Buffkin / Baker Names Ann Yates Partner
BRENTWOOD, Tenn., 2023–Buffkin / Baker, a partner-led executive search firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Ann Yates as a partner in the firm’s higher education practice area.
With a career spanning more than two decades, she brings a commitment to quality client service and engagement, and an understanding of higher education leadership. Yates most recently served as a managing director in ZRG’s non-profit & education practice and prior to that she served as a senior partner with Witt/Kieffer.
Yates is well-versed in every area of academic leadership, enabling her to serve her clients broadly and across multiple functional areas. She has completed more than 300 executive-level searches throughout her career, including engagements for presidents, provosts, deans and vice presidents at leading public and private colleges and universities. Additionally, she brings a strong reputation for advancing women and candidates with diverse backgrounds.
“We are delighted to welcome Ann to the Buffkin / Baker team. Her demonstrated success in recruiting diverse and talented candidates will bring substantial value to our clients across the country,” said Martin Baker, managing partner. “Her depth of expertise and commitment to quality client service in higher education is invaluable. We look forward to the experience she brings to our clients as we partner with them to secure the leadership needed in today’s evolving higher education landscape and environment.”
Yates is a recognized thought leader, having contributed articles to the Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Education. Additionally, she has been an invited presenter at ACE Women’s Network and AACSB’s ICAM conference. She received her master’s degree in industrial psychology from the University of New Haven and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bethany College.
“I am thrilled to join Buffkin/Baker as a partner in the higher education practice. It is a tremendous opportunity to work with an accomplished and collegial team whose high-touch approach with clients and candidates aligns with my values,” said Yates. “I was drawn to Buffkin/Baker’s senior leadership, the incredible team, the firm’s impressive outcomes and success, and their passion for delivering the highest quality service to a wide range of clients. As we look to the future and the challenges facing higher education, I believe Buffkin/Baker is well-positioned and will continue to distinguish itself in support of clients tackling these difficult issues. I look forward to contributing to the journey as we provide transformational and impactful leadership solutions.”