Recognized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as one of the nation’s top executive recruiters, Strackhouse serves as a vice chairman at Caldwell. His practice recruits transformational talent to the boards and leadership teams of technology companies. He and his team have been crucial in shaping the leadership of companies like Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which was founded by Bill Gates and aims to accelerate innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2014, Strackhouse joined Caldwell from Heidrick & Struggles, where he had an accomplished 19-year career as a senior partner in its board and CEO practices. Earlier in his tenure, he established and co-led the company’s global e-business practice, which grew to become the largest practice in the firm at the time. 

He was also the key architect in building the firm’s relationship with the World Economic Forum and placed some of the most influential leaders of the forum.​ Strackhouse is frequently quoted in leading publications, including Financial Times, BusinessWeek, Newsweek and Fortune, on topics ranging from global talent management and board effectiveness to C-suite leadership. He has also been a featured contributor at the World Economic Forum.​

Strackhouse previously worked for British Petroleum (ARCO) and was a general manager for the TAB Products Company. During his early career, he held a progression of management positions in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto.​

Strackhouse received his bachelor of arts degree from Pennsylvania State University. He serves on the board for Penn State’s Smeal College of Business. Additionally, he was previously a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Fostering Entrepreneurship and also served on the Global Agenda Council on Skills and Talent Mobility.