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Placement Category: First Head of HR

Placing an HR Leader Who Rose to the CEO Role

At Talent Connections, we know that the right HR leader can be a game-changer for an organization. When Georgia Urology needed to hire their first-ever Head of HR, they partnered with us to find an executive who could shape their people strategy and help drive business success. We identified and placed Dan Fellner – a […]

Strengthening HR Leadership (Twice) to Support Mission-Driven Growth

  • HR Function Building
  • Nonprofit
  • Head of HR
  • Interim HR Leadership

At Talent Connections, we are passionate about helping mission-driven organizations build the HR leadership needed to expand their impact. When Inspiritus, an Atlanta-based nonprofit, engaged us, they were at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation.

To ensure stability and forward momentum as its long-term HR structure evolved, we partnered with Inspiritus on interim HR leadership support. We then placed their first Head of HR, who brought strategic focus to culture, engagement, and organizational alignment. This leader helped lay the foundation for a more cohesive people strategy– guiding the organization toward a future-of-work model while strengthening employee engagement across a diverse and growing team.

As Inspiritus continued to evolve and elevate its HR strategy, we partnered with them again to place a second key HR leader who was equipped to guide the organization through the next phase: a large-scale transformation and organizational alignment. This leader played a critical role in positioning Inspiritus to expand services across its footprint and ensuring the organization could continue delivering on its mission at an even greater scale.

This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations with HR leadership that drives both cultural strength and operational transformation, enabling them to serve more communities and create lasting impact.

Delivering Specialized Talent in a High-Pressure, Competitive Market

  • TA Team Support
  • Multiple Placements
  • Technology

Talent Connections specializes in helping organizations solve complex, high-volume hiring challenges, especially when the talent is scarce and the stakes are high. When Microsoft Corporation needed to identify and secure software test engineers across the country, they engaged multiple firms to support the initiative, including Talent Connections.

The objective was clear but challenging: source, qualify, and deliver highly specialized technical talent in a competitive market shaped by rapid innovation and aggressive hiring from peer companies like Google. Speed, precision, and consistency were critical.

To meet this demand, Talent Connections deployed a team of senior-level IT contract recruiters with deep experience in technical sourcing and evaluation. Working as an extension of Microsoft’s internal team, we focused on identifying hard-to-find candidates, rigorously qualifying them, and delivering a strong pipeline of talent ready for consideration.

While other firms struggled to keep pace and ultimately stepped away from the engagement, Talent Connections remained committed and continued to deliver results. Our consistency, quality, and ability to operate under pressure led Microsoft to expand the partnership, inviting us to support additional, experimental recruiting initiatives.

This engagement highlights our ability to execute in demanding environments, delivering specialized talent solutions that help organizations stay competitive—even in the most challenging hiring markets.

Scaling Recruiting Capacity with High-Impact Contract Talent

  • TA Team Support
  • Multiple Placements
  • Consumer & Retail

At Talent Connections, we partner with enterprise organizations to build flexible, high-performing recruiting functions that can scale with business demand. When The Coca-Cola Company needed to significantly increase hiring volume, they faced a critical challenge: how to expand their recruiting capacity without taking on the cost and rigidity of full-time hires.

Initially, Coca-Cola engaged a division of a global retained search firm to source contract recruiters. However, the cost structure mirrored executive search pricing, making it an unsustainable solution for a high-volume hiring need. The team began exploring a more efficient, scalable approach. That’s where Talent Connections came in.

Leveraging our deep bench of experienced contract recruiters, we partnered closely with Coca-Cola’s internal team to deliver talent that not only met the technical requirements of the role but also aligned with the culture and pace of their organization. Our model provided access to high-quality recruiting professionals at a more flexible and cost-effective margin.

The result was a scalable recruiting solution that could adapt to fluctuating hiring needs without compromising on quality. Many of the contract recruiters we placed stayed engaged for over a year, becoming trusted extensions of the internal team and playing a key role in driving high-volume, high-quality hiring outcomes.

