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Hiring for Good October Newsletter
Dear Friends, October is harvest season, a time when the results of earlier decisions begin to reveal themselves. In organizations, few choices have a longer-lasting impact than leadership decisions. Great leaders understand that their role is not simply to deliver results today, but to leave the organization stronger for tomorrow. This month, we’re exploring stewardship: […]
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Legacy Isn’t What You Build, It’s What Continues After You Leave
A leader’s real legacy begins the day the organization no longer needs them. Leadership legacies are often described in concrete terms: the company built, the team assembled, the growth achieved. Those things matter, but the harder test comes later, when the leader is no longer there to shape every decision. The real evidence appears in […]
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The Key Differences between Contingent and Retained Search
The Key Differences between Contingent and Retained Search You’re ready to hire your next leader and have decided to work with a recruiting firm. That’s a great start, but now you have another decision to make: Do you use a contingent recruiting firm or a retained search firm? The two models are different, and understanding […]
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Curiosity Is a Leadership Strategy
Some leaders build careers by following a carefully crafted plan. Others build careers by staying curious enough to recognize opportunity when it appears. On an episode of Hiring for Good, Stan Hanks shared a career journey that defies any traditional roadmap. From helping build the early internet to pioneering VPN technology, leading companies through growth […]
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Happy Anniversary Farrah Burke
We’re celebrating one year with Farrah Burke, Director of Business Development at Acumen Executive Search. Over the past year, Farrah has brought her unique blend of strategic thinking, relationship-building, operational expertise, and genuine care for people to everything she does. Her energy, insight, and unwavering commitment to helping organizations and leaders succeed have made a […]
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Fraud Alert
FRAUD ALERT: We are aware of individuals impersonating Acumen Executive Search consultants via Gmail. Acumen Executive Search does not contact candidates via Gmail email accounts — all legitimate communication comes from @AcumenExecutiveSearch or @AcumenESearch email address. Any request for payment or fees during a search engagement, including during interviews is fraudulent. If you receive a […]
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The Difference Between a Good Hire and the Right Hire
When organizations think about executive hiring, they often focus on experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge. While these qualities are essential, they are rarely what determine the long-term success of a leadership team. The real differentiator is alignment. At the executive level, success is not simply about finding a capable leader. It is about finding the right leader […]
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Leadership Is Still About People
Technology is changing how we work. AI is reshaping jobs, organizations are navigating constant change, and leaders face increasing pressure to do more with less. Yet amid all this disruption, one truth remains unchanged. Leadership is, and always will be, about people. That was one of the strongest messages from Luis Carbo, Regional Director of […]
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The Human Side of Leadership
When we picture successful leaders, it’s easy to imagine people who always had a plan, always knew what they wanted, and moved steadily from one achievement to the next. But that’s rarely how leadership actually works. In an episode of Hiring for Good, IQ Credit Union Chief Experience Officer Ali Migaki shared a story that […]
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Empowering People Is the Real Job of Leadership with Andy Nelson
When people talk about leadership, they often focus on vision, strategy, or big decisions. But after listening to Ride Connection CEO Andy Nelson reflect on his career, it becomes clear that great leadership is actually much simpler and much harder than that. It’s about people. That may sound obvious, but many leaders learn this lesson […]
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Acumen Congratulates Mike Murawski, New Executive Director of Explore Washington Park
Acumen Executive Search is proud to congratulate Mike Murawski on his appointment as Executive Director of Explore Washington Park, the nonprofit partnership dedicated to improving transportation and mobility, visitor services, organizational and financial sustainability, and collaborative stewardship across one of Oregon’s most iconic public destinations. The search focused on identifying a leader who could strengthen […]
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Hiring for Good Newsletter
Dear Friends, August is often viewed as a transition month, but for leaders, it’s an opportunity month. Successful organizations don’t wait for fall to begin planning for the future. They use this moment to evaluate readiness, align leadership, and make the strategic decisions that position their teams for a strong finish to the year. The […]
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Prepared, Not Paralyzed
Every Business Is One Unexpected Event Away from a Major Disruption. The question isn’t whether a crisis will occur. It’s whether your organization has identified its risks and prepared for what comes next. Most business leaders know they should be prepared for emergencies, but it is easy to delay planning when more urgent matters are […]
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Is This Candidate for Real? The Rising Threat of Candidate Fraud
If you’ve never looked at a candidate and wondered, “Is this person for real?” there may come a time when you should. Remote work, video interviews, and global talent pools have made hiring faster and more flexible, but they have also created new opportunities for deception. From fake profiles to sophisticated schemes involving remote access […]
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A Placement at the Right Moment: Maria Reyes Joins World Forestry Center
The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, a fitting backdrop for this month’s theme of reflection, momentum, and what comes into clearer focus at the right moment. That framing feels especially fitting as we celebrate Maria Reyes joining World Forestry Center as Director of Philanthropy. As World Forestry Center celebrates its 60th […]
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Exit the Role, Not the Business
Most founders don’t actually want to sell their business; they just don’t want to run it anymore. We’re seeing a shift right now with business owners, and it’s changing how people think about exit. For a long time, the assumption was simple: build a business, sell it, move on. But that’s not how it’s playing […]
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Growth Happens Faster with the Right Business Partner
True business growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when leaders surround themselves with partners who take the time to deeply understand the business, anticipate challenges, and align talent with long‑term strategy, not just what is needed today. At Acumen Executive Search, we believe our greatest value comes from acting as a thought partner, not […]
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Where do Leaders Find Growth and Inspiration?
