Executive Search. Elevated.
Strategic Search. Corporate and executive coaching.
We partner with organizations ready to lead.
Our tailored executive search and consulting services are designed to deliver lasting impact—quietly, effectively, and with precision.
An international firm based in Kansas City, Missouri
Founded in 2006
Raising the Bar in Executive Search and Leadership Solutions
Hunter Ambrose delivers transformative leadership solutions for hospitals, energy companies, and organizations across rural and urban America. Founded by Nicole Barbano, our boutique executive search and consulting firm has completed over 5,000 strategic placements since 2006, specializing in healthcare, energy, finance, and other mission-critical sectors.
We identify leaders who drive measurable outcomes—executives who don't just fill positions, but fundamentally strengthen your organization's capacity to execute, innovate, and grow. Whether you're a hospital board navigating complex healthcare regulations, an energy company expanding infrastructure, or an organization leading community transformation, we understand the unique challenges facing decision-makers in today's dynamic environment.
Our process-forward approach combines real-world execution experience with rigorous data analysis and absolute discretion. We're not a high-volume placement firm—we're your strategic partner in building leadership teams that deliver results. From growth initiatives and turnarounds to long-term succession planning, Hunter Ambrose aligns exceptional talent with your organization's vision and values..
Our Core Services
At Hunter Ambrose, we partner with organizations to build strong leadership, drive performance, and execute with precision. Our service lines are designed to support your growth at every stage.
Executive Search & Recruitment
We recruit with purpose. From C-Suite and senior leadership to specialized and hard-to-fill roles, we align every search with your strategic goals. Our process includes interim and permanent placements.
Interim Leadership
When time is critical, we deliver proven leaders who can stabilize operations, lead transitions, or carry out change initiatives. Our interim executives bring clarity, discipline, and results.
Strategic Consulting
We advise boards and executive teams on growth, restructuring, and organizational design. Our consulting engagements deliver actionable strategies that lead to measurable impact.
Executive & Career Coaching
For leaders navigating change or preparing for their next role, we offer direct, results-driven coaching. Individual and group sessions are tailored to strengthen decision-making, performance, and clarity of direction.
Corporate Training & Leadership Development
We partner with leadership teams to build the rituals, discipline, and clarity that fuel strategic execution, effective communication, and unified direction—because performance shapes the environment.
Why Partner with Hunter Ambrose
At Hunter Ambrose, we operate as a strategic partner to organizations where leadership decisions shape futures, not just financials. From independent hospitals and public utilities to investor-backed healthcare ventures and mission-driven energy firms, our retained search model is designed for complexity, confidentiality, and long-term impact.
We take on a limited number of clients each quarter to ensure a high-touch, highly focused engagement. Whether you’re navigating succession, stabilizing leadership, or building a future-ready team, every search is led by Nicole Barbano and supported by a senior team with deep sector expertise.
What You Can Expect
Flat-fee, retained structure
One-year placement guarantee
Direct access to Nicole and your dedicated search team
Weekly progress updates and transparent candidate feedback
Leadership integration and onboarding support post-hire
Access to a vetted network of leaders in healthcare, energy, and essential services
We understand the demands of high-accountability environments and deliver leadership that fits.
What Sets Us Apart?
Results.
We measure success by the long-term impact of every placement and the strength of our client partnerships. At Hunter Ambrose, our performance speaks for itself:
98% Retention Rate
Nearly all of our placements remain in role beyond the first year—a testament to our precision in matching leadership capability with organizational needs.
95% of C-Suite Searches Completed in Under 100 Days
Speed without compromising precision. We understand that leadership gaps are costly, especially in healthcare systems managing patient outcomes and energy companies driving infrastructure development.
1-Year Guarantee on All Placements
We stand behind every search with a full-year guarantee because we're invested in your long-term success, not just filling positions.
6 in 10 Clients Engage Us for Corporate Coaching Post-Hire
Leadership impact doesn't end with placement. Our executive coaching ensures new leaders integrate successfully and drive sustainable results from day one.
91% Interview Rate
The majority of candidates we present are interviewed by clients, confirming our deep understanding of your culture, challenges, and strategic objectives.
These metrics reflect our commitment to partnership over transactions—delivering leaders who don't just meet expectations, but exceed them in the roles that matter most to your organization's mission.
Let’s build your next hire—and the leadership bench to support them.
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Recent Placements – Q2–Q3 2025
Chief Nursing Officer – Critical Access Hospital
Chief Financial Officer – Critical Access Hospital
Senior Consultant – Financial Consulting Firm
Director of Revenue Cycle – Regional Health System
Vice President of Marketing – National Healthcare Company
Chief of Staff – Family Office, UHNWI
Personal Assistant – UHNWI
Director of Surgical Services – Community Hospital
Chief Financial Officer – Water District
Chief Operating Officer – Regional Law Firm
Senior Paralegal – Personal Injury Firm
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Forecast – Q4 2025 into 2026
We anticipate continued growth in retained search for hybrid and on-campus roles in the following areas:
Healthcare C-Suite & Revenue Cycle
Quality and Risk Management across sectors
Legal Operations & Infrastructure
Energy & Public Utility Finance
Specialized Consulting Talent Across Growth-Stage Firms
UHNWI Chief of Staff and Personal Assistant
Executive Support for Family Offices
High AI Proficiency across all searches required
Let’s Build Your Bench.
Whether you're hiring or being hired, we deliver results—strategically, discreetly, and without distraction.
Book Your Search Meeting
Schedule a consultation and take the first step.
Whether you're building out your leadership team or navigating a critical hire, every search starts with a clear strategy. Book your appointment to discuss your goals, timeline, and how we can help you secure the right fit—quietly, efficiently, and with precision.
Click below to instantly book a time to connect with Nicole Barbano and the Hunter Ambrose team.