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Our Team
Our strongest asset is our team. Learn more about the skilled education search professionals who embody GA&A's values and approach.
Vice Presidents and Associate Vice Presidents
Susanne Griffin
Vice President & Managing Director, GA&A and Kelly
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-598-0063
As vice president and managing director for GA&A, Susanne oversees financial management of the firm, supervision and development of consultants and team members and organization of systems and operations. She brings a wealth of administrative expertise garnered through a successful career in K-12 leadership.
She joins GA&A from service as chief academic officer of the Minneapolis (MN) Public Schools where she designed and implemented academic priorities to maximize the capacity of the system to provide excellent learning environments for the approximately 34,000 students in the district. Previously, in service to the approximately 24,000 students in the Bibb County Public Schools in Macon, GA, she was acting superintendent and deputy superintendent of School Improvement and Redesign. In this latter role, she led the design and implementation of a district-wide strategic planning process and the development of a school redesign program to maximize the district's student learning success. Other executive roles include multiple leadership posts within the Rochester (MN) Public Schools, including executive director of School Improvement and Accountability, principal at Franklin/Montessori at Franklin Elementary Schools, principal at Churchill/Hoover Elementary Schools, interim director of Special Education and Speech/Language pathologist. She also served as an educational consultant with the Cochlear Impact Program of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Susanne's leadership includes service as board chair for the Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCRR) and co-chair of the Campaign Steering Committee for the Joint Building Venture between CCRR and Rochester (MN) Boys' and Girls' Club. She was also a board member for the Rochester Area Foundation - First Steps and for the Rochester Diversity Council. She has been involved with the Communities in Schools Council of Champions, Macon Promise Neighborhoods Advisory Council and Minnesota Department of Education Desegregation and Integration Task Force. Internationally, she has served as a team leader with Global Action Youth Summer Camps held in Ukraine, Moldova and India.
Susanne holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and an M.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed additional licensure coursework at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She holds licenses and certificates as a district superintendent, a school principal and a speech/language pathologist in Minnesota. She has completed training to be a Leaf Level Certified Trainer in Fierce Conversations. She has been trained at Harvard University through the Public Education Leadership Project and DataWise. Other training includes Courageous Conversations, Professional Learning Communities, Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, Response to Intervention and Crisis Prevention and Intervention.
Robert Caret
Vice President of Executive Search
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 301-332-1167
Email: bobcaret@greenwoodsearch.com
Robert L. Caret is chancellor emeritus of the University System of Maryland (USM). He joined the USM as chancellor on July 1, 2015, was officially inaugurated as its fourth chancellor on November 19, 2015, and stepped down on January 5, 2020. Dr. Caret’s extensive networks and deep understanding of the issues related to higher education make him an excellent advisor and resource to institutions hiring their next executive leader.
While Dr. Caret was chancellor at USM, the system increased enrollment to more than 176,000 students and awarded more than 42,000 degrees—including 75 percent or more of Maryland’s bachelor’s degrees--per year. During his tenure, USM also expanded its role as an economic engine for the state of Maryland and continued to build its reputation for academic and research excellence. USM institutions, faculty, students, and graduates attracted more than $1.4 billion in federal and privately funded research dollars in FY 2018.
Before joining USM as chancellor, Dr. Caret was president of the University of Massachusetts System (UMass) from 2011 until 2015, president of Towson University (TU) from 2003 to 2011, and president of San Jose State University (SJSU) from 1995 to 2003. He also served as a faculty member, dean, executive vice president, and provost during his more than 25-year tenure at Towson. Dr. Caret’s accomplishments include but are not limited to creating positive and productive partnerships with government, business, non-profit, and civic organizations; raising student graduation rates; emphasizing efficiency and cost saving initiatives; and completing a capital fundraising and building campaign to support campus infrastructure improvements.
Active in the national higher education community, Dr. Caret recently served as chair of both the National Association of System Heads and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Board of Directors. He also has recently served on the board of Business-Higher Education Forum, Southern Regional Higher Education Board, Higher Ed for Higher Standards Board of Advisors, and the Government University Industry Research Roundtable.
Dr. Caret holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of New Hampshire and a B.S. in chemistry from Suffolk University in Boston.
Andriel Dees
Vice President of Executive Search
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-869-9996
Email: andrieldees@greenwoodsearch.com
Andriel Dees serves as the Vice President for Executive Search at Greenwood Asher & Associates. She plays a vital leadership role in nationwide executive searches for higher education institutions, offering expert consulting solutions to support selection and onboarding processes, development, and success of educational leaders.
Prior to joining GA&A, Andriel served as Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Andriel served as the primary advisor to the Chancellor on issues of equity and inclusion and provided leadership on the System’s Equity 2030 imperative. Andriel also served at Capella University as Corporate Director of Diversity and Inclusion, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls as Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the Chancellor, and Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs at William Mitchell College of Law.
With a highly collaborative and thoughtful style, she has led efforts in strategic diversity leadership within higher education, and recently served as the Chair for the Equity Action Collaborative for the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH). Her strong personal and intellectual commitment to advancing inclusive excellence has made her a transformational leader in higher education.