This partnership reflects our ability to deliver flexible talent solutions that help large organizations scale efficiently while maintaining the integrity of their hiring process.

Partnering with an Ivy League University to Build a World Class HR Team

  • HR Function Building
  • Head of TA & Head of Total Rewards
  • Higher Education

At Talent Connections, we know that finding the right HR leaders for top-tier institutions requires a deep understanding of culture, talent, and mission. When Yale University engaged us to lead searches for two critical HR leadership roles, we partnered closely with their Head of HR to identify exceptional talent for the team.

These searches required relocation to Connecticut, and we worked diligently to identify candidates who could not only deliver at the highest level but also thrive within Yale’s distinguished, purpose-driven culture. Through this collaboration, we successfully placed two incredible leaders who have become integral members of the HR team: the Head of Talent Acquisition and the Head of Total Rewards.

Both leaders have assimilated seamlessly into the university’s culture, making meaningful contributions to their teams while advancing their own professional growth. The client expressed strong satisfaction with the partnership, and the placements continue to reflect the impact of strategic HR leadership in the education sector.

This story highlights our ability to deliver transformative HR talent across industries – including higher education – where culture, mission, reputation and excellence matter most.

Partnering with a Prestigious Law Firm to Elevate HR Leadership

  • National Expansion
  • Multiple Placements
  • Professional Services

At Talent Connections, we understand that high-performing organizations require equally exceptional HR leadership. When King & Spalding engaged us to lead HR management and leadership searches across multiple locations in the U.S., they were seeking talent capable of thriving in a highly intellectual, high-expectation environment.

We partnered closely with firm leadership to identify top-tier HR leaders who could operate as true strategic partners, supporting a workforce of some of the most accomplished attorneys in the world. This required individuals with the ability to navigate complexity, influence at senior levels, and align people strategy with business performance in a unique and demanding professional services setting.

Through our targeted and thoughtful approach, we successfully placed high-impact HR talent across key markets, strengthening King & Spalding’s ability to support its people, enhance leadership capability, and sustain its reputation for excellence.

This engagement reflects our expertise in delivering HR talent across multiple levels for organizations where the bar is exceptionally high and the impact of getting it right is even higher.

Supporting a C-Suite Leader Through Two Critical Transitions

  • Merger
  • Multiple HR Leadership Placements
  • Consumer & Retail

At Talent Connections, we value long-term partnerships with leaders who trust us to help build and elevate their teams at every stage of growth. One of our most meaningful partnerships reflects this in action: supporting a C-suite HR leader across two organizations – first Aaron’s, then BrandsMart – during pivotal moments of transformation.

We initially partnered with this leader to help strengthen and elevate the HR function within Aaron’s, aligning talent strategy with the evolving needs of the business. Through this work, we helped transition the team toward a more strategic, business-aligned HR model.

Following a major acquisition, this leader stepped into a new role as Chief Operating Officer of the acquired company. As they took on this expanded leadership responsibility, they once again turned to Talent Connections – this time to rebuild and transform the HR team within the new organization.

Together, we led the shift from a transactional HR structure to a true business partner model, placing high-impact HR leaders across field and corporate environments to support the company’s growth and operational goals.

This story reflects our commitment to partnering with exceptional leaders over time, supporting them as they grow, evolve, and continue to build stronger organizations wherever they go.

Identifying the Next HR Leader to Follow a Legacy

  • Succession Planning
  • Head of HR
  • Construction

At Talent Connections, we know that replacing an exceptional HR leader is about more than filling a role – it’s about honoring a legacy while preparing for the future. When Holder Construction engaged us to lead the search for a successor to their long-tenured Head of HR, a respected leader who had spent 8+ years building a strong foundation, the importance of getting it right was clear.

