NEWS IN BRIEF September 2025

ARTICLE

The Emergence of the Strategic Chief Business Officer

Chief Business Officers have never been more important to an institution’s success. Colleges and universities need creative problem-solvers who are committed to the mission, understand how a college or university actually works, and can apply their business acumen to move the institution forward. In this article, Principal Margaret (Peggy) Plympton and Executive Search Consultant Larry Ladd share insights about the evolving role of the CBO and the expertise that Presidents need from them.

ARTICLE

Enrollment Leadership Drives Institutional Success

Enrollment is one of the most pressing issues facing higher education, as enrollment numbers are a primary driver of revenue for both public and private institutions. Colleges and universities have long faced significant challenges with declining enrollment, a trend that was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. As institutions are confronted by new and growing demands, enrollment leaders can apply their strategic, data-driven expertise to strengthen organizational stability and success. Associate Managing Principal & Sr. VP for Client Development Melissa Trotta and Principal Matt Kilcoyne provide perspective on this critical role.

Supporting Our Clients with Tailored Executive Search Services 

AGB Search provides options to assist institutions of all types and sizes with their executive search needs. We offer tailored services ranging from targeted assistance with specific aspects of the search process—for example, pre-search strategy or candidate recruitment—to full-service executive search solutions. Our customized search services ensure our clients have the support they need to secure the right leaders for their administrative and academic positions.

AGB Search also offers cost considerations for:



• Institutions that are members of AGB
• Multi-search contracts
• Presidential search for institutions where we placed the Interim President

NEW TEAM MEMBERS

The AGB Search team is growing. Please join us in welcoming our two new Executive Search Consultants.

John Cech

Executive Search Consultant

Dr. Cech brings decades of executive experience and national recognition as a transformational higher education leader. He most recently served as the 18th President of Carroll College (2018–2025), where he led the institution to national prominence through academic innovation, capital improvements, and global partnerships.

Rene Stewart O’Neal

Executive Search Consultant

Ms. O’Neal has been a senior level strategic budget and financial planning executive at several major universities over the past 25 years, including George Mason University, George Washington University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wellesley College.

AGB UPDATE

Early Bird Pricing Ends 9/30:

AGB’s 2026 Foundation Leadership Forum

February 1–3, 2026 | San Diego, CA 

In an era of shifting political dynamics and economic uncertainty, it’s more critical than ever for foundation leaders to keep mission front and center. The 30th annual AGB Foundation Leadership Forum is your opportunity to connect with more than 700 board members, executives, and industry experts, and sharpen your governance strategies through dynamic plenaries, workshops, and peer group sessions.

Executive Search | Interim Search | Executive Coaching | ExecComp |

Institute for Leadership & Governance



AGB Search

Advancing Higher Education Leadership