Andriel earned her Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. She is active in her community as an Advisory Board member for the Page Education Foundation, and Board Member for Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI).
Jeremy Duff
Vice President of Executive Search
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-869-9986
Email: jeremyduff@greenwoodsearch.com
As vice president of executive search, Jeremy Duff brings the knowledge and experience of leading hundreds of high-profile executive level searches in the U.S. and worldwide in the private and public sectors.
Prior to joining Greenwood Asher & Associates, Jeremy served as managing director for the University of Virginia’s Executive Search Group in the President’s Office. In this role, he led executive and leadership searches for the 12 Schools, Health System, Foundations, and Business Units across the university. He also led the creation of the University of Virginia’s Talent Recruitment operation through a university-wide HR transformation while overseeing a team of search consultants, the budget, and the branding efforts.
In addition, Jeremy served as principal with one of the largest executive search firms in the world, DHR International. While overseeing the entire Washington, DC office, he led successful executive searches worldwide for the C-level suite across numerous industries. While at DHR, he won the outstanding performer award six consecutive years.
Early in his career, Jeremy lobbied for the American Academy of Pediatrics in Washington, DC on a wide range of pediatric issues and was a member on the United States Presidential Advance team. With a keen interest in helping others, he also served as president of the board for a non-profit organization for homeless and mentally ill women, Open Arms Housing.
Jeremy attended Culver Academies and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Dayton.
Jim Johnsen
Vice President of Executive Search
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-867-8911
Email: jimjohnsen@greenwoodsearch.com
As vice president of executive search, Jim serves GA&A and its clients by developing strong partnerships informed by his distinguished background in, and passion for, leadership in higher education, business, and government. He has successfully led searches to fill a variety positions, including presidents, chancellors, vice presidents, deans, and other leadership positions in higher education.
Before joining GA&A, Jim served as a senior fellow at the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH), commissioner for the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, and member of the State Higher Education Executive Officers. Prior to his role at NASH, Jim was president of the University of Alaska system, where he successfully led the 16-campus system through its first systemwide capital campaign, state budget crisis, federal Title IX review, academic program review, COVID response, and state/federal plan to remedy the university’s land grant deficit. In addition to his work with GA&A, Jim serves on the advisory board for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s McPherson Eye Research Institute. He continues to contribute to scholarship as an affiliate faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley and as editor of the forthcoming volume Public University Systems: Leveraging Scale for Higher Education to be published in September 2024 by the Johns Hopkins University Press.
Marion Frenche
Associate Vice President of Executive Search and Practice Leader for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-974-8696
Email: marionfrenche@greenwoodsearch.com
Marion Frenche has worked in executive search since 1998 and has managed searches with three international executive search firms. She joined GA&A as its first team member when the firm was founded by Dr. Jan Greenwood and Dr. Betty Turner Asher in 2004. In her executive search career, Marion has completed over 500 searches for executives in higher education, K-12, health care, academic medicine, and information technology. These positions have been in public and private higher education institutions and system offices, K-12 schools and systems, academic health and health care organizations, and nonprofits. She also has considerable search experience serving mission-driven organizations such as associations and foundations and in higher education board development.
Marion is recognized by the Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) as a 2021 “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Influencer – US and Canada”. This distinction recognizes 50 professionals in the workforce solutions ecosystem throughout North America for their commitment to move the diversity mission forward. In addition to her role as associate vice president of executive search, Marion serves as practice leader for diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this role, she spearheads GA&A's service to minority and first-generation serving institutions and organizations. She is proud of the high number of diversity officers that she has placed in a range of colleges and universities across the country and the number of historically black colleges and universities for which she has provided executive search placements.
Her prior experience is in property management of executive share office suites and in managed care with a national HMO. She conducted educational presentations, workshops, and seminars on managed care and established and maintained contractual relationships with hospitals and physicians in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. She has presented at national conferences and professional meetings on the search process, with particular emphasis on the nature of the search process for minority candidates. Marion works to enhance the search process and firm responsibilities, including developing consultants, researchers, administrative assistants and referencing specialists. She contributes to new client engagement, business development, and building relationships with clients. Marion holds a SHRM-CP (certified professional) certification in human resources.
Julie Holley
Associate Vice President of Executive Search and Practice Leader for Research Institutions
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-687-5104
Email: julieholley@greenwoodsearch.com
Julie Holley has been an integral member of the Greenwood Asher & Associates team positioning herself well for the role of associate vice president of executive search. She has successfully completed hundreds of searches for GA&A, putting a particular emphasis on identifying and recruiting world-class leaders for presidential searches. In her work as a search consultant and practice leader, she has conducted searches in the full range of higher education organizations, but particularly focuses on searches at AAU and high extensive research and doctoral institutions. She has a track record of recruiting leaders into positions at the cabinet level, including presidents, provosts, and deans. Julie also specializes in searches for positions relating to her legal background, including law dean and general counsel positions and other legal-related positions in higher education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University and a juris doctorate degree from the University of Baltimore.
