New York (November 9, 2023) – Leading talent advisory firm DHR Global is pleased to announce that James Abruzzo has been promoted to Vice Chairman. In this role, Abruzzo will represent the firm while speaking at industry conferences and forums, provide search and consulting advice to clients, and mentor associates pursuing partner-level positions.
Previously serving as Global Managing Partner, Abruzzo founded the Nonprofit practice in 2001 and established the firm as one of the leading executive search firms in the cultural, zoo and aquarium, social service, and foundation sectors. For over 35 years, James has been recognized for his work in the nonprofit sector, including nonprofit executive search, management consulting, nonprofit executive compensation consulting, succession planning, writing, research, public speaking, and an expert witness in cases involving nonprofit employment and compensation.
“We are grateful for the steady and experienced leadership James has demonstrated heading DHR’s Nonprofit practice for the past 22 years,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of DHR Global. “He put DHR’s name on the map in the nonprofit sector and established our strong profile in the space. From successfully placing high-profile leaders to delivering prolific thought leadership to mentoring the next generation of search consultants, James sets the bar for what a DHR partner should be.”
In his work, Abruzzo consults with boards and CEOs on some of the most critical leadership issues affecting the nonprofit sector. He is also the author of dozens of articles, a conference presenter, a news commentator, an expert witness, a guest lecturer, and the author of Nonprofit Boards and CEO Employment Contracts. In 1998, he created the DHR Cultural Confidence Index that ran in Crain’s New York Business until the mid-2000s and expanded the Index into the Chicago and Detroit markets. He is completing a book based on his podcast, “The SEARCH for Arts Leadership.”
During his tenure, Abruzzo co-founded and directed the Institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers Business School (2003-2018) and has taught as a visiting professor at the Free University in Berlin, The School of Economics in Bologna, and Bocconi Business School in Milan. He is a recipient of the Top 100 in Business Ethics award, the Stephen J. Diner Ethical Leadership Award, and is a member of the DHR Hall of Fame. Abruzzo currently serves on the boards of the Saul Steinberg Foundation, Close Encounters with Music, and Performances Spaces for the 21st Century.