Deerfield Associates

Deerfield Associates is a retained, highly specialised executive search firm with 24 years of experience serving the educational sector. Founded by Doug Cooney, the company has completed over 600 searches for 164 clients, maintaining a 92% repeat business rate as it celebrates its 25th year in operation. Deerfield Associates specialises in recruiting senior leadership positions including Chief Financial Officers, Directors of Advancement, Vice Presidents for Advancement, Chief Advancement Officers, and other executive roles critical to institutional success.

The company focuses exclusively on the educational sector, working with independent schools, preparatory academies, colleges, and universities across the United States. Their expertise spans recruitment for advancement and development leadership, financial operations, strategic planning, and institutional leadership roles. Deerfield Associates has successfully placed candidates at prestigious institutions including The Hotchkiss School, Bates College, Marist College, Assumption University, The Baldwin School, and numerous other leading educational organisations.

Based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Deerfield Associates operates nationally, serving educational institutions throughout the United States. Clients choose the firm for its deep industry knowledge, extensive national network of candidates, thorough reference checking processes, and personalised, high-touch approach to each search. The company's commitment to understanding each institution's mission, culture, and specific needs, combined with Doug Cooney's hands-on leadership and the team's professionalism, has established Deerfield Associates as a trusted partner for educational leadership recruitment.