Community Action Wayne Medina (Wooster and Medina, Ohio) – CEO

Perspectives of the Search Committee Chair, Heather Fitz-Gibbons, PhD . . .

The Yunker Group did a fantastic job. The search went very smoothly. It was well organized, seamless at every stage, and exceeded our expectations. One of the strengths that Jim Yunker brought was the recognition that he was working with an all-volunteer board. He understood that we all had day jobs – and that this wasn’t our area of expertise – and he made it as easy as possible for us to participate.

The Yunker Group doesn’t just manage the mechanics of a search. Jim got to know the key players in the search process so that he could manage personalities and manage the strengths of the search committee. He also made it a priority to understand the mission of the organization, our needs, and exactly what we were looking for in a CEO.

I would describe The Yunker Group as engaged, personable, and highly competent. Jim works really hard to get to know his clients, to understand their needs, and dispel any of their concerns. They performed the search with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity and helped us navigate any challenges as they arose.”

JRC – Canton, Ohio – CEO

Board President Ron Macala said,

“The Yunker Group exceeded all of my expectations. Their professionalism and confidence in the area of executive searches was very impressive. The comprehensive and meticulous manner in which they conducted our search enabled our committee to identify and secure who we believe to be the strongest and most capable candidate – and you can’t ask for more than that.”

“If I had to choose one word to describe The Yunker Group, I’d choose integrity. I believe that they believe in what they do, and they do it in such a way that instills confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the information and counsel they provide.”

JRC – Canton, Ohio – CEO

Past Board President and Search Committee member Nancy Cochrane added…

“For my standpoint, the search went even better than I expected. We had more candidates – and more qualified candidates – than I thought we would, and I think that was at least partially a function of The Yunker Group’s skill promoting the position. I’ve been involved in one other nonprofit search and with multiple corporate searches at this level, and this is absolutely the best one I’ve been part of.”

“By engaging with The Yunker Group, we got the best possible candidate in a very reasonable amount of time. And, honestly, I don’t think we would have found this candidate on our own. In the end, the committee’s decision was unanimous, which is pretty remarkable. I just don’t think that would have happened without The Yunker Group. 

JRC – Canton, Ohio – CEO

Julie Abiecunas, the successful candidate and now JRC’s CEO commented,

“I loved the process. It was multifaceted and that showed me that the Board was deeply invested. It was also easy and transparent. Jenny Weiglein and Jim Yunker let me know everything that was going to happen and when so that I could be prepared and know what to expect.” 

Julie added, “The Yunker Group was both client and candidate centric. It was clear that their priority was finding that right fit, and they weren’t going to cut any corners in doing that. One of my references said that Jenny conducted one of the best reference calls she’d ever had. She could really tell that The Yunker Group was putting a lot of thought and care into the process based on the kind of thoughtful, detailed questions Jenny asked.”

Resident Home Association – CEO – Dayton, Ohio

Board Chair, Gary Newton:

“I can’t say enough good things about the actual process. Jim and Jody Duckwall were well organized and kept our group moving along effortlessly. It was a surprisingly enjoyable experience. They used our time very well. Meetings were meaningful and called only when needed.

Communication from The Yunker Group was excellent. They always kept us well informed. We knew where things stood, where we were in the search process, and what was next. Also, confidentiality was explicit.”

“The Yunker Group is the perfect mixture of professionalism and personable approach. Their professionalism brought us confidence. Their approachable style brought us great comfort. My advice for other nonprofit organizations looking for a search firm is to put time into the selection of a search firm and let the search firm find the candidates. When you do your homework, it will lead you to The Yunker Group.”

American Sign Museum – Cincinnati – Director of Museum

Mike Mattingly, Board Chair and Search Committee Chair:

“We knew we had to find just the right candidate and knew from prior experience in working with The Yunker Group on both executive searches and fundraising that Jim Yunker and his team would not disappoint. Jim, Jody Duckwall, and Irene Harrington worked tirelessly with us to determine the scope of the search, formulate strategies, conduct interviews, and meet a timeline that would allow us to find a new director by the grand re-opening of the Museum.

