Witt/Kieffer is the preeminent executive search firm that identifies outstanding leadership solutions for organizations committed to improving the quality of life.

2011 Witt/Kieffer Quality Award Winners

Each year, the Witt/Kieffer Board of Directors and Quality Committee select winners for the firm’s quality award. The purpose of the awards is to showcase excellence among our administrative and consulting staff. Individuals are nominated based on how they live the values of the firm – quality, integrity, teamwork and performance – and how a significant project, day-to-day work and/or overall performance demonstrate commitment to excellence.

The Winners of the 2011 Administrative Staff Quality Awards are:

Donna Janulis, Administrative Assistant

Donna is an administrative assistant for Witt/Kieffer’s higher education and not-for-profit practice. She started her career with Witt/Kieffer in 1995. Donna says, “I like working in a collaborative and team environment where you feel like you can make an impact on the success of the individual searches with clients and candidates; and also make a contribution to the success of the firm.”

Kathy Pratte, Administrative Assistant

Kathy joined the firm in February 2007. She provides administrative support to senior vice president Christine Mackey-Ross, and associate Wendy Brower McLeod in the St. Louis office. “I enjoy the diversity of my position and the people with whom I work,” Kathy says.

Vince Rimkunas, Enterprise Architect

Vince has been with Witt/Kieffer for four years. He is a vital resource in the IS department, where he is responsible for full life cycle development of internal enterprise application. Vince says his favorite thing about his job is “knowing that I am helping create information systems solutions that help the company.”

Ann Schremp, Project Coordinator

Ann works in the Witt/Kieffer accounting department in the Oak Brook office and has been with the firm since April 1999. As project coordinator, Ann updates and maintains jobs within the database and handles invoicing duties. “The accounting department is a joy to work with and we are like family. They make coming to work every day a pleasure,” says Ann.

The Consulting Staff Quality Award recognizes outstanding performance, and is presented to consultants and associates based on client satisfaction ratings, candidate satisfaction ratings, team play and firm knowledge contribution.

The Winners of the 2011 Consulting Staff Quality Awards are:

Jon Derek Croteau, Ed.D., Senior Consultant

Jon’s experience encompasses assessment, fundraising and campaign planning, administration and human capital management for universities, colleges, healthcare organizations, foundations and other not-for-profit groups. He has published and presented on educational advancement and human capital management topics. Jon says, “One of my favorite things about Witt/Kieffer is that we find leaders who change the quality of life. The mission of our work is very important to me.”

Linda Komnick, Consultant

Linda’s expertise is in recruiting physician executives and other senior leaders on behalf of hospitals, health systems, integrated delivery systems, academic medical centers, medical schools and group practices. She has more than 15 years of healthcare industry experience, including key leadership roles at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. Linda says, “What I like about working at Witt/Kieffer is the collegial culture of our firm and the support we give each other; we truly work as a team.”

Wendy L. Brower McLeod, Associate

Wendy has been with the firm for more than 10 years and has over 15 years of executive search experience, working with C-Suite leadership and physician executives in hospitals, health systems, physician group practices and other healthcare organizations. Clients value Wendy’s ability to assess expectations and identify candidates to best suit the organization’s needs. Wendy says of Witt/Kieffer, “I like being part of an organization that lives and fulfills its mission of providing outstanding leadership solutions for organizations. It is rewarding to bring senior executives to healthcare institutions and know that I have played a major role in assisting that organization in improving the quality of life for its patients, employees and community.”

Beth A. Nelson, Consultant

Beth provides clients with expertise in strategic recruitment and planning, staff development and management and employee relations. She brings more than 20 years of experience in recruitment, human resources, healthcare consulting, program development and general management to her executive search practice. “I really feel that it’s the people that make this firm a great place to work,” says Beth of working at Witt/Kieffer. “The quality award is truly achieved through team efforts and I am fortunate to have wonderful colleagues to work with.”

Donna M. Padilla, Consultant

Donna joined the firm in 1999 and since then, has participated in a wide range of search assignments on behalf of a variety of healthcare organizations, including acute care settings, medical centers, complex health systems, not-for-profit organizations, faith-based organizations and physician practices. She provides clients with vast industry knowledge and the ability to recruit senior leaders who will best fit within an organization. “The firm’s value of teamwork is carried out in all that we do and I enjoy the great colleagues I get to work with every day,” Donna says. She is a five-time recipient of the quality award.

Thomas (Tom) P. Quinn, Consultant

In nearly a decade with Witt/Kieffer, Tom has had experience in recruiting and identifying senior executives on behalf of major teaching hospitals, academic medical centers, research institutes, healthcare delivery organizations and health plans. He is considered an expert on chief financial officer searches. Tom says, “We genuinely care about the success of our candidates, clients and colleagues, and we are committed to doing the right thing.”

Oliver B. Tomlin, III, Vice President

Oliver helps his clients achieve strategic, organizational objectives and senior leadership recruiting goals. He has led several successful searches for presidents, vice presidents, provosts and deans for colleges and universities; and CEOs, COOs, and CFOs for healthcare and other not-for-profit organizations. When asked to name his favorite thing about Witt/Kieffer, Oliver said, “In a word, collegiality! Witt/Kieffer is exceptional in partnering with colleagues, sharing information and working as a team.”