Hawai'i Pacific University announced Thursday that it has chosen a firm to assist its search committee with the presidential selection process.

After considering more than 17 candidates and narrowing it down to four finalists over the past two months, the committee selected Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates because of its extensive expertise in providing executive recruitment services, specifically related to presidential search services for colleges, universities, independent schools and not-for-profit organizations.

"Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates has clearly demonstrated a depth of knowledge about Hawai'i, our people, our community and the higher education landscape, especially as it relates to Hawai'i Pacific University's unique role as a private institution," said Chuck Sted, Hawai'i Pacific University's chairman of the Board of Trustees, in a statement.

The firm will work closely with the search committee and HPU constituencies to identify and interview appropriate presidential candidates, the university said.