Growth rarely comes from where leaders expect it. It doesn’t show up in neatly curated strategic plans or fully formed ideas. Oftentimes, it emerges in moments that are unstructured, such as conversations, observations, and experiences that may not seem significant at first glance. In a recent Hiring for Good conversation, Josh Carter, co-founder of Upstart […]
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Beware the Salesforce Recruiter Scam And Why Human-Reviewed Resumes Still Win
Imagine this: a senior Salesforce recruiter reaches out to you. They have a polished LinkedIn profile, appear on Salesforce’s website, and even provide a Workday ATS link that looks legitimate. They claim to have multiple roles perfectly aligned to your background. The catch? Your resume needs “ATS optimization” first. A candidate we recently supported experienced […]
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100 Years of Growth — and the Leaders Who Carry It Forward
At Acumen Executive Search, we have the privilege of working with organizations that don’t just grow businesses; they grow legacies. This year, Monrovia Nursery celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 100 years in business. A century of craftsmanship, innovation, stewardship of the land, and an unwavering commitment to “growing beautifully.” Recently, Monrovia marked this occasion by creating […]
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Hiring for Good Ep 51 – Josh Carter
On this episode of Hiring for Good, we sit down with Josh Carter, co‑founder of Upstart Collective, to explore a winding leadership journey shaped by entrepreneurship, community-building, and mission‑driven values. From startups and accelerators to hiring for potential over pedigree, Josh shares candid insights on building inclusive teams, rethinking founder support, and leading with purpose, […]
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Rethinking Early-Career Turnover from “Make them Stay” to “Help Them Grow”
Marcella Vail offers a different perspective on millennials and Gen Z, providing a more practical way to build talent in a job-hopping era. In a Hiring for Good podcast conversation, executive leader Marcella Vail offers a different framework: if newer generations don’t stick around for long, a leader’s job isn’t to shame the pattern, it’s […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 50 – Josh Johnston
If you care about leadership rooted in character, community, and real-world experience, this episode is worth your time. Josh Johnston shares an honest look at building and sustaining values-driven businesses in one of the toughest industries out there. From bartender to president of a multi-concept restaurant group, he speaks candidly about leadership mistakes, hiring for […]
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Why the Best Leaders Often Come from Outside the Industry
When organizations are looking to hire, they often believe that they need to hire within their own industry. But that’s not always the right answer. Some of the most effective executive placements and the most transformative leaders are those who transfer proven proficiencies from one industry to another, bringing in fresh mindsets. Hiring for Good […]
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Honoring Legacy in Succession
Honoring legacy in succession is a crucial aspect of ensuring the continuity and success of a company. When a business transitions from founder to the next generation, it is not just the transfer of ownership that matters, but also the preservation of the values, culture, and vision that have shaped the company’s identity. This process […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 49 – Valdez Bravo
This episode of Hiring for Good is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven career-building, told through the extraordinary life story of Valdez Bravo, a public servant whose journey spans the military, the VA, and county-level healthcare leadership. I don’t come to work for people to work for me — I work for them. My […]
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Operational Leadership When Cities Are Under Pressure
How the right Assistant City Manager supported stability, financial clarity, and trust during a City Manager–led transition Assistant City Manager providing operational stability during city government change and public sector leadership, translating strategy into execution in municipal government. The Challenge A large city in Oregon was at a pivotal moment in its growth: navigating governance transition, rapid urbanization, rising service […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 48 – Welcoming Farrah Burke: Acumen’s New Director of Business Development
This episode shares Farrah Burke’s inspiring journey from big tech to local leadership, highlighting her honest reflections on career change, work-life balance, and the power of authenticity. Listeners will gain practical insights on navigating transitions, building strong teams, and embracing kindness as a leadership strength. It’s a relatable and uplifting conversation for anyone seeking real-world […]
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How Strategic Succession Sparked Fast Growth at a High-Tech Manufacturer
Challenge: A long-established high-tech manufacturing firm, led by a Gen 2 CEO, faced the complex task of merging teams, improving operations, and bridging generational leadership style, all while aiming for ambitious growth. Action: Acumen conducted a transparent, integrity-driven executive search, placing a President whose expertise and people-first approach empowered both the founding vision of Gen […]
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Acumen Wins PBJ Most Admired Company Award
Last week, Acumen was honored as one of Oregon’s Most Admired Companies by the Portland Business Journal. Companies earning the #1 spot were invited to give a 30-second speech. Acumen proudly placed #10, up seven spots from 2024, which feels especially meaningful. President and Founder Suzanne Hanifin wanted to share her “speech” because recognition like […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 47 – Randy Reed on Leadership, Growth & Building Mission-Driven Companies
This episode of Hiring for Good offers a rare, authentic look into the journey of Randy Reed, a leader who has navigated the worlds of high-tech, medical devices, and executive leadership with humility, adaptability, and a deep commitment to people. Randy shares candid stories from his career, including taking a company public, leading major acquisitions, […]
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When Should You Start Succession Planning?
