The Finney Search Group was founded as an intentionally small and highly personal search firm, built on relationships and a deep belief in student-centered leadership. From the beginning, our focus has been on quality rather than scale. We take pride in presenting candidates who are thoroughly vetted and guided by purpose, integrity, and a genuine commitment to school communities.

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Our daily inspiration is Reddy Finney, who led Baltimore’s Gilman School for 24 years. His life’s work is best measured by the lives he touched, the clarity of his calling, and the joy he brought to his school community. These qualities continue to shape how we define leadership today. Mr. Finney has the rare distinction of seeing twelve of his former students and colleagues go on to become successful Heads of School, a testament to the lasting influence of principled leadership.

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Our partner, Bo Dixon, brings similar depth of experience. Over a 30-year career, he served as Head of School at three institutions. Ten of his colleagues also became respected, tenured Heads. Long-term leadership at this level develops an intuitive ability to recognize authentic talent, an ability central to our work.

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Three core values have guided The Finney Search Group since its founding. First, we believe the strongest candidates are already doing meaningful work within their communities. Second, every successful search begins with a deep understanding of a school’s mission, culture, and vision for the future. Third, we work closely with Search Committees throughout the process to identify a leader who is the right fit for the community.

 

The Finney Search Group’s strength has never been defined by size, but by discernment, and by the ability to recognize mission-aligned leadership that will serve schools well over the long term.