Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Executive Search Partner in Chicago
Tuft & Associates is a nationwide executive search firm with a proven process and custom strategy tailored to each client's needs. Since 1988, we have specialized in placing top-tier leaders across four core practice areas: associations, healthcare, nonprofits, and community service organizations. Our team of seasoned professionals brings deep strategic management expertise, fostering comprehensive diversity and ensuring representation across all dimensions. We pride ourselves on a collaborative approach, leveraging our collective knowledge to deliver timely results and long-term partnerships.Our service guarantee ensures client satisfaction, with a second search at no additional fee if the selected candidate leaves within a defined period. With a focus on innovation and accountability, we serve as trusted retained search partners, guiding organizations through complex leadership transitions and strategic growth.
Services
Executive Search
Leadership Placement
Diversity Recruitment
Healthcare Executive Search
Nonprofit Executive Search
Association Executive Search
Board Member Recruitment
Fundraising Professionals
Strategic Management Consulting
Custom Recruitment Strategies
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- Completed 600+ executive searches with nationwide client satisfaction
- Commitment to fostering diversity across all leadership dimensions
- Service guarantee for candidate placement reliability
- Team of specialists with insider experience in associations and nonprofits
- Customized onboarding plans for seamless leadership transitions
What people say
Deep industry knowledge
Thorough candidate screening
Strong diversity focus
Reliable service guarantees
Strategic leadership matches
Services
Executive Search
Our executive search service identifies visionary leaders for CEO, Director, and VP roles across industries. We combine a nationwide network with a rigorous vetting process to match organizations with candidates who align with their mission and strategic goals. Clients benefit from our 35+ years of experience and a proven track record of placing leaders who drive innovation and long-term success.
Healthcare Executive Search
Specializing in healthcare leadership, we recruit executives who excel in complex environments. Our consultants understand the unique challenges of healthcare organizations and prioritize candidates with a track record of improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Clients gain access to a curated pool of leaders with expertise in clinical and administrative roles.
Nonprofit Executive Search
We connect nonprofits with leaders committed to advancing member-centric missions. Our process emphasizes candidates' dedication to community impact and strategic growth. Nonprofit clients receive tailored support to find executives who balance financial stewardship with programmatic excellence and stakeholder engagement.
Diversity Recruitment
Our diversity recruitment service ensures organizations build leadership teams that reflect the communities they serve. We implement targeted outreach strategies and partner with networks to identify underrepresented talent. Clients benefit from enhanced innovation, cultural competence, and alignment with modern governance standards through inclusive hiring practices.
Board Member Recruitment
We specialize in identifying board members who bring strategic vision and industry expertise. Our candidates are vetted for their ability to contribute to governance, risk management, and organizational growth. Clients receive guidance on board composition and succession planning to strengthen long-term governance effectiveness.
People
Jill Christie
President
Jill Christie leads Tuft & Associates with over 25 years of experience in executive search, specializing in nonprofit and association leadership. She champions diversity initiatives and strategic governance, guiding clients through complex leadership transitions.
Catherine D. Babjak
Executive Search Consultant
Catherine Babjak brings expertise in healthcare and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on placing executives who drive organizational innovation. Her career spans 20+ years of leadership roles in professional associations and certification bodies.
Karen Dunn Caspers
Executive Search Consultant
Karen Dunn Caspers specializes in medical and scientific organizations, leveraging her background in continuing education and certification programs. She has placed leaders in healthcare, allergy, and immunology fields for over 15 years.
Dan Borschke
Executive Search Consultant
Dan Borschke focuses on association leadership and governance, with a track record of placing executives in trade and professional societies. He emphasizes strategic alignment and member engagement in his search processes.
Mary McMahon
Executive Search Consultant
Mary McMahon specializes in nonprofit and healthcare executive searches, with a focus on mission-driven organizations. Her approach prioritizes cultural fit and long-term leadership sustainability for clients nationwide.
Questions
What industries does Tuft & Associates specialize in?
We specialize in associations, healthcare institutions, nonprofits, and community service organizations, with expertise in placing leaders across these sectors for over 35 years.
How does Tuft ensure candidate quality?
We conduct comprehensive reference checks, thorough outreach, and customized onboarding plans to ensure candidates align with client missions and strategic goals.
Do you guarantee placements?
Yes, if a placed candidate leaves within a client-defined period, we provide a second search at no additional fee.
How does Tuft approach diversity in recruitment?
We implement targeted outreach strategies and partner with networks to identify underrepresented talent, ensuring leadership teams reflect diverse perspectives and experiences.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate nationwide, with a proven track record of successful placements across urban and rural markets in the United States.
