Based in Portland, Maine, Mercedes Chacón Vance, senior partner, has participated in more than 250 successful leadership searches, identifying presidents, vice presidents and deans on behalf of a broad spectrum of institutions. Mercedes is a firm believer in open, honest, consistent communication with clients and candidates. In her daily work, she prioritizes connecting with top leaders across academia to strengthen her network of candidates while offering individuals guidance and counsel in their careers.

Mercedes supports a broad range of engagements from presidents and provosts to vice presidents and deans. She directs the executive search process from start to finish, including locating top candidates and supporting research, interviewing, negotiating and follow-up. Mercedes works as an advisor to boards, cabinet members, presidents and faculty because of her strong commitment to and experience in academics/ student success, strategic planning and DEI efforts.

A WittKieffer Quality Award winner, Mercedes offers her clients a comprehensive, consultative approach, engaging with them throughout and beyond the recruiting process. Mercedes is an active speaker with the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the McKinsey & Company Hispanic and Latino Executive Leadership and the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute Program. Her professional activities include involvement with organizations such as CASE and ACE for which she has presented on strategic talent management topics. Mercedes has also presented to the ACE Womenʼs Network and other career-focused groups on assessing readiness and planning career moves.

Prior to joining WittKieffer, Mercedes worked in corporate retained search. It was her commitment to organizations that enhance diversity and quality of life that brought her back to education and not-for-profit executive search work. She is committed to serving not-for-profits in her personal life as well and volunteers with a wide variety of organizations in her community.