Katherine Haley is a Senior Executive Search Consultant at Academic Search and the Founder of Haley Associates, a boutique higher education consulting firm. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Katherine is one of the most prolific search consultants in the American academic landscape, having conducted over 50 presidential and chancellor searches across the country, in addition to dozens of vice-presidential and dean-level placements. Katherine’s consulting work is underpinned by a distinguished career as a pioneering academic leader. She holds the unique distinction of being the first woman president of two storied liberal arts institutions: Whittier College in California and Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Her transition into executive search was preceded by a steady rise through the academic ranks, beginning as a professor of English and later serving as the Provost at Kenyon College. This "full-spectrum" experience—from the classroom to the president's office—allows her to offer unparalleled insight into the qualities required for modern academic leadership. Throughout her search career, which includes a significant tenure as a Principal at Witt/Kieffer, Katherine has become a trusted advisor to Boards of Trustees. She specializes in the high-stakes environment of presidential recruitment, where she balances the needs of diverse campus stakeholders with the strategic goals of the institution. Beyond search, she is a highly sought-after executive coach, helping new and sitting presidents navigate the complexities of their roles and facilitate successful strategic planning initiatives. Katherine is an alumna of Carleton College, where she studied English Language and Literature, and completed her advanced studies at Tufts University. Her legacy is defined by her commitment to the liberal arts tradition and her role in shaping the next generation of leadership for colleges and universities nationwide. Key Leadership & Strategic Pillars The Presidential Search Veteran: A seasoned expert in the nation's most high-profile academic searches, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing presidents and chancellors today. Liberal Arts Specialist: Deeply rooted in the liberal arts tradition, providing specialized guidance for small-to-midsize private institutions during times of transition. Board Governance Authority: Acts as a strategic bridge between Boards of Trustees and campus administrations, advising on best practices for leadership succession and institutional oversight. Academic Identity Expert: Uses her background as a professor and provost to assess candidates for their academic credibility as well as their administrative and fundraising prowess. Firm Profile (Academic Search) Pioneer in Academic Recruitment: Academic Search was founded over 40 years ago specifically to serve the higher education community, providing a tailored alternative to generalist executive search firms. Focus on Diversity & Leadership: The firm is committed to identifying diverse leaders who can drive institutional excellence and respond to the changing demographics of the student body. Collaborative Search Model: Known for a highly collaborative process that emphasizes campus-wide engagement and thorough candidate vetting to ensure long-term cultural and strategic fit.