Executive Search Consultants
E. Ann Bailey
Senior Executive Search Consultant
Office: 850-337-1477 | Cell: 850-830-5169
Email: annbailey@greenwoodsearch.com
Ann Bailey has 30 years of experience working in higher education and brings her extensive knowledge of leadership roles to serve Greenwood Asher & Associates as a senior executive search consultant. Ann’s search expertise varies from presidential to academic dean roles and within the areas of student affairs, enrollment management, and advancement.
She has a background in multiple areas including enrollment management, admissions, student recruitment, occupancy management, university health services and auxiliary services from previously serving as chief housing officer and interim assistant vice president for student affairs at Mississippi State University. Ann is a past president and lifetime member of Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA) and has published in student affairs and housing journals.
She received a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Mississippi State University, an M.S. in higher education administration from Florida State University, and a B.S. in counseling and guidance from the University of Montevallo. During her free time, Ann enjoys spending time in the gym, reading, traveling with friends and family, and watching sports.
Shelley Sullivan Feather
Senior Executive Search Consultant & Practice Leader for Library and Information Science
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-687-5132
Email: shelleyfeather@greenwoodsearch.com
Shelley Sullivan Feather brings her background in library science to her work at GA&A as the library science practice leader and senior executive search consultant. She has assisted numerous multi-institutional and multi-state library consortia with searches for chief library positions.
Her leadership in library searches builds on her previous career working in public library systems. She served as assistant director, head of acquisitions as well as head of media and technology. She chaired the selection committee of a state-wide library information system currently in use in Florida's specialized state libraries. She has participated in the planning, construction and opening of two state-of-the-art library buildings.
Shelley holds a B.A. in history and political science from the University of Kentucky and an M.L.S. degree from the University of Alabama.
Maggie Mayes
Senior Executive Search Consultant
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-869-9993
Email: maggiemayes@greenwoodsearch.com
Maggie Mayes works in collaboration with clients and candidates to support a personalized and transparent search process in her role as senior executive search consultant. Maggie possesses deep knowledge of higher education and exceptional research skills in finding uniquely qualified candidates for executive leadership roles.
Before joining Greenwood Asher & Associates, Maggie taught at Central Michigan University’s School of Broadcast & Cinematic Arts. Through her ten years of teaching experience, Maggie has built strong networks and valuable context that supports success in her role as an executive search consultant.
Maggie holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in Broadcast & Cinematic Arts from Central Michigan University. Currently, as a Ph.D. candidate in the Educational Leadership Program at Central Michigan University, Maggie is ABD. Her dissertation topic, News Media Literacy and Civically Engaged College Students, combines her passions for higher education and media.
Lauren McCaghren
Senior Executive Search Consultant
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 404-796-4196
Email: laurenmccaghren@greenwoodsearch.com
Lauren McCaghren brings fourteen years of experience in higher education to her work as a senior executive search consultant for GA&A. Prior to joining GA&A, Lauren served in advancement roles at University of Mobile, Samford University, Catholic University of America and George Washington University. Lauren has a broad background in advancement, including work with alumni relations, annual giving, stewardship and volunteer management. She has also served in roles outside advancement, including serving as an adjunct faculty member and alumni director in a law school. Lauren uses her broad experience and connections in higher education to identify uniquely qualified individuals and ensure successful search closures within a range of leadership levels. She is passionate about exceeding client expectations and putting in place exceptional candidates to lead institutions forward. Lauren earned a B.A. in journalism/mass communications from Samford University and an M.A. in higher education administration from The University of Alabama.
Denice Perdue
Senior Executive Search Consultant
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 404-796-4196
Email: deniceperdue@greenwoodsearch.com
Denice Perdue brings a wealth of higher education experience to her role as senior executive search consultant after spending sixteen years at the University of West Georgia.
Prior to joining GA&A, she served as the executive assistant to the vice president for business & finance gaining valuable insight into the roles of academic leadership and building strong professional connections. Denice also worked in University Advancement and served as coordinator of donor relations and assistant director of alumni engagement. In these advancement roles, she developed and executed programing that reached over 7000 alumni and donors. Perdue capitalized on her ability to build relationships to increase alumni, donor, and community engagement that supported university strategic goals.
Denice received her B.A. in English with a focus on technical writing and completed graduate coursework in rhetoric and composition from Southern Illinois University.