Rather than making a direct replacement, the company took a thoughtful and strategic approach – seeking a successor who could step in, learn the business, and carry that legacy forward. We partnered closely with the executive team to identify a high-impact HR leader, placing her in the role of Head of Benefits, Compensation & Wellness with a clear path to succession.

When the Head of HR retired, she was immediately promoted to the top role, ensuring continuity, stability, and momentum for the organization. Now, more than eight years later, she continues to build on that legacy – leading with strength, evolving the HR function, and making a lasting impact on the business.

This story reflects our ability to identify and place leaders who not only step into big shoes, but confidently grow into them and elevate what comes next.

Elevating Total Rewards for a Marquee Technology Company

  • Confidential Replacement
  • Head of Total Rewards
  • Technology

Many times, Talent Connections partners with companies at pivotal moments of growth – when evolving leadership and infrastructure are critical to competing at the next level. When a marquee, household-name technology company engaged us to lead the search for their first Head of Total Rewards, it marked a significant step in their evolution following the appointment of a new CEO.

As the organization scaled toward 1,000+ employees, they recognized the need to transform their rewards strategy – moving from a startup-style, scrappy approach to a more sophisticated, competitive total rewards structure that could attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive tech market.

We partnered closely with their leadership team to identify a top-tier Total Rewards executive, ultimately recruiting a standout leader from one of the most respected companies in the city. This individual brought immediate credibility and the required expertise to lead a comprehensive compensation, benefits, and equity programs transformation.

The impact was felt quickly – enhancing the company’s market confidence, competitiveness, and ability to attract elite talent, while building a scalable rewards infrastructure to support continued growth.

This search highlights our team’s ability to deliver specialized HR leadership that enables companies to scale with intention and compete at the highest levels.

Leading a Transformational CHRO Search for a $4B Global Manufacturing Company

  • Leadership Transition
  • CHRO
  • Manufacturing

Talent Connections specializes in partnering with executive leadership teams to place HR leaders who can drive business performance at scale. When Lippert engaged us to lead their Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) search, the stakes were high, and the opportunity was even greater.

Working in close partnership with CEO Jason Lippert and his executive leadership team, we led a highly strategic search to identify the right leader. Specifically, we set out to find someone who could support Lippert’s continued growth in revenue and market share while also strengthening its deeply purpose-driven, people-first culture. With a footprint spanning 140 global manufacturing facilities and 12,500 employees, this role required a CHRO who could operate at both enterprise scale and human-level impact.

We focused on identifying a leader who could balance operational excellence with cultural stewardship – someone capable of leading a complex, global HR organization while staying true to Lippert’s commitment to supporting employees’ individual and professional goals. Given the significance of the role, relocation was essential, and we successfully delivered a candidate ready to step into this critical leadership position.

This search reflects our ability to partner at the highest levels of an organization to deliver transformative HR leaders who not only meet the moment, but help shape the future of a global, leading business.

Partnering with Private Equity to Ensure a Seamless HR Leadership Transition

  • Leadership Transition
  • Head of HR
  • Manufacturing

At Talent Connections, we understand the unique demands and pace of private equity-backed organizations, where the right leadership is critical to driving performance and value creation. When East West Manufacturing – a global, private equity-owned manufacturing company – needed to hire a new Head of HR, they partnered with us to ensure a seamless and strategic transition.

Their current Head of HR was stepping away on great terms to pursue an entrepreneurial path in consulting, creating an important inflection point for the business. We worked closely with the CEO and the outgoing Head of HR to align on the expectations of a PE environment – speed, scalability, and a sharp focus on business outcomes – while also honoring the strong culture already in place.

Through this highly-collaborative and targeted search, we identified and placed a high-impact HR leader equipped to thrive in a private equity setting. Not only did they quickly integrate and maintain momentum. They also continued to elevate East West Manufacturing’s people strategy in support of growth and value creation.

This engagement highlights our ability to partner with private equity-backed companies and their leadership teams to deliver HR talent that drives results at every stage of the investment lifecycle.

