Steve Ankney, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of ExactSearch.AI, is beyond excited to be involved in bringing a next-gen search firm built for precision, transparency, and results. ExactSearch.AI exists to disrupt the old model and deliver something smarter, faster, and more aligned with how companies identify key executives today.

A technologist at heart, Steve brings a unique systems-thinking mindset to retained search. He has been at the forefront of modernizing the search process by implementing cutting-edge tools and workflows that use automation and artificial intelligence to increase search velocity, improve candidate targeting, and reduce administrative overhead. While serving as the Senior Vice President of Search Execution at Robert Half, these innovations helped drive measurable improvements in placement outcomes and were instrumental in scaling the firm to earn a top spot on Forbes’ Best Executive Recruiting Firms list.

Earlier in his career, Steve began in Cisco networking and technology quality assurance, working alongside project managers and analysts to review large-scale systems. That experience sharpened his analytical skills and gave him a deep appreciation for process design—capabilities that would later differentiate his approach in the search world.

Over the course of his career, Steve has led hundreds of executive and senior-level searches across a wide array of functions—including technology, engineering, sales, marketing, finance, human resources, operations, and general management—earning a reputation for delivering not only strong candidate slates, but also search processes that are transparent, tailored, and consistently outperform industry benchmarks. His clients span industries and stages, from high-growth startups and mid-market innovators to Fortune 500 enterprises and private equity-backed firms.

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Steve maintains strong ties to the Midwest and leads searches across the U.S. and globally. He has been a member of multiple university advisory boards and has been a guest speaker for associations such as the Association of Information Technology Professionals and the Help Desk Institute. He is passionate about helping the next generation of professionals navigate their careers and frequently partners with educational institutions on career readiness and workforce development initiatives. Steve earned his BBA in Information Systems, E-Commerce, and Management from the University of Toledo. Outside of work, you’ll find him traveling with his wife and daughter, seeking out great local food in new cities, and gaming with close friends.