Narcisa Polonio
Senior Executive Search Consultant for Community College Practice
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 202-276-1983
Email: narcisapolonio@greenwoodsearch.com
Narcisa A. Polonio is recognized as one of the leading authorities on community college governance, executive searches, and presidential leadership. She has facilitated over 400 board retreats and hundreds of executive searches including presidential searches. Joining GA&A as executive team leader for community college practice, Narcisa provides leadership and guidance in the community college sector, universities with two year-campuses, technical colleges, urban colleges and universities, and Hispanic Service Institutions. She was one of the few Latina women to become a college president both in the public and independent sector. For approximately 18 years, Narcisa served as the executive vice president for education, research & board leadership services at the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). For many years she provided leadership for the ACCT's annual leadership Congress, publications, research projects and leadership services including Retreat Service; Interim President Service; the Governance Leadership Institute; and the Governance Institute for Student Success. Prior to her role with ACCT, Narcisa served as the chief operating officer for Replication and Program Strategies, Inc. (RPS) in Philadelphia, PA, and president of Harcum College (PA) and Hudson County Community College (NJ). Other previous positions include director of the Office of Community Colleges, New Jersey Department of Higher Education. Narcisa served for seven years as a faculty member for the Institute for Educational Management, Graduate School of Education, Harvard University. Narcisa has an extensive list of publications and speaks throughout the country on issues related to governance, leadership, women in higher education, and diversity. Narcisa attended Foothill Community College, CA and holds a B.A. in history from San Jose State University (CA), an M.A. from Stanford University (CA) and an Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Kyle Pybus-Jerome
Senior Executive Search Consultant
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-869-9991
Email: kylepybusjerome@greenwoodsearch.com
As a senior executive search consultant with Greenwood Asher & Associates, Kyle Pybus-Jerome brings extensive knowledge of higher education rooted in her previous work in college and university administration. In her current role as senior executive search consultant, she is responsible for outreach to potential candidates, presenting candidates for review to search committees, supporting the interview process, referencing finalists, and ensuring clients achieve successful search closure. Before GA&A, she was the ombudsperson and special assistant to the vice president for Central Michigan University’s (CMU) Global Campus and served as the board appointments coordinator for CMU’s Center for Charter Schools. Kyle has 15 years of experience working in higher education, most recently serving as the ceremonies and events coordinator in the Office of the President at Central Michigan University. In this role, Kyle was responsible for planning, directing and implementing all events led by the Office of the President. Additionally, she assisted with special projects including supporting executive level searches for Central Michigan University. Kyle received her B.S. in community development from Central Michigan University.
Julie Schrodt
Senior Executive Search Consultant
Office: 850-337-1476 | Cell: 850-585-9864
Email: julieschrodt@greenwoodsearch.com
Julie Schrodt is a seasoned, professional communicator that utilizes her excellent organizational skills and strong professional connections to support exceptional outcomes for clients. Her experience as the Foundation’s donor relations and communications coordinator, the executive assistant to the president and, most recently, the executive director of strategic communications at Northwest Florida State College has prepared her to work in an extremely fast-paced environment, multi-tasking to meet deadlines, while providing top-notch service. Julie applies these skills as an executive search consultant for G/A&A and works in collaboration with clients to match high-quality talent to their executive openings. As an executive search consultant, her responsibilities include coordinating the development of the search, recruiting candidates, referencing, and presenting a qualified candidate pool of candidates to the search committee.
Julie received a B.S. in health science education from the University of Florida and a M.S. in administration, with a concentration in human resources, from Central Michigan University.
Lois Stetson
Senior Executive Search Consultant
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-598-3303
Email: loisstetson@greenwoodsearch.com
As a Senior Executive Search Consultant at Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A), Lois is a pivotal figure in the realm of search recruitment. Over the past five years with GA&A, Lois has demonstrated her broad expertise and dynamic approach by successfully researching, recruiting for, and consulting on searches for a diverse array of positions, including President, Provost, Vice President for Enrollment/Registrar, Vice President for Marketing, and various Dean positions.
Lois also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in data analytics to her role. She has played a key part in the development of a placement and client feedback report for the firm, along with contributing to various other data-driven projects. This analytical expertise allows her to provide valuable insights and enhance the effectiveness of our search process.
Lois holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida. She has further enhanced her skill set with a graduate certificate in Data Analytics and Visualization from the same university and a certificate in Grant Proposal Writing from Fort Hays State University.
Itza Walters
Senior Executive Search Consultant
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-737-6209
Email: itzawalters@greenwoodsearch.com
Itza Walters demonstrates a commitment and passion for identifying our clients’ unique wants and needs to deliver the best match possible. As a senior executive search consultant, she ensures a transparent search process that supports both our clients and the candidates we work with. Her responsibilities include outreach to potential candidates, organizing and presenting candidate documentation to search committees for review, facilitating the interview process, referencing finalists, and guaranteeing successful search closures. Her ability to communicate effectively with multiple constituencies in a highly stressful environment makes her a valuable asset to any search process.
Prior to joining GA&A, Itza worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Hawaii Mānoa while she completed graduate coursework in Spanish literature and linguistics. Itza holds a B.A. in Spanish and minor in Psychology from Augusta University. She is bilingual, being fluent Spanish. Itza is very artistic and enjoys painting, exploring the world through her travels, and spending time with family and friends.
Business Development and Search Support
Michelle Adkins
Senior Research Associate
Michelle Adkins
Senior Research Associate
Office: 850-650-2277
Email: michelleadkins@greenwoodsearch.com
Michelle Adkins is an accomplished administrative assistant serving GA&A as a senior research associate. In her role, she assists consultants with pin-point research to identify talented prospects, handles time-sensitive candidate materials, and produces meeting-related documents. Michelle also provides training and guidance to our junior research associates.
