Valerie Szymkowicz received her B.A. in natural science/environmental studies from New England College and her M.Ed. in student personnel from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Vermont. For over 20 years, she worked in higher education at both public and private, research, baccalaureate, and liberal arts institutions, principally in the areas of academic advising, experiential education, and career services.

Valerie joined the executive search industry in 1999 and has served as an associate with SJG since 2002. With a strong belief in cultivating leadership potential among talented rising stars, Valerie has been a guest presenter at the NASPA Region I Mid-Managers Institute facilitating discussion on professional development priorities for the last three years. Valerie's current responsibilities as an SJG senior associate include search management, client and candidate relations, and new business development.

Valerie and her family reside in rural Vermont, where she putters in her garden, takes an occasional schuss down snow-covered mountains, and volunteers as a 4-H Horse Club leader.