Beyond Strategy: Tangible Results
As a network of former higher education senior leaders, we have been in the trenches and understand the challenges of administering an institution of higher learning. Our experts bring, on average, more than twenty years of experience in devising and executing successful strategies related to enrollment and retention, marketing, finance and accounting, student finance, human resources, and facilities management. KDM Advisors partners with you to develop comprehensive solutions that improve your institution's sustainability, enabling you to dramatically improve
student access and retention, increase financial results, and optimize operations.
Unlike many other firms that provide strategic advice, our relationship with clients does not end with our recommendations. KDM Advisors continues in its partnership to help plan and drive the implementation of initiatives. We want to participate in the results of our work, not just give a presentation and walk away. Our consultants can augment your current staff or, if necessary, step in on an interim basis to become part of your management team.
Our Story
With successful careers at traditional and for-profit colleges and universities, a network of highly experienced professionals decided to combine their vast knowledge to help key administration and board stakeholders navigate the unprecedentedly difficult higher education environment.
We work collaboratively and independently, allowing us the ability to assign the right resources to your particular needs. Since we are a network, we employ an efficient and cost-effective structure, which maximizes flexibility and promotes affordability. We do not have massive overhead costs to cover in designing our service fees.
Meet The Team
Ken Maher
Ken held the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at several colleges and universities.
For over 20 years, Ken was a senior leader for both traditional and for-profit education institutions. His scope of management responsibilities included strategy and corporate development, finance and accounting, IT, student finance, facilities management, admissions, human resources, marketing, and regulatory compliance. He offers extensive knowledge of strategic planning, operational effectiveness, budgeting, forecasting, cost optimization, audit and compliance, acquisitions, and alliances.
Ken earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He also has an MA in Russian Studies from The American University and a BA in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He has taught courses in management at local community colleges. Ken is also the author of "Wind of Change: An American Journey in Post-Soviet Russia" and "Death Blossom".
You can contact Ken directly at
Deb Maher
A Northwestern University School of Law graduate, Deb started her career as an employment and contracts attorney in DC, Virginia, Michigan and Illinois.
Deb transitioned from the legal world to higher education in 2001, when she was a senior human resources leader with DeVry Education Group and then its successor, Adtalem Global Education. Deb has a deep background in all areas of HR, including Branding, Talent Acquisition and Development, Organizational Design, Succession Planning, M&A, Onboarding, Employee Relations and Right Sizing. She has decades of HR leadership experience including selection and implementation of two HRIS systems, three payroll systems, two LMS and an ATS.
Deb has supported educational institutions in the US, Canada, four Caribbean nations, EMEA and APAC. She also served for many years as a compliance and regulatory leader, specializing in TItle IV Educational Regulations.
Deb has taught multiple HR, legal and regulatory courses at the graduate level.
Deb can be reached directly at
KDM Advisors "Network"
Our network of independent consultants comprises experts who have held higher ed leadership roles, such as:
Vice President, Admissions
Vice President, Human Resources
Vice President Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
Interim College President
Controller
Senior Financial Analyst
Our Clients
“KDM Advisors was an invaluable advisor to us on a critical strategic initiative for one of our portfolio companies. They bring a rare combination of top-level strategic insights with an ability to get into the details and deliver robust analytics. We would actively seek out KDM Advisors for similar engagements and would recommend them with no reservations."
-Michael Shay, SVP and Head Portfolio Solutions, Altas Partners
Ken and his team performed "a successful engagement achieving the desired outcomes."
-Erez Schnaittacher, VP
BluWave
“KDM Advisors was an invaluable advisor to us on a critical search for one of our university leadership positions. Their extensive experience in higher education and their commitment to researching, identifying and connecting with top industry candidates provided us the ability to truly be selective among a pool of high-quality candidates. We would recommend KDM Advisors for institutions and organizations in need of assistance in critical personnel searches."
-Mark Buck, AVP Enrollment
Adams State University
