Mike Caggiano co-founded ExactSearch.AI with a vision of transforming executive search services for companies across the United States. While retained search remains the most effective method for identifying high-impact executives, many organizations hesitate to use it due to hefty upfront fees and the lengthy timelines often associated with traditional firms.  ExactSearch.AI was established to deliver top-tier executive talent faster, without compromising the personalized, high-touch service expected from a retained search firm. By removing large upfront retainers and offering fair, transparent fees, ExactSearch.AI combines the speed and precision of an AI-powered approach with the expertise and quality of a world-class team of search professionals.

Mike played a key leadership role in guiding Robert Half’s executive search practice to become the #1 retained search firm in the United States, as ranked by Forbes in 2022. Most recently, he took on the role of leading the national retained search practice at Highspring, a $1 billion consulting, managed services, and talent solutions firm headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Throughout his career, Mike has served as a trusted advisor, board member, and consultant to executives at companies ranging from tens of millions to over a billion dollars in annual revenue.

Mike’s experience as a CEO, President, COO, CFO, and CPA firm partner gives him a uniquely broad perspective on the business aspects of retained search. Over the course of his career, he has worked with a wide range of organizations, from well-funded, private equity-backed startups to Fortune 500 public companies. With more than three decades of experience, Mike has founded, acquired, merged, or sold over 30 companies. He has served on the boards of banks, professional services firms, technology companies, foundations, and international nonprofits — and has even owned and operated three professional sports teams.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Virginia Tech, and began his career with a Big Four accounting firm. His extensive charitable work includes board roles with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Washington, D.C., the Washington NFL Team’s Charitable Foundation, and Women Thrive Worldwide, where he served as Executive Committee Member and Treasurer. He also served as President of the Fathers Association at the Potomac School in McLean, Virginia, and is the founder of JewelryforGood.org. Mike has been quoted and featured in numerous media outlets, including CNN, CNNfn, USA Today, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Dallas Morning News, BusinessWeek, CBS MarketWatch, Washington Business Journal, IndustryWeek, and HR Briefing, among others. An avid outdoorsman, Mike is also a boater, a licensed general aviation pilot, and enjoys playing golf and tennis.