Matt Hamlin
Managing Partner
New York
Matt Hamlin is the Managing Partner of PierceGray. Based in New York, he leads the firm’s day-to-day operations as well as key client engagements, specializing in C-Suite placements in high-growth transformational environments. Prior to PierceGray, Matt was a Management Consultant focused on Procurement and Supply Chain, gaining exposure to private equity during his time at Alvarez and Marsal. Matt has worked across nearly every industry sector, with search experience aligned to PierceGray’s functional offerings. Matt began his career at AT&T and holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee.
Matt Hamlin
Managing Partner, New York
Julia Dashuta
Managing Director
Chicago
Julia Dashuta is a Managing Director with PierceGray in the Chicago office, focusing on recruiting senior executives into private equity-backed environments. She specializes in Commercial, Operations, and P&L leadership positions with expertise in the healthcare and industrial verticals. Prior to PierceGray, Julia spent 11 years with Deloitte Consulting’s Strategy and Operations practice, where she led engagements for clients primarily in the healthcare industry with a focus on assessing, designing, and implementing large-scale operational transformations. Julia holds a BS in Management from Boston College and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. Outside of work, Julia can be found exercising at Bar Method, sampling Chicago’s best buffalo wings, and spending time with her husband Matt and young son, Parker.
Julia Dashuta
Managing Director, Chicago
Demi Hutchinson
Managing Director
Chicago
Demi Hutchinson is a Managing Director with PierceGray in the Chicago office and leads Team Builds, the firm’s mid-level recruiting practice. Prior to PierceGray, Demi worked in Human Capital with Linden Capital Partners, where she led executive recruiting and advised on talent strategy across the portfolio. Demi began her career in Operations and Supply Chain roles with GE Healthcare, where she also led Campus Recruiting. She is a graduate of GE’s Operations Management Leadership Program and holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue.
Demi Hutchinson
Managing Director, Chicago
Tom Lafferty
Managing Director
Chicago
Tom Lafferty is a Managing Director at PierceGray with over 30 years of professional experience. Prior to PierceGray, Tom worked for 8 years in operations, EHS, and engineering for ExxonMobil. He subsequently spent 16 years in management consulting with Ernst & Young and Deloitte, where he advised clients on operational performance improvement, cost reduction, business strategy, organizational transformation, and post-merger integration. Tom holds a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Tom Lafferty
Managing Director, Chicago
Alyssa Demas Quinn
Managing Director
Chicago
Alyssa Demas Quinn is a Managing Director at PierceGray in Chicago leading commercial and growth strategy efforts as well as key client engagements. Alyssa has 20 years experience managing high-performing sales and account management teams at private and public financial and professional services firms. She has served private equity, investment management, consulting and Fortune 500 firms throughout her career. Alyssa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and board positions on the Northwestern University Settlement House Board and Winnetka Community House Womens Board.
Alyssa Demas Quinn
Managing Director, Chicago
Kirsten Saul
Managing Director
New York
Kirsten Saul is a Managing Director with PierceGray and the joined the firm in 2012 as employee number 5. Based in the New York office, she specializes in recruiting senior executives into private equity portfolio companies, working extensively in the cosmetics, food/beverage, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing industries. With 11 years of search experience, Kirsten has also executed more than 25 searches for private equity operating groups. Outside of work, Kirsten is a classically trained oboist and freelances with orchestras and chamber music groups in the NYC area. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Portland State University and Northwestern University, respectively.
Kirsten Saul
Managing Director, New York
Nicole Harris
Vice President
Chicago
Nicole Harris is a Vice President with PierceGray in the Chicago office, focusing on recruiting senior executives into investor-backed environments. Nicole has worked extensively in food & beverage, consumer products, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing and has successfully completed searches within Supply Chain, Operations, Finance and Commercial verticals. Prior to PierceGray, Nicole spent 9 years with Michael Page, placing both executive and mid-level Supply Chain and Procurement professionals. Nicole began her career with Enterprise and holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Northern Iowa. Outside of work, Nicole can be found working out at Crosstown Fitness, trying the hottest new restaurant, or at a Chicago Blackhawks game.