Leadership transitions are inevitable, but whether they strengthen or destabilize your organization depends on how well you prepare. The question isn’t IF you should plan for succession; it’s WHEN. And the answer is simple: start sooner than you think. With the Silver Tsunami, Grey Wave, and other metaphors describing the retirement boom, organizations are facing […]
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Hiring For Good Ep 46 with Hart Williams, Managing Partner at Cloud Capital
Hart Williams, founder and CEO of Cloud Capital, shares his entrepreneurial journey from advertising sales to founding a financial services firm tailored to high-growth tech employees and entrepreneurs. He discusses the importance of research, client focus, and building a sustainable, scalable company culture. “Hiring for good is bringing talent in, developing them, making them smarter […]
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The Cost of Unfilled Leadership Roles: When Internal Recruiters Struggle to Find Executives
When a key leadership role sits vacant, not only is it an empty chair, but it is also a costly pause in your organization’s momentum. The cost of unfilled leadership roles extends beyond salary savings. It touches every aspect of the business: strategy, culture, morale, and financial performance. Many companies rely on their internal recruiters […]
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Profiles in Leadership Sits Down with Karen Anderson
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world. This episode features a conversation with Karen Anderson. Karen is […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 45 – Shannon Berg: Leading Through Crisis
This episode of Hiring for Good offers an authentic look into the journey of Shannon Berg, founder and CEO of Berg Associates, a leader in crisis communications and issue management. Listeners will be inspired by Shannon’s candid storytelling about formative experiences, from her first job on a Michigan farm to leading high-stakes crisis responses for […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 44 – Tanya L. Stewart, MD, MBA
In this powerful episode of Hiring for Good, host Tanis Morris sits down with physician executive Dr. Tanya Liuliani Stewart for a deeply human conversation about leadership, values, and transformation in healthcare. Drawing on her journey from medical training through hospice care and senior leadership roles at United Health Group and her current work as […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 43 – Paul Del Vecchio: Aligning Talent with Mission
Go beyond the traditional career path with a leader who’s built his success by saying yes to unexpected opportunities. From securing a job through a parking spot to leading global real estate strategy and founding a multi-company platform, this episode explores how curiosity, calculated risk-taking, and values-driven leadership shape smarter hiring and stronger organizations. You […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 42 – Eve Gray: Building Teams and Communities Through Trust
If you care about people-centered leadership that actually delivers results, this conversation with Eve Gray, Director of Health & Human Services for Lane County, is a must-watch. Eve shares a candid journey from nursing and quality improvement to executive leadership, offering practical insights on building trust before outcomes, leading through values, and creating real impact […]
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The 5 Things Executives Look for in Recruiters (That Most Firms Miss)
The stakes are high when hiring at the executive level. The right leader can transform an organization, drive growth, and strengthen culture. The wrong leader can transform an organization, but not for the better. They can stall momentum, hurt morale, and cost both time and money. That is why executives need to be careful about […]
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Case Study – Why Hiring for Potential, Not Just the Job Description, Paid Off
Case Study The Situation When a private equity firm acquired a rapidly scaling engineering services company, they knew professionalizing talent acquisition would be one of the keys to success. Our client engaged Acumen, an award-winning executive search firm consistently recognized among the Pacific Northwest’s most admired companies. Their highest needs were to professionalize HR and […]
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When Is It Time to Replace Someone on Your Leadership Team?
