The IAVM Executive Committee continues to work with SearchWide, our selected executive search firm, to forge the path for selecting IAVM’s next president/CEO. I want to thank the members for reaching out and sharing their thoughts and ideas as it reassures me of the importance this decision will have on our future. The entire board is committed to ensuring we find a leader that will be the right person to embrace our passion for this industry and maximize deliverables for the members. SearchWide not only has the experience in conducting executive searches within our industry, they have also conducted searches with other member-driven industry associations and have first-hand knowledge of our association.
To understand more about finding our next president/CEO, we spoke with Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president at SearchWide, who will lead the search efforts with the executive committee.
What is SearchWide’s background?
Mark Gnatovic: We are an executive recruiting firm that partners with our clients at a very high level. It is not just about moving talent, but understanding our client’s expectations and aligning that with a candidate’s experience and career aspirations. We seek those that are happy but curious to their next career move through a very proactive approach.
Our experience touches the convention, event, travel, and tourism industries. We are aligned within the greater segments IAVM and their members serve. We have partnered with convention centers, performing arts facilities, arenas, and stadiums to find valuable talent at many levels. We have also worked with partners and suppliers of venue managers such as destination marketing organizations, hotels, chamber of commerce, and those that sell a service or product within this industry. Within IAVM and other “industry” associations we hold volunteer leadership positions at the Board level, continue to speak at conferences, host career fairs and sponsor 30|UNDER|30 programs to retain young professionals.
This is an exciting time for IAVM. We are honored to earn the opportunity. We consider our partnership with IAVM a privilege and look forward to working with Karen and her committee.
How is this search different from other searches you’ve done in the past?
MG: Each search is unique in its own right. There are different circumstances that create a mold of the ideal candidate. With all search, we conduct assessments and speak to many people (board of directors, members, and Allied) to understand the dynamics before we make our first candidate call. We look for consistent feedback on what’s working and what’s not, what are the ideal experiences and characteristics needed to be successful. Most importantly what are the immediate priorities the next president/CEO will face on day one.
Whether the search is for a publicly traded company or a 501(C)(3) or (6), each is a bit different in their own space but our goal is to align the expectations to a manageable list of candidates.
What kind of role does emotional intelligence play in finding candidates?
MG: The IAVM president/CEO has to be very collaborative, able to build consensus, and an exceptional listener. I think it’s somebody who listens from the heart, asks a lot of questions, experienced in developing and then executing strategies. This type of position can be very political. The person’s DNA will have to separate personal interest and make decisions that can contribute to the greater audience and create relevance for IAVM as a whole. There are many personality assessments available, we have used most but most clients like DiSC. This behavioral assessment will help the executive committee with their final decision as they compare and contrast a slate of candidates.
How important is diversity in searching for a candidate?
MG: Very important. We strive to identify a diverse slate of candidates in both gender and race. Diversity in the work force is real and we take this very seriously. Our brand and reputation is at stake with the success of this search process and placement.
SearchWide™ is a full-service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the convention, trade association, and travel/tourism industries. Specializing in C-Level and director-level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in the Twin Cities and several regional offices, SearchWide is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION and RESPECT. Find more information at www.searchwide.com.
