Tamara Whitner is a partner at Howard & O'Brien Executive Search, where she leads executive search assignments drawing on her decades of experience in consultative relationship-building to identify leaders who align with client's business needs, culture, and long-term goals. Tamara brings a diverse professional background spanning healthcare, education, philanthropy, marketing, and communications. Prior to joining Howard & O'Brien, she led Marketing and Communications at the Akron Area YMCA, drove philanthropic initiatives at University Hospitals, served as Chief Relationship Officer for a national healthcare philanthropy, and spent 10 years at University School in major donor stewardship and primary school admissions. She has experience leading teams and working within organizations ranging in size from 20 to more than 30,000 employees. Having worked across varying industries and organizations, Tamara strongly believes that a clearly articulated, positive culture is key to any organization's success. Her career has centered on understanding people, building trusted relationships, and bringing individuals and organizations together in mutually beneficial ways. She brings this perspective to executive search, helping clients evaluate not only whether candidates have the experience and capabilities to succeed in a role, but also whether they will thrive within the organization's culture and leadership environment. Tamara has been active with several non-profit organizations, including Northeast Ohio Adoption Services, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Friends of Breakthrough Schools, and Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village, leading their largest annual benefit for three years. She currently serves as an external reviewer for the University of Maryland student scholarship fund. Tamara earned an MA from Kent State University and a BA from Miami University.