Washington State University (WSU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Washington State University Foundation. This Web page has been created to provide regular updates and information about the search as it progresses.

  • From the Chair
  • Progress
  • How to apply
  • Position Description
  • About WSU Foundation
  • About Washington State University
  • About Greenwood/Asher & Associates, inc

    • Applications and letters of nominations should be submitted to:

    Jan Greenwood or Betty Turner Asher Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
    42 Business Center Drive, Suite 206
    Miramar Beach, FL 32550
    Phone: 850.650.2277
    Fax: 850.650.2272
    E-mail: jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com
    E-mail: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com

From the chair

As chair of the search committee to search for the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the WSU Foundation, I want to provide you with an update about the process and progress to date of this extremely important search.

The search committee consists of the following Foundation volunteers, University leadership, and development staff:

Bob Felton, Chair, CEO Search Committee
Dan Bernardo, Dean, CAHNRS
Patricia Butterfield, Dean, College of Nursing
Kevin Harvey, Associate Vice President, Finance, WSU Foundation
Pam LeLoup, Manager, Board Relations, WSU Foundation
Sharon Morgan, Assistant Vice President, Gift Planning, WSU Foundation
Judy Rogers, Member At-Large, Board of Governors
Tony Rojas, Chair, Board of Governors

After a thorough review of consultant firms, the committee selected the executive search firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc., to partner with us in this important hire. Greenwood/Asher will guide us through the search process, provide consulting services to attract and evaluate top applicants, and coordinate the placement of the successful candidate. This firm conducted the search to hire President Floyd as well as a recent hire of a WSU dean, and they are knowledgeable about Washington State University and the higher education environment in the state of Washington.

On August 1st, Jan Greenwood of Greenwood/Asher was in Pullman to meet with President Floyd, deans and unit directors, and members of the development community. The following day, she met with the search committee to further discuss the process moving forward. These meetings were productive and helped Greenwood/Asher develop a thorough understanding of the expectations and challenges we have for this position, and to identify the attributes we seek in a successful candidate.

We will continue to seek feedback from WSU’s internal and external constituencies to help ensure we identify and evaluate the very best candidates who have the leadership skills to be successful in this position. I also invite you to nominate sources and individuals who you believe are highly qualified for this position. Please send nominations and applications to jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com. We are driving hard toward interviews in the fall and request that applications and nominations be provided by October 17, 2011. We will continue to accept confidential applications and nominations until the position is filled.

The WSU Foundation has created a Web page where we will provide the most current information and regular updates as the search progresses this fall. We also have included the job description and update on progress as part of the site. I encourage you to visit the Web site periodically to check on the process of this important search. The site can be found at /jobs/ceosearch.html.

Should you have questions, comments, or concerns about the Foundation CEO search, please do not hesitate to contact me at Bob_Felton@mckinsey.com.

Sincerely,

Bob Felton ’67 Past Chair, Board of Governors
Chair, Foundation CEO Search Committee

Progress

We are here

Announcement/Formation

  • Search announced
  • Search Committee named and charged
  • Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. selected to support the Search Committee

Planning

  • Search Start-up Meeting - Search Advisory Committee & Greenwood/Asher meet to discuss search process and profile
  • Feedback incorporated into job description

Recruiting

  • Position advertisement and job description drafted and distributed Requests for Nominations/Recommendations
  • Nominees and prospects are contacted, applications received and reviewed
  • Prospect Review Meeting - Search Advisory Committee discusses all candidates and selects leading candidates

Evaluation

  • Round-One Interviews - Search Advisory Committee interviews leading candidates
  • Reference and Background Checks
  • Search Advisory Committee recommends/selects candidates for additional interviews

Selection

  • Campus Interviews
  • Selection and signing of contract
  • Transition Considerations

Appointment

  • Announce search completion and introduce hired candidate

How to apply

The Search Committee will accept confidential applications and nominations until the position is filled. Candidate screening will begin immediately. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by October 17, 2011. An application should include a letter describing relevant experiences and interest in the position; a resume; and the names of five references with titles, addresses, business telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. References will not be contacted without written consent from applicants. The submission of materials as Microsoft Word attachments is strongly encouraged. Individuals who wish to nominate a candidate should submit a letter of nomination, including the name, position, address, telephone number, and email address of the nominee. Greenwood/Asher & Associates, an executive search firm, is assisting the University in the search.