Prior to joining GA&A, she filled various roles in the administrative assistant capacity for the Florida Air National Guard, as well as the Department of Labor. She received her B.S. in professional aeronautics, with a minor in management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide.
Jeanie Andrews
Search Support Specialist
Office: 850-650-2277
Email: jeanieandrews@greenwoodsearch.com
Jeanie Andrews brings her experience in executive search, human resources, and administrative operations to Greenwood Asher & Associates. She has a unique understanding of higher education, and her well-developed networks translate into insightful support and service to clients and colleagues. Jeanie possesses 30 years of experience at Penn State including roles with progressively more responsibility in labor relations, academic human resources, executive searches, board governance, and executive and administrative operations. During her time at Penn State, she provided administrative oversight and support for the search that culminated in the naming of Penn State’s 18th president. From 2001-2002, Jeanie served as Chair of Penn State’s Commission for Women, and her community volunteer governance roles with the American Red Cross resulted in being named the recipient of the Richard H. Baker Red Cross Leadership Award.
Jeanie received a B.S. in business administration, with an emphasis on human resources and industrial psychology, from Penn State University and has also done graduate work in public administration.
Joanna Dawson
Finance & Controls Officer
Joanna Dawson
Finance & Controls Officer
Office: 850-337-1479
Email: joannadawson@greenwoodsearch.com
Joanna Dawson serves as the finance and controls officer for Greenwood Asher & Associates providing leadership, oversight, and execution of financial matters. Her responsibilities include management of financial controls such as fiscal budgeting and forecasting.
She previously worked as controller for Legal Services of Alabama where she was responsible for the overall financial management of the organization. Joanna has a background in public accounting and holds a B.S. in mathematics, and a M.S. in accountancy.
Jane Drennan
Search Support Specialist
Office: 850-650-2277
Email: janedrennan@greenwoodsearch.com
Jane Drennan’s experience as a teacher and building, district, and charter school leader in K-12 public schools in Minnesota, Georgia, and Ohio prepared her for success as a search support specialist with GA&A. The focus of her leadership has always been equity-focused, including identifying diverse groups of highly qualified candidates for roles within organizations. She is committed to identifying and supporting leaders that reflect the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of students and their communities. As the “founding principal” for two new schools, she worked collaboratively with employees and the community resulting in being selected by the local teachers’ association as Principal of the Year.
Jane has an education specialist-6th year certificate equivalency and a B.S. in elementary education from Winona State University; a Bachelor of Music from Miami University; and is certified as an executive coach through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (i.e., iPEC).
Ashley Johnson
Project Manager & Talent Development Specialist
Cell: 850-687-5068
Email: ashleyjohnson@greenwoodsearch.com
Ashley Johnson (Hice) uses her broad knowledge and experience within higher education and executive search to serve GA&A in a multifaceted role as project manager & talent development specialist. She possesses the skillset to effectively communicate to vast audiences, prioritize tight timelines, and deliver a favorable outcome on all searches and projects assigned. Before stepping into this role, she got her roots in GA&A as an executive search consultant. Gaining many years of executive search experience has helped her ability to train team members in all areas of the firm and also assist with many new projects and initiatives.
Previously, she worked for the vice chancellor of institutional advancement as the executive communications specialist at the University of Pittsburgh, where she was responsible for the stewardship of major gift donors. Ashley received a B.S. in business administration with a focus on marketing, advertising & public relations from Youngstown State University and in 2023, she obtained her PMP certification from the Project Management Institute.
Courtney Kerrigan
Business Development Manager
Office: 850-337-1494
Email: courtneykerrigan@greenwoodsearch.com
Courtney Kerrigan’s 30-year career in sales, business development, marketing and division management has prepared her to provide outstanding service to GA&A's clients as a business development manager. While serving as an owner representative for the Desert Community College District in Southern California, Courtney was an integral part of the team hired to provide oversight for their local bond measure. During her five years with the program, she managed the bond office, coordinated the RFQ and construction bidding processes, coordinated shortlist presentation interviews, and co-facilitated the Citizens Oversight Committee meetings. Because of her varied professional experiences, Courtney has developed first-hand knowledge and valuable insight into the business development processes and requirements of educational institutions.
Courtney has led a life of service. She was especially honored to be selected to serve as Goodwill Ambassador for the Opening Ceremonies of the 1984 Summer Olympics XXIII in Los Angeles, California. Currently, she volunteers at food banks and charity thrift shops and coordinates local fundraising events for Greenwood Asher & Associates.
Emma McAdam
Research Associate
Office: 850-650-2277
Email: emmamcadam@greenwoodsearch.com
Emma McAdam provides support to GA&A's search managers, consultants, and clients in her role as a research associate. Some of her critical responsibilities include completing extensive research to identify unique qualified prospects that are aligned with clients’ expectations, processing applicants’ materials, and uploading candidate documentation for search committees to review. Previously, Emma served as a communications specialist for a credit union where she managed confidential member accounts and addressed product and service inquiries.