Replacing a member of your leadership team is one of the most difficult decisions an organization can make. A strong leader drives strategy, culture, and performance, while an ineffective leader can stall growth, erode morale, and cost far more than their salary. Because leadership changes can be risky and disruptive, companies often wait too long […]
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Case Study – From Turnover to Transformation: The Impact of a High-Performing VP of HR
The Challenge A global high-tech manufacturing company with decades of history was facing severe turnover across all levels of the organization, especially within the human resources function. This instability threatened performance, culture, and alignment across multiple plants. The company engaged Acumen Executive Search not only to identify its next Vice President of HR, but also […]
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Case Study – A Rapid Rise at a Global Tea Manufacturer
From Junior Manager to Global Director The Situation A global tea manufacturer was searching for a highly capable Director-level Project Manager with experience in natural and international consumer packaged goods (CPG). This search posed unique challenges because the company was located in a region with limited international CPG manufacturers specializing in natural products. Acumen leveraged […]
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Farrah Burke Joins Acumen Executive Search as Director of Business Development
Acumen Executive Search is proud to welcome Farrah Burke as our new Director of Business Development. Farrah brings more than 25 years of experience spanning Tech, Health, Government, Service & Retail industries. Known for her strategic vision and operational leadership, she is recognized as a trusted advisor and respected executive with a deep commitment to […]
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Is Your Organization Ready for Executive Search?
Hiring a new executive is one of the most important decisions your organization will make. The right leader can boost growth, strengthen culture, and set the tone for long-term success. Alternatively, the wrong hire can cost time, money, and momentum. Before engaging an executive search firm, it’s important to ask: Is your organization truly ready […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 41 – Tom Burns’ Journey from Yogi Tea to Conscious Leadership
Welcome to Hiring For Good, a podcast presented by Acumen Executive Search, exploring the transformative power of leadership—and what happens when the right person takes the job. In this episode, co-hosts Suzanne Hanifin (President, Acumen Executive Search) and Tanis Morris sit down with Tom Burns, visionary entrepreneur, co-founder of Yogi Tea, and former CEO of […]
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When Is Too Much Business a Bad Thing?
How Small Businesses Can Manage Rapid Growth Without Breaking Sometimes the biggest threat to a small business isn’t failure—it’s sudden, overwhelming success. In 2020, right after the COVID shutdown, a small biotech manufacturer contacted Acumen Executive Search for help. Before the pandemic, they produced about 500 diagnostic testing kits per week. Then one phone call […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 40 – Andy Nelson on Leading Ride Connection
This conversation goes beyond leadership theory and gets real about what it takes to lead mission‑driven organizations through uncertainty. Andy Nelson candidly shares how values‑based leadership, humility, and calculated risk‑taking can fuel innovation, even in times of scarcity. From scaling nonprofits responsibly to empowering teams through trust and distributed decision‑making, this episode is a must‑watch […]
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AI Can’t Replace This: What Clients Really Value in Executive Recruiters
In an age where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries—from automating resumes to generating interview questions—it’s tempting to believe that technology will soon take over the hiring process entirely. But when it comes to executive recruiting, there’s one truth that continues to stand firm: AI can’t replace what clients truly value in a great recruiter. Executive […]
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Culture Fit Over Perfect Qualifications: A Winning Strategy
Culture Fit Triumphs Over Perfect Qualifications At Acumen Executive Search, we have once again witnessed the power of cultural alignment in hiring decisions. Recently, we partnered with an evolving bio-technology organization to find their next President due to a retirement. The Board, the current President, and the Leadership were very clear about their expectations for […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 39 – Mac Prichard, founder and publisher of Mac’s List
This episode is worth watching if you’re thinking seriously about your career; not just how to get a job, but how to build a meaningful one. At its core, the conversation with Mac Prichard is about taking ownership of your career path. He shares real-world lessons from both success and struggle, including long periods of […]
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Why Businesses Trust Regional Executive Recruiters
From Portland to Prineville—Why Local Insight Makes All the Difference in 2025 When Pacific Northwest companies need to make a high-impact executive hire, they don’t rely on job boards or generic recruiting platforms. Whether it’s a scaling tech firm in Beaverton, a mission-driven nonprofit in downtown Portland, or a growing healthcare organization in La Grande, […]
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You Hired a Rockstar—Now What? Closing the Executive Onboarding Gap
The search was a success. After months of careful vetting, your new executive is in place. Their resume sparkles, their interview left everyone inspired, and you’ve made the hire with full confidence. But within six months, something’s off. They’re not integrating the way you’d hoped. Teams seem disconnected. Progress is slower than expected. Questions start […]
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Top Executive Roles Portland Companies Are Hiring in 2025
Portland has always been a hub for innovation, sustainability, and values-driven leadership. In 2025, those themes continue to influence which executive roles are in demand. For both companies seeking transformative leadership and candidates exploring new opportunities, it’s helpful to understand what roles are trending—and why. What Executive Roles Are in Demand? Across industries—ranging from manufacturing […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 38 – Luis Carbo, Regional Director at ProVisors
This episode is a powerful reminder of what leadership should feel like. From boardrooms at Amazon, Microsoft, and Google to deeply human moments of reckoning about success, power, and purpose, Luis Carbo offers a rare, unfiltered perspective on human‑centric leadership. If you’re tired of transactional work cultures, performative leadership, and “corporate avatars,” this conversation will […]
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Retained Search vs. Contingent: What’s the Difference?