Placing an HR Leader Who Rose to the CEO Role

  • First Head of HR
  • Head of HR to CEO
  • Healthcare

At Talent Connections, we know that the right HR leader can be a game-changer for an organization. When Georgia Urology needed to hire their first-ever Head of HR, they partnered with us to find an executive who could shape their people strategy and help drive business success.

We identified and placed Dan Fellner – a standout HR leader who quickly became an integral part of the executive team, bringing strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to organizational culture. In just six months, following the retirement of the organization’s CEO, Dan was promoted to Chief Executive Officer – a testament to his leadership impact and ability to drive results at the highest level.

This success story highlights the power of strategic HR leadership and reinforces our expertise in placing top talent that not only thrives in their roles, but also transforms organizations from the inside out.

Strengthening Mission-Driven Hiring for Habitat for Humanity International

  • Recruitment Process Outsourcing
  • Multiple Placements
  • Non-Profit

At Talent Connections, we take pride in helping purpose-driven organizations build high-impact teams. When Habitat for Humanity, one of the most respected nonprofit organizations, needed to outsource their entire recruiting function, they entrusted us with the responsibility of finding top talent to support their mission.

With a focus on both corporate and field roles, we became an extension of their team – delivering skilled professionals who could drive their vision forward. From hiring strategic leaders at headquarters to placing critical roles in the field, we ensured Habitat for Humanity had the right talent in place to support communities worldwide.

This partnership not only reinforced our expertise in nonprofit talent acquisition but also demonstrated our ability to seamlessly manage and elevate an organization’s recruiting function, allowing them to focus on what matters most: Building homes, communities, and hope.

Transforming a National Retailer’s Field HR Team

  • HR Function Building
  • Multiple Placements
  • Consumer & Retail

At Talent Connections, we understand that strong HR leadership is the backbone of a thriving workforce. When Aaron’s newly appointed Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) set out to elevate their field HR function, they needed a strategic partner to help build a team that could drive business success at scale.

With a focus on upgrading HR Business Partners and HR Managers across stores and regions nationwide, we worked closely with the CHRO to assess talent needs, identify high-impact HR leaders, and deliver professionals who could enhance employee engagement, strengthen culture, and support operations in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Through our targeted and strategic hiring approach, we successfully rebuilt and upgraded Aaron’s field HR function, ensuring the company had the right talent in place to lead their workforce forward. This partnership not only strengthened their HR capability. It also positioned the national retailer for long-term success in an increasingly competitive industry.

Building Strong HR Leadership at Hemophilia of Georgia

  • HR Function Building
  • CHRO
  • Healthcare

At Talent Connections, we take pride in not only placing top talent, but also in fostering meaningful partnerships that support career and leadership growth. Our work with Hemophilia of Georgia is a perfect example of how strategic HR hiring strengthens a purpose-filled organization.

We initially placed Lisa Williams Coleman as Director of HR. She quickly made an impact, leading to her well-earned promotion to VP of HR then to Chief HR Officer. Recognizing the importance of building a strong HR team, she turned to Talent Connections once again – this time, to help her find a critical right-hand leader to serve as her number two.

By understanding the organization’s mission, culture, and evolving needs, we successfully placed a talented HR professional who could seamlessly support Lisa and drive key initiatives forward. This collaboration underscores our commitment to building great HR teams with incredible leaders who trust us to build their teams.

Becoming the Trusted Talent Partner for Cousins Properties

  • Leadership Transition
  • Head of HR
  • Real Estate Investment

At Talent Connections, we don’t just fill roles – we build lasting partnerships that help great companies thrive. Our relationship with Cousins Properties, a marquee name in commercial real estate, is a perfect example.

Cousins trusted us to place Deborah Schwarz – its pivotal Head of HR who played a critical role in shaping the company’s talent strategy and culture. When she later decided to pursue a consulting career, she departed on great terms – leaving behind a strong HR foundation.

