Ms. McDermott, Managing Director, has advised senior management teams and Boards of Directors on their human capital strategies. She specializes in conducting Managing Director level searches for both buy side and sell side financial services clients including investment banks, investment management and alternative asset management firms. Ms. McDermott leads ’ Diversity Practice advising clients of the firm on their diversity programs and initiatives related to recruiting, retention, and development. Previously, Ms. McDermott was Managing Director, Head of Recruiting and Human Resources for Z Capital Partners, an alternative asset management firm that managed hedge funds and distressed private equity funds, and was responsible for all aspects of Z Capital’s recruiting and human resources functions as well as for executive management team assessment and recruiting for portfolio companies. Prior to joining Z Capital in October 2006, Ms. McDermott was Founder and Managing Partner of Synergy-Search, Inc., a retained executive search firm where for seven years she was a strategic advisor to McKinsey & Company, and conducted Partner searches across multiple global office locations and functions.

Ms. McDermott received her BA in Communications from Indiana University. She has served on the Women’s Board of Lake Forest Hospital, The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Chicago, and The Women’s Advisory Board of Lake Forest Hospital.