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 partner in the firm’s technology/digital practice area, and executive corporate functional practice areas.
Jim joined Buffkin / Baker in February 2025 as part of the Buffkin / Baker acquisition of Gallagher’s U.S. Executive Search Practice, which included Frederickson Partners. With over a decade of experience in executive recruiting, Jim has established himself as a trusted advisor and a go-to resource for top-tier organizations seeking exceptional leadership talent.
A strategic partner focused on leveraging human capital to fuel long-term business growth, Jim possesses expertise in Human Resources, Finance, Technology, Go-To-Market , Operations, and other critical leadership roles. His diverse expertise allows him to bring a unique combination of recruitment skills and strategic advisory capabilities to each search project he manages.
“Jim’s expertise in human resources, finance, technology, and operations will strengthen our service to clients and enhance results”, said Tom Wilson, partner and practice leader. “We are delighted to name Jim as a partner in the firm, and we know that his network strategic recruiting, and consulting skills will provide significant value in every search.”
Throughout his career, Jim has held various positions in talent acquisition and has successfully managed searches for both U.S. and international organizations across a range of industries. His experience includes working with distinguished companies such as lululemon, Grail, Quantcast, InnovAge, Bluberi Gaming, Kyverna Therapeutics, Synaptics, Sirona Medical, Datavant, Clover Health, Schneider Electric, Mettler Toledo, and Total Quality Logistics.
“I am thrilled to join as Partner and support our clients in securing the best talent,” said May. “Buffkin / Baker has a reputation for consistently exceeding expectations, and I’m eager to continue to contribute to a team so deeply committed to delivering transformational leadership solutions.”
Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in Advertising with a specialization in Communication Sales from Michigan State University. He lives near Cleveland with his wife, two sons, and dog, and enjoys hiking and golf in his free time.
About Buffkin / Baker
Buffkin / Baker is a partner-led executive search firm specializing in Healthcare, Higher Education, Private Equity, Technology/Digital, Consumer, and Non-Profit sectors. Each partner, a leader in their field, brings over a decade of retained search experience, contributing to a collective total of more than 300 years in search and over 400 years in industry and operational expertise. The firm operates from multiple locations, including
Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Simons Island, Tampa, Washington, DC, and Winston-Salem. Buffkin / Baker is a member of Panorama, a global community of over 400 leadership experts working together in 70+ office locations to promote a diverse perspective on leadership, embracing creative thinking, and sharing our expertise and experience to bring our clients the very best results.