Nicole Harris
Vice President, Chicago
Matt Padberg
Vice President
Chicago
Matt Padberg is a Vice President with PierceGray in the Chicago office and focuses on recruiting senior executives into investor-backed environments. Matt has worked extensively in technology, financial services, manufacturing, and life sciences industries. Prior to joining PierceGray, Matt spent over 10 years in management consulting where he led and managed cross-functional global project teams in delivering world-class solutions for clients’ go-to-market sales strategy and operations issues. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geosciences from the University of Notre Dame. Outside of work, Matt likes to be involved with service and volunteering in support of the community and enjoys running, travel, and live music.
Matt Padberg
Vice President, Chicago
Vince Sanchez
Vice President
Chicago
Vince Sanchez is a Vice President with PierceGray in the Chicago office and specializes in recruiting senior operations and supply chain executives into investor-backed environments. At PierceGray, Vince has worked extensively in consumer products, food/beverage, healthcare, technology, and industrial manufacturing. Vince holds a BA and MA degree from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Chicago, respectively.
Vince Sanchez
Vice President, Chicago
Aaron Brandon
Director
New York
Aaron Brandon is a Director with PierceGray, in the New York office. With a decade of search experience, he specializes in recruiting former management consultants and investment bankers into executive roles, including CEO, CFO, General Management, Strategy, Transformation, Corporate Development, and Private Equity Operations, among others. Prior to PierceGray, Aaron led a search practice where PierceGray was his client for multiple years. He holds BA degrees in Psychology and Public Relations from Hofstra University, graduating from their Honors College. Outside the office, Aaron enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spoiling his cat.
Aaron Brandon
Director, New York
Catherine Donegan
Director
Chicago
Catherine is a Director in PierceGray’s Chicago office and has been with the firm since 2018, specializing in in recruiting senior executives into private equity-backed environments. Though her work spans multiple functions, she mainly supports PierceGray’s Commercial and Finance leadership practice. Prior to PierceGray, Catherine spent her early career in commercial banking in a leadership development program and roles later focused on sales, business development, and business banking. Catherine holds a BS in Marketing from John Carroll University’s Boler School of Business in Cleveland, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys being active, playing tennis, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Catherine Donegan
Director, Chicago
Matt Formica
Director
Chicago
Matt Formica is a Director at PierceGray, based in Chicago. He joined the firm in 2018 and has executed 80+ searches, specializing in Operations and Supply Chain leadership for private equity-backed businesses. He has worked extensively in industrials, food/beverage, retail, healthcare, and business services. Prior to PierceGray, Matt held leadership roles in non-profit and higher education with AmeriCorps and Northwestern University, focused on career counseling. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s degree from Northwestern University. Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending quality time with his fiancé and their dog, traveling, and staying active through cycling and golf.
Matt Formica
Director, Chicago
Kelsey Kemp
Director
Chicago
Kelsey Kemp is currently a Director at PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. She has significant experience leading mid-management placements in the Team Builds practice and is passionate about the healthcare industry and sustainability-focused companies. Kelsey has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ball State University with a specialization in Acting. In her free time, you will find her playing Dungeons and Dragons or exploring new restaurants in the city.
Kelsey Kemp
Director, Chicago
Roy Langley
Director
New York
Roy Langley is currently a Director with PierceGray based in New York City and focuses on Operations and Commercial leadership roles within investor-backed companies. Prior to PierceGray, Roy worked in Strategy Consulting at Kaiser Associates, where he focused on operational design and improvement, business strategy development, change management, and commercial due diligence. Roy has worked across a variety of industries including private equity, technology, telecommunications, and industrial goods and services. Roy holds a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Middlebury College.
