Who We Are

The BradfordLee, LLC approach to executive search combines our respective experience. Murray Lee started in a contingent firm and elevated to retained search a few years later. This broad experience enables him to deliver comprehensive advice to clients. With a business-owner’s background, Karen Bradford understands the pressures that founders feel. Familiar with the concerns over making good business decisions, she knows what it feels like to be in their shoes. Their collective experience provides the basis for their expertise, which clients and candidates can rely on equally.

In addition, their level of approachability is unique and defined by integrity, privacy, respect, and high communication standards. It is this composite of soft skills that differentiates BradfordLee, LLC from other executive search firms. Every client is served by both Murray and Karen!

Murray Lee

Managing Partner

 

I’ve been in the executive search industry since 2001 and have worked in all types and sizes of firms. I started in one of the international conglomerates, was a partner in a regional firm, and owned a boutique practice.”

In 2004, I founded Next Exec, Inc. Karen Bradford joined soon thereafter. Over the next 15 years, we built a small team and honed our search process.

In 2020, we were approached by a professional services firm to merge into their practice. Accepting that opportunity made it possible for us to serve larger clients and new industry sectors over the next five years. Merging firms was the right decision at the right time and we gained significant additional industry experience.

In 2025, we made the decision to close that chapter and go independent again launching BradfordLee, LLC!

Karen Bradford

Managing Partner

 

I approach executive search by focusing on having a deep understanding of the client’s position, setting BradfordLee, LLC apart from most search firms.

My philosophy is rooted in my experience as a business owner. Previously, I founded a handbag manufacturing company. à la main produced, wholesaled, and retailed accessory products for 15 years and the business flourished with sales reps across the United States. This extensive experience allows me to intuitively understand and empathize with the challenges companies face as they strive to hire talented executives.

My ability to relate to business owners distinguishes me from other search consultants. My goal is to help clients to focus on what they do best and sleep well at night by ensuring a trusted and successful hiring process. This unique perspective allows me to put myself in their shoes!

Leveraging over 45 years of combined experience, our core business is serving small and middle-market companies and nonprofit organizations across a wide range of industries.

Real People, Real Results

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It was a pleasure dealing with such a great professional such as yourself and I am truly grateful.

5
E.K., New York, NY
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Thank you for all that you had done to assist me in this process. Your knowledge has been very valuable to me. I can also tell that you enjoy doing what you call your job!

5
R.U. Chicago, IL
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Murray, I just want to take the opportunity to thank you for working with me throughout this process. It really has been an excellent experience. I wanted to share my gratitude because I believe you and your company do excellent work.

5
K.F. Lowell, MA
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Thank you once again for your persistence with me! Words cannot describe how elated I am to work with my new team!

5
T.O. Cleveland, OH
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Karen was a wonderful presence… Her knowledge of the non-profit and corporate sectors helped me to better understand the increasingly competitive job market, hiring trends, … and how to best position myself. Karen seems able to make the best out of many situations in a win-win manner. Her technical knowledge combined with her inherently calming, reflective and insightful nature is sure to be an asset to hiring managers… I highly recommend working with Karen.

5
J.V. Westford, MA
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Thank you so much for your guidance, advice, and insight – I really can’t thank you enough!

5
S.A. Pittsburgh, PA
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I’m thrilled to recommend Murray, who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for several years. His incredible diligence, unwavering reliability, and ability to drive projects forward left a lasting impression on me. He is the kind of professional you’d trust with your most sensitive projects or to represent your company in high-stakes situations. I believe Murray is a great asset if you’re looking for a dedicated, trustworthy, and highly capable Executive Search Consultant!

5
A.H. Cambridge, MA
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Thanks for everything. Ken and I are very pleased with both of your recruits.

5
L.S. Chicago, IL
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We are sincerely grateful for your facilitation of this hiring opportunity.

5
C.T., Salem, MA
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Thank you so much for your guidance, advice, and insight – I really can’t thank you enough!

5
S.A., Pittsburgh, PA
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Karen is an exceptional search professional who prioritizes relationship building and the candidate experience. I had the pleasure of working with her during a recent career transition, and she was consistently thoughtful, responsive and supportive. Karen is an amazing advocate, sounding board and mentor. She truly wants the best match for both the candidate and the company, spending considerable time with both so she can ensure a successful placement. Her kindness, professionalism and support would be welcomed by any candidate or client. I highly recommend working with Karen!

5
V.D. Brockton, MA
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My first day was yesterday and I just wanted to let you know how fantastic it went! I’m so excited about this company, the people I work with and the opportunities ahead. Thank you so much for everything.

5
J.V. Atlanta, GA
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I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Murray and seeing firsthand the impact of his work in executive recruiting. Since 2001, he has been connecting outstanding organizations with exceptional leaders. He does it with a level of professionalism, care, and insight that sets him apart.

Murray brings a rare ability to truly understand both sides of the equation: the unique challenges and culture of each organization, and the skills and leadership qualities needed in C-Suite candidates. Whether working with corporate clients or nonprofit boards, he consistently identifies, recruits, and places leaders who not only fit the role but also elevate the organization.

What stands out most is his integrity and dedication to solving challenges for his clients. He doesn’t just fill a position – he ensures the right match to drive long-term success. If your organization is looking for an Executive Director, President/CEO, or other senior leader, I can’t recommend Murray highly enough. He is a trusted advisor and a true partner in executive search.

5
S.M., Boston, MA
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Karen…the best part is Amy. I think she will be great!

5
L.S. Boise, ID
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I am very pleased to recommend your services. Prior to engaging you, we had used another professional and done our own search for over two years with no viable candidates. Your work to secure a viable candidate was comprehensive and thorough. You provided sound advice and suggestions throughout the search. In short, we are very pleased with the service and the outcome…

5
C.G., Nantucket, MA
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I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your help. Recruiters like yourself are rare, most do not take the time to invest and care for both the client and the candidate.

5
D.Y., Philadelphia, PA
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I’ve had several opportunities over the past few years to utilize Murray’s sourcing and recruiting talents for particularly challenging roles. I highly recommend him. He delivers the results that he promises!

5
N.J., Boston, MA
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Karen, you helped me last year in recruiting Roberta. She is still with me and is my most valued asset! I can’t thank you enough!

5
J.K. Louisville, KY
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I have been very pleased with the professionalism and efficiency of your recruitment service, and trust that you feel the same about your relationship with us. On behalf of our entire Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your assistance in this search. I feel strongly that the candidate we have chosen is a good match for a long time to come. Murray, once again thanks for your time and effort, and I look forward to continuing a business relationship with you in the future.

5
C.P. Worcester, MA
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Karen’s communication and consistency throughout the search process helped us so much. She was extremely attentive to our needs and asked all the right questions. This was a difficult search which presented some limitations, but Karen rolled up her sleeves and found us fantastic candidates. The person we ended up hiring could have been hired at that first interview!

5
R.D., Philadelphia, PA

Quality Over Quantity

We limit the number of searches we work on to make each client a priority.