Executive Bios

Frank Black started the Market Research practice at The Washington Group, and he continues to play a lead role with the clients of the Market Research Practice. He has conducted searches for some of the largest research companies in the world as well as for targeted niche companies. His expertise lies in identifying and recruiting talent for his clients based on Frank's many years of total focus on the industry. His database contains longitudinal details on the many thousands of candidates and clients with whom he has spoken over the years, and many of his candidates use him to quietly and confidentially discuss their careers and their options. Frank recently conducted a session at the PMRG based on the James Lipton TV show "Inside the Actor's studio", at which career planning was discussed with several of the more senior industry leaders. His long-term role in the industry made this event one of the more appealing to the attendees.

Frank and the Market Research team at The Washington Group have completed successful searches ranging from CEO to Project Manager. Sample positions have included COO, Chief Methodologist, Head of Advanced Analytics, EVP, Group VP, and Group President. The principle by which the market research team operates is that the needs of the client come before anything else. "We strive to learn as much as we can about the business issues underlying the need for a particular person. Once we really understand the need, we can evaluate the urgency and the urgency drives our focus. We accept our client's staffing problem as our own, and we do everything we can to solve the problem. Interestingly, this assures that the person we place really fits and will thrive in the position, and that is good for everybody."

Frank occasionally manages acquisition projects for companies seeking to acquire compatible organizations in order to leverage growth. He and his team have been especially successful in finding that just right person for a smaller research supplier ready to move to the next level and needing a marquis player to make that happen. Frank holds a BS from Georgetown University and an MBA from George Washington. He lives in Bethesda, Maryland.