WittKieffer Names Five Consultants as Senior Partners
WittKieffer, the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm developing impactful leadership solutions for organizations that improve the quality of life, today announced the naming...
Oak Brook, Illinois, July 15, 2025 – WittKieffer, the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm developing impactful leadership solutions for organizations that improve the quality of life, today announced the naming of five new Senior Partners. As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering leadership from within, WittKieffer elevates individuals based on demonstrated leadership qualities, expertise in the search and advisory professions, and commitment to company values.
“For 56 years, WittKieffer has flourished due in large part to the dedication and expertise of its Senior Partners,” said President and CEO Andrew Chastain. “The elevation of five exceptional leaders to Senior Partner reflects our commitment to developing leaders from within and supporting their career aspirations and achievements. These five inspire us all and I’m excited to see the future impact they will have on our firm and the clients and communities we serve.”
The following members of the firm’s consulting staff have been named Senior Partners:
Lisa DeSimone Arthur, Senior Partner, Healthcare: Since joining WittKieffer in 2006, Lisa has steadily advanced in responsibility and earned the respect of her colleagues. Lisa is currently serving in a crucial role as WittKieffer’s Senior Care, Home Health, and Hospice Practice Leader, identifying leaders in organizations serving older adults. Lisa is known for supporting the growth of leaders across the healthcare continuum. She is a graduate of the eCornell Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program.
Jessica Herrington, Senior Partner, Education: After a distinguished career in higher education development, fundraising, and alumni relations, Jessica joined WittKieffer in 2018 and steadily advanced and distinguished herself as a valued colleague and expert counsel to clients regarding their leadership challenges and priorities. Supporting the recruitment of presidents, provosts, deans, and other key senior administrators for a range of colleges and universities, Jessica discovers the unique strengths and potential of candidates to match client institutions’ most pressing needs.
Lydia Ostermeier-Haynes, Managing Partner and Practice Leader, Interim Leadership – Healthcare, Academic Medicine, and Education: With more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including several past tenures as a nursing leader and talent acquisition executive, Lydia uses her extensive background to identify interim and on-demand executive placements for critical senior positions. Known for her clinical and functional expertise, empathy, and professionalism, Lydia has become a trusted thought partner to deliver the expertise clients need to propel critical objectives forward during times of transition or transformation.
Christine Pendleton, Senior Partner, Education: Since joining WittKieffer more than a decade ago, Christine has developed vast experience in identifying senior leaders for WittKieffer clients across higher education, as well as for leading nonprofit organizations. Christine is passionate about partnering with mission-focused organizations and has been a contributor to many of WittKieffer’s most visible searches. She is the co-chair of the firm’s Diversity Council and has received the WittKieffer Quality Award twice, a testament to her excellence and commitment to clients and candidates.
Melody Rose, PhD, Senior Partner, Education and Leadership Advisory: As a former university president and two-time state university system chancellor, Melody brings 30 years of higher education experience to WittKieffer’s Education market. She partners with boards of trustees and search committees to identify candidates who can move the mission of their institutions forward, while also advising clients on key leadership challenges. Melody is a frequent speaker and writer on important issues facing higher education today and serves as a role model to colleagues throughout WittKieffer.
