Executive Search. Elevated.
Why Partner with Hunter Ambrose
Leadership searches shouldn't be transactional. When you're recruiting executives who will shape organizational culture, drive billion-dollar decisions, or navigate complex regulatory landscapes—you need a partner built for precision and accountability.
Hunter Ambrose specializes in retained executive search for high-stakes environments: independent hospitals, water and utility districts, investor-backed healthcare ventures, and mission-critical energy firms.
Ranked #21 among the largest executive search firms by Modern Healthcare (2022), we work with organizations where leadership decisions carry weight—and where getting it wrong isn't an option.
Our Approach
We take on a limited number of searches each quarter. Every engagement is led personally by Nicole Barbano, supported by a senior team with deep domain expertise. This isn't a handoff model—you get founder-level attention from discovery through placement and beyond.
What Sets Us Apart
Flat-fee retained structure — Transparent pricing, no percentage fees tied to compensation
One-year placement guarantee — We're invested in long-term fit, not quick fills
Founder-led execution — Direct access to Nicole and your dedicated search team throughout
Weekly progress updates — Full visibility with real-time adjustments as the search evolves
Leadership integration support — We don't disappear after the hire. We support onboarding, culture alignment, and early performance calibration.
We don't chase volume. We deliver outcomes.
Raising the Bar in Executive Search & Leadership Solutions
At Hunter Ambrose, we’re redefining what it means to find exceptional leadership.
As a boutique executive search firm, we deliver transformative talent and strategy across healthcare, energy, finance, and other mission-critical sectors.
Our expertise spans:
Healthcare | Critical Access Hospitals | Infrastructure | Family Office | Legal | Professional Services
Because the right leaders don’t just fill roles — they elevate organizations, strengthen communities, and shape the future.
Core Services
At Hunter Ambrose, we partner with organizations to build strong leadership, drive performance, and execute with precision.
Our services are designed to support your organization’s growth — from immediate operational stability to long-term succession planning.
Retained Executive Search & Recruitment
We recruit with purpose. From the C‑suite and senior leadership to specialized, hard‑to‑fill roles, every search is aligned to your strategic objectives. Our retained model ensures commitment, discretion, and results — for both interim and permanent placements.
Interim Leadership
When timing is critical, we deliver proven leaders who bring stability, clarity, and measurable outcomes.
Our interim executives lead turnarounds, manage transitions, and maintain momentum through change.
Executive & Career Coaching
For leaders navigating change or preparing for their next role, we offer direct, results‑driven coaching.
Individual and group sessions focus on decision‑making, performance, and clarity of direction — equipping leaders to lead with purpose.
Corporate Training & Leadership Development
We partner with leadership teams to build the discipline, communication, and alignment that fuel execution.
Our development programs focus on strategic clarity and consistent performance — because culture follows behavior.
Bottom Line
We don’t just provide services — we deliver outcomes.
Whether you need an immediate leadership solution or a long-term strategic partner, Hunter Ambrose strengthens your organization’s ability to perform.
From Nicole Barbano, Founder & CEO
I’ve spent nearly two decades leading executive search for organizations where leadership decisions have real consequences — in healthcare, energy, public infrastructure, law, and family offices.
At Hunter Ambrose, we don’t just run searches. We build partnerships. Our clients don’t hire us to “fill a role.” They bring us in when they can’t afford to get it wrong.
We take on a limited number of searches each quarter, and every one is led by me and supported by a senior team. We move fast, protect your reputation, and deliver leaders who stay.
What That Looks Like in Practice:
98% retention rate — Our placements stay because we get the fit right.
95% of C-Suite searches completed in under 110 days — Time matters. So does precision.
91% interview rate — When we send a candidate, clients want to meet them.
1-year guarantee on every placement — We stand behind every search we run.
87% of clients return for additional engagements — Results build trust.
If you’re hiring for a high-impact role — book your search meeting and let’s connect.
Click here to book your search meeting.
Recent Placements & Market Insight
Hunter Ambrose has successfully placed senior leaders in complex, high-trust environments across multiple sectors, including:
Chief Nursing Officer – Critical Access Hospital
Chief Financial Officer – Water District
Chief Operating Officer – Regional Law Firm
Chief of Staff – Ultra-High-Net-Worth Family Office
Vice President of Marketing – National Healthcare Organization
Senior Consultant – Financial Consulting Firm
Director of Revenue Cycle – Regional Health System
Senior Paralegal – Personal Injury Law Firm
Director of Surgical Services – Community Hospital
Personal Assistant – Private Principal (UHNWI)
These placements reflect our focus on leadership roles where discretion, execution, and long-term impact matter.
Q1–Q2 2026 Outlook: Where Demand Is Concentrating
Based on active searches and forward-looking client conversations, we are seeing sustained demand in the following areas:
Public Utility General Managers
Healthcare C-Suite and Revenue Cycle Leadership
Legal Operations and Infrastructure Leadership
Energy and Utility Finance Executives
Chiefs of Staff and Executive Support for UHNWI
AI-Proficient, Tech-Literate Executive Roles
Specialized Consulting Talent for Growth-Stage Organizations
Market Perspective
The market has shifted. Organizations are prioritizing leaders who combine strategic judgment with operational discipline—executives who are comfortable navigating ambiguity, leveraging technology, and leading across functional silos. Hybrid environments, stakeholder complexity, and execution under pressure are now baseline expectations, not differentiators.
Hunter Ambrose works with clients who understand that leadership quality is a competitive advantage—and who are willing to invest accordingly.