The Univ. of Illinois recently named Josh Whitman as its new AD, but officials gathered in early February to "secretly interview candidates" for the job, and the cost to "keep those interviews far from prying eyes" exceeded $11,000, according to Julie Wurth of the Champaign NEWS-GAZETTE. Candidates "flew in from Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida, among other locales." The initial $11,000 figure "doesn't include more than $11,000 spent on the flights, hotel rooms and other travel expense for candidates." UI hired Korn Ferry Executive Search to consult on the search led by Global Sports Practice principal Chad Chatlos, and the company's fee was $140,000, plus expenses which so far "have topped $20,000." UI "approved paying the firm up to $271,900," but it is "expected to be less than $200,000." UI Associate Chancellor/Public Affairs Robin Kaler said that Korn Ferry "has collected almost $123,481 so far, though the UI has yet to pay the third installment on the consultants' fee or the cost of background checks (estimated at $8,500)." Chatlos and fellow consultant Kyle Bowlsby "handled logistics for the search" (Champaign NEWS-GAZETTE, 4/24).
