Since 1983, we have connected premier libraries with visionary leadership. Hear from the boards, directors, and candidates who have experienced the BMA difference.
In the library world, neutrality is a core value. Many of our clients—from municipal boards to academic search committees—prefer to remain anonymous to avoid the appearance of favoritism. We respect that commitment to professional ethics. The testimonials below represent authentic feedback from the hundreds of searches and consultations we have led across North America.
Executive Search
“Working with Bradbury Miller was a gamechanger for our executive director search at the Mid York Library System. They took the time to truly understand our culture, delivered a shortlist of exceptional candidates, and guided us seamlessly through the process. Their professionalism, insight, and commitment made all the difference. We would highly recommend them.”
-Dominic Passalacqua, Search Committee Chair
Mid-York Library System (NY)
“Bradbury Miller was professional and helpful in all regards when our public library director left and we needed to fill the director position. Bradbury Miller’s staff did an extensive history of our library which enabled them to help the board search committee and the board as a whole develop selection criteria that fit our library, both in the present and for the future. I was impressed by staff’s listening to us on the search committee – to our experiences, wants and needs, and then feeding that information back so we could arrive at consensus.
The Zoom meetings to discuss the posting of the ad for a new director and subsequent winnowing and sifting of applicants to arrive and a semi-finalist and then finalist pool stayed within time limits. We moved along. We were pleased with interviews with semi-finalists, what we learned, listening to what we heard and what went unsaid.
Once finalists were selected Bradbury Miller excelled at organizing and leading their time at our library and in our community. The talks by the finalists were well attended and incredibly helpful to the board based on recommendations by Bradbury Miller of how the process should unfold. Meetings with stakeholders dealt them into the process so when a director was selected the community felt heard.
The board meeting where finalists were discussed and a selection made, again, was incredibly well organized and professionally led by one of Bradbury Miller’s staff. Interestingly and positive, the board was unanimous in its selection, and board members used the same criteria, one to another, in making the decision.
As a member of the board recruitment committee, and someone who had recruited numerous faculty to the department in which I worked, I could not have been more pleased. Bradbury Miller knows what it is doing. Our board would use the firm again without hesitation. The strongest of recommendations.”
-Barry Perlman, Search Committee Chair
Oshkosh Public Library (WI)
“One of the highlights was having the final three candidates appear before the community to state their case for becoming our new Library Director. Bradbury Miller arranged the entire event. It was quite effective and a great way for the community to see the candidates.
Even better when it became very clear who the top candidate was. Everyone was in agreement.
In short the Bradbury Miller staff working with us, have a proven process that works. We relied on their expertise and guidance and were rewarded. I would recommend the firm to others without reservation.”
-Bill Bracken, Board President
Oshkosh Public Library (WI)
“The BradburyMiller team was a joy to work with. Their process was thorough and efficient, and their expertise was invaluable in weighing the complex array of needs for our System. Most importantly, we have been thrilled with our result!”
-Peyton Smith, Board Chair
Jackson Hinds Public Library (MS)
“BMA led an exceptionally well-organized and transparent search process, handling every detail while keeping our search committee informed, prepared, and focused. Their commitment to best practices—including thoughtful training on bias—and their ability to deliver a strong, diverse candidate pool with candor and professionalism made them an invaluable partner.”
-Search Committee Member
Mid-sized Suburban Library System (SC)
“The process was well managed, with strong communication and a high-quality, well-matched candidate pool. The structure of the search made it easy for our team to evaluate candidates and move forward with clarity. Our team felt supported throughout and confident in the outcome of the search.”
-Jason Kuhl, CEO
Metropolitan Library System (OK)
“Also, since this is my first time through this formal process, I wanted you to know how impressed I am with how it has worked. As an uninitiated committee member, the cost seemed high and I was generally skeptical of the process, but you have absolutely convinced me that the money for Bradbury Miller—and you—has been invested wisely.”
-Committee Member
“BMA expertly led our library director search from start to finish, guiding our board through every stage of the decision-making process with clear communication and skilled facilitation. Their structured tools and methodology ensured a process that was consistent, thorough, and fair for all candidates. We always felt informed and supported, never left to navigate difficult decisions alone. BMA’s professionalism gave us full confidence that we were making the best possible hire for our library and community. Now, one year later, we are beyond pleased with the selection we made — a true testament to the quality of BMA’s process and expertise.”
-Board President
Midsize Suburban Library System
Whether you are a board looking for your next leader or a library seeking strategic guidance, we are ready to help.
