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 focuses on executive operations, finance, and P&L leadership placements. 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
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
Jon Schepke
Managing Director
Chicago
Jon Schepke is a Managing Director with PierceGray in the Chicago office, focusing on recruiting senior executives into transformational environments. He specializes in Commercial, Operations, and P&L leadership positions with expertise in the technology, healthcare and portfolio operations. Jon brings over 20 years of tech start-up and entrepreneurial expertise to the firm. Prior to PierceGray, Jon was a Partner at 3FORTY3, a boutique executive search firm based in San Francisco. Having started two companies, raised capital and achieved a successful exit, Jon possesses real world experience that is beneficial for both clients and candidates. Outside of work, Jon can be found at a Bears/Bulls/Cubs game and spending time with his wife Carrie and their three children.
Jon Schepke
Managing Director, Chicago
Todd Brewer
Vice President
New York
Todd is a Vice President in PierceGray’s New York office, where he focuses on recruiting senior operating leaders into private equity portfolio companies. Prior to joining the firm, Todd spent 7 years in management consulting with AlixPartners. He led cross-functional transformation programs for Consumer Products companies and specialized in supply chain management. He started his career in the Financial Services industry at Deutsche Bank and Blackstone. Todd has a BS in Accounting & Finance from Lehigh University and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Todd enjoys exploring the great outdoors and is an avid reader of historical non-fiction.
Todd Brewer
Vice President, New York
Catherine Donegan
Vice President
Chicago
Catherine is a Vice President 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
Vice President, Chicago
Brian Doyle
Vice President
Chicago
Brian Doyle is a Vice President in the Chicago office of PierceGray. Partnering closely with Private Equity clients, he recruits high performing executives across all functions, predominantly in Healthcare portfolio companies. Prior to PierceGray, Brian spent nearly ten years with Spencer Stuart, managing executive search assignments across the healthcare ecosystem. Throughout his career, he has lead search assignments ranging from Director to Board of Directors, including significant time across the C-suite. Brian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Illinois. In his free time, Brian enjoys golf, cooking, and spending time with family.
Brian Doyle
Vice President, Chicago
Matt Formica
Vice President
Chicago
Matt Formica is a Vice President 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
Vice President, Chicago
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
Domino Gehred-O’Connell
Director
Chicago
Domino Gehred-O’Connell is a Director at PierceGray, located in the Chicago office. She works primarily in Executive Search, where she has extensive experience across Supply Chain, Operations, Transformation, Finance, and Private Equity Operations. Domino started her career in education, and has prior search experience at the Executive, C-Suite, and Board level for NGOs, Nonprofits, and Education. She holds a B.A. in Drama with a Minor in Geography from Vassar College. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, taking circus classes, and traveling.
Domino Gehred-O’Connell
Director, Chicago
Amanda Hoerauf
Director
Chicago
Amanda Hoerauf is currently a Director 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
Director, Chicago
Emily Murphy
Director
Chicago
Emily Murphy is currently a Director 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
Director, Chicago
Alyssa Pursley
Director
New York
Alyssa Pursley is a Director 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
Director, New York
Jennifer Rutha
Engagement Manager
New York
Jenn Rutha is an Engagement Manager 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
Engagement Manager, New York
Cheyenne Stone
Engagement Manager
Chicago
Cheyenne Stone is currently an Engagement Manager 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
Engagement Manager, Chicago
Reyonia Whipple
Engagement Manager
Chicago
Reyonia Whipple is currently an Engagement Manager with PierceGray, based in Chicago, where she enjoys the intersection of relationship management and career advising that Executive Search offers. Prior to joining PierceGray, she served as an Engagement Manager at GoodCitizen, where she developed and executed executive research strategies across sectors and functions. Previously, she was a Senior Associate with Diversified Search Group (DSG Global), specializing in executive recruitment for clients in nonprofit, social impact, healthcare, and education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Lander University. In her free time, Reyonia enjoys playing indoor volleyball and traveling.
Reyonia Whipple
Engagement Manager, Chicago
Hayden Harb
Senior Associate
Chicago
Hayden Harb is currently a Senior Associate at PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. He 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
Senior Associate, Chicago
Taylor Kline
Senior Associate
New York
Taylor Kline is currently a Senior 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
Senior Associate, New York
Lauren Giles
Associate
Chicago
Lauren Giles is currently an Associate at PierceGray, based in Chicago. She is drawn to the relational nature of executive search and the strategic problem-solving it requires. Prior to joining PierceGray, Lauren earned a Bachelor of Science in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University and held a variety of internships focused on operations and business management. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys surveying the coffee shop scene in Chicago and exploring new cities in the Midwest.
