Donna M. Higgins, President

An expert in leadership and change management, Donna has a background in leadership that encompasses both major corporations and high performance start-ups. Her interests center around the impact a single individual can have on an organization. She is energized by the opportunity to work with clients in the search for high impact individuals.

Donna is a biopharmaceutical industry veteran and is well versed in the unique challenges that recruiting and retaining high impact individuals pose for executive search professionals. Her roles included management positions on the sales and marketing side of the business at Abbott Diagnostics and Immunex Corporation. Following this, Donna was a founder of a successful technology start-up, playing key roles in attracting investment and developing partnerships.

After seeing the company through its' early stages, Donna joined a top 20 search firm, as Vice President in charge of the biotech and pharmaceutical sector. She quickly developed a strong reputation for consistently exceeding client expectations and substantially grew the practice. In 1998, she started The Higgins Group, Inc.

Donna's interest in transformation extends to her work with several charities including AchieveAbility, Heifer International, and Smile Train - all of which take direct action to intervene and transform lives in practical and meaningful ways. Donna has a BA from Pennsylvania State University, an MBA from Drexel University.

Carol Cottone, Vice President and Partner

Carol Cottone has a background in the healthcare technology sector. Carol's recruitment skills were formed by first hand experience at developing innovative start ups and managing growth through ownership transitions. In 1983, Carol co-founded a start up focusing on the development of patient relationship management software solutions for healthcare professionals. Carol grew the company for 11 years before selling her share in 1994.

In 1998, Carol was recruited to bring her expertise to The Higgins Group where she specializes in identifying dynamic leaders with an obvious passion for "the science". Carol loves to spot the "rising academic stars" and enjoys the challenge of recruiting and retaining them to the pharmaceutical industry.

With a natural attention to detail, Carol assists at risk high school seniors in navigating the often overwhelming college admissions and financial assistance process. Carol is a cum laude graduate from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Kate Ward, Senior Search Consultant

Kate began her consulting career in Boston with Sapient Corporation and iCapital Wealth Management. Joining the Higgins Group in 2003, Kate's creativity and resourcefulness have been instrumental in consistently delivering outstanding results for our clients. Kate thrives on being the catalyst that connects the world's top R&D talent with exceptional leadership opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. Kate holds a BA from Boston University.

Tricia MacMurray, Search Consultant

Tricia MacMurray is a specialist in candidate identification and executive search research with over 13 years of experience in executive recruiting fields. Prior to joining the Higgins Group, Tricia's recruiting experience included positions with GlaxoSmithKline, Diversified Search Company and Korn/Ferry International. Her research and recruitment skills have been invaluable in the successful placement of senior level leadership positions. Tricia has a BS degree from Drexel University.

Karen Koffler, Search Consultant

Karen has been The Higgins Group lead researcher since joining the firm in 2000. Karen brings ten years of research experience from Johns Hopkins and the Baltimore VA to her Higgins Group role. Her broad industry background in healthcare is extremely valuable to her biotechnology and pharmaceutical executive recruitment work, providing industry and skill insight as well as contacts. Karen holds a BS degree from Pennsylvania State University and a MA from the University of Maryland.

Wendi Pratt, Office Manager

Wendi joined The Higgins Group in June 2004. Prior to this, Wendi held a variety of sales, marketing and administrative positions in the insurance industry. Whether coordinating meetings, fielding questions, or helping candidates in other ways, Wendi's meticulous style and attention to detail is an invaluable asset to keeping everything on track at the Higgins Group. Wendi acts as a second and often central contact for all placement candidates. Wendi holds a BS in Business Logistics from Pennsylvania State University.

Lindsay Goldberg, Executive Assistant

Lindsay brings a love of science to her Higgins Group role as executive assistant and researcher. Lindsay is a recent graduate of New York University's College of Arts and Sciences where she majored in physics. Her keen mind, strong work ethic and attention to detail prove invaluable in assisting our search process. With a hand in research, as well as day to day administrative responsibilities, Lindsay is an integral member of our team.