole needed a Director of Business Development to lead client development, improve data-driven decision-making, and partner with attorneys to expand client relationships. The role required a leader who could blend strategic thinking with execution, backed by deep knowledge of legal services marketing and a strong understanding of firm operations.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Amanda K. Brady led a targeted national search focused on experienced business development executives in legal and professional services environments. The team prioritized candidates with a strong firm growth planning, attorney coaching, and cross-functional collaboration history.

Search priorities included:

Experience building and executing firmwide business development strategies.
Strength in attorney relationship management and strategic coaching.
Ability to drive client acquisition and retention using data, positioning, and client insight.

Liz Sobe stands out for her extensive leadership across firms like Fish & Richardson, Goulston & Storrs, and Cornerstone Research. With nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and business development, she brings a proven record of helping firms grow market share through relationship-driven strategy and execution.

Successful Placement and Impact

Liz Sobe joins Robinson + Cole as Director of Business Development. She will lead business development strategy, attorney coaching, and client growth programs across the firm, aligning BD efforts with the firm’s long-term market positioning goals.

Immediate Impact:

Drive strategic BD initiatives across practice groups and markets
Collaborate with firm leadership to expand client acquisition and retention efforts
Build cross-functional alignment around growth, visibility, and brand engagement
Elevate attorney coaching, targeting, and pipeline development

Insights from the Recruiter

“Liz brings a unique blend of market-growth perspective and leadership experience across a variety of professional services sectors. Her creativity, pragmatism, and data-driven mindset will no doubt mesh well with Robinson + Cole’s leadership team as they continue to advance the firm’s strategic growth initiatives.”

– Amanda Brady, Managing Director and Chief Client Officer, The Alexander Group.

About Robinson+Cole

Robinson+Cole LLP is a U.S. law firm with offices across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Florida. The firm serves clients across industries, including construction, insurance, environmental law, finance, and healthcare. Robinson + Cole is widely respected for its client-first approach, collaborative culture, and legal innovation.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm headquartered in Houston. With a strong reputation for placing senior leadership across legal services, professional services, and corporate sectors, the firm helps clients drive transformation through strategic hires that deliver results.Your next phase of growth starts with leadership aligned to your strategy. The Alexander Group finds the people who make it happen.