Applications and letters of nominations should be submitted to:

Jan Greenwood or Betty Turner Asher Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
42 Business Center Drive, Suite 206
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Phone: 850.650.2277
Fax: 850.650.2272
E-mail: jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com
E-mail: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com

About the position

Washington State University (WSU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Washington State University Foundation.

Washington State University is a land-grant university that conducts transformational research and provides world-class education to more than 25,000 students statewide. Students are taught in an environment enriched by research activities and graduate study. Founded in Pullman in 1890, WSU’s statewide system includes extension offices in every county and distance degree programs accessible around the world.

The Carnegie Foundation classifies WSU as one of 96 U.S. public and private universities with very high research activity. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks the University among the top 60 public universities.

WSU ranks in the top 100 universities for its research library system and for computer access and Internet connections, among some 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide. The Samuel H. Smith Center for Undergraduate Education offers the latest in teaching and learning technologies, a computer laboratory, and a cyber café. WSU’s commitment to technological innovation and distance learning was recognized by the National University Telecommunications Network, which presented WSU with its 2009 Institution Achievement Award. Employers who recruit graduates of public universities ranked WSU in the top 25 in a report published in the Wall Street Journal in September of 2010. Washington State University is a member of the Pacific 12 Conference. This not only places WSU in one of the most prestigious sports conferences in the nation it also puts them in the company of the academically elite with more than 120 Nobel Laureates across all campuses.

Washington State University’s main campus (approximately 18,200 students) is located in Pullman, with co-locations in Spokane, Vancouver and the Tri-Cities. Pullman was recently designated a “dreamtown” by Demographics Daily, reflecting the city’s exceptionally high quality of life. Also, in Bloomberg Businessweek’s fifth annual survey of best towns, Pullman was named the best place to raise kids in the State of Washington.

The Washington State University Foundation is the non-profit corporation that raises and manages gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations for the benefit of Washington State University.

Reporting to the President of WSU and working closely with the Board of Governors of the WSU Foundation, the CEO of the WSU Foundation is responsible for the overall leadership and management of all fundraising activities on behalf of Washington State University, including the public phase of the current $1 billion campaign, major gifts, gift planning, annual giving, communications, donor relations, board relations, financial operations, investment management and advancement services. In this capacity, the position is also expected to play a key role in institutional planning that integrates academic, fiscal, and development goals. The person in this position works directly with the President and academic leadership of the University to solicit financial support of the strategic priorities of the University.

The position’s major responsibility is to plan and implement programs and strategies to assist the University in achieving its goals through fundraising and other outreach efforts designed to enhance the University’s position as a world class land-grant research institution. The CEO sets the vision and strategic direction for programs that seek to involve alumni and friends in advancing and supporting the fundraising priorities of the University in conjunction with the academic community at Washington State University. This position works closely with the WSU Foundation’s governing bodies, the Board of Governors and Trustees, in planning and implementing programs to advance the University. This position supervises more than 75 full time professional, administrative, and support staff.

The successful candidate will possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. An advanced degree is desired. A proven record of significant experience in senior administrative leadership positions and success in development is desired, preferably in a higher education setting. Strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential.

The Search Committee will accept confidential applications and nominations until the position is filled. Candidate screening will begin immediately. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by October 17, 2011. An application should include a letter describing relevant experiences and interest in the position, a resume, and the names of at least five references with titles, addresses, business telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Greenwood/Asher & Associates, an executive search firm, is assisting the University in the search.

Qualifications of the CEO

Leading candidates for appointment as CEO will possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a proven record of significant experience in senior administrative leadership positions and success in development. An advanced degree is preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential.

Additionally, leading candidates will have demonstrated the qualities of strength, stamina, and enthusiasm, and will be skilled at communicating the needs, interests, and accomplishments at WSU to a wide range of external as well as internal constituencies. Leading candidates will have demonstrated skill in establishing and enhancing a solid team dynamic and a keen understanding of the culture and demands of a land-grant research university. Particular interest will be given to those candidates who have experience with

  • Planning and setting goals in collaboration with others, both within a unit and across the campuses;
  • Achieving campaign targets in excess of $500 million to support established strategic goals;
  • Collaborative leadership encouraging communication and transparency;
  • A record of initiative and vision;
  • Advanced knowledge of fundraising principles and practices;
  • The ability to hire, lead, mentor, and supervise staff to superior performance; and
  • The ability to work with, respond to, and motivate volunteers.

About the WSU Foundation

The Washington State University Foundation is the non-profit corporation that raises and manages gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations for the benefit of Washington State University.

