Executive Search Firm

WiffKieffer is a national top-ten executive search firm devoted to excellence in leadership, WittKieffer has cultivated a proven and meaningful approach to the executive search process over its 50-year history, specifically designed for the nonprofit sector and predominately within organizations of higher education, healthcare, academic medicine, life sciences, and other not-for-profit industries in search of senior leadership. WittKieffer has conducted hundreds of presidential searches for higher education institutions – more than 100 in the last five years alone, and the success of their efforts can be measured in the longevity of their placements. They share in Stockton’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the past two years, 64% of their placements in higher education overall have been women and/or people of color. We are confident that WittKieffer will find the ideal candidate to serve as President, one who possesses the strategic vision and commitment to lead our institution.

Search Team

Dr. Zachary A. Smith

Managing Partner & Practice Leader, Education

Dr. Zachary Smith has served as a higher education administrator and search consultant for two decades. He leverages a breadth of organizational and leadership experience in delivering exceptional service and results for his clients. He has a keen understanding of the importance of leadership effectiveness and is particularly skilled at identifying candidates with the propensity for success on a given campus or in a given organization. Prior to joining WittKieffer, Dr. Smith served as UC Riverside’s Interim Chief Development Officer/Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Vice President for the UC Riverside Foundation.

Jessica Herrington

Consultant, Education Practice

Jessica Herrington has a wealth of experience in academia and a passion for assisting institutions in finding creative and effective leaders – including women and members of underrepresented groups. She supports WittKieffer’s recruitment for a range of key administrative positions, including Presidents, Provosts, Deans, and Departmental Leaders. She has expertise in advancement, the STEM fields, and library leadership. Before joining WittKieffer, Ms. Herrington was most recently the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations within the College of Engineering and Computing at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami.

Kim Migoya

Associate, Higher Education

Kim Migoya’s area of expertise lies in admissions leadership within higher education. She has a collaborative working style and excels at developing relationships with clients and prospective candidates in WittKieffer’s searches, understanding the needs of all parties involved. Prior to joining the team at WittKieffer, she served as the Director of Graduate Business Admissions and recruitment for the University of Miami. Kim also oversaw recruitment for Ai Miami International University of Art & Design.