Our Story

For more than 25 years, Bernie Reifkind has built Premier Search through long-standing relationships and a deep commitment to the healthcare industry trusted by organizations ranging from senior living providers to complex healthcare systems. What began as a boutique executive search firm on Bernie’s dining room table, grew into the nation's leading healthcare specialized executive search firm through referrals, trust, and a genuine commitment to helping organizations find the right leadership at pivotal moments.

From the beginning, the focus was never simply filling roles. Bernie built Premier Search around the belief that the right leadership can change the trajectory of an entire organization. Through decades of industry relationships and highly targeted outreach, Premier Search continues to connect organizations with leaders traditional recruiting channels often fail to reach.

Today, Premier Search continues to evolve while remaining grounded in the same relationship-driven approach and industry expertise the firm was built on more than two decades ago.

Premier Search brand insignia representing over two and a half decades of healthcare executive placement expertise.

About Premier Search

"I have spent most of my career listening to the needs of both owners and operators. My goal has never been to fill a vacancy; it has been to secure the leadership that defines the quality of care for our nation’s seniors."

— Bernie Reifkind, CEO

Leadership

Bernie Reifkind
CEO & Founder

Bernie Reifkind founded Premier Search more than 25 years ago and has become one of the most respected names in healthcare executive search. Throughout his career, he has advised owners, operators, boards, and healthcare organizations nationwide on high-stakes leadership decisions.

Known for his industry relationships, discretion, and instinct for identifying transformative operators, Bernie has built a reputation for connecting organizations with executives who strengthen culture, stabilize operations, and drive long-term success.

BR

Julia Feldman
Director of Recruitment

Julia Feldman brings a modern, relationship-driven approach to executive search, combining a background in communications, brand strategy, and client partnership with a strong understanding of leadership recruitment in healthcare.

As part of the next generation of Premier Search, Julia focuses on building thoughtful, highly personalized searches that prioritize long-term alignment for both organizations and candidates.

JF

  • "Working with Premier Search is always a great experience. Bernie provides outstanding service and is an expert in the field of executive search. He is always quick to respond in a thoughtful & strategic manner and has great follow through. He has over 20 years of recruitment experience in the senior housing industry. I highly recommend Bernie."

    —COO, National Operator of Senior Living Communities

  • "The quality of candidates Julia presented consistently exceeded what we were seeing through our internal recruiting efforts. She understands senior living leadership and knows how to identify executives who can drive results."

    — Regional VP of Operations, Leading Assisted Living & Memory Care Provider

  • "When speaking with Bernie, one feels like you have known him your whole life. His customer services skills are of the utmost and I would recommend his company to anyone with staffing needs. He provided candidates in a quick time frame and never gave up until the right candidate was found."

    —CEO, Multi-Hospital Health System

  • "Julia quickly understood the complexity of our leadership needs and delivered a highly qualified slate of candidates. Her ability to evaluate both technical capability and organizational fit made her an invaluable partner."

    — VP of Human Resources, Veterinary Healthcare Organization

  • "Bernie Reifkind is a professional of great integrity and with extensive capabilities. Bernie and I have been professional friends for a good number of years. I know some of the senior living and care professionals and companies who were / are clients of Premier Search, and all speak of his company, its service, and its attention to detail in glowing terms. I strongly recommend Bernie and Premier Search to companies seeking help with sourcing and securing top talent. And, I make the same recommendation to senior living and care professionals looking to find a company that matches their experience and knowledge."

    —SR VP HR, Multi-State Senior Living Provider

  • "I highly recommend Bernie and his entire staff for your employment needs. He is knowledgeable, honest and has the utmost in professionalism. Bernie knows the industry and gives his personal touch with each of his clients. Customer service and his compassion for his job are so evident when speaking with him and he is honest and never makes empty promises. Truly an advocate for his clients."

    —Chief Clinical Officer, National Healthcare Enterprise