Established in 2004, the Board of Governors serves as the governing body for the WSU Foundation. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Foundation's property and assets and directing the business and affairs of the Foundation.

Established with the creation of the Foundation in 1979, the Board of Trustees serves as the membership of the Washington State University Foundation. Although the Board of Trustees does not have fiduciary responsibility for the general business and affairs of the Foundation, the members serve a critical fund-raising role in support of the Foundation and the University. Trustees volunteer time to serve on Foundation committees and to build relationships with prospective donors.

About the Washington State University

Washington State University is a land-grant university that conducts transformational research and provides world-class education to more than 25,000 students statewide. Students are taught in an environment enriched by research activities and graduate study. Founded in Pullman in 1890, WSU’s statewide system includes extension offices in every county and distance degree programs accessible around the world.

The Carnegie Foundation classifies WSU as one of 96 U.S. public and private universities with very high research activity. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks the University among the top 60 public universities. A 2007 national report on scholarly productivity rated WSU faculty in the top 10 in 8 academic disciplines: plant sciences, veterinary medical sciences, animal sciences, food sciences, agronomy and crop sciences, zoology, American studies, and horticulture.

WSU ranks in the top 100 universities for its research library system and for computer access and Internet connections, among some 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide. The Samuel H. Smith Center for Undergraduate Education offers the latest in teaching and learning technologies, a computer laboratory, and a cyber café. WSU’s commitment to technological innovation and distance learning was recognized by the National University Telecommunications Network, which presented WSU with its 2009 Institution Achievement Award.

Washington State University’s main campus (approximately 18,200 students) is located in Pullman, with co-locations in Spokane, Vancouver, and the Tri-Cities. Pullman was recently designated a “dreamtown” by Demographics Daily, reflecting the city’s exceptionally high quality of life. Pullman, a dynamic center of higher education, research, and culture is nestled among the beautiful rolling hills of southeastern Washington. Pullman lies in the heart of the Palouse, a geographic area covering some 10,000 square miles of northwestern Idaho and southeastern Washington. Pullman boasts the second highest percentage of adults with graduate degrees among the U.S micropolitan areas, and its public school system was named one of the top 100 in the U.S.

About Greenwood/Asher & Associates, inc

PARTNERS:

Dr. Jan Greenwood, Partner, President & CEO Metropolitan D.C.: jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com or (202) 746-6987

Dr. Betty Turner Asher, Partner, Vice President & COO Florida: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com or (850) 650-2277

Our organization’s partners, principals, consultants, and affiliates collectively represent over 65 years of experience in global and national executive search. More than 40 Greenwood/Asher consultants and affiliates who bring you a cumulative of:

  • Over 1000 searches successfully completed
  • Over 300 years of combined experience in education and nonprofit organizations
  • Over 100 years in organizational consulting and training
  • Over 60 years in health care, including in academic health centers and public health agencies
  • 26 positions held by consultants and affiliates as CEOs, Presidents, or Senior Executives

GEOGRAPHIC REACH:

Jan Greenwood is based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Consultants and affiliated consultants have been located throughout the United States: Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado, Illinois, California, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Washington, Texas, Montana, Ohio, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Oregon

EXECUTIVE SEARCH SERVICES:

For education clients, our consultants and affiliates have completed searches for Commissioners, Chancellors, Presidents, Provosts, Vice Presidents, Vice Chancellors, Deans, School Superintendents, Endowed Chairs, cluster hires, and completed consulting assignments for the following types of institutions:

  • AASCU Colleges and Universities
  • AAU Universities
  • Academic Health Centers
  • Community and/or Technical Colleges
  • Independent Colleges and Universities
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities
  • K-12 Schools
  • APLU Universities
  • Public and Private Research Universities
  • State College and University Systems and State Coordinating Boards
  • Hispanic Serving Institutions

We have specialists who have completed for example searches for Commissioners, Chancellors, Presidents; Provosts; CIOs; Vice Presidents for Health Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Advancement, Business/Finance/Administration; Athletics; Deans for Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, Health Sciences, Social Work, Law, Education, Sciences, Business, HPER, Informatics, Libraries, Visual and Performing Arts; Center Directors; Endowed Chairs; and Cluster Hires

Jan Greenwood or Betty Turner Asher Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
42 Business Center Drive, Suite 206
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Phone: 850.650.2277
Fax: 850.650.2272
Web: www.greenwoodsearch.com
E-mail: jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com
E-mail: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com

For more information about WSU, please visit http://www.wsu.edu/

Washington State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

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