VPSA & AVP Colleague Conversation: To Search or Not to Search? Navigating the Complexities of Seeking Senior Leadership Roles
Includes a Live Web Event on 01/15/2026 at 4:00 PM (EST)
-
You must log in to register
- Member - Free!
In the rapidly changing landscape of higher education, the process of identifying and securing strong institutional leadership has never been more complex—or more critical. This Colleague Conversation will highlight trends that higher education search firms are observing as they partner with colleges and universities nationwide to fill senior leadership positions and what they are hearing from candidates in their decision-making process to “search or not to search”. Participants will gain insight into the shifting expectations of senior leaders and the volatile market forces that are influencing recruitment and retention.
Drawing on current search data, national patterns, and voices from the field, this session will explore topics such as cementing personal and professional values to guide the search decision-making process and understanding how search trends and expectations are evolving in this new landscape. We will also discuss what candidates are seeking from institutions, how boards and search committees are adapting, and the emerging practices shaping current search processes.
Liliana "Lili" Rodríguez, Ph.D.
Vice President and Managing Director
Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A), a division of Kelly Services, Inc
Dr. Liliana "Lili" Rodríguez serves as Vice President and Managing Director of Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A), a division of Kelly Services, Inc. and premier executive search firm that's been helping educational institutions and related nonprofits find transformational leaders for over two decades. What sets Lili apart is her rare combination of psychological expertise, hands-on administrative experience, and genuine passion for the work. She thinks strategically about organizational culture, leadership dynamics, and what it really takes to drive meaningful change in higher education—with an approach that's both evidence-based and deeply human. Before joining GA&A, Lili held executive roles at some of the nation's most respected institutions. As Vice Chancellor of Campus Life at the University of Denver, she oversaw 20 critical departments spanning all aspects of student life. At Swarthmore College, she served as Associate Dean and completely reimagined student engagement and residential life. At Keeling & Associates, LLC, she led the executive search practice as Vice President and Senior Consultant while helping institutions implement sustainable organizational change. Throughout her career, Lili has built a reputation as a passionate student advocate who understands that great educational leadership isn't just about credentials—it's about vision, values, and the ability to inspire real transformation. This commitment earned her the NASPA Region IV James J. Rhatigan Outstanding Dean Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to students, the student affairs profession, and higher education leadership. Dr. Rodríguez holds a PhD and MS in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and maintains an executive coaching certification with a focus in Positive Psychology.
There are no continueing education credits available for this event.