Renee Nelson
Senior Research Associate
Office: 850-650-2277
Email: reneenelson@greenwoodsearch.com
Renee Nelson provides support to GA&A consultants and clients in her role as a senior research associate. Part of her responsibilities include extensive candidate research, organizing resources for search committees, and facilitating smooth communication between GA&A and our clients.
Prior to joining GA&A, Renee provided administrative and marketing support to a local nonprofit. Renee received a B.A. in communication from the University of Washington Tacoma.
Marie Olney
Finance Support Specialist
Office: 850-337-1522
Email: marieolney@greenwoodsearch.com
Marie Olney brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting in her role as finance support specialist at GA&A. She is responsible for accounts payable, receivable, collections, and processing candidate travel reimbursements.
Before entering the executive search sector, her work experience ranges from a small business owner to a paralegal specialist in corporate affairs. In addition to her certification as a paralegal, she is bonded as a notary.
Tiana Ortiz
Research Associate
Office: 850-650-2277
Email: tianaortiz@greenwoodsearch.com
Tiana Ortiz is a dedicated member of Greenwood Asher & Associates, serving as a research associate. In this capacity, Tiana plays a pivotal role in advancing GA&A's mission by offering key support to the search team. Her responsibilities encompass identifying qualified candidates, processing applications, maintaining detailed search records, and ensuring the organization of essential documentation throughout the search process. Tiana’s career trajectory began with the attainment of a B.A. in Psychology. During her academic journey, she collaborated with an organization affiliated with NYC Department of Education schools. In her positions as administrative operations coordinator and executive assistant, she discovered a profound passion for contributing to the education sector. The extensive experience and skills she acquired during this period are now leveraged to effectively support and enhance GA&A's organizational goals.
Diana Velasquez
Executive Assistant
Office: 850-650-2277
Email: dianavelasquez@greenwoodsearch.com
Diana Velasquez serves Greenwood Asher & Associates as the executive assistant to the senior leadership team. She supports the day-to-day operations of the firm and is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements to create greater effectiveness and efficiency. Further, Diana manages the firm’s office calendar, travel for senior leaders, and all office communications. She brings eight years of business and marketing experience and possesses a B.A. from Southeastern University in international business and management.
Strategic Services, Coaching, and Assessment
Marilyn Buckner
Leadership Assessment Advisor
Marilyn Buckner
Leadership Assessment Advisor
Office: 850-650-2277
Dr. Marilyn Buckner is a business and leadership consultant and executive coach focused on culture change, agility and inclusive leadership. She has designed over twenty high potential and leadership programs for global companies including Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Cox, Delta, Equifax, Home Depot, Hertz, McKesson, Nationwide, Siemens as well as universities such as the University of Central Florida, University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Kennesaw University, Tampa University to name a few.
She is an expert in designing succession planning and leadership development programs and has developed Talent Management systems for many global Fortune 500 companies. She also worked with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to design and deliver a succession planning and leadership coaching program for future Deans, C Suite and Presidents. Formerly she was a leader in the talent development area at The Coca-Cola Company and developed the first global succession planning, global staffing, leadership development and career development programs. As a result, she has traveled globally to implement leadership programs. After working at The Coca-Cola Company, she went to work for a software company, Global Pay, as head of strategic planning before becoming a consultant where she has worked for two decades.
She has been a coach and a consultant for global companies for two decades designing leadership, change, culture change, performance management and career development programs. She is the author of publications on the subjects of succession planning, learning agility and career development. As the former Board Chair of Human Resources People & Strategy and the Program Chair, she also designed over ten HR and Talent workshops such as Change Leadership, Culture Change, High Potential Leadership, Mergers and Acquisitions and Succession Planning and was recognized by her peers with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Her Ph.D. is in Counseling from Georgia State University where she also taught in the graduate Counseling program. She is located in Georgia but works with clients throughout the world.
She is also a Master Trainer for several leading-edge assessments including the learning agility TALENTx7, Hogan Leadership Assessments, the Decision Style View for inclusive leadership styles and an Emotional Intelligence 360 Survey and uses these for accelerating coaching and team development outcomes. She recently published a chapter in a book entitled the “Age of Agility”. She also co-authored an article with the CEO of a global company on an innovative leadership program that was proven to accelerate leadership agility. She is the former Board Chair of the strategic HR association, HR People + Strategy, a division of SHRM and was elected by her peers for that role.
Gary Dent
Leadership Assessment Advisor
Gary Dent
Leadership Assessment Advisor
Office: 850-650-2277
Gary Dent brings to GA&A an expertise in human resources after a lengthy career in HR leadership positions with higher education organizations, major city and Fortune 500 corporations. One of his last positions was as the human resources vice chancellor with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), where he was chief HR officer for this system of 14 universities. Gary coordinated the PASSHE chancellor search and many of the presidential searches of member universities. His expertise in HR and passion for talent management has been tapped by boards, including the Detroit Institute of the Arts, Boy Scouts of America, Junior Achievement, United Way, American Society of Employers, Association of International Personnel Management Association, International Association of Suggestion Plans and National Black MBA Association.