“The huge response of applicants was a delightful surprise. The Yunker Group quickly and responsibly filtered down this initial list to a manageable number for our review. The Yunker Group team used our time efficiently throughout the entire process. They kept us closely informed of next steps, asked for and listened to our input, and provided us well-organized materials for pre-reading in advance of interviewing the final candidates, all of whom were excellent options.”

“I would recommend The Yunker Group without hesitation. They are the consummate professionals. Full of valuable insights. Lots of practical experience. A smooth search process that ended with our finding a new director who is doing an outstanding job.”

American Sign Museum – Cincinnati – Director of Museum

David C. Dupee, Museum Director: 

“I heard from Jody at The Yunker Group almost immediately after applying for the role, which was the start of a very thorough and comfortable search process with The Yunker Group. Jim was highly responsive, professional and thoughtful throughout, keeping me advised of the search status, serving as a sounding board for my questions, and being transparent in his guidance. Jody led Zoom interviews and drove constant communication, and Irene conducted very extensive assessments. I can’t say enough good things about Jim and his team.”

Manahan – Toledo Ohio – Executive Director

Seta Tchobanian, Board and Search Committee Chair and an HR professional herself, said,

 “The search went very smoothly. It was very different from searches and search firms I’ve been involved with in my own career – from the perspective that The Yunker Group is much more specific and detailed in their process and everything it includes. For us, that was important because we were on a short time frame, and we were looking to replace someone who basically started the organization and had been there 40 years. Those things meant we really needed someone who could handle the search, but also someone who really understands the nuances of nonprofits and specifically of our organization and its culture.

“Jim has a very high sense of urgency, and that’s critical for me because that’s my personality,” shared Seta. Having only been in her role as Board Chair for a short time, Seta says she trusted Jim’s counsel: “He was very open and honest and would tell me ‘No, not important’ or ‘Yes, important, but it’ll be ok.’ So, that was very valuable to me.”

Manahan – Toledo Ohio – Executive Director

Search Committee member and Director of Nursing Brittany Rysz said…

“I am extremely satisfied with the search and with our chosen candidate. I believe The Yunker Group team did a good job of providing us with a diverse set of candidates to choose from – people who had similar backgrounds but also different experiences and strengths. But ultimately, we only needed one person, and they found that for us. Without their involvement, we would not have been able to move as quickly with the search. 

United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties – Zanesville, OH –  Executive Director

Leah Vensil DSW Board and Search Committee…

“Working with Jim, Jody and Irene at The Yunker Group was absolutely the best decision we could have ever made. As an all-volunteer Search Committee, none of us at UWMPM had been involved in an executive search. Jim and his team graciously guided us through every step, always asking our input as to what we wanted and needed in a new director, our knowledge of the market, and how we saw the future unfolding. They listened to us, were respectful of our time, and kept us informed as to what to expect next, and hours to allocate. They were entirely flexible in working around our needs and commitments.”

“I personally appreciated how smoothly the whole process went. Jim led the way, along with Jody’s and Irene’s meticulous handling of candidate testing, administrative duties, and keeping us routinely informed of progress, status, and happily answering any questions we had. One thing I especially admired was how respectful The Yunker Group was of each candidate, protecting the confidentiality of their names, privacy and personal information. I can’t speak highly enough of The Yunker Group and know we couldn’t have done this without them.”

United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties – Zanesville, OH –  Executive Director

Tracey Ballas, UWMPM New Executive Director…

“I responded to the UWMPM job posting in March and heard back from The Yunker Group almost immediately. That was the start of a very layered and in-depth application process. It was extraordinary, but in a good way. The attention to detail and thoroughness was exemplary. Same for the attention they showed me. I knew I was being heard and taken seriously, and that felt really good. From initial Zoom calls, to face-to-face interviews, to essay questions to answer, background and reference checks, Jim, Jody and Irene were consummate professionals, always thoughtful, caring and respectful of me and my time.”