Presidential Search Committee hires search firm

COLUMBUS – An international executive search firm has been selected to help recruit the 14th president of The Ohio State University.

Heidrick & Struggles was unanimously selected by the 24-member Presidential Search Committee over seven other search firms from across the country that responded to a request for proposal issued by the committee in September. The committee interviewed five of those firms, evaluating them on criteria including recent success in hiring university presidents, national reputation for excellence and experienced leaders on staff.

“Heidrick & Struggles demonstrated to the committee that it has the depth of experience, the national contacts and the track record of success necessary to help identify the best person to lead The Ohio State University,” said Alex Shumate, a member of The Ohio State University Board of Trustees and chairman of the Search Committee. “The fact that they have maintained a regional office in Cleveland since 1969 underscores the firm's understanding of the unique leadership role OSU plays in this state.”

Shumate said that Heidrick & Struggles, which will operate under a $175,000 contract, will begin working with the Search Committee immediately. The Search Committee is charged with making a recommendation to the full board of trustees in naming a successor to Karen A. Holbrook, who has announced her retirement effective June 30, 2007.