Ten executive search firms are vying for the chance to help the Columbia Council pick a Columbia Association president.
The council hopes to select a search firm by the end of next month, and with the firm's help, find a president by the end of the year.
In July, the Columbia Council invited about 30 search firms from across the country to bid on the consulting job. Eleven firms responded, but one of the bids was not complete, officials said.
The responses were provided to council members Sunday.
"The number of responses is higher than I expected they'd be," Council Chairman Lanny Morrison of Harper's Choice said yesterday. "We're pleased to have so many groups that are interested. Now our work is cut out to select somebody."
The bids will be reviewed by the council's executive search firm selection committee, which is led by Councilman Kirk Halpin of Kings Contrivance. Halpin said the committee will review the 10 bids and ask for presentations. The committee then will make a recommendation to the full council, which will then pick a firm.
"My goal is by the 28th of September to have a search firm retained," Halpin said.
In sending its formal invitation to bid on the job, the council did not specify what it is willing to pay a search firm. The council has said it will decide on that after it reviews the bids.
Halpin declined to disclose a financial range for the bids or to identify the firms.
The council seeks a replacement for former President Deborah O. McCarty, who resigned from the $130,000 job in May after 20 months.
The president oversees a homeowners association that provides recreational facilities and services to 87,000 residents.
