I agree with the above ... maybe throwing Duke and UNC into the mix. The research triangle is an amazing place to live for a while.
Maybe also network into some executive placement folks who recruit for historians system executives to see what they would suggest.
My advice - don't ask someone for help from someone unless their in a position to really move the needle.
I can't move the needle, but with some thinking, you can find the top five people who can ... present a clean case (unencumbered by your own thinking or the advice of others) and see what they say.
If you get a majority punting you in the same general direction, that's what I'd consider.
The best question -- "Given what you know about the industry, and what I've shared with you of my background and goals, what do you think is the wisest use of the next five years of my life to make the best progress towards this goal?"
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