Gary has a B.S. in special education from Norfolk State University and an M.A. in management and supervision from Central Michigan University. He is also a private pilot.
Kim Greer
Strategic Services
Kim Greer
Strategic Services
Office: 850-650-2277
Dr. Kimberly Greer has been employed 25 years at four (4) public institutions of higher education in two systems, with twelve years of successful experience in academic leadership positions, with promotions from Department Chairperson to Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences to Interim Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Greer has a wealth of experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and team building. Dr. Greer earned both her BS in Criminal Justice and MSA from Southeast Missouri State University and her Doctorate in Sociology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
She has served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at California State University, Stanislaus (2017-2021) and Interim Provost at Cal State East Bay (2021-2022). Prior to moving to California, she served as dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Kim also served for two years as interim associate provost at MSUM and in that role supported a number of university-wide academic initiatives while managing financial and other material resources for the Division of Academic Affairs. Her most recent experience was serving as Interim Provost at St. Cloud State University in the Minnesota State System where the campus had to address significant structural budget challenges at the same time it was launching several accelerated online programs to extend the opportunity of education to even more Minnesotans.
Kim is a supportive administrative partner who deeply values authentic leadership, collaboration across divisions, and empowering effective teams. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for assuring access and success for all students and a commitment to faculty excellence and shared governance. Kim strives to build strong, positive relationships across campus and in the community. She was named the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ distinguished professor in 2009, and participated in the Higher Education Resource Services Leadership Institute as well as the Irvine New Leadership Network.
Most recently Kim has joined with three colleagues in higher education to launch Provident Consultants LLC to partner with higher education institutions on strategic planning, project management, assessment and evaluation, grant writing, leadership assessment and development as well as executive coaching. Given her most recent experiences serving universities in need of interim leadership in the chief academic officer role, she has become especially aware of the need for more professional development in higher education before, during and after a transition in leadership. She expects the next chapter in her professional evolution will include the opportunity to share what she has learned with both individuals and universities experiencing such a transition.
Susanne Griffin
Office: 850-650-2277 | Cell: 850-598-0063
Email: susannegriffin@greenwoodsearch.com
As vice president and managing director for GA&A, Susanne oversees financial management of the firm, supervision and development of consultants and team members and organization of systems and operations. She brings a wealth of administrative expertise garnered through a successful career in K-12 leadership.
She joins GA&A from service as chief academic officer of the Minneapolis (MN) Public Schools where she designed and implemented academic priorities to maximize the capacity of the system to provide excellent learning environments for the approximately 34,000 students in the district. Previously, in service to the approximately 24,000 students in the Bibb County Public Schools in Macon, GA, she was acting superintendent and deputy superintendent of School Improvement and Redesign. In this latter role, she led the design and implementation of a district-wide strategic planning process and the development of a school redesign program to maximize the district's student learning success. Other executive roles include multiple leadership posts within the Rochester (MN) Public Schools, including executive director of School Improvement and Accountability, principal at Franklin/Montessori at Franklin Elementary Schools, principal at Churchill/Hoover Elementary Schools, interim director of Special Education and Speech/Language pathologist. She also served as an educational consultant with the Cochlear Impact Program of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Susanne's leadership includes service as board chair for the Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCRR) and co-chair of the Campaign Steering Committee for the Joint Building Venture between CCRR and Rochester (MN) Boys' and Girls' Club. She was also a board member for the Rochester Area Foundation - First Steps and for the Rochester Diversity Council. She has been involved with the Communities in Schools Council of Champions, Macon Promise Neighborhoods Advisory Council and Minnesota Department of Education Desegregation and Integration Task Force. Internationally, she has served as a team leader with Global Action Youth Summer Camps held in Ukraine, Moldova and India.
Susanne holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and an M.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed additional licensure coursework at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She holds licenses and certificates as a district superintendent, a school principal and a speech/language pathologist in Minnesota. She has completed training to be a Leaf Level Certified Trainer in Fierce Conversations. She has been trained at Harvard University through the Public Education Leadership Project and DataWise. Other training includes Courageous Conversations, Professional Learning Communities, Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, Response to Intervention and Crisis Prevention and Intervention.
Sharon McDade
Strategic Services
Sharon McDade
Strategic Services
Office: 850-650-2277
Sharon A. McDade heads Greenwood Asher & Associates' (GA&A) leadership and strategic services. She facilitates searches for higher education leaders and provides consulting on organizational development including environmental scanning, strategic planning, problem-solving focusing on organizational diagnosis, leadership development and presidential assessment and facilitation of meetings and retreats for leaders and boards.
