Where Experience Meets Results
Our work is defined by partnership, insight, and results that endure. With every search, we measure success not just by placement, but by the long term impact those leaders make.
after 3 years
search experience
Our Expertise
Each search begins with deep industry understanding. Our team’s sector experience allows us to identify not just great leaders, but the right leaders. We’ll help you find the people who align with your organization’s mission and momentum.
Trusted partners in healthcare executive search.
A cornerstone of our firm, the Healthcare Practice is focused on executive search for C-suite, physician, and board leadership. With over 150 years of combined healthcare experience, our partners bring firsthand knowledge from hospitals, health systems, services, and technology organizations.
Advancing the future of higher education, one leader at a time.
Our Higher Education Practice partners with colleges and universities across the country to recruit exceptional leadership. With over 1,000 successful searches, we have proudly served a wide range of institutions. Our team helps higher education institutions secure visionary leaders who shape strategy, culture, and impact.
Leaders for a digital world.
The Technology & Digital Practice combines global reach with a high-touch, partner-led approach. We leverage deep relationships across the tech ecosystem to connect clients with exceptional talent—leaders who bring the strategic clarity, creativity, and operational discipline needed to accelerate growth and stay ahead of change.
Leaders who drive value and growth in private equity.
At Buffkin / Baker, we specialize in private equity talent acquisition, partnering with PE-backed organizations to recruit CEOs, CFOs, and senior executives who can deliver measurable results. We help private equity firms secure executives who maximize portfolio performance and drive strategic outcomes.
Leaders who elevate consumer brands.
We specialize in retained executive search for consumer brands, from digitally native disruptors to Fortune 500 leaders. Our partners bring deep industry expertise, connecting organizations with visionary C-suite talent capable of driving innovation, brand growth, and operational excellence.
Connecting nonprofits with leaders who make a difference.
Buffkin / Baker’s Nonprofit Practice helps organizations identify and attract executives who combine strategic vision, strong management skills, and a deep commitment to mission driven work. With over 40 years of experience in nonprofit executive search, we connect nonprofits with leaders who drive measurable impact and strengthen communities.
Trusted Partners in Healthcare Executive Search.
A cornerstone of our firm, the Healthcare Practice is focused on executive search for C-suite, physician, and board leadership. With over 150 years of combined healthcare experience, our partners bring firsthand knowledge from hospitals, health systems, services, and technology organizations.
Advancing the Future of Higher Education, One Leader at a Time
Our Higher Education Practice partners with colleges and universities across the country to recruit exceptional leadership. With over 1,000 successful searches, we have proudly served a wide range of institutions. Our team helps higher education institutions secure visionary leaders who shape strategy, culture, and impact.
Leaders for a Digital World
The Technology & Digital Practice combines global reach with a high-touch, partner-led approach. We leverage deep relationships across the tech ecosystem to connect clients with exceptional talent—leaders who bring the strategic clarity, creativity, and operational discipline needed to accelerate growth and stay ahead of change.
Leaders Who Drive Value and Growth in Private Equity
At Buffkin / Baker, we specialize in private equity talent acquisition, partnering with PE-backed organizations to recruit CEOs, CFOs, and senior executives who can deliver measurable results. We help private equity firms secure executives who maximize portfolio performance and drive strategic outcomes.
Leaders Who Elevate Consumer Brands
We specialize in retained executive search for consumer brands, from digitally native disruptors to Fortune 500 leaders. Our partners bring deep industry expertise, connecting organizations with visionary C-suite talent capable of driving innovation, brand growth, and operational excellence.
Connecting Nonprofits With Leaders Who Make a Difference
Buffkin / Baker’s Nonprofit Practice helps organizations identify and attract executives who combine strategic vision, strong management skills, and a deep commitment to mission driven work. With over 40 years of experience in nonprofit executive search, we connect nonprofits with leaders who drive measurable impact and strengthen communities.
Our partners are experts within their practices, a secret to our success in finding the right talent for our clients. We have a deep industry knowledge and know what it takes to be successful. This understanding, partnered with our extensive network and proven process, allows us to effectively help our clients with their important hiring decisions.
Coupled with our extensive network and proven process, our partner-led team thoroughly evaluates the client’s company culture and specific needs allowing us to quickly deliver outstanding leadership talent who are an ideal fit.
Our data-driven research focuses on diversity and is customized to meet your specialized requirements. Our cloud-based, mobile accessible LeadersFirst platform provides 24/7 transparency to the search process.
We are proud of our 99% completion rate, 100% retention rate after 1 year, and 92% retention rate after 3 years.
Why Work With Us
Led By Experience
Our partners oversee each search from start to finish, providing strategic guidance and accountability for a customized experience.
Deep Industry Expertise
High-Touch, Human Approach
We prioritize relationships, taking time to understand your culture and ensure effective, long-term placements.
Boutique Agility, Global Reach
Expert perspectives. Real world impact.
Our thought leadership and news updates provide insights on executive search, leadership trends, and industry developments. We share knowledge that helps organizations make informed decisions and prepare for what’s next in leadership.
- blog, featured
Panorama’s New Research Highlights What Comes Next for Family Businesses
Family businesses are far more than legacy enterprises; they are a driving force of the global economy. They generate an estimated 70–80% of global GDP...
- featured, news
Buffkin / Baker Names Jim May Partner
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – January 13th, 2026 – Buffkin / Baker, a partner-led executive search firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jim May to...
- featured, news
Buffkin / Baker Acquires Gallagher’s U.S. Executive Search Practice
BRENTWOOD, Tenn., February 13, 2025 – Buffkin / Baker, a national retained executive search firm based in Brentwood, Tennessee, announced today the acquisition of Gallagher’s...
Testimonials
Technology that Empowers
We know that great partnerships rely on clarity and collaboration. That’s why we built LeadersFirst TM — a secure, real-time portal that keeps you close to the process. We know that great partnerships rely on clarity and collaboration.
BEST-IN-TECH
- AI-powered
Applicant Tracking
System powered by
Crelate
ACTIVE ASSIGNMENTS
- Client Portal providing 24/7 prospect/candidate transparency
- Real-time activity/production reporting and analytics
VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
- AI-powered research tools
- Fully integrated AI notation tool
- Cyber and data privacy compliant
Part of the Panorama Global Network
We are proud partners of Panorama, a global network specializing in executive search and placement, executive recruitment consulting, leadership development advisory, board evaluation, and executive succession planning.
Start Your Search With Confidence
Our organization deserves attention, insight, and leaders that fit. Our team is ready to guide your executive search from start to finish. Connect with us today to see how we can deliver leaders who make an impact.
From my first call with Buffkin / Baker, I gained a sense of confidence that they had my best interest at heart and desired for me to experience an excellent fit in my next nonprofit management leadership role. I developed trust throughout the process to ask questions, share my honest thoughts and professional goals. They navigated the hiring process well by providing me timely communication and insightful feedback. I am extremely grateful and highly recommend the Buffkin / Baker team to nonprofit organizations seeking its next leader and current CEO's ready for their next leadership opportunity.
Linda Leathers, President of The Operation Andrew Group