Clients

FIT³® brings high client satisfaction for a high client return rate.

Clients that choose Howard & O’Brien stay with Howard & O’Brien. They like our 98% completion rate and 95% “stickiness” rate, benefiting from an abiding fit. They appreciate that we’re the executive search firm with a level of service that’s hard to match. And they recognize our industry-leading expertise and on-target talent judgment.

We appreciate the degree to which our clients remain legacy clients, even as business relationships in general become increasingly difficult to sustain. They trust us for a superior fit that lasts, which makes our relationships last — 85% of our searches are for repeat clients.

Companies and organizations looking for an executive search firm don’t want to take chances. They want a firm with a proven track record. And our clients are the type of companies that would not settle for average performance. They need superior executive talent with the right fit. They want a fit that lasts. That's what Howard & O'Brien delivers.

Industry Leading Executive Recruiting Agency - Howard & O'Brien

Diversity in action.

We are committed to shaping a diverse workforce that drives organizational excellence.

To that end, we strive to include qualified and interested candidates from underrepresented groups in every slate so our clients can make the best hire for their organization, not just for today but for tomorrow.

"Every search is unique and we approach it that way. From the beginning we seek to understand the opportunity and culture of our client’s organization so that we can deliver the candidate who is the perfect fit."

- Lee Ann Howard, Founder & CEO, Howard & O'Brien Associates

"The service we received from Howard & O’Brien made us feel like we are their only client."

- College President and Repeat Client

"Their thorough interview process and the data they present allow us to make a more informed decision and find a lasting fit."

- George Sullivan, CEO Equity Trust Company

"Lee Ann and her team are the real deal – you will not be disappointed. She regularly exceeds expectations in the search for board members or leadership roles. I unconditionally recommend her."

- Jim Wainscott, Retired Chairman & CEO, AK Steel Corporation
and Board Member, Parker-Hannifin Corporation

"Howard & O'Brien is one of the finest "C" suite HR recruiting firms in our region. Their firm has done numerous executive search placements for businesses (including my clients) in the Greater Akron Cleveland region."

- Rick Federovich, Executive Chairman, Bober Markey Federovich

Client Portfolio

Our client portfolio is also diverse, making Howard & O’Brien an executive search firm with a wide range of industry experience that includes consumer products, retail, manufacturing, chemicals and coatings, banking and finance, business services, medical devices and equipment, healthcare services, food and beverage, legal, construction, and more.

Whether publicly traded corporations, private and family-controlled companies, private equity firms, nonprofits, or academic institutions, we’re proud of our enduring client relationships, which include: