The Finney Search Group is a national executive placement firm serving independent schools across the U.S. Our firm is rooted in the Teacher-Coach Model, and we have successfully placed over 40 Athletic Directors over the last 5 years. We have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges of managing a successful Athletic Program in today’s complex environment.

Our Athletic Program Analysis is conducted by Carol Hatton, former Director of Athletics at Roland Park Country School in Baltimore, MD. Carol was named IAAM Athletic Director of the Year in 2020.

The Finney Search Group provides an objective, 3rd-party review of the entire athletic department. We’ll collect all necessary documents in advance of the assessment, visit your campus for 1 ½ - 2 days, and provide a comprehensive report for the Head of School and/or Athletic Director following the campus visit. We will continue to serve as a sounding board and resource to ensure long term success and effective implementation of the recommendations.

Our Finney Search Group team enjoys specialized experience in girls’ lacrosse, boys’ lacrosse, and football. These programs are often signature programs for an institution and can be differentiators in a student’s overall athletic experience. In addition to Athletic Program Analyses, we can provide analyses of signature programs within the athletic department to best support your coaches and provide an overall-sport specific plan.

We maintain it is always the right time to assess the processes and efficiencies within any Athletic Program. Well-established, high-functioning athletic departments can benefit greatly from an objective, outside Athletic Program Analysis to help improve efficiencies, streamline processes, or tackle projects critical to achieving long term goals.

For schools experiencing a period of transition, an Athletic Program Assessment can be performed following a new hire, allowing the new Athletic Director to participate in the evaluation process and work collaboratively with the Finney Search Group to develop a strategic plan for the department. This saves your Athletic Director and the School time in the transition and provides support and validation to the new Athletic Director.

A 3rd-party Athletic Program Analysis is also valuable when performed in advance of a new hire, by helping the School better understand program needs and the qualifications required of a new Athletic Director.

We believe an Athletic Program Analysis represents the creation of both a short-term and long-term partnership with The Finney Search Group and your School. It is an opportunity for your entire athletic department team to develop and expand their professional network of resources. We are committed to the long-term success of you athletic department.