Our Team

Working Together to Build a Better World

Serving as a dynamic extension of your talent acquisition team.

Experienced

Our team is composed of dedicated talent executives that have worked in the industry at Fortune 500 firms. Our diverse backgrounds give us a deeper understanding of the talent ecosystem, allowing us to fully represent the needs and many cultures of our clients.

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

We are focused on building teams that build a better world through diversity, mutual respect and natural empathy. We embrace our shared humanity and the belief that we can all learn from one another.

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.”

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

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!”

THERESA CAVINEE

DIRECTOR, ENGAGEMENT OPERATIONS & RESEARCH

KRISTIN ERICKSON

LEAD, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Rayana Petrone

MARKETING INTERN

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

We treat fellow employees, clients, and advisors as people first, and work colleagues second. Our colleagues’ life events, concerns, and issues are deeply important to us, and we take their faith in us very seriously.

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

We Improve the day-to-day and pay attention to the details when focused on accomplishing the tasks at hand, and in determining talent strategies for your organization.

Curiosity

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

Generosity

We find ways to understand the talent ecosystem and are committed to sharing our individual perspectives and ideas in an effort to elevate the team. We believe in sharing ideas, goals, accomplishments, and dreams, and always maintaining a team mentality.

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

We expect and believe that the team is committed to our individual development. We continually spend time reflecting on both our individual and team efforts to ensure there is continual learning, growth, and development.

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.