"I was fortunate to have four decades in academic leadership, with over half of those years at the CEO level, and I wanted my next role to build off of that history. Executive Search provided that opportunity. I get to leverage my understanding of how searches need to be handled from the client’s perspective, and to utilize my knowledge and background to help find the new leaders our academic enterprises need."

At GA&A, our executive search process is rooted in a commitment to delivering transformational leadership solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. A cornerstone of this approach is the role played by strategic advisors, GA&A’s group of seasoned professionals who bring unparalleled expertise, industry insights, and hands-on experience to very complex and/or specialized searches. Their contributions ensure that complicated or specialized searches receive the extra attention required to ensure the process is thorough, collaborative, and aligned with institutional goals.

Vice President Bob Caret exemplifies the critical role strategic advisors play in GA&A’s search process. With decades of leadership experience in higher education—including serving as the president of two universities and two university systems—Bob’s experience has been advantageous when navigating complex and specialized searches, tapping his networks to identify visionary leaders for mission-driven organizations.

The Strategic Advisor’s Role in Executive Search

Strategic advisors are an integral part of GA&A’s suite of executive search services, serving as both experts and collaborators throughout the process. Their responsibilities encompass multiple dimensions:

Partnering with Clients to Understand Needs and Goals

Strategic advisors work closely with the assigned search team and the client to gain a deep understanding of the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. By conducting detailed consultations, they ensure that the search aligns with the institution’s culture and long-term objectives.

⋅ Example: During a recent search for a chancellor for a major R1 system, Bob partnered with the Board of Trustees to identify the leadership qualities essential for navigating challenges such as declining enrollment and financial constraints. His ability to translate these challenges into actionable criteria for the position profile ensured the search attracted candidates with the right expertise and vision.

Providing Industry Insights and Thought Leadership

With his extensive experience, Bob offers valuable insights into leadership trends, industry best practices, and emerging challenges. This perspective allows the GA&A search team to position our clients competitively in the marketplace and attract high-caliber candidates.

⋅ Example: In a recent search for an institution with very complex and specific leadership needs, Bob’s understanding of the unique role coupled with his broad array of contacts allowed for a range of highly experienced candidates to be attracted to the search, some of whom did not intend to apply to the position prior to speaking with Bob. His background in higher education, coupled with the deep trust he cultivates with candidates, led to this outcome.

How Strategic Advisors Enhance the Search Process

Planning and Positioning

Strategic advisors contribute significantly to the planning phase by working closely with the GA&A search team to define the role. Their input ensures the position profile reflects both the tangible requirements, such as specific leadership experiences, and the intangible elements, such as cultural fit and leadership philosophy, for complex or specialized roles.

Recruitment and Outreach

Strategic advisors play a key role in identifying and engaging potential candidates. Leveraging their extensive networks, they tap into both active and passive candidate pools, ensuring a diverse and robust slate.

⋅ Personalized outreach to high-potential and hard-to-reach candidates

⋅ Advocacy for the client’s mission and the leadership opportunity

⋅ Insights into candidates’ experiences, leadership styles, and readiness for the role

Supporting Final Selection and Onboarding

The strategic advisor’s role doesn’t end with candidate selection. When requested, they support the client during contract negotiations and provide guidance to ensure a smooth onboarding process. This phase is critical in setting the foundation for the leader’s success.

Bringing a successful search to closure can be a challenge.  Achieving a point where the candidate’s desires and the institutions expectations meet is often a complex journey.  Having been involved in dozens of searches at the executive level, Bob understands these complementary needs from both sides and can serve as a guide to bring the search to a successful closure.

The Value of Strategic Advisors: Why GA&A’s Approach Stands Out

Strategic advisors are more than contributors; they are trusted partners who bring a unique blend of expertise, objectivity, and collaboration to complex or specialized searches. As a strategic advisor, Bob helps differentiate GA&A in the executive search landscape, bridging the gap between institutional goals and leadership talent.

Bob’s involvement ensures that:

⋅ Searches Are Highly Customized. By understanding the client’s unique context, Bob works collaboratively with the assigned search team to further tailor critical aspects of the process to meet specific needs.

⋅ Outcomes Are Sustainable. GA&A search teams benefit from the unique background, experience, and network of a strategic advisor, so that the focus remains on long-term success, ensuring placements that are ready to lead in complex and specialized environments, align with institutional priorities, and foster organizational growth.

⋅ Processes Are Transparent. Through ongoing communication and collaboration, strategic advisors maintain trust and clarity with stakeholders.

With leaders like Bob on our team, GA&A offers unparalleled expertise and commitment to excellence. Our strategic advisors are not just experts; they are partners dedicated to helping institutions achieve their vision through transformational leadership.

Ready to find your next visionary leader? Partner with GA&A and experience the difference that strategic advisors like Bob Caret bring to the executive search process.