Category: News

For 37 years, Kirby Partners has been a leading healthcare technology executive search firm. We work with health systems, academic medical centers, consulting firms, and technology organizations to hire CIOs, CISOs, CMIOs, CAIOs, CDIOs, CTOs, and other leaders who drive digital transformation, AI strategy, clinical informatics, and enterprise technology.

One of the costliest challenges healthcare organizations face is hiring the wrong leader. As Judy Kirby, CEO, puts it: “A mis-hire at the executive level sets organizations back years. Our specialization helps clients make confident decisions and hire leaders who deliver lasting results.”

We find future-ready leaders

AI adoption, cybersecurity threats, and digital modernization are reshaping what healthcare organizations need from their technology leaders. The executives who thrived five years ago may not have the skills required for the challenges ahead. Our research and national relationships position us to identify leaders who can navigate these shifts, not just manage them.

We stay closely connected to executives driving progress across AI implementation, cybersecurity strategy, data analytics, and clinical system modernization. This perspective helps our clients anticipate what leadership qualities will matter most in the years ahead.

Why choose a specialized healthcare technology executive search firm

Hiring the right executive requires more than a strong candidate pool. It requires a firm that understands healthcare, moves efficiently, and delivers leaders who stay and perform. Our outcomes reflect that commitment:

  • 100+ senior leadership searches completed in the past five years
  • 97% candidate offer acceptance rate
  • 8-year average tenure for placed executives
  • 99% fill rate for C-suite positions
  • Candidates presented within 35 business days on average

Many executives we place later return to us as clients. That pattern reflects the trust built through our process and the career guidance we provide throughout the search.

This track record is why “Modern Healthcare” has named Kirby Partners one of the nation’s largest executive search firms in 2024 and 2025, and why Forbes has repeatedly included us among America’s Best Executive Search Firms.

Interim leadership solutions

Leadership vacancies create risk. Critical initiatives stall. Teams lose direction. Our interim executives step in quickly to maintain momentum while a comprehensive search runs in parallel.

As Bryan Kirby, Vice President, notes: “When an unexpected vacancy occurs, organizations can’t afford to wait. Our interim leaders bring the experience needed to keep strategic projects moving and stabilize operations during the transition.”

A healthcare technology executive search firm built on relationships

We work with executives at pivotal moments in their careers, helping them evaluate opportunities, prepare for interviews, and identify roles where they can make the greatest impact. We take that responsibility seriously. The relationships we build often extend well beyond a single placement.

As a specialized healthcare technology executive search firm, we provide our clients clarity on the talent landscape. We provide guidance on what leadership qualities are available, what compensation benchmarks apply, and what it takes to attract top candidates in a competitive market.

Connect with Kirby Partners

If your organization is preparing to hire a key executive or needs interim leadership support, we would welcome a conversation.

If you are a technology or cybersecurity leader exploring your next role, view our current openings.

Modern Healthcare has once again named Kirby Partners to its list of the largest healthcare executive search firms in the United States, recognizing the firm’s continued impact in recruiting transformative healthcare leaders.

This national recognition underscores Kirby Partners’ 36-year track record of successfully placing senior executives in healthcare, information technology, and cybersecurity roles. Known for its strategic approach, personal service, and deep industry expertise, the firm is a trusted partner to healthcare systems and consulting firms nationwide.

“We’re honored to be recognized again by Modern Healthcare,” said Judy Kirby, CEO of Kirby Partners.
“This distinction reflects the hard work of our team and our deep commitment to helping clients hire executives who transform their organizations. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built and the results we deliver.”  

Kirby Partners has established a framework for success grounded in its core values of integrity, exceptional service, growth, and collaboration. The firm’s deep industry connections, strategic recruitment process, and best-in-class marketing capabilities consistently attract high-caliber candidates.

In addition to executive search services, Kirby Partners offers interim leadership services to help organizations maintain momentum during leadership transitions or address urgent business needs. The firm has a nationwide network of fully vetted executives and can quickly match clients with proven leaders to fill critical leadership gaps.

As a certified woman-owned business, Kirby Partners is also recognized for helping organizations build stronger, more inclusive leadership teams. Its executive search process is designed to broaden access to top-tier talent, enabling clients to make confident hiring decisions that strengthen leadership and drive long-term results.

Bryan Kirby, Vice President, added, “This recognition highlights the strategic role we play in helping organizations build high-performing leadership teams. Clients rely on us not just for our ability to identify top talent, but for the insight and structure we bring to the entire hiring process. We’re committed to helping organizations make well-informed, inclusive hiring decisions that support sustainable growth.”

As a boutique firm, Kirby Partners offers broader access to candidates with fewer off-limits restrictions than many larger search firms. With a reputation for excellence, efficiency, and deep industry insight, the firm continues to set the standard in executive search for healthcare technology leadership.

