Case Studies
Chief Operating Officer Search – Professional Services Firm
Leadership Transitions Done Right
When one of Philadelphia’s most respected professional services firms sought a successor for their retiring COO, a leader who had guided the firm for over 40 years, they turned to Lumera for support.
We led a nationwide search that was both rigorous and deeply personal, engaging the CEO, CFO, current COO, key partners, and board members to ensure cultural and strategic alignment. Through a compassionate, structured process, we identified and placed an exceptional leader slightly ahead of schedule, ensuring a seamless transition and immediate operational continuity.
This search exemplifies our difference: we combine thorough research with empathy and professionalism, delivering results that strengthen organizations and inspire confidence in the future.
Vice President of Finance Search – Nonprofit Organization
Aligning Mission and Leadership for Lasting Impact
When a board member of a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and families approached Lumera to identify their next VP of Finance, we knew the search required more than technical skill it demanded deep alignment with purpose and values.
Partnering closely with the Executive Director, we first helped align the board and leadership team around the organization’s goals and expectations. We then conducted a focused regional search that attracted a diverse slate of accomplished, passionate candidates. The finalist, a seasoned financial leader with both expertise and heart, brought renewed focus and accountability while honoring the organization’s mission.
The result: a seamless, inspired match that elevated the leadership team and strengthened the organization’s impact.
Controller Search – Engineering & Construction Firm
Seeing Beyond the Résumé to Find the Game-Changers
When the CEO and CFO of a rapidly growing, privately held engineering and construction firm needed to hire their next Controller, they partnered with us to strengthen their finance leadership during a period of explosive growth.
In an exceptionally tight labor market for construction and engineering talent, our team delivered a slate of highly qualified candidates each carefully evaluated for both technical expertise and cultural alignment. Among them was an unexpected contender: a “wild card” candidate whose résumé didn’t check every box, but whose intellect, character, humor, and work ethic made a lasting impression.
Trusting the process, the client advanced this candidate through the final rounds and ultimately selected him for the role. The result was a transformative hire who brought fresh perspective and leadership to the finance function.
This search demonstrates how we go beyond the traditional checklist to identify not only proven performers, but the high-potential leaders who can elevate a department—and shape the future of a company.