Chautauqua Institution today announced the selection of  Heidrick & Struggles, a premier global leadership advisory firm, to assist in the search for its next president. This selection follows the search committee’s rigorous consideration of multiple national firms that responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP). The decision marks a significant step forward in the Institution’s leadership transition process, following President Michael E. Hill’s departure in May.  Former board member Kyle Keogh is serving as Interim Chief Executive during this search and selection process. 

Heidrick & Struggles brings decades of experience in executive search and leadership consulting, with a strong track record of placing transformative leaders in mission-driven organizations across the nonprofit, cultural and educational sectors. 
 
In addition to supporting the work of the search committee, representatives from Heidrick & Struggles will be on Chautauqua Institution’s grounds on July 21 and 22 to conduct discovery meetings with leadership and key stakeholder groups. They will also host two open forums for all community members who wish to participate. Insights gathered during these sessions will help shape the presidential search prospectus—a document that defines the leadership opportunity, outlines the Institution’s vision for the future, and describes the qualities sought in the next president. 

“We are pleased to partner with Heidrick & Struggles as we embark on this important journey,” said Laurie Branch, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “Their deep expertise, national reach, and commitment to inclusive and strategic search processes align with our values and aspirations for Chautauqua’s future.” 

The firm will work closely with the Presidential Search Committee to identify and recruit an inspirational leader who will guide Chautauqua Institution into its next chapter while honoring its rich history and mission. The members of the search committee, all members of the Board of Trustees, are: 
 
Laurie Branch, Chair  
Veronica Biggins 
Rick Evans 
Karen Goodell 
Rich Osborne 
Jill Penrose 
Tim Renjilian 

For the latest information and updates on the presidential search, please visit search.chq.org. Chautauquans are invited to participate in open forums with the search consultants and committee Monday, July 21 3:30-5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, July 22, 8:30-10:00 a.m., both in the Hall of Philosophy. 

Nominations and requests for information about the role may be sent to Heidrick & Struggles at ChautauquaPresident@heidrick.com.

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ABOUT CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION  

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre community on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State, where approximately 7,500 persons are in residence on any day during a nine-week season, and a total of more than 100,000 attend scheduled public events. Chautauqua is dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program that explores the important religious, social and political issues of our times; stimulates provocative, thoughtful involvement of individuals and families in creative response to such issues; and promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance and teaching of the arts. The Institution celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2024.