Our Team
Working Together to Build a Better World
Serving as a dynamic extension of your talent acquisition team.

Experienced

Visionary
Our team inspires others to build teams that fulfill everyone’s important desires and sense of belonging. Our driving force is to help candidates fulfill their hopes and dreams.

Empowering
People Make the Difference

CARMEN PEÑA
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AMBASSADOR
“In the moments in life when we want to feel good, it helps to gently remind ourselves that happiness is a choice and an inside job. When we understand that what we focus on grows, we realize the power of focus. A simple shift of perspective can create instant change. Maybe look for the good in yourself, others or the situation. Or, reflect on what brings you joy. Is it the love you feel for family, friends or a pet? The peace you feel when you look at the ocean or go for a walk in nature? The fun you feel when you dance to your favorite song? Or how happy you feel when you laugh so hard tears stream down your face? Whatever you decide you need or want in the moment, focus on one of these ideas and you’ll be delighted at how quickly your mind, energy and feelings shift. Relax, take a breath and remember life is supposed to feel good. Have fun on the journey and use your own guidance to inspire you to a better feeling place.”

DAVID MCINNIS
PRESIDENT & FOUNDING PARTNER
“Life has its peaks and valleys. The final moments in getting up to the peak are not easy, nor is it easy coming up out of the valley. But when you’re riding downhill, WOW, life is good! The only way that we truly know the great feeling of “riding downhill,” is having felt the struggle climbing up. Embrace both feelings. You are going in the right direction!”

LAURENA MITCHELL
MANAGING DIRECTOR, ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
“As adults, we rarely give ourselves the opportunity to enjoy life and have fun. Be silly, play, fall in love with something new. Awaken the spark you had as a child and discover the “you” who has been within all along. Growing older doesn’t mean we have to stop living.”

KENNEDY WILLIAMS
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
“Be the most authentic version of you that you can be, authenticity brings the best people and joy into your life”

MICHAEL LYNCH
MANAGING DIRECTOR, HEAD OF EXECUTIVE SEARCH GROUP
“I find motivation and inspiration from those that live their lives by showing kindness, respect and empathy for everyone they meet. Lifting others is the greatest reward you can give yourself.“

STEWART SLOAN
PARTNER, SR. ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
“Remember the good, remember the bad, but remember you control yourself! Positive mindset = Good times.”

TRISH MASCIOTTI
MANAGING DIRECTOR, ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
“Those days when we feel stuck and can’t seem to get out of our own way, reach out. Offer to help someone, give your time and attention to something other than what you are working on. Nothing can replace the positive impact of genuine human connections.”

OREN DAVID
MANAGING DIRECTOR, ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
“Surround yourself with those you respect and cherish their friendship. Help them thrive and they will help you do the same in return. Synergy creates greatness”

ALEXANDER ZAYAC
PARTNER, ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
“Over the years, you’re going to experience many ups and downs. Surrounding yourself with people that care for each other always seems to be a winning formula to get through the lows and celebrate the highs.”

Jonathan Sanchez
ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
“Change is constant. Life’s lessons aren’t always easy, but you shall endure! Strive to do work that is worthwhile and be diligent, so you’ll have more good days than bad. Bitterness drains the soul. Be quick to make amends for things that don’t really matter, especially with loved ones. Always try to be kind. You don’t know what others are going through and people will remember you more for the way you made them feel above anything else. When life gets hard, step back, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and smile. You’ll feel better!”

TARA GRANDMAISON
DIGITAL MARKETING ASSOCIATE
“You’ll never know what you’re fully capable of until you put yourself out there and try. Don’t be afraid to fail. Success is good but failure is better— learning the lessons of failure is where growth occurs. Remember to celebrate every single one of your wins, big or small, and don’t give up until you’ve reached the top.”

MICHAEL NEWMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY & FINANCE
“See what you cannot see. Hear what you cannot hear. Believe when you cannot believe.”

CAITLIN SCHELLHORN
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

KELLY DONNELLY
ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

ASHLEE CARAVEO
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

VANESSA ROES
ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
“I feel like a positive attitude has made a huge difference in my life. I strive to focus on my health, create supportive relationships, and work daily to maintain a positive frame of mind. I surround myself with people who share these goals and align myself with people who show ambitions for the same. Every day, I work to instill a happy, healthier lifestyle, for myself and others.“

THERESA CAVINEE
DIRECTOR, ENGAGEMENT OPERATIONS & RESEARCH

KRISTIN ERICKSON
LEAD, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Rayana Petrone
MARKETING INTERN

KRISTEN PASTORE
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
“When you are feeling overwhelmed and think, “I should just give up,…” allow yourself to pause for a moment, and reflect on what you feel like you are drowning in. Life is complicated and everyone feels the weight of the world at times, and that is ok! Decide which particular thing you would like to conquer first and set yourself up for success by achieving that one goal. One task at a time, one step at time, and you will rise above the quicksand! You have control of the choices you make and you are strong enough to make great ones!”
Our Foundation
is Built on Great
Culture
Inspiring positive engagement, respectful debate,
& talent solutions that meet your needs.
Our team is deliberate in how we create and maintain a culture based on:

Trust
We believe in ethical and respectful behavior, and are accountable for our actions. We strive to embody genuine leadership characteristics.

Care

Ethics
We operate in an ethical and compassionate way in everything we do. We are committed to our values and recognize that all of our actions influence our team and collective will.

Commitment
We are focused on building long-term trusted relationships by delivering the highest quality of candidates and helping transform teams.

Attention

Curiosity
We are committed to continual improvement through social learning, and will collaborate with you and teammates in the pursuit of excellence.

Generosity

Transparency
The basis of our consultative approach is to provide direct communication, ensuring that the needs of both your organization and candidates are met.

Empathy
We can all learn something important and useful from each other. Our team is motivated toward supporting the greater good by having natural empathy for our business partners and associates.

Growth

Unique team culture is continually influenced by internal and external factors – let us help you define yours
Willard Powell is dedicated to organizational development of and prosperity for employees, clients, shareholders, and trusted advisors. The shared vision at Willard Powell embraces a set of core values based on good character, self-development, helping others in need, and a genuine desire to realize our full potential as a team. Our focus is to build diverse teams with individuals that care for one another’s well-being. This is our way of making a positive impact on the world and supporting you. We focus specifically on identifying and hiring culture carriers who are caring and empathetic leaders. We take this approach in hiring both executives and individual team members.