A Straightforward Q&A for Hiring Leaders Navigating Executive Search Options When you’re looking to hire top executive talent, choosing the right type of search firm is crucial. One of the most common questions hiring leaders ask is: “What’s the difference between contingent vs retained search?” We hear this a lot—and it’s an important distinction. Here’s […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Jeff Oltmann
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Jeff Oltmann. […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 37 – Leigh Schiffmacher – Director of Operations at CAI
In this episode of Hiring for Good, Leigh Schiffmacher, Director of Operations for the Northwest at CAI, shares a candid and practical conversation about career pivots, leadership, and why trust and integrity matter more than perfect resumes. From taking risky leaps into unfamiliar roles to hiring for potential over direct experience, Leigh offers real-world insights […]
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How We Helped a Second-Generation Manufacturing Company Hire a Mission-Aligned COO
”Hiring our COO through Acumen was the best hiring decision I have ever made!” stated the President, one and a half years after we placed their COO. A family-owned manufacturing business, in its second generation, faced challenges due to inadequate succession planning and a lack of operational expertise. The company experienced inefficiencies and inaccurate estimates/costing, […]
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Anja Taylor on Transformational Leadership and Human-Centric Workplaces
In Episode 5 of Hiring for Good, hosts Suzanne Hanifin and Tanis Morris sit down with Anja Taylor, President of Kinesis, to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, hire for impact, and build organizations that prioritize people and transformation. From Global Ambitions to Purpose-Driven Leadership Anja’s journey began with international aspirations, shaped […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 36 – Beach Pace, CEO of Big Brother Big Sister
This episode is a powerful exploration of purpose‑driven leadership under pressure. Beach Pace, Mayor of Hillsboro, Oregon and longtime social impact leader, shares riveting, real‑world stories—from explosive ordnance disposal in the U.S. Army to leading nonprofits and a growing city through uncertainty. You’ll hear how courage, mission clarity, and trusting your instincts shape ethical leadership, […]
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What Makes an Executive Search Firm Truly “Retained”?
In today’s competitive hiring landscape, many executive search firms claim to offer “retained search,” but not all retained search firms operate with the same depth, dedication, or results. For companies seeking executive-level talent, understanding what truly defines a retained search firm is key to building the kind of leadership team that drives long-term success. So, […]
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Why Culture Fit Drives Retention
How Acumen Executive Search Helps Organizations Build Enduring Leadership Teams It’s no secret that turnover is costly—financially, culturally, and strategically. But when organizations ask, “How do we retain great leaders?” the answer is often simpler than expected: hire for culture fit, not just competency. At Acumen Executive Search, we’ve spent nearly two decades helping companies […]
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Case Study – When a National FI Organization Wanted a CIO, Acumen Delivered More
The Situation An Award-Winning National Mortgage Company was in need of a CIO with solid leadership skills: able to manage, develop, and grow a talented team; have hard conversations when necessary; and able to streamline processes to allow the team to perform more efficiently. In addition to being a strong leader, the organization required the […]
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Hiring For Good Ep. 35 – Chris Pippin, Director of Marketing Operations at Cambia Health
In this episode, Chris Pippen offers a grounded, honest look at what leadership really looks like inside a large, complex organization. Drawing on 15 years at Cambia, Chris shares practical insights on empowering teams to “figure it out,” balancing execution with trust, and building cultures where people grow, deliver results, and stay engaged over the […]
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Hiring For Good Ep. 34 – Matt Beaudet, CEO of Araceli Biosciences
In this episode of Hiring for Good, biotech CEO Matt Beaudet shares an unfiltered look at the decisions that shaped his career from early startup failures to leading teams through high-risk product launches and the uncertainty of the pandemic. Matt talks candidly about empathy in scientific leadership, hiring for trajectory, not perfection, and how bold, […]
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Lessons in Leadership: What We Learned from Dr. Andy Mendenhall
On a recent episode of the Hiring For Good podcast, Suzanne Hanifin, founder and President of Acumen Executive Search, had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Andy Mendenhall, CEO of Central City Concern (CCC). Their conversation was not only enlightening but deeply human, offering a glimpse into the heart of a leader working tirelessly at […]
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How to Choose the Right Executive Search Firm
A guide to making one of the most important decisions for your organization—with insights from Portland’s own Acumen Executive Search. By Tanis Moris Hiring executive leadership is one of the most consequential moves a company can make. A strong CEO, CFO, or VP doesn’t just guide strategy—they shape culture, unlock growth, and often redefine what […]
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Hiring For Good Ep 33 – Rena Whittaker, President & Founder of BeingTribal
In this powerful conversation, Rena Whittaker shares a deeply personal journey of resilience, vulnerability, and purpose, and how those experiences shaped her approach to building trust, belonging, and high-performing teams. This episode will challenge how you think about leadership and remind you why it matters. No matter what happens in your life, you are divinely […]
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Hiring with Purpose: Why Values-Driven Recruitment Is Outperforming the Market
In today’s fast-moving business landscape, companies are beginning to realize that hiring for skills and experience alone no longer cuts it, especially at the executive level. The leaders who drive real, lasting impact are the ones who align deeply with the organization’s core values and mission. At Acumen Executive Search, we’ve seen firsthand how values-driven […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Craig Wigginton
