Ivan Adler Comments on the Salaries Available to Retiring Members of Congress
The Huffington Post (April 21, 2010) asked Ivan Adler why retiring members of Congress refuse to rule out lobbying as their next career. According to Ivan, Members of Congress earn $174,000 a year, which is “cat-food money on K Street.” A retiring member fetches at least $500,000 as a lobbyist. “It has to do with what committees they’re on. Certainly members that are part of the money committees are paid higher than members who are not.”

Ivan Adler Discusses Tom Ridge’s New Lobby Shop
When Tom Ridge, former Pennsylvania Governor, opened a lobby shop in DC, people were a bit confused to why he didn’t want to register as a lobbyist. Ivan Adler explained to Roll Call (March 22, 2010) that others have been successful without registering. “It hasn’t hurt Bob Dole or Tom Daschle. They can provide just as much value without registering. Governor Ridge is a guy who is very well-respected not only at the federal level but at the state level.”

Ivan Adler Discusses the Latest Lucrative Vacancies on K Street
With the exit of top executives from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association as well as the Motion Picture Association of America, retiring lawmakers may be tempted to throw their hat into the ring for some of the more lucrative vacancies in town. The Hill (February 16, 2010) asked Ivan Adler about these tempting positions. Ivan said, “These are like playing for the Yankees or the Red Sox. They pay very well, are very high profile. But they are not easy.” The Hill also asked about the prospects of some of retiring Democrats like Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND). “The demand for high-profile Democrats in town is still pretty high,” Ivan said.

Steve Nelson Comments on the Active Market for Lateral Partners
As lateral partner hiring has increased since the first of the year, Steve Nelson has much to be optimistic about, but he believes the activity is different than it was before the downturn. Steve says, “The economy is having an impact. Due diligence on what partners actually would bring to the firm in terms of business is much tougher. Compensation packages aren’t as generous.”

Ivan Adler Comments on the Forthcoming Election Season
With November on the horizon, there is expected to be a flood of resumes of Members and staffers leaving the Hill for K Street. Ivan Adler was asked by Roll Call (February 2, 2010) about the prospects of filling positions at trade associations with former Members. Ivan said, “With several of those searches ongoing, the trade groups may be looking to fill the slots earlier than the end of the year. Still, it’s unlikely that Members will depart before their successors are named because of the high cost of special elections.”

Ivan Adler Offers his Expecations for “Casino Jack.”
Curiosity is through the roof on K Street about the film “Casino Jack” which stars Kevin Spacey as Jack Abramoff, the disgraced and imprisoned lobbyist. Roll Call asked Ivan Adler about the casting and his expectations of the film. Ivan said, “Jon Lovitz as Adam Kidan is probably as well-cast a character in a movie as you’ll ever see in your life. I think this movie is going to be awesome. Any time you can combine K Street with Hollywood Boulevard, you’ve got a hit in Washington. I think there are a lot of people that are waiting to see this movie.”

Ivan Adler Mentioned as a Key Contact in Roll Call
When Brian Gaston, senior aide to Rep. Roy Blunt (R- MO), left the Hill, he knew who to contact. In the article “Street Talk: It Takes a K Street Village to Land Well Downtown” (February 8, 2010), Roll Call reports that Gaston contacted Ivan Adler, The McCormick Group’s specialist in Government Affairs. Advice from Ivan and several other key players led to Gaston’s new job at Glover Park.

Ivan Adler Comments on the Pros and Cons of Starting a Lobbying Firm
When Kyle Simmons, longtime chief of staff to Mitch McConnell (R-KY), announced his intentions to launch a bipartisan lobby shop, Roll Call asked Ivan Adler about the pros and cons of such a move. “Bipartisan groups of chiefs of staff going into business for themselves is a good model. What they give up is the security of a steady paycheck that they get at a big law firm or lobbying shop (February 2, 2010)”

Andrew Reese Discusses the Latest Job Flow in Private Asset Management
As high-net-worth individuals switch advisors to start the New Year, registered investment advisors and trust companies have been staffing up to meet the demand. Andrew Reese told Private Asset Management on January 20, 2010 that he believes the hiring spree has caused even more clients to switch advisors. Andrew said, “I would argue it’s the movement in talent that’s spurring the client to move.”

