

Prior to Co-Founding accelHRate in 2014, she spent eight years with Korn Ferry where she led the HR Center of Expertise as a Senior Client Partner in the CEO and Board Practice. She has partnered with hundreds of clients across multiple industries and geographies to place Board of Directors and CHRO talent. She Co-Leads accelHRate’s Board of Directors Practice and leads our CHRO Practice. Shanahan brings over 25 years of business and executive search experience to accelHRate. Gary resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife and three children.

Gary received a bachelor’s degree in Business from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from The George Washington University. Gary has also held Human Resource leadership positions at USAA, Gateway Computers, and Diageo North America. He has broad experience in architecting and delivering change, including serving in transition leadership roles for the MBNA, LaSalle, and Countrywide mergers.

He led a global team of human resources professionals supporting 140,000 associates in the U.S., Europe, and Canada. Previously with Bank of America, Gary was the Human Resources Executive for the Consumer and Wealth Management Businesses. He was appointed CEO of Compass Education in 2017. Responsible for human resources, communications, and labor relations for over 250,000 associates in the United States and Canada, he successfully reengineered and led the human resources function to meet the needs of one of America’s largest employers. Gary joined Compass Group in 2011 as Executive Vice President, Human Resources and was appointed Chief People Officer in 2014. With revenues over $3B and 50,000+ associates, the Compass Education portfolio is the premier group of specialist companies offering dining and support services solutions to clients throughout the education market. Gary Snyder is the Chief Executive Officer of Compass Education, which includes Chartwells Higher Education, Chartwells K12, Gourmet Dining, and SSC Services for Education.