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Craig Wigginton. […]
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Hiring For Good Ep. 32 – Michael Eshelby, Founder of Michael’s Messenger Service
In this episode, we explore what effective leadership really looks like during periods of change and growth. The conversation focuses on leading with humility, communicating with intention, and keeping values visible in day‑to‑day decisions, especially when organizations are scaling or navigating complexity. Michael Eshelby, Founder & President of Michael’s Messenger Service, shares thoughtful perspectives on […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Lyndsay Kooistra
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Lyndsay Kooistra. […]
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Hiring For Good Ep. 31 – Helaman Escobar, Business Builder & Leader in Genomics
Hiring for Good Podcast Ep . 31 This conversation goes far beyond science. Helaman Escobar shares a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on how technical experts grow into effective, people-centered leaders without losing their values. From building high-performing teams and navigating the leap into senior leadership to rethinking how we measure productivity in knowledge work, this episode […]
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Case Study: CEO Leadership in Advancing Access in Affordable and Permanent Supportive Housing
The Challenge A highly regarded, established, and essential non-profit and quasi-government housing organization in Central Oregon was seeking their next CEO due to a retirement. The search presented challenges as there were few candidates locally with the necessary expertise and candidates from outside the area would need to relocate to an area with minimal affordable […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 30 – Jered Stoehr, CEO of Milwaukee Electronics
If you’re navigating growth, succession, or leadership during uncertainty, this conversation is a must. Jered Stoehr, CEO of Milwaukee Electronics, shares an unusually candid look at stepping into second‑generation leadership while managing legacy, modernizing a 70‑year‑old family business, and leading through COVID and historic supply‑chain disruption. His insights on long‑term thinking, emotional intelligence, and leading […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Bob Bedritis
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Bob Bedritis, […]
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Case Study – Finance Leader’s Rapid Impact at a Global Beverage Manufacturer
The Situation A high-growth global beverage manufacturing client presented a critical need to hire a talented financial planning and analytics (FP&A) leader at a pivotal moment: there was no structured finance team, and critical FP&A functions needed immediate leadership. The manufacturer boasts a unique culture—rooted in health, wellness, calm, and embracing “Oregonian values” of organic […]
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How Not to Lose Your Job to AI: Lessons from a Mac’s List Event
Instead of fighting it, professionals need to lean into uniquely human skills that are hard to automate. AI is coming for your job. Or is it? At a recent Mac’s List and University of Oregon’s School of Journalism & Communication sponsored event exploring AI in the world of work, panelists tackled this question head-on. Esteemed […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Scott Belt
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Scott Belt, […]
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Small Business Optimism Reverses Swiftly as Tariffs Take Effect
Vistage explores the post-election confidence reversal as tariffs set to take effect. In the latest update for small business CEOs, the WSJ/Vistage Small Business CEO Confidence Index has dropped significantly, falling 12 points from the previous month. This decline marks a shift in post-election confidence, reflecting changing economic sentiment among small business leaders.
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Hiring for Good Ep. 29 – Janel Rieder BSN RN
In this episode, Janel Reider, owner of Assisting Hands Home Care, shares an honest, deeply human story of resilience, reinvention, and values-driven leadership. From starting over as a single mom to becoming a nurse to building a 50-person care organization grounded in “act justly, love mercy, walk humbly,” Janel offers powerful insights on leading with […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Bill Nootenboom
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Bill Nootenboom, […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 28 – John Morris
In this conversation, John Morris shares what it actually takes to build high‑performing teams, innovate at scale, and lead through risk, growth, and uncertainty. From shaping early streaming and ad tech innovation to guiding teams through acquisitions and rapid expansion, John offers candid reflections on trust, decision‑making, culture, and why respect, not control, is at […]
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Breaking Barriers: How Mentorship Fuels the Rise of Women Leaders in BioTech
In 2023, an exciting milestone captured widespread attention: for the first time in history, 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs were women[1]. At the same time, another striking statistic emerged—this same group of women leaders also surpassed – albeit not by much – the number of CEOs named John. [2] Media outlets reported on these achievements […]
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Redefining Executive Search: A Case Study in Leadership, Consensus, and Transformation
“Acumen Executive Search, led by Suzanne and her team, brought confidence, expertise, and deep nonprofit knowledge to our Executive Search. Michelle presented a strong pool of qualified candidates, and the team engaged effectively with our Board of Directors, providing clear communication, responsiveness, and reassurance throughout the process. Their commitment to exceeding expectations and following through […]
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2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook
Susan Herschell, Assistant Vice President at Heffernan Insurance Brokers and a referral partner to Acumen shared with us the 2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook. If your organization is looking for a review, we highly recommend reaching out to Susan at Heffernan. 503-419-5814.