Andrew Reese Comments on Rumors of BNY Mellon Leadership Change
When BNY Mellon’s Chairman and CEO, Robert Kelly put the rumors to rest about his defection to Bank of America, Andrew Reese offered his interpretation of Kelly’s statement to Private Asset Management on December 15, 2009. Andrew said, “Kelly was obviously thinking about taking the job, but the compensation bar must have been too high for BofA to reach. So he’s acknowledging talking to them, saying he’s happy where he is, but implying they weren’t offering enough money. One sentiment is positive, one’s negative, and both amount to the same thing.”

Elizabeth Humphrey Featured in Association Bisnow
Elizabeth Humphrey was featured in the October 19 edition of the online newsletter, Association Bisnow. The feature lauded her work ethic explaining that she finds candidates the “old fashioned way” by being on the phone up to 4 hours a day. While Elizabeth expressed the difficulties of recruiting in a down economy, she also described the great reward of finding the “right fit.”

Ivan Adler Comments on Job Changes in the Technology Industry
Government relations offices have seen a lot of change in first year of the Obama administration. While much of the attention has been on healthcare, technology companies have been replacing their heads of government relations at an increasing rate, due to several regulatory decisions the Federal Communications Commission will be making. Ivan Adler told Roll Call (“Musical Chairs- Tech Interests Go on Hiring Spree in D.C., October 28, 2009), “These technology companies have come to the realization that they can really be hurt if they ignore Washington and that they need to have somebody representing their interest.”

Steve Nelson Reacts to Possible Hogan-Lovells Merger
When news of a possible merger between Hogan & Hartson and Lovells began to spread, The National Law Journal called Steve Nelson for his reaction on the impact of the word getting out before a merger is consummated. “Once its public knowledge, you’ve got to move quickly to make sure that things are completed” Steve said.

Lyles Carr Featured in Book of Entrepreneurship
Lyles Carr’s latest words of wisdom can be found in Larry Robertson’s book A Deliberate Pause: Entrepreneurship and its Moment in Human Progress. In this book about professional existentialism and paradigm shifts, Robertson called upon Lyles’ insight as a veteran recruiter who has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs throughout his career. An example of this insight appears on page 121. “When an entrepreneurial idea is sustainable, it grows bigger than the entrepreneur and outlives the leader to become a cause. That cause goes further to sustain relevancy, which means it must change and change hands with time,” Lyles said. He is quoted again on page 183. “Entrepreneurial ventures and their environments are like all other living things- they are in the process of growing or one of decay. But the ability to grow and survive is really found in the ability to morph and mutate, to adapt to be better.”

The McCormick Group Announces Four Promotions
Arlington, VA – April 27, 2009 - The McCormick Group announced today that it has promoted three consultants to Principal and one to Senior Consultant. Jim McGarry, Kathleen Lintvet, Deborah Page have become Principals, while Susan Schlather has become a Senior Consultant.

In announcing the promotions, Executive Vice President Brian McCormick said, "Jim, Kathleen, Deborah, and Susan have been instrumental in The McCormick Group's growth. They have all surpassed the company's levels for success, and we are thrilled to recognize their outstanding accomplishments."

McCormick Group Sets New Revenue Record, Embarks on 35th Year
Arlington, VA – November 4, 2008 – The McCormick Group announced today that the firm set a new company record for revenues for fiscal year 2008 and will celebrate 35 years of premier executive search consulting in 2009. In the fiscal year just concluded, the firm’s net revenues reached $10.3 million, a new company record. The 2008 results topped the previous record of $10 million set in 2007.  Moreover, McCormick Group’s revenues have increased 34% in the last three years.
 
"I am very proud of all we have accomplished for our clients this year,” said Bill McCormick, President and Chief Executive Officer of The McCormick Group. “We are still very optimistic about 2009.  As the pressure on profits continues to increase, our clients will need strong leadership more than ever before. We are committed to providing quality talent, and we are uniquely positioned to serve clients representing a broad range of markets and industries."
 
The McCormick Group, founded in 1974, is the largest independent, Washington, DC-based executive search firm and is ranked today as the 22nd largest executive search firm in the United States based on revenue.  Since inception, the company generated more than $140 million in fee revenues and completed over 8,000 successful executive searches. The McCormick Group expects solid revenues again in 2009 as clients work to overcome market challenges.