Recognizing the impact of our first placement, Cousins once again turned to Talent Connections to identify their next Head of HR, ensuring continued leadership and stability within their organization. By deeply understanding their culture, goals, and the evolving needs of the business, we successfully placed Francis Wetherington  –another outstanding HR leader who carried their vision forward.

We are proud to be a trusted partner in helping Cousins build and sustain a best-in-class HR function.

Celebrating Marlo Gillette’s 18+ Years of Leadership with Nasco

  • HR Function Building
  • Head of HR
  • Healthcare Tech

At Talent Connections, we believe that great companies are built by great people. That’s why we take pride in placing HR leaders who drive lasting impact – leaders like Marlo Gillette, who has been a leader at NASCO for over 18 years.

When NASCO needed a strategic HR leader to help shape its workforce and culture, we connected them with Marlo as an HR Director. Over the years, she has played a key role in strengthening NASCO’s HR function, fostering a people-first culture and driving talent strategies that have fueled the company’s long-term success. Her leadership and vision helped position NASCO as a thriving organization, and today, she serves as Head of HR, leading the charge in building an engaged and high-performing workforce.

Marlo’s journey exemplifies how the right HR leadership can make a lasting difference in an organization’s growth and success. We are honored to have played a part in this partnership and look forward to NASCO’s continued success under her leadership.

Building an Elite HR Team for a Fortune 500 Company’s New Atlanta HQ

  • Merger
  • Multiple Placements
  • Consumer & Retail

At Talent Connections, we specialize in helping companies build best-in-class HR teams, especially during times of transformation. When Veritiv made the strategic move to establish its new headquarters in Atlanta, they needed the right HR talent in place to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success.

With 10+ full-time HR roles to fill – ranging from senior HR Business Partners and Compensation roles to Talent Management and Labor Relations roles, plus a team of contract recruiters – Veritiv turned to Talent Connections for expertise and execution. Leveraging our deep network and market insights, we quickly identified and placed high-impact HR professionals who could support the company’s expansion and growth in Atlanta.

Our ability to deliver quality talent, at speed, across multiple levels ensured Veritiv had the right people in place to drive business success from day one. As Atlanta continues to thrive as a business hub, we take pride in being the go-to partner for companies looking to build exceptional HR teams in this competitive market.

Delivering Hundreds of HR Hires for a Fortune 500 Company

  • Growth & Scaling
  • Multiple Placements
  • Consumer & Retail

At Talent Connections, we excel at solving complex hiring challenges. When Delta Air Lines needed to scale its HR function rapidly, they turned to our Recruitment Process Outsourcing team to get the job done.

With a nationwide need for 200+ HR professionals, Delta sought a strategic partner who could ensure speed, quality, and efficiency – all of which we delivered. Our dedicated project team executed a streamlined, high-touch recruitment strategy – identifying and placing top HR talent across the country while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.

The result? Every role was filled on time with top-tier candidates who were the right fit for Delta’s culture and goals. This project not only met immediate hiring demands. It also strengthened Delta’s long-term HR infrastructure with exceptional talent.

From high-volume hiring to strategic workforce solutions, Talent Connections is proud to help great companies like Delta build and scale with confidence.

Placing a Growing Healthcare Tech Company’s First Head of HR

  • First Head of HR
  • Chief People Officer
  • Healthcare Tech

At Talent Connections, we thrive on helping organizations build strong leadership foundations. That’s why we were honored to serve Enlace Health in the successful placement of their first Head of HR.

As a growing organization, Enlace Health recognized the need for a strategic HR leader to drive talent initiatives, enhance company culture, and support business growth. Understanding the significance of this inaugural role, our team conducted a targeted search to identify a leader from a progressive health company who could shape and scale the HR function from the ground up.

Our candidate, Amanda Allen, stood out as the perfect fit, bringing a wealth of experience in HR leadership, talent strategy, and organizational development. With her expertise, Enlace Health is well-positioned to cultivate a high-performing workforce and a dynamic, people-first culture.