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Why Trendy Resumes May be Hurting Your Job Search: The ATS Problem
In today’s competitive job market, job seekers are doing everything they can to stand out – which makes sense! As leadership search professionals and resume strategists, we’re seeing that the most popular trend is the use of highly designed resumes with multiple columns, decorative fonts, icons, graphics, and colors. These resumes look sleek and professional, […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Bryan Williams
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Bryan Williams, […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 27 – Kendra Cox & Paetra Orueta
Watch this episode to hear a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to transition a family business to the next generation, complete with hard-earned lessons on leadership, humility, and navigating change. Paetra Orueta and Kendra Cox share how they successfully stepped into ownership without a roadmap, leading through uncertainty while protecting culture, caring […]
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Finding the right mission-driven CFO plus an outstanding board member
“We Could Not Have Found Such a Talented CFO on our Own – and a Fantastic New Board Member as a Bonus” Case Study The challenge An Oregon-based nonprofit supporting vulnerable children approached Acumen with an urgent need to find a seasoned CFO with a strong orientation towards equity and trauma-informed care, a keen understanding […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 26 – Christie Dudenhoefer
In this episode of Hiring for Good, Christie Dudenhoefer shares a rare inside look at building and scaling a startup business within one of the world’s largest corporations. Leading HP’s Life Science Solutions business, Christie talks candidly about innovation at the edge of science and technology, navigating ambiguity inside a global enterprise, and creating high‑performing, […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Phil Chun
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Phil Chun, […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 25 – Doug and Jonathan Lenhoff
This episode offers a rare, honest look at succession done right. Doug and Jonathan Lenhoff share what it takes to pass leadership across generations without losing culture, trust, or momentum. From building a values‑driven team to navigating unexpected transitions, their conversation is a master class in leading with integrity, and hiring for the long term. […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Kim Kelleher
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Kim Kelleher, […]
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Hiring For Good Ep. 24 – Ali Migaki
In this conversation, Ali Migaki, SVP & Chief Experience Officer at iQ Credit Union, shares a candid account of her nontraditional path to executive leadership, shaped by resilience, hard lessons, and a deep commitment to people and community. From leading through mergers and massive organizational growth to redefining power through empathy, vulnerability, and mentorship, Ali […]
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Profiles in Leadership is joined by Sonya Sigler, founder of PractiGal
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Sonya Sigler, […]
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Hiring For Good Ep. 23 – Ndeye Makalou
This episode is a master class in purpose‑driven leadership. Global health leader Ndeye Makalou shares her journey from pharmacy school in Senegal to executive leadership across global pharma, and what it really takes to turn strategy into life‑saving impact. You’ll hear powerful insights on servant leadership, leading with courage and integrity, navigating complexity across cultures, […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Is Joined by Melissa Angeli, Principal at Jacquarden
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand how leadership drives positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world around us. This episode features a conversation with Melissa Angeli, […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 22 – Dr. Randall Kinnison
Learn why most family business transitions fail and what it takes to get them right. Dr. Randall “Dr. Peace” Kinnison shares practical insights on succession, values alignment, and building leaders who can carry a legacy forward. This episode is a powerful reminder that long-term success isn’t just about strategy. It’s about people, values, and how […]
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Ep 21 – Celebrating 17 Years of Acumen Executive Search: A Special Interview with Founder Suzanne Hanifin
Go beyond the polished outcomes and hear the unfiltered origin story behind a 17-year executive search firm. How Suzanne Hanifin built Acumen from a single client call into a values-driven organization rooted in trust, relationships, and real impact. It’s a candid look at leadership: knowing your weaknesses, hiring for complementary strengths, and making decisions that […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Is Joined by Intersectional Group Founder Zhou Fang
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Housing Works Selects New Executive Director
Acumen is honored to have partnered with the Board and staff of Housing Works to find their next impactful Executive Director who will continue to drive their mission of affordable housing production throughout Central Oregon. Congratulations to Housing Works and Lynne McConnell, JD who has been deeply involved in the full span of housing initiatives […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 20 – Smriti Agrawal, Ph.D.