"Clients rely on us to solve critical resource challenges and help them hire top talent at all levels and across a diverse range of industries and functional disciplines. Beyond filling positions, we believe that our job is done only when we have achieved the right fit between the candidate and the employer," said McCormick.

Ivan Adler Discusses Supply and Demand on K Street
While Democratic lobbyists and staffers have enjoyed a bustling job market since the election, Ivan Adler told the National Journal (December 20, 2009) that some salary expectations have been set a little too high. "I've had people call me up who think that they are a Democrat they should be making $400,000 or even $1 million. In the real world, it doesn't work that way." Democrats in most demand are those that "believe in the business position", and according to Ivan, these types of people are rare. "I had a senior Hill Democrat calling to ask me to help him find a job, but he told me he wouldn't work for a company that opposed universal health care and wouldn't work for drug, gaming, insurance, or tobacco interests. So the pool of Democrats that want to work for those industries is just smaller than Republicans." While the market for Republicans has slowed down, according to Ivan there is still a demand for "Republicans with expertise in health care, energy, or taxes…as are those who have a reputation for working with Democrats." There is also a demand, however, for those with a background in business issues. "Republicans are being hired for those jobs because industry knows that it will have

The McCormick Group Honored as One of Arlington’s Best Businesses
The McCormick Group was honored as one of Arlington VA’s Best Businesses at the 13th annual ABBIES Awards on May 13, 2008. The ABBIES Awards are presented to companies in Arlington that consistently demonstrate growth and customer satisfaction, as well as an active pursuit of service to the Arlington community.

The award was accepted by the firm’s Founder and CEO, William J. McCormick. “It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Arlington community,” said McCormick. “The driving force behind our success is the employees. It is not the organization that makes the people, but the people that make the organization.”

Lyles Carr Honors Rich Doud at “Spirit of Community” Award Ceremony
The Arlington Community Foundation honored Rich Doud with the “Spirit of Community” award in Arlington on Wednesday, November 12. At the ceremony, Lyles Carr rallied the attendees to follow the example of Doud. According to the Sun Gazette (November 13, 2008) Lyles was quoted as saying, “He is indeed a ‘civic entrepreneur’ with tireless and unselfish commitment to the community,” Lyles said. “We should not, and cannot, settle for anything less. We cannot accept any of our residents being homeless or hungry, sick or in despair.”

Steve Nelson Explains the Effects of an Economic Downturn on Law Firms
With tough economic times looming, Steve Nelson explained to Legal Times (October 6, 2008) how law firms are reacting. “Clearly, there is less interest in hiring at the associate level. However, at the partner level, there’s as much demand, if not more than ever, because these people are going to add to the bottom line.” Due to the ongoing need for more partners, Steve described to Legal Times the influx of calls he receives whenever news breaks that a firm is having problems from law firm managing partners.

Steve Nelson Pictured in Legal Times
Steve Nelson was pictured alongside Dick Wiley at the Legal Times 30th Anniversary Awards Gala. Nelson was an original member of Legal Times’s editorial staff, and reported on the establishment of Wiley’s law firm, Wiley Rein, in 1983.

Lynne Carter Provides Assistance to Metropolitan Police Department’s Recruitment Team
Lynne Carter was acknowledged in the Washington DC Police Foundation Newsletter (Volume 2, Issue 4) for her service to the Metropolitan Police Department's recruitment office. Lynne facilitated two half-day sessions with the office to help streamline its recruiting and hiring process. As The McCormick Group's expert in public safety, Lynne was honored to give the necessary recruiting tools to the MPD, saying "I am always more than happy to help one of the best police departments in the nation become even more efficient."

Andrew Reese Talks Risk Management with Dow Jones Newswire
As Wall Street's troubles continue, Andrew Reese explained the immunity of Risk Management firms to Dow Jones Newswire (September 11, 2008) saying, "The wealthy are staying wealthy and are becoming more wealthy, and there's a race to see who can manage their money."

Ivan Adler discusses future of exiting Capitol Hill staffers
When asked about the career moves of former Capitol Hill staffers, Ivan Adler explained to Roll Call (June 11, 2008) that "Departing Hill staffers who go into lobbying and consulting have three main options...They can either work for one client, with an in-house position at a corporation or a trade association, or as a contract lobbyist at a law or lobby shop and represent several companies or coalitions. You can either be the client or work for the client."

