Success Story: From Planning To Funding To Leading

University at Buffalo Business & Entrepreneur Partnerships: Executive Search

The Challenge:

Catapult completed a Strategic Planning Process with University at Buffalo Business & Entrepreneurship Partnerships department (UB BEP, formerly the Office of Economic Development). This plan was utilized by the Associate VP for Economic Development to obtain a five-year, $32 million award provided by New York State’s Empire State Development. In order to accomplish the strategic initiatives outlined in the plan, it was clear there was certain talent and support UB BEP was going to need.

The Solution:

Catapult worked with the Associate VP for Economic Development through a guided discovery process to identify and create a brand-new leadership position profile for an Associate Director of Investor & Entrepreneurial Engagement. From there, we developed a candidate sourcing strategy and conducted an international search to identify leaders with the competencies and capabilities to excel in the role, as well the “start-up” industry knowledge and wherewithal to thrive in a University setting in the WNY community.

The Outcome:

Through Catapult’s high-touch Executive Search process, we were able to engage a wide range of outstanding candidates for selection by the UB BEP Search Committee. The successful candidate who was ultimately hired had been working in the rising start-up ecosystem in Seoul, South Korea for 11 years. He not only brought the breadth and depth of experience the department needed, but also displayed the growing leadership potential to support their strategic initiatives.

Learn more about University at Buffalo Business & Entrepreneur Partnerships here.

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