Chesapeake Search Partners Appoints Johnny Black as Managing Partner

Chesapeake Search Partners (CSP), a professional search and consulting firm, proudly announces the appointment of Johnny Black as its new Managing Partner. Co-founder of CSP in 2013 alongside Rick Fribush and John Geraghty, Black has played a pivotal role in propelling the firm’s growth and, most recently, as Practice Director of the Real Estate & Financial Services vertical.

As Managing Partner, Black will lead CSP’s ongoing expansion efforts, overseeing the firm’s business operations, providing visionary oversight to client engagement, and upholding the highest industry standards. The recent appointment of Kate Strezelczyk to Assistant Practice Director of the Real Estate & Finance Practice enables Johnny to enhance his involvement across all facets of CSP. He will serve as a valuable resource for the team, fostering accountability to drive sustained success.

“I am honored to have the support of my Partners in appointing me to Managing Partner,” said Johnny Black. “On the heels of celebrating CSP’s tenth anniversary, it is the right time to appoint one of us to focus on smart growth for another decade. I’m excited to embrace a growth-oriented approach and work more directly with each of our practices as we continue to build one of the strongest recruiting teams in the region.”

Johnny’s journey in the recruiting industry began in 2008 as the Lead Recruiter for the Banking & Finance practice, encompassing Real Estate placements, at Stephen James Associates. Recognizing the increasing demand for a recruiting partner in the Baltimore/DC market, he has been instrumental in driving the growth of the Real Estate and Financial Services practice, expanding CSP’s footprint to other markets.

“Johnny represents the next generation of leadership here at CSP.  With him at the helm, we are confident that he will build on the momentum we have achieved for his Practice and CSP as a whole in the Baltimore region and beyond,” said Rick Fribush, Founding Member and Partner at CSP.

“We are thrilled to have Johnny manage our next growth phase at CSP. Every day, he leads with passion – providing employment expertise with a high level of confidentiality and integrity for all of his clients – many of whom are some of the most elite corporations in the region,” shared John Geraghty, Founding Member and Partner, CSP. “He demonstrates this same passion daily, leading our team of recruiters and showing empathy, commitment, transparency, and responsiveness.”

Johnny believes in giving back to the community and champions the entire CSP team to be active in giving back through the firm’s “CSP Community Connections” program. Additionally, Johnny is an Advisory Board Member for Next One Up, leveraging his expertise to prepare individuals without strong professional networks for career success. Johnny is also a Board Member of the Maryland Club and a former Alumni Board Member of St. Paul’s School Alumni Association and Lynchburg College Alumni Association. He graduated from Lynchburg College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a minor in Communication.

About Chesapeake Search Partners 

Chesapeake Search Partners (CSP) is a professional search and consulting firm that focuses on placement in Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, Real Estate & Financial Services, Sales, Marketing & Administrative,  Construction, Engineering & Manufacturing Services, and IT. Focused on client growth and planning for the future, CSP’s unique, relationship-driven approach leverages industry experts who understand the process of identifying the right skill set for each position. The result is matching talented professionals who have the ability to meet and exceed a client’s organizational needs. For more information, visit https://www.chesapeakesearchpartners.com.