Ivan Adler discusses tax policy changes for law firms
As Washington firms realized their newfound need for tax attorneys, Ivan Adler explained to the National Law Journal (May 19, 2008) that "the only constraint on firms' appetite to hire is the desire by many government tax lawyers to play a role in the changes."

Andrew Reese gets “Quote of the Week” when discussing Bank of America’s future with Private Asset Management
Bank of America’s plans to scuttle the plans of its new affiliate U.S. Trust to expand internationally was understandable from a branding perspective, according to TMG’s Andrew Reese. Quoted in an article in Private Asset Management (May 5, 2008, p. 1), Reese noted that U.S. Trust’s plans might interfere with Bank of America’s identity. “They’re Bank of America, not Bank of the Americas,” said Reese.

Ivan Adler comments on John Breaux and Trent Lott’s new public affairs venture
The new venture started by two high-profile former U.S. senators has been extraordinarily successful, according to TMG’s Ivan Adler. In an April 23, 2008 article in Roll Call (p. 1), Adler was quoted as saying that “a lot of former Members and staffers would love to have the start-up” that former Senators Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Breaux (D-La.) have had in their new public affairs venture.

Andrew Reese comments on JP Morgan’s CEO plea to competition
When JP Morgan's CEO, Jamie Dimon, asked competitors not to hire Bear Stearns brokers, Andrew Reese told the Wall Street Letter (March 24, 2008), "The firms that do business with J.P Morgan probably won't want to bring someone who's well-known and anger Jamie Dimon or J.P. Morgan, but in the vast majority of cases, this will have no effect."

Ivan Adler discusses Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney’s hiring of the former House Ways and Means Chairman
A lack of K Street experience and clients proved not a problem when Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney hired Bill Thomas, former House Ways and Means Chairman. Ivan Adler explained the rewards of such a hire to Legal Times (March 17, 2008), "The tax expertise of Thomas and his staffers made them 'targets for opportunity."

Later in the article, Ivan discusses the benefits of a niche background, "Folks that have a (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) background are walking gold," referring to Martin Corry, one of Thomas' associates also hired at Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney.

Ivan Adler discusses K Street’s growth in a turbulent economy
As many businesses are gearing up for a likely recession, Ivan Adler believes the lobbying and headhunting landscape will be safe. Ivan told Roll Call (January 22, 2008), "I don't see a slowdown in the market." Ivan later explained that prospects for Republican staffers aren’t bleak. “While many low to mid-level Republican staffers have struggled in the current market to move off the Hill, that shouldn't cause GOP job-seekers too much angst. I think that there will be people out of the current administration will find jobs," said Ivan.

Leslie Sorg Ramsay and Tim Ward talk recruiting in HR Magazine’s article, “Searching for the Top.”
Tim Ward and Leslie Sorg Ramsay contributed to an article about Executive Search in HR Magazine entitled, "Searching for the Top" (January 2008, p.49-50) With a tighter IT market today, Tim explains that he uses technology to "keep in touch with the best and the brightest." Later, Leslie discusses the ethics of recruiting. "A good executive search consultant is trained to find out exactly why a candidate really wants to leave his or her current employer," Leslie says. "If a candidate is considering changing jobs primarily for more money, the client may lose out to a counteroffer from the current employer, meaning that the candidate was a risky prospect from the beginning. Part of ethics is making sure we are not wasting people's time."

Cheryl Bedard comments on Beers & Cutler’s Expansion
When Beers & Cutler announced plans to expand their DC office, Cheryl Bedard told the Washington Business Journal (November 30, 2007) that there are advantages to working in a smaller local firm. "They do set themselves up to be a different experience," Cheryl said.

Ivan Adler discusses the effects of a Democratic Congress on K Street with the New York Times
Ivan Adler told the New York Times (November 15, 2006) that he has received many calls “inquiring what the job market is like in the new Democratic world.” since the Democratic Congress took over in 2006. Ivan conceded that not all would make good lobbyists.

“They are all popcorn in the pan — some pop and some don’t,” Mr. Adler said. “Hopefully you pick ones that would pop.”