Carolyn Simons

Vice President

Carolyn is a proven search professional with 20 years’ experience in retained executive recruiting, executive coaching and succession planning. She specializes in C-suite and board searches for publicly-traded and private-equity-backed healthcare, life sciences and medical technology companies worldwide.

Carolyn joined Pearson Partners International in 2018 as a vice president in the firm’s Dallas office. She partners with boards, CEOs and investors to gain an in-depth understanding of their companies, organizational structures and business strategies to deliver best-in-class executives to lead and grow their businesses in today’s rapidly evolving global economy. Throughout the course of every search assignment, Carolyn shares real-time industry insight and market intelligence with her clients to ensure their companies are well positioned to attract and win top talent. She also regularly advises clients on executive compensation, contract negotiation and succession planning.

Carolyn is an active member of Women Business Leaders in Healthcare (WBL) and MedTech Women. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Chicago.

Why did you feel this was the right field for you? What do you love about your job?

I’ve enjoyed executive search from the start. I love working with clients to learn about their businesses, challenges and unique cultures. I love working with candidates to understand their career experiences and passions so that I can make the best match between my clients and candidates. In addition, I really enjoy my focus on healthcare. At the end of the day, I hope the gifted leaders I place have a positive impact on our healthcare system and patients.

What are some highlights of your career so far? Tell us about your best days or proudest moments.

The most rewarding moments I’ve had in my career have been working with struggling organizations, particularly those in the midst of financial or clinical turnarounds and those who need to completely rebuild their leadership teams while still steering the ship. You fill out the team—CEO, CFO, COO, and others—and they get to work. Shortly after, we begin to see improvements in financials, clinical outcomes and employee morale under the new leadership. It’s a great feeling!

What drew you to Pearson Partners?

I was drawn to Pearson Partners because it is a boutique search firm with an international reach and a great reputation throughout the DFW market. I also like the diversity of its clients and the executive-level searches we work on. Pearson Partners has a wonderful team of professionals dedicated to providing great counsel and search for its clients. All of the partners and vice presidents are hands-on and vested in their clients’ success.