At the American Council on Education, Sharon directed the Emerging Leaders Group and ACE Fellows Program, and created the Leadership Academy for Department Chairs. Previously she directed Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management, founded and directed the Management Development Program and co-founded the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents. She has created or directed major leadership programs for organizations as diverse as the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, New England Center for Research on Higher Education, National Association for Women in Education and Midlantic National Bank. She was a founding board member, external evaluator and contributor to many research articles for the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program for Women. She worked with leadership development internationally with the Fulbright Commission, United States Information Agency, Latin American Scholars Program of American Universities, Open Society Institute of the Soros Foundations, U.S. Freedom Support Act Graduate Fellowship Program, Universia Foundation of Mexico, Higher Education South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. She has keynoted and presented on leadership development at conferences in Kazakhstan, British Columbia, England and many U.S. events.
Sharon taught higher education graduate programs at George Washington University, Columbia University and University of Massachusetts. Her scholarship and chairship of 60+ doctoral dissertations focus on leadership relating to development, administration, assessment, the presidency, women, planning and faculty and career development.
Sharon has an Ed.D. in administration, planning and social policy from Harvard University, an M.F.A. in theater design from Ohio State University and a B.S. from Miami University.
Katie Olivant
Strategic Services
Katie Olivant
Strategic Services
Office: 850-650-2277
Throughout her career, Dr. Katie Olivant has engaged in successful grant writing, strategic planning, action research, program evaluation, and accreditation activities. Katie worked at California State University, Stanislaus after 25 years, during which she served as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (AVPAA), Chair of the Liberal Studies - Elementary Teaching Content Preparation Department, and Associate Professor of Liberal Studies.
As AVPAA, Katie served as the University’s Accreditation Officer and Research Integrity Officer and oversaw both academic policy and curricular policy initiatives and processes. She also led the initial implementation of a university-wide, comprehensive academic advising software tool. During her time as department chair of one of the University’s largest majors, Katie worked closely with the Teacher Education department and subject matter area departments to develop clearer and more efficient pathways for undergraduate students into credential programs, including writing and implementing a $225,000 grant for that purpose, and participating in the development and implementation of a $2,000,000 grant to improve the recruitment and preparation of future teachers. She also served as the Assessment Facilitator for Undergraduate Programs for the College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work. In her early years as a faculty member, Katie served as the Coordinator of Outreach, Communications, and Graduate Learning Services for CEGE (Center for Excellence in Graduate Education) and as the Coordinator of Service Learning for PACE (Program for Academic and Career Excellence). Her involvement with CEGE and PACE, which were funded by a Title V grant, further enhanced her experience in program evaluation and grant reporting.
Prior to transitioning to faculty, Katie served in a variety of student services roles at CSU Stanislaus, including Director of Student Leadership and Development and Executive Assistant and Judicial Affairs Officer for the Division of Student Affairs. These experiences deeply informed her commitment to student success and equity as a faculty member and academic administrator.
Katie’s research interests involve the roles of creativity, critical thinking and reflection in both K-12 and higher education leadership, as well as the evaluation and assessment of educational programs’ effectiveness. Katie received her Ed.D in Educational Leadership from UC Davis / CSU Fresno, M.B.A. from Northwestern University, and B.A. in Journalism from Indiana University, Bloomington.
Brandon Price
Strategic Services
Brandon Price
Strategic Services
Office: 850-650-2277
Brandon Price has over 25 years’ experience as a higher education professional. Throughout his career, he has amassed a wealth of expertise in grant development and implementation, equity research, and program evaluation. Notably, he has secured grants from esteemed institutions such as the U.S. Department of Education (Title III, Title V, and TRiO) and the National Science Foundation, among others. Brandon's proficiency also extends to various quantitative research techniques including conducting multivariate analyses to bolster program evaluation and enhancement efforts, as well as leading numerous program assessments.
Recently, Brandon served as the Associate Vice President for Student Equity and Success at California State University, Stanislaus, where he spearheaded initiatives to bolster enrollment and bridge equity gaps. Prior to his tenure at CSU Stanislaus, Brandon held pivotal roles, including Associate Dean of Student Equity and Success, Dean of Student Services, and Dean of Career Technical Education and Economic Development. Each position allowed him to make significant strides in advancing educational opportunities for students.
A passionate advocate for student equity, Brandon Price has actively pursued research initiatives in key areas such as rural student access and success, STEM students' self-efficacy, Hispanic student matriculation in graduate education, and the influence of peer interaction on student retention and graduation rates.
Amanda Theis
Strategic Services
Amanda Theis
Strategic Services
Office: 850-650-2277
Amanda has over 10 years of professional experience in governmental, non-profit, and higher education organizations. She currently serves as a senior administrator within the Division of Academic Affairs at Stanislaus State. Prior to this, she served as Special Assistant to the University President at Stanislaus State, Director of Operations and Government Affairs at a local non-profit organization, and as a communications consultant and legislative aide in the California State Legislature.
Most recently, Amanda facilitated a successful strategic planning process for the Division of Academic Affairs at Stanislaus State. In addition, she’s spearheaded a number of executive leadership transitions including presidents and provosts among other positions. Her areas of expertise include operations management at the executive level, optimizing organizational effectiveness, and internal and external strategic communications.
Amanda holds a B.A. in Government from Sacramento State and a Master of Public Administration from Stanislaus State.