Roy Langley
Director, New York
Traci Miller
Director
Chicago
Traci Miller is a Director with PierceGray in the Chicago office. She specializes in placing leaders within high-growth, transformative environments and has worked extensively in companies backed by Ares Management, Bain Capital, and Warburg Pincus. Traci started her career in Operations before pivoting to the talent space where she helped scale the corporate talent acquisition function within two global organizations. Traci holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. When she is not working, Traci is traveling, having set a goal to visit at least one new country and one new state every year.
Traci Miller
Director, Chicago
Mark Blount
Engagement Manager
Chicago
Mark Blount is an Engagement Manager with PierceGray out of the Chicago office. During his time at the firm, Mark has focused on Operations, Engineering, and Manufacturing leadership roles for private equity-backed portfolio companies at both the Executive and Team Builds level. Earlier in his career, Mark held Engineering, Operations Management, and Site Leadership roles in industrial manufacturing environments such as ArcelorMittal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and was actively involved in ArcelorMittal’s on-campus recruiting team, specifically focused on Engineering hiring.
Mark Blount
Engagement Manager, Chicago
Brian Gallagher
Engagement Manager
Chicago
Brian Gallagher is an Engagement Manager at PierceGray based in Chicago. Brian specializes in placing Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, and Operations leadership roles, with a focus on the healthcare and advanced manufacturing industries. Prior to PierceGray, Brian worked at McMaster-Carr in Strategic Sourcing and Finance. Brian focused on optimizing inventory management and supplier relationship management, as well as the implementation of new workflow management software. Brian began his career in Healthcare Consulting and holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. In Brian’s free time, he enjoys playing beach volleyball by Lake Michigan.
Brian Gallagher
Engagement Manager, Chicago
Amanda Hoerauf
Engagement Manager
Chicago
Amanda Hoerauf is currently an Engagement Manager with PierceGray based in Chicago. Amanda’s focus has been on mid-level leadership roles across supply chain and operational finance. Prior to PierceGray, she spent almost 3 years in Title Insurance at Amrock as an Executive Assistant before pivoting her career to internal talent acquisition in the non-profit sector. Amanda holds a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University.
Amanda Hoerauf
Engagement Manager, Chicago
Morgan Lange
Engagement Manager
New York
Morgan Lange is an Engagement Manager in the Executive Practice at PierceGray, based in New York, NY. Since joining PierceGray in 2019, she has executed 60+ searches for Supply Chain, Operations, Commercial, Finance, and Portfolio Ops Team leaders across a variety of investor-backed environments. Prior to PierceGray, Morgan spent 2 years in Legal and Compliance recruiting for in-house positions. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Neuroscience and Economics from Vanderbilt University.
Morgan Lange
Engagement Manager, New York
Emily Murphy
Engagement Manager
Chicago
Emily Murphy is currently an Engagement Manager at PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. In addition to working in Executive Search, Emily leads PierceGray’s DE&I Committee and is an integral part of onboarding and mentoring new hires. Given her diverse background, Emily is known for taking on atypical searches with clients, with 50+ placements across Supply Chain, Commercial, Operations, and Finance roles. Emily came to PierceGray from BCG, where she worked on the North America Learning & Development Team. In her free time, you can find Emily running along Lake Shore Drive and exploring the best new restaurants in Chicago. Emily loves to travel and has lived abroad in Ecuador, Italy, and Thailand.
Emily Murphy
Engagement Manager, Chicago
Alyssa Pursley
Engagement Manager
New York
Alyssa Pursley is an Engagement Manager in the Executive Practice at PierceGray, based in the New York office. Since joining PierceGray in 2021, she has worked on many engagements across a variety of investor-backed environments, specializing in sales, supply chain, and commercial roles. Prior to PierceGray, Alyssa spent time at Abbott Nutrition in field sales, selling a portfolio of products into the outpatient setting across Manhattan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA from The University of Akron.
