Executive Search for the People Behind the People.
At Buffkin / Baker, we help CEOs, boards, and CHROs find top People and HR leaders who drive enterprise-level change. Our expertise lies in understanding how culture, capability and business strategy connect. With access to one of the most extensive global networks of HR and People executives, we identify leaders who spark innovation, build resilient teams, and foster thriving workplaces.
Trusted by CHROs and People Teams across Healthcare, Higher Ed, Consumer, and Private Equity.
Redefining HR Leadership
With hybrid work, evolving talent expectations, a rapidly shifting technical landscape, and rising demands for high-performance, HR leadership has never been more critical, or more complex.
At Buffkin / Baker, we help organizations secure CHROs and People executives who bring both strategic foresight and operational rigor. Leaders who turn workforce challenges into competitive advantage.
We specialize in addressing:
- Executive-level vacancies in HR and People leadership
- Culture misalignment or persistent leadership turnover
- Gaps in succession planning for key HR and People roles
- Increasing pressure to foster inclusive, engaged, and high-performing workplaces
When the right HR leadership is in place, everything changes. Engagement grows, culture stabilizes, and business performance improves.
The Search Partner of Choice for HR and People Leaders
Partner-Led. People-Focused. Proven Results.
At Buffkin / Baker, every search is led by a partner with deep expertise in hu man resources and organizational leadership. We take the time to understand your business strategy, cultural dynamics, and leadership needs. This approach ensures every placement is aligned with your organization’s mission, values, and long-term goals, ensuring seamless transitions and ongoing organizational success.
What sets us apart:
- Partner-led execution from strategy to successful placement
- Deep specialization across CHRO, People, and HR executive roles, from Talent to Total Rewards
- Expansive evaluation of leadership impact and cultural alignment
- 99% search completion rate and 92% executive retention at the three-year mark
Buffkin / Baker Thought Leadership
Beacon Health System Appoints Roshni Bag as Vice President of Oncology Service Line
Good Governance, Succession, and Why External Validation Matters—Even for Internal Candidates
Stormont Vail Health has appointed Jay Howard as General Counsel
Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter Hires Renee Maccannon as Director, Managed Care Contracting
Stormont Vail Health has appointed Aaron Wootton as Chief Information Officer
UNC Health Blue Ridge has appointed Fran Charlton as Executive Director of Cardiac and Emergency Services
Our Process: Strategic. Transparent. Built for Impact.
Discovery & Alignment
We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand your organizational culture, leadership dynamics, and business objectives, establishing the criteria for a successful hire.
Research & Targeting
Leveraging our experience and extensive network, we identify executive-caliber HR and People leaders with the experience, insight, and cultural fit to thrive in your environment.
Candidate Engagement & Evaluation
We engage top-tier candidates through a high-touch, transparent process combining rigorous evaluation with clear communication to ensure alignment on both sides.
Selection & Integration Support
Our team remains engaged beyond placement, providing guidance and transition support to promote long-term success and retention.
We don’t just fill roles.
We build leadership capacity that lasts.
Our Results Speak for Themselves
Ready to Elevate Your HR Leadership?
From CHRO to Total Rewards, we help organizations secure the HR and People executives who drive culture, performance, and growth. Every search is partner-led, insight-driven, and tailored to your unique needs.
Let’s start with a conversation. We’ll listen, learn, and explore how Buffkin / Baker can support your leadership goals.
Address
Nashville, TN
10 Cadillac Drive,
Suite 190,
Brentwood, TN 37027
Locations
- Atlanta, GA
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- San Francisco, CA
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- St. Simons Island, GA
- Tampa, FL
- Washington, DC
- Winston-Salem, NC