Dakota Doman
Managing Director
Dakota Doman is a dynamic and visionary executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning higher education administration, executive search, organizational strategy, and governmental affairs. He is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education Practice, bringing a comprehensive perspective on leadership needs within academic institutions, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Before ZRG, Dakota was the President and Managing Principal of TM2 Executive Search, the only search firm founded to provide executive talent solutions to HBCUs, where his work focused on inclusive leadership recruitment, strategic talent pipelines, and governance transformation, contributing to successful placements in C-suite and senior academic roles across the country. Under his leadership, TM2 was nationally recognized for reshaping the executive hiring landscape for historically underserved institutions, and Dakota was featured in the February Black History Month edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national publication spotlighting leaders advancing equity and access in higher education.
Prior to leading TM2, Dakota was unanimously appointed by the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. He joined TSU initially as Chief of Staff and Chief Governmental Affairs Officer, where he spearheaded critical university initiatives including legislative engagement at municipal, state, and federal levels, Title III program development, institutional effectiveness, strategic partnerships, and transformative planning.
Across his career in higher education, Dakota has served as an executive administrator, strategist, academician, researcher, and public policy analyst. He is widely regarded for his ability to bridge the gap between institutional mission and strategic execution—especially in environments navigating complex change.
Dakota has served as an executive administrator, strategist, academician, researcher, and public policy analyst. He is widely regarded for his ability to bridge the gap between institutional mission and strategic execution, especially in environments navigating complex change.
A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dakota has delivered over 100 national presentations on topics including:
- The future of leadership at HBCUs
- Organizational transformation in higher education
- Talent acquisition and executive search strategies
- Student success and institutional effectiveness
His insights have helped boards, presidents, and senior leaders reimagine talent and leadership frameworks that foster innovation and inclusion.
Dakota earned both his Bachelor’s degree and MBA from Lamar University, followed by a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University. He also holds an Advanced Certificate in Executive Talent from Cornell University ILR School—underscoring his formal training in leadership assessment, executive search strategy, and talent development. To further solidify his credentials in the executive recruitment industry, Dakota holds an Advanced Certificate in Executive Talent from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR). He is also a member of several national organizations supporting equity and inclusion in executive hiring practices.
Outside of work, Dakota is an avid golfer and passionate snowboarder, finding both challenge and renewal in these pursuits. His balance of professional rigor and personal joy reflects his holistic approach to leadership and life.