About Modern Healthcare’s Ranking

The Modern Healthcare 2025 Executive Search firm list is based on the number of senior-level healthcare executive placements (VP and above) made in the U.S. during 2024. The ranking includes data on each firm’s revenue, total placements, recruiting staff, and overall scope of services.

 

 

We are proud to be celebrating 36 years as one of the nation’s premier retained healthcare and technology executive search firms. Over the last three decades, we have been connecting transformative leaders with innovative organizations.  

Our “Hire for Impact” approach continues to identify leaders who will create meaningful organizational change, minimize risk, and achieve operational excellence. Our expertise spans leadership roles in AI, analytics, technology, and cybersecurity, specializing in executive placements, including CIOs, CTOs, CDIOs, CMIOs, CHIOs, and CISOs.  

In 2024, Modern Healthcare recognized Kirby Partners as one of the country’s largest executive search firms. Kirby Partners has also appeared multiple times on Forbes’ “America’s Best Executive Search Firms” list. 

We remain passionate about serving as trusted advisors to candidates, helping them identify opportunities to enhance their careers and thrive professionally. We offer career coaching that includes tailored strategies and guidance on resumes and interview preparation to help talented executives find positions where they can leverage their skills and create meaningful impact. 

In looking ahead, we will further leverage our extensive network of healthcare and technology executives to find leaders who can accelerate organizational missions. In the past five years, we have completed over 100 senior leadership searches, maintaining a 97% candidate offer acceptance rate and eight-year average tenure for placed executives. With a 99% fill rate for C-suite positions and the ability to present top-tier candidates within an average of 35 business days, Kirby Partners continues to set the standard for executive recruitment in healthcare technology and cybersecurity. 

Industry-leading healthcare and technology recruiting expertise

“One of the costliest expenses healthcare organizations incur is hiring the wrong people,” said Judy Kirby, CEO of Kirby Partners. “Over the last 36 years, we’ve created a seamless process for finding exceptional candidates who deliver results and thrive. Because we focus exclusively on healthcare technology and cybersecurity, we know the market and can provide strategic insights about the candidate pool, which helps our clients achieve more impactful hires.” 

In addition to executive search, Kirby Partners provides interim executive placement for organizations facing critical leadership gaps. “When unexpected vacancies occur, we deploy senior-level interim executives ensuring organizations maintain momentum during transitions,” said Bryan Kirby, Vice President. “This interim leadership solution often runs parallel to conducting a comprehensive search for their next leader, ensuring continuity and strategic progress.” 

From the entire Kirby Partners team, we thank you for your continued support and partnership.

We look forward to continuing to serve you in the years to come as your trusted healthcare and information technology executive search firm.

If we can help you fill a critical executive position on your team, please contact us.

Kirby Partners has been named one of the country’s largest Healthcare Executive Search Firms for 2024 by Modern Healthcare.

This prestigious recognition underscores Kirby Partners’ 35-year legacy of excellence in healthcare executive recruitment. 

Reflecting on this achievement, Judy Kirby, CEO of Kirby Partners, commented: 

“This honor is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re dedicated to transforming healthcare organizations by connecting them with exceptional leaders. This recognition inspires us to continue raising the bar in healthcare executive search by delivering world-class service.” 

With a focus on placing senior-level healthcare, IT, and cybersecurity leaders across the United States, Kirby Partners has built a reputation for success. This success is rooted in their core values of integrity, service, growth, and collaboration, complemented by deep industry connections and an innovative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

Bryan Kirby, Vice President and recruiter at Kirby Partners, further emphasized the firm’s dedication: 

“Our recognition by Modern Healthcare underscores our team’s commitment to understanding the unique needs of healthcare organizations. We’re not just filling positions; we’re finding visionary leaders who can drive meaningful change and long-term success in this rapidly evolving industry.” 

Kirby Partners’ excellence is reflected in their impressive performance metrics: 

  • 97% candidate offer acceptance rate  
  • 98% client satisfaction  
  • 8-year average tenure of placed executives  
  • 35 average days to candidate presentation  
  • 99% fill rate for C-suite positions 

As a certified woman-owned business, Kirby Partners goes beyond industry standards by prioritizing diversity in executive recruitment, setting a new benchmark in the field. 

Organizations looking to elevate their executive teams and drive transformative change can connect with Kirby Partners to begin their search for exceptional leaders. 

Methodology: Modern Healthcare‘s 19th annual survey ranked firms based on senior-level healthcare executive placements (VP and above) in the U.S. during 2023. The comprehensive list includes each firm’s rank, name, location, search type, revenue, number of recruiters, and senior-level placements.