Isaacson, Miller

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine has named Jun Li, PhD as its Chair of the Department of Molecular Genetics and Genome Sciences. Dr. Li comes to the OU College of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he served as a professor of human genetics and a professor and associate chair of the Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics. In recent years, his teams have studied animal models of metabolic health, the genetics and epigenetics of drug abuse, cell and developmental biology of the reproductive system, and “multi-omic” analyses of human response to exercise, often involving careful integration of several types of biological data to better understand complex processes. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/dnUqTZsq Ariannah Mirick and Randi Herrick led this search with Jane M. McInerney, PhD.

We are pleased to share that Martina Droth has been named the Paul Mellon Director of the Yale Center for British Art (YCBA).   Droth has served in a series of prominent roles at the YCBA over 16 years and was the museum’s former Deputy Director and Chief Curator. Her tenure begins as YCBA prepares to reopen to the public on March 29, following a two-year renovation that will help safeguard the museum’s collections for generations to come. The museum houses the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom.   Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eqYpjVUr   Ben Tobin and Sarah James led this search with Jonathan Sanchez and Alaine Small. Photo credit: © Nick Mead, 2025. 

Ellevate Network, a community of women that helps its members find meaningful work through local networking events and roundtables, named IM Senior Associate Alexandra Lolavar, PhD, their Woman of the Month for January. We are grateful for Alexandra’s contributions to science, conservation, and community impact both inside and outside of Isaacson, Miller. 

The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, research, and education complex, with 21 museums, nine research centers, multiple educational units, and the National Zoo, seeks a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to drive the organization’s technology, infrastructure, and data strategies. Reporting to the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, the CIO will lead and manage IT and data teams, and provide strategic leadership to ensure the Institution's people, processes, and technologies support and strengthen the Smithsonian’s ever-evolving requirements. By 2026, the Smithsonian will bring the concept of a “virtual museum” to life and become a digitally empowered institution with expanded virtual reach by building a digital ecosystem where the Smithsonian’s most valuable assets are accessible and can be deployed wherever, whenever, and however, they are most needed. The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) will be a key supporting organization for that effort led by the Digital Transformation Office that reports to the Deputy Secretary. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gq7J-v8R Karen Avery and Daniel Rodas are leading this search with Stephen Kalogeras and Caroline Corry. 

Earlier this month, Partner Michael Baer presented to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Leadership Institute Fellows. The ADEA Leadership Institute is a year-long program designed to develop the nation’s most promising individuals at academic dental institutions to become future leaders in dental and higher education.   Michael’s session explored what participants might do to prepare for moving into a senior leadership position in their dental school (and beyond). It covered topics including responsibilities of senior leadership, activities one might participate in from their current role that will prepare them for other leadership positions, strategies for deciding what positions to seek, methods for presenting oneself for positions that are of interest, typical steps in the process of leadership searches, and other related areas. 

We are pleased to share that Middlebury College has appointed Dr. Ian Baucom, PhD as its 18th President. Baucom, currently executive vice president and provost of the University of Virginia, is a widely regarded leader in higher education who has long championed the role of colleges and universities as civic institutions. He has empowered teaching, research, and learning to engage the urgent challenges of our time by building partnerships across a broad spectrum of disciplines: neuroscience and biotech, the humanities, environmental resilience, global Black studies, the visual and performing arts, digital technology, and artificial intelligence. Across various roles, Baucom has been a steadfast advocate for the work of education in changing lives and advancing the promise of democracy. On Baucom’s appointment, Board Chair Ted Truscott shared, “In Ian we have an inspired choice for a new president who will lead this extraordinary community through the next chapter in the life of the institution we love.” Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gU6PHcJY Kate Barry and Ericka Miller led this search with Diana Carmona, and Kaitlin Cruz.

The The University of Georgia (UGA), the flagship public, land-grant and sea-grant university of the state of Georgia, seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the next Vice President for Research (VPR). This role will allow for an individual to set and execute a compelling strategic vision to significantly grow and expand the impact of the University’s research enterprise. UGA is among the nation’s most prominent, active, and versatile public research institutions, with over $628 million in total annual research expenditures in 2024, representing a 77% increase over the last decade. The next VPR will have the rare opportunity to lead in a collaborative and dynamic research environment and contribute toward pioneering discoveries that will improve health, well-being, and prosperity for future generations. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gZAe-GYh Kate Barry and Micah Pierce are leading this search with Damla Williams, MPA.

The University of Nevada, Reno (Nevada) has named Tracy Ostrem, CFRE as vice president for university advancement, effective April 1, 2025. Ostrem brings to the role more than 30 years of advancement experience with comprehensive campaign management at leadership levels with a well-established history of record-setting performance in higher education. In this role, reporting to President Brian Sandoval and serving as a key member of his senior leadership team, Ostrem will be a dynamic presence in engaging individuals and organizations in the local community and beyond about the pivotal role the university plays in realizing an exciting future for Nevada. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gpB6jSgV Rachel Ellenport led this search with Nicole Poe, Christina G., and Megan Gorman. 

Ransom Everglades School (RE), a top-tier independent day school in the Miami-Coconut Grove area, seeks a collaborative and intellectually curious specialist in curriculum and faculty professional development to serve as its inaugural Director of Teaching and Learning. The director will join one of the world’s leading independent schools as it renews its curriculum to enhance its reputation for excellence and ensure its pedagogical edge. This role presents an opportunity to partner with academic leadership, including the head of school, the heads of middle and upper school, and department chairs, to shape curricular and professional development goals for the School’s faculty in service to the mission of Ransom Everglades. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gkbK26_K Jaime Morgen and Daniel Rodas are leading this search with Diana Carmona and Nicole Sancilio. 

Clark Atlanta University seeks an enterprising, dynamic, collaborative, and results-driven revenue-generator to serve as the University’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VP). Reporting to the President, the ideal candidate is a creative, focused, self-starter, and high-performing individual who thrives in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment. The VP will work to rejuvenate and amplify the strengths of the institution’s current development team and expertly steer a talented team of development professionals towards ambitious objectives, establishing a robust infrastructure for CAU’s future initiatives. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gVj3_DXT Donna Cramer is leading this search with Karson F..