Alyssa Pursley
Engagement Manager, New York
Mauricio Gonzalez
Senior Associate
Chicago
Mauricio Gonzalez is currently a Senior Associate at PierceGray, based in Chicago. He has placed many mid-level and functional leaders particularly in Supply Chain, Marketing, Procurement, and Operations. Prior to PierceGray, Mauricio worked at Northwestern University, his alma mater, in Undergraduate Admissions and social media Marketing and Management. Mauricio has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications and was a leader in new student orientation and programming. In Mauricio’s free time, he works out at Orangetheory Fitness, frequents concerts, and is an avid Taylor Swift fan.
Mauricio Gonzalez
Senior Associate, Chicago
Jennifer Rutha
Senior Associate
New York
Jenn Rutha is a Senior Associate at PierceGray, based in the New York office. She is focused on Executive Search, where she has experience across Supply Chain, Operations and Commercial leadership roles for private equity-backed businesses. Prior to PierceGray, Jenn spent 15 years in Account Management and Recruiting in the advertising technology industry. She holds a BA, English from Lafayette College and in her spare time, Jenn enjoys traveling, fitness, cooking and spending time with her family.
Jennifer Rutha
Senior Associate, New York
Cheyenne Stone
Senior Associate
Chicago
Cheyenne Stone is currently a Senior Associate with PierceGray, based in Chicago, enjoying the intersection of relationship management and career advising that Executive Search offers. Prior to PierceGray, Cheyenne held various recruiting roles in the technology industry including external hiring at Uber and internal hiring at Salesforce. At both companies she served on the Executive Boards of the Women’s Employee Resource Groups. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of Michigan and a Master’s of Management from the Ross School of Business. Cheyenne is a certified yoga teacher and in her free time enjoys advocating for mental health through the physical and mental practice of yoga.
Cheyenne Stone
Senior Associate, Chicago
Emel Terzioglu
Senior Associate
Chicago
Emel Terzioglu is currently a Senior Associate at PierceGray based in Chicago. She is passionate about forming lasting relationships and supporting others in their career journey. Prior to PierceGray, Emel was a graduate of John Carroll’s Boler School of Business, majoring in Management and Human Resources and minoring in Francophone studies. While at John Carroll, she was the President of SHRM and held various executive positions within her sorority. In her free time, Emel enjoys exploring the city with friends, trying new restaurants, going for walks to the lake and farmers market, and traveling.
Emel Terzioglu
Senior Associate, Chicago
Paige Costelloe
Associate
Chicago
Paige Costelloe is an Associate at PierceGray, based in Chicago and enjoys the people side of the Executive Search business. Paige holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and started her career in a broader HR Rotational Program. In this role she successfully completed rotations in Compensation, Benefits, Generalized HR, and as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. In her free time, Paige enjoys running and spending time with friends.
Paige Costelloe
Associate, Chicago
Hayden Harb
Associate
Chicago
Hayden Harb is currently an Associate at PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. He recently joined in a full-time position, after successfully completing an internship in 2022. Prior to PierceGray, Hayden was a student at Northwestern University, where he received a bachelor’s in Education and Social Policy. In his free time, Hayden loves to rock climb and run.
Hayden Harb
Associate, Chicago
Evan Katz
Associate
Chicago
Evan Katz is currently an Associate at PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. He joined the firm in 2022 and has experience across Supply Chain, Operations, and Commercial roles. Prior to PierceGray, Evan was a student at Indiana University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy Analysis, Sustainable Business, and Law, Ethics, and Decision Making. In his free time, you will find Evan enjoying anything sports related and listening to his record collection.
Evan Katz
Associate, Chicago
Taylor Kline
Associate
New York
Taylor Kline is currently an Associate at PierceGray, based in New York. Since joining the firm, she has served a multitude of portfolio companies across Commercial, Financial, and Operational leadership positions. She enjoys learning about private equity and the wide range of industries the firm supports. Prior to PierceGray, Taylor studied Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) at the University of Michigan. While in school, she gained experience in the Human Resources field through an internship at Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys hiking and skiing.
