Washington, D.C., September 8, 2026: HVS Executive Search is pleased to announce the return of Kate Shehan as Executive Vice President. Based in Annapolis, MD, Kate previously served as Vice President with HVS Executive Search from 2018 to 2020 and rejoins the firm after several years building and leading her own boutique retained search practice, TalentPursuit Executive Search.

There, Kate developed a specialized practice focused on C-suite, vice president, director, and corporate leadership placements across hospitality, multi-unit service, food manufacturing, technology, and corporate organizations. In addition to her search work, she advised clients on executive talent intelligence and long-term organizational growth.

Kate brings more than 25 years of experience across executive search, restaurant operations, and human resources - with executive roles at Legal Sea Foods, Morton's The Steakhouse, Crown Golf Properties, and Chart House Restaurants, giving her deep, operator-level fluency in food & beverage and executive talent. Throughout her career, she has partnered with hospitality companies, private equity firms, franchisors, and service-driven organizations to identify transformative leaders and build enduring talent strategies.

As Executive Vice President, Kate will lead retained search engagements, grow client relationships, develop junior consultants, and work closely with CEO Alice Sherman to support the firm's continued growth.

"Having Kate back at HVS is genuinely exciting," said Alice Sherman, Chief Executive Officer. "She combines search expertise with real restaurant operating and human resources experience with a front row seat to what makes leadership teams work,  a combination that's rare and incredibly valuable to our clients. Kate has built an outstanding reputation as both an entrepreneur and advisor since she was last here, and her energy, client instincts, and collaborative approach make her a fantastic addition to the team."