Prior to founding Dynamic Search, John held senior Partner and Managing Director roles at Spencer Stuart and Caldwell Partners, where he contributed to the Aviation, Transportation, and Aerospace & Defense practices. Earlier in his career, he served as a Partner in the global Industrial Practice at Heidrick & Struggles and founded Lake Forest Executive Search following his start at LAI Ward Howell. This career arc - spanning some of the most respected names in retained search - reflects both the breadth of his sector knowledge and the depth of his relationships across the global aviation leadership community.
Over the course of his career, John has led and supported high-profile executive search engagements across the aviation industry. He has conducted Board and C-suite searches for United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways, among others. He has also led airport CEO searches for MWAA and LAWA and managed C-suite assignments for airport services companies, Swissport and Unifi. His work has centered on placing leadership talent in critical positions that drive growth, operational excellence, and strategic direction.
Born in Ohio, John spent his formative years living in Pennsylvania, the Netherlands, and Lake Forest, IL. A graduate of Rollins College, he places a strong emphasis on family and relationships. He and his wife split their time between their homes in Florida and Chicago, balancing work, family, and their shared love of travel. Together they have three children: two daughters living in Chicago — one building her career at Leo Burnett and another working as a Montessori teacher — along with a son in New York City who works in the finance industry. As a family, they enjoy traveling, exploring new places together and spending time at their family cottage in northern Michigan, when schedules allow.
Peter Farrington Harter
Founder and EVP, Regulatory and Chief Legal Officer
TBA
Founder and Chief Financial Officer
*this person is identified and joining upon SAFE completion