Taylor Kline
Associate, New York
Cindy Ramos Rico
Associate
Chicago
Cindy Ramos Rico is currently an Associate with PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. She enjoys the opportunity to make an impact on businesses and individuals across multiple industries through Executive Search. Prior to PierceGray, Cindy began her career at Anheuser-Busch in their People Trainee Program, supporting HR and Talent Acquisition initiatives at the Houston and Columbus breweries. Cindy holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Policy and Sociology from Northwestern and a Master’s of Management Studies from the Kellogg School of Management. Outside of the office, Cindy enjoys exploring coffee shops, traveling, and spending time with family.
Cindy Ramos Rico
Associate, Chicago
Trinity Reilly
Associate
Chicago
Trinity Reilly is currently an Associate with PierceGray. She joined full-time after successfully completing an internship in 2022. Before returning to the team in Chicago, Trinity graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Outside of PierceGray, she spends her time traveling, experimenting with new recipes, and working on Strike Magazine, a fashion and art magazine she founded.
Trinity Reilly
Associate, Chicago
Samantha Tartell
Associate
Chicago
Samantha “Sammy” Tartell is currently an Associate at PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. She recently joined in a full time position, after successfully completing an internship in 2022. Prior to PierceGray, Sammy was a student at Northwestern University, where she received a bachelor’s in Learning and Organizational Change. In her spare time, you will find Sammy volunteering at animal shelters, watching musicals, strength training and rock climbing.
Samantha Tartell
Associate, Chicago
Irene Sofil
Director of Finance & Operations
Chicago
Irene Sofil is the Head of Finance and Operations at PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. She is an experienced delivery manager with expertise in finance, operations, strategic problem solving and change management. Prior to PierceGray, Irene held various roles at BP in Finance, Strategy and Operations. She has an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a BA from Washington University in St. Louis. In her free time, Irene enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading and wine tasting.
Irene Sofil
Head of Finance & Operations, Chicago
Colleen Starkey
Director of Talent
Chicago
Colleen Starkey is the Director of Talent at PierceGray, working remotely in Kalamazoo, MI. After 5 years leading searches with PierceGray clients, Colleen transitioned into an internal role focused on talent management, internal hiring, training, and resourcing. She spent the early part of her career working directly in Supply Chain and Manufacturing at Whirlpool Corporation and USG after graduating from Penn State University with a BA Degree in Supply Chain. Outside of work, Colleen stays busy with her young family and enjoying the great outdoors.
Colleen Starkey
Director of Talent, Chicago
Elizabeth Below
Manager of Business Systems & Enablement
Chicago
Elizabeth Below joined PierceGray in March 2023 as Manager of Business Systems & Enablement based in Chicago. With over a decade of experience supporting executive hiring with in-house recruiting teams (Stripe, Facebook, and Allstate) as well as client-focused search firms (Spencer Stuart and Morgan Samuels), she is dedicated to projects and roles that shape the ways we learn, communicate, and share information. She works to implement technology-focused strategies to maximize collaboration and effectively leverage institutional knowledge across teams, orgs, companies, and networks. Elizabeth holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) and a Knowledge Management certificate from Dominican University and a bachelor’s in Professional Writing from Purdue University.
Elizabeth Below
Manager of Business Systems & Enablement, Chicago
Denise Oedy
Senior Finance Delivery Manager
Chicago
Denise Oedy is the Senior Finance Delivery Manager at PierceGray. Denise focuses on the day-to-day financial operations within the company. She began her career in sales, where she led the district’s training for new Sales Representatives. During her leisure time, she loves to travel and cherishes spending quality moments with family and friends.
Denise Oedy
Senior Finance Delivery Manager, Chicago
Taylor Brenner
Office Manager / Executive Assistant
New York
Taylor Brenner is an Office Manager / Executive Assistant at PierceGray. Prior to PierceGray, Taylor was an Executive Assistant at a boutique private equity firm. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Taylor Brenner
Office Manager, New York
