Client Testimonials

Pat Nichols led the team, contracted through Transition Management Consulting, that managed the start up of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) before my arrival as the Executive Director – from November 2010 through July 2011. 

I continue to marvel at how much had been accomplished…at PCORI…by the time I arrived, in terms of laying the foundations for what PCORI would be and do, for how it would operate in a transparent and efficient manner, how it would present itself and integrate itself into national research efforts, and in terms of how engaged, active and supportive the Board was and remains to this day.  The Board made excellent choices in creating the interim team, starting with their choice of Pat and his TMC colleagues.  Pat pulled the team together and led it through its early days.  Their diligence, preparation, commitment and deft touch in this transition were substantially a product of Pat’s careful, patient but determined leadership. 

The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) was created by Congress in 2010 to conduct an innovative form of patient centered medical research.  The PCORI Board decided immediately to manage the start-up through contractors to allow its ultimate Executive Director to build a staff.

Transition Management Consulting (TMC) assembled a cohesive, talented team of contractors, led by Pat Nichols.  In a matter of weeks, they built an organizational framework and then, for roughly a year, supported PCORI in clarifying its mission, strategy and course forward. 

Pat’s leadership was outstanding.  From our earliest days, Pat demonstrated great energy and meticulous attention to good process.  His unfailing sense of humor, his self-awareness and his grace in raising difficult issues helped PCORI act on a commitment to build a culture of partnership, innovation, transparency and experimentation.

Thanks to John's tremendous abilities we transitioned very well and well prepared to meet our future!

I have worked with many search consultants, and TMC is by far the most thorough and organized. TMC is on their game in finding the right executive for non-profit associations. Jackie Eder-Van Hook was excellent as way the process, the materials and the quality of the candidates. Thank you TMC!     

Jackie was extremely professional and did a great job in a remarkably short period of time. We had excellent candidates to review and we were well prepared for the interviews.

The process was excellent: the interview materials were well organized; draft questions were helpful to the process; and decision-making process was conducive to making a selection.

The organizational and candidate profile was excellent: the requirements of the position were clear, the interview process was clear as was the overall quality of document.

Jackie Eder-Van Hook was extremely professional and did a great job in a remarkably short period of time. We had excellent candidates to review and we were well prepared for the interviews. She is very knowledgeable about executive search, associations and nonprofits. I felt respected, listened to, and that my time was used effectively.

Not much could have been improved. It was well done.

Dear Jackie and Bob,

It is with sincere gratitude that we deliver our thanks for your help in hiring AMSA's next Executive Director. This was no easy task and required patience, flexibility, creativity, and the ability to work with all of us!

You have both been wonderful friends and stewards to the mission and purpose of our association. It is only through these connections that we are able to thrive and grow and we appreciate your guidance and hard work.

This is a defining moment in our history which will be remembered for years to come. It is our honor and privilege to have worked with you and hope you understand how thankful we are. You are a great fit for AMSA. We are now set up for another 58 years of developing the next generation of socially responsible physician leaders!

Sincerely,

Michael Ehlert, MD, President, American Medical Student Association

James Slayton, MD, President, American Medical Student Association Foundation

Signed by 23 members of AMSA's Board of Trustees and Foundation's Directors