Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Executive Search & Succession Planning Services
Founded in 1989, Deffet Group has established itself as a premier executive search and succession planning firm specializing in health and human services organizations. Our national reach combined with a boutique-style, personalized approach allows us to deeply understand our clients' unique missions, cultures, and leadership needs. With over 30 years of experience, we have built lasting relationships with mission-driven providers across aging services and human services sectors. Our team of seasoned professionals brings unparalleled industry expertise, having successfully placed hundreds of leaders in critical roles nationwide.We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of integrity, diversity, and client-focused service throughout every phase of the search process. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond candidate placementwe partner with organizations to develop sustainable leadership pipelines and navigate complex succession challenges. Through rigorous research, exhaustive candidate outreach, and strategic counsel, we deliver leadership solutions that align with our clients' long-term visions and community impact goals.
Services
Executive Search
Succession Planning
Interim Management
Leadership Consulting
Talent Pipeline Development
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of specialized experience in health and human services executive search.
- Our customized search process aligns with your organization's unique mission and leadership needs.
- We maintain a commitment to diversity in candidate recruitment and organizational partnerships.
- Our team provides direct, personal attention throughout the entire search engagement.
- We utilize exhaustive market research to identify candidates beyond other firms' networks.
What people say
Stellar service
Knowledgeable team
Timely responses
Excellent support
Perfect fit
Services
Executive Search
Our executive search services specialize in identifying visionary leaders for health and human services organizations. Through exhaustive market research and proprietary networking, we connect clients with executives possessing the ideal blend of experience, cultural alignment, and strategic vision. Our process ensures organizations secure leadership talent that drives long-term mission success and operational excellence.
Succession Planning
We develop comprehensive succession planning strategies to ensure organizational continuity in aging services and human services sectors. Our approach combines talent pipeline analysis with strategic leadership development, preparing organizations for leadership transitions while maintaining service quality and mission integrity through periods of executive change.
Interim Management
Our interim management solutions provide immediate leadership support during transitional periods. We place experienced professionals who maintain operational stability while organizations conduct permanent leadership searches, ensuring continuity of care and service delivery in mission-critical roles.
Leadership Consulting
We offer expert consulting on leadership development, board governance, and organizational effectiveness. Our consultants provide actionable insights on executive compensation, leadership assessment, and cultural alignment to enhance organizational performance and leadership team cohesion.
Talent Pipeline Development
Our talent pipeline development services create sustainable leadership ecosystems for health and human services organizations. Through comprehensive talent reviews and succession management strategies, we help organizations identify high-potential internal candidates and develop strategic recruitment initiatives for future leadership needs.
People
Dan Deffet
Founder & Managing Partner
Dan Deffet founded Deffet Group in 1989 and has shaped its national reputation for excellence in executive search. With expertise in human capital management and organizational development, he provides strategic leadership counsel to aging services providers nationwide.
Elizabeth Feltner
Chief Executive Officer
Elizabeth Feltner leads Deffet Group as CEO, leveraging 21 years of experience in executive search and leadership consulting. Her expertise in board governance and succession planning helps organizations develop effective leadership strategies and executive compensation frameworks.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We specialize exclusively in health and human services organizations, including aging services providers and human services agencies nationwide.
How does your executive search process work?
Our process combines industry-specific research, exhaustive candidate outreach, and cultural alignment assessments to identify leaders who match your organization's mission and strategic goals.
Do you work with organizations outside the US?
While our primary focus is US-based organizations, we have experience supporting international placements through our extensive professional network.
What makes your firm different from generalist recruiters?
Our exclusive focus on health and human services allows us to maintain deep industry knowledge and specialized networks that generalist firms cannot match.
How do you ensure candidate quality?
We conduct thorough vetting through reference checks, competency assessments, and cultural fit evaluations to ensure candidates meet our high standards.
Can you help with urgent leadership needs?
Yes, we offer expedited search options while maintaining our rigorous candidate evaluation process to address urgent leadership vacancies.
