leadership search for education and social impact

Spelman Johnson: an executive search firm since 1991, recognized for our work in identifying and recruiting outstanding leaders in education, advocacy associations, and social impact organizations.

Our success is strengthened by our deep and diverse relationships, as well as our continual investment in the research and development of a leadership pipeline.

We have conducted thousands of searches that have paired our clients with exceptional leaders, one position and one mission at a time. Since our founding in 1991, we have been nationally recognized for our commitment and thought leadership on issues of equity, diversity and inclusion in the executive search process.

Congratulations to our recent placements!

**Sylvia Carey-Butler**
Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity
Brown University

**Stephen VanWinkle**
Chief of Police
Miami University

**Li-Chen Chin**
Dean of Student Life
Bennington College

**Marc Young**
Executive Director of Recruitment, Marketing, and Admissions
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

**Marie Stroman**
Commissioner
Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC)

**Jason Slade**
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Northwestern Michigan College

News and Resources

Executive Coach: Sarah Westfall, PhD

By Margaret Holes

Sarah Westfall, PhD Principal, Westfall Executive Advisors Sarah established Westfall Executive Advisors at the conclusion of 35 years as a college administrator. Most recently, Sarah served as Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students at Kalamazoo College, a position she retired from after 15 years. Her career includes service in residential life at… Continue reading >

Executive Coach: Kate McCaffrey, PhD

By Ellen Heffernan

Kate McCaffrey, PhD Executive Coach and Consultant - Paradigm Twist Committed to motivating and empowering her clients to enable their success, Kate McCaffrey is an executive coach and consultant who helps organization leaders to understand their competencies and skills. By focusing on identifying and clarifying their current goals, she partners with clients to determine and… Continue reading >

Orientation: How we pivoted, adapted and planned in unknown times

By Student Engagement Team at Salve Regina University

Ordinarily, being tasked to plan an in-person orientation program for an incoming class would be considered a typical expectation in our office. However, 2020 was not an ordinary year by any means. The global pandemic forced every student affairs professional to rethink how we engage current students. For those who oversee New Student and Family… Continue reading >