We’re good for the civic sector.
It takes a leader to find leaders, and with decades of experience in the civic sector we know how to identify your needs, build a process that works for you, and find the perfect fit. It’s what we’re all about, from our interests and education to our bedrock values. Get to know us.
Our Team
Read the detailed bios and get all the goods on our team. But what you really need to know is we’ve got experience, connections and we’re ready to talk… and to listen.
Experience: We’re talking decades in the civic sector. No rookies here. That means we’ve got the skill and expertise your organization needs, with the professional recognition to back it up.
Connections: We know people and people know us. That’s important in search, but it’s more than just a big list. It’s a good list. They’re not just connections, they’re friends. We treat others as they want to be treated and it shows.
Ready to Talk: We may have impressive resumes, but we’re still approachable. Seriously: Give us a call. We’re regular people. We're also exceptional whistlers and agate hunters (OK, maybe we’re not that regular).
Marcia Ballinger
Co-Founder and Partner
Marcia has been a leader in the Twin Cities executive search community for nearly two decades. Marcia is an expert, author (Winning the Executive Interview, The 20-Minute Networking Meeting, and Make the Jump: Reinvent Your Career in the Nonprofit Sector) and frequent speaker on the topics of executive networking, career management and best practices in executive recruiting.
Jen Hanlon Ash
Partner
Jen has worked inside companies for over two decades as a human resources leader, talent strategist, hiring manager, business partner and coach. Jen is an empathetic listener who builds authentic, consultative relationships with candidates and clients alike. She’s obsessed with learning how organizations work and making connections, which is why she finds executive search work so engaging and rewarding.
Holly Kelsey-Henry
partner
Holly has been an obsessive wordsmith since she was eight years old, when she penned her first book in which the main character grew up to be a journalist. She’s worked as a writer, editor and media manager and currently serves as a board member of Generations Health Care Initiatives.
Lars Leafblad
Co-Founder and Partner
Lars has spent his career doing what he loves best—connecting people with one another and with new opportunities to develop their careers and connections. He has served as Director of the Bush Fellowship Program at the Bush Foundation, Development Director at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs and as a member of the Famous Dave’s of America National BBQ Touring Rib Team.
Jamie Millard
Partner
Jamie Millard is a connector and storyteller who deeply appreciates the humility and courage required to lead—especially in those defining moments when leaders stand at the threshold of transition. As a former executive director, her direct experience is a rare asset in the executive search field, which will help her guide both candidates and clients with empathy and expertise in their own pivotal moments of change.
Damon Shoholm
Partner
With over 15 years of experience in leadership development, civic engagement, and facilitation training, Damon has earned a strong reputation as a trusted counselor, coach and civic connector across Minnesota. Most recently, Damon served as the Grantmaking Director for the Bush Fellowship at the Bush Foundation. He has also served as Director of the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation and is a current board member of the Shannon Leadership Institute.
Diane Meskan SCHWECKE
Vice President of Administration
Diane is an administrative guru, handling document preparation, scheduling and project work. She has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit, professional services, manufacturing, hospitality and education sectors.
Jill Harmon
Partner Emeritus
With more than 20 years in executive search, Jill has worked across multiple industries. She started out as a search generalist, but has recently focused on nonprofit recruiting. It’s an area she loves. Helping good organizations find great leaders who can make a difference is satisfying work.
Bob Schoenbaum
Partner EMERITUS
As a search industry veteran, Bob has worked extensively with business owners, CEOs, Search Committees and Boards, helping them hire leaders to take their organizations to the next level. Bob’s search experience includes working in nearly every industry—from large public companies to startups to nonprofit and healthcare organizations.
On-Boarding CoacheS
Good civic search doesn’t end when you find the right person. We stick around. Our team of on-boarding coaches works with newly placed executives to help them through the transition.
LEADERSHIP ADVISORS
Our Leadership Advisor network is comprised of top executives recruited by us who are willing to be partners and advisors to our newly recruited leaders.
When we place a new leader at a client organization, they can reach out to this network for advice, brainstorming, support and fellowship as they begin their own leadership transition.