Lauren Giles
Associate, Chicago
Jordan Leder
Associate
New York
Jordan Leder is currently an Associate at PierceGray, based in the New York City office. She enjoys learning about new industries and businesses, and loves meeting bright and interesting candidates from all over the globe. Prior to PierceGray, Jordan was a Commercial Financial Services Consultant at Guidehouse, where she helped banks and financial technology companies become compliant with government regulations. Jordan graduated from the College of William & Mary, where she majored in Finance and minored in History. In her free time, Jordan enjoys catching up with friends and family, exploring New York City, reading, and thrift shopping.
Jordan Leder
Associate, New York
Jyoti Mathur
Associate
Chicago
Jyoti Mathur is currently an Associate with PierceGray. Based in Chicago, she enjoys exploring the diverse industries the firm serves within the private equity space. Prior to joining PierceGray, Jyoti was a student at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, majoring in Information Systems, Economic Consulting, and Business Analytics. During her time at Kelley, she interned at Prudential Financial, gaining experience as a Business Solutions and Analytics Intern and Actuary Intern. Outside of work, Jyoti enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.
Jyoti Mathur
Associate, Chicago
Claire Milnamow
Associate
Chicago
Claire is currently an Associate at PierceGray, based in Chicago, where she brings a strong passion for trusted relationships and thoughtful talent strategy in Executive Search and Client Services. Prior to PierceGray, Claire worked at Salesforce as a Recruiting Coordinator for the Sales and Customer Success functions and spent 2 years in agency healthcare recruiting. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Physiology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Iowa. In her free time, Claire loves walking her dog Milo, taking group fitness classes, and spending time with family and friends.
Claire Milnamow
Associate, Chicago
Rani Patel
Associate
Chicago
Rani Patel is currently an Associate at PierceGray based out of the Chicago office. She joined full-time after completing a successful internship with PierceGray in the fall of 2023. She is deeply committed to optimizing organizational efficiency and growth, while also fostering strong personal relationships with candidates and clients alike and excelling in Executive Search and Client Services. Rani has recently completed her Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In her free time, Rani enjoys cooking, Bollywood fusion dancing, and spending time with her friends.
Rani Patel
Associate, Chicago
Emma Peters
Associate
Chicago
Emma Peters is currently an Associate with PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. She is passionate about creating strong relationships with both candidates and clients, and enjoys the continued learning of each specialized industry. Prior to PierceGray, Emma began her career in Healthcare recruiting, placing a broad scope of professionals in the field and supporting many clients across the country. Emma graduated from Miami University of Ohio where she majored in Public Health and minored in Business Studies. Outside of the office, Emma enjoys trying new restaurants across the city, staying active at CorePower or Studio Lagree with friends, and traveling.
Emma Peters
Associate, Chicago
Ethan Pryor
Associate
Chicago
Ethan Pryor is currently an Associate at PierceGray, based in the Chicago office. He looks forward to speaking with talented individuals every day and is always excited for the next placement. Prior to PierceGray, Ethan worked at Dell Technologies as a Services Sales Representative, crafting technology and service solutions in the Medium Business space. Ethan graduated from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business with co-majors in Marketing and Professional Sales. In his free time, he and his friends spend as much time together as possible, enjoying the outdoors and good food in new places. He also challenges himself with various triathlons and races throughout the year, including an upcoming Ironman 70.3.
Ethan Pryor
Associate, 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
Frank Feger
Director of Finance & Special Projects, Chicago
Nomer Yamat
Head of Technology Operations, Security, and AI Enablement
Florida
Nomer Yamat is the Head of Technology Operations, Security and AI Enablement at PierceGray, working remotely from Florida. With a strong track record in executive search firms – including CTPartners, Odgers Berndtson, and ZRG Partners – Nomer has consistently led the design and optimization of technology infrastructure, operations, and cybersecurity strategies to support scalable growth and innovation. He holds a dual degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering and Business Administration, along with multiple industry-recognized IT certifications. His expertise spans enterprise technology management, cybersecurity, AI enablement, business growth, and operational efficiency. Outside of his professional commitments, Nomer is actively involved in charitable organizations and serves his Catholic church alongside his family, embodying a strong commitment to faith and community.
Nomer Yamat
Head of Technology Operations, Security, and AI Enablement, Florida
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
Catherine Healey
Business Administrator
Chicago
Catherine Healey is the Business Administrator at PierceGray. Catherine is dedicated to the internal operations of the firm, assisting in accounting, building management, and event planning. Catherine was formally the Graduate Affairs Coordinator for the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Northwestern University, where she served as the main administrative support for the department’s graduate programs. She graduated from Connecticut College with a bachelor’s degree in Theater and a minor in Psychology. In her spare time, Catherine likes to create original, ensemble driven theater for the Chicago theater scene, practice yoga, and explore the city with family and friends.
Catherine Healey
Business Administrator, Chicago