From operating on bell peppers to transforming surgical care, Dr. Smriti Agrawal shares how bold thinking, risk-taking, and purpose-driven leadership can redefine an entire industry and what it takes to build something that truly improves lives. You don’t have to limit yourself. There are so many opportunities. If you feel passionate about something, why not […]
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Understanding the Difference Between Recruiters and Reverse Recruiters
In the job market, there are many professionals who play distinct roles in connecting talent with opportunities. While terms like headhunter, recruiter, talent acquisition specialist, and executive search professional are often used interchangeably, they share a common objective: finding qualified candidates to meet a company’s specific needs. However, reverse recruiters offer a different approach by […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership Is Joined by Key Process Innovations Founder Julie Markee
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 19 – Cameron Madrill
In this episode, Cameron Madill shares a rare, thoughtful look at what happens after entrepreneurial success. From building and scaling a purpose-driven company to choosing employee ownership and intentionally stepping away as CEO, Cameron reflects on identity, fulfillment, leadership, and what it really means to build something that lasts. This is a powerful conversation for […]
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Filling a Unique and Nuanced Leadership Role – Case Study
The Situation: A second-generation transportation consulting firm was experiencing rapid growth. The President retained Acumen to find a Vice President who could take on critical responsibilities, including sales, customer management, finance and data analytics, and leadership, to help scale the organization. The Process: Acumen began by interviewing the President and key staff members to fully […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by visionary CEO Hannah Austin
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 18 – Calvin Walsh
Real leadership stories rarely follow a straight line. In this episode, Calvin Walsh, founder of Unity Foods, shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at building a high-growth business after failure, covering everything from a company that collapsed to hiring missteps to scaling a mission-driven organization in a notoriously tough industry. It’s a practical, candid conversation about […]
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Welcome to Acumen Executive Search’s Hiring For Good Newsletter!
Welcome to Acumen Executive Search’s Hiring For Good Newsletter! Since we released the Hiring For Good podcast in January of this year we’ve received a great deal of interest and feedback regarding our conversations on leadership. With so much interest in the topic, we’ve decided to launch a quarterly newsletter that shares stories of impactful […]
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Hiring for Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by Executive Strategist Michael Beck
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 17 – Krishna Walker
In this episode, Krishna Walker, Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at CareVet, shares hard‑earned leadership lessons from helping grow an organization from 26 to 200 locations in just four years. From building high‑trust teams and navigating rapid M&A to staying grounded in purpose, culture, and governance, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders balancing […]
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2024 Executive Insights for Search & Staffing for Q2
Industry Report – Executive Insights The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their first read on August’s labor market. Download and read LinkedIn‘s Global Executive Insights.
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Hiring For Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by Leader and Visionary Adi Klevit
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 16 – Dr. Andy Mendenhall
This episode offers a rare, candid look at how humane leadership can drive real systems change. In a powerful conversation with Dr. Andy Mendenhall, CEO of City Central Concern, you’ll hear how a physician-turned-executive is tackling some of Oregon’s most complex challenges—behavioral health, homelessness, and workforce burnout by leading with data, dignity, and courage. If […]
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Hiring For Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by Executive Advisor, Jim Grew
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 15 – Skip Newberry
In this episode, Skip Newberry breaks down what’s really happening beneath the headlines in tech, from funding shifts to workforce resets, and shares the leadership lessons that matter most: take risks, build your network before you need it, and define success on your own terms. The leaders who will thrive are the ones who embrace […]
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Hiring For Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by Susan Herschell, Benefits Advisor, Heffernan Insurance Brokers
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 14 Laura Salerno Owens
What does it take to lead with confidence, build an extraordinary culture, and redefine success on your own terms? In this episode of Hiring for Good, Laura Salerno Owens, President of Markowitz Herbold, shares a candid and inspiring leadership journey—from event planner to one of Oregon’s most respected attorneys and law firm leaders. Laura offers […]
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Hiring For Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by Frank McShane, President, Square Peg Consulting
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 13 – Darren Marshall
In this episode, Darren Marshall shares an unusually honest look at leadership across vastly different worlds, from global icons like Coca‑Cola and Procter & Gamble to the reinvention of a beloved, founder‑led brand at Steven Smith Teamaker. Darren reflects on scaling with intention, leading after a founder’s passing, and building a high‑performance culture rooted in […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 12 – Namrata Saroj
In this episode of Hiring for Good, Dr. Namrata Saroj shares a candid, deeply practical look at what leadership really looks like over a long career, not the straight lines, but the pivots, risks, and moments of uncertainty that shape great leaders. Drawing on her journey from clinical practice to executive leadership and consulting, she […]
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Hiring For Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by Tiffany Salzman, Founder & Principal Consultant, Candor Concepts
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. In this episode, we feature […]
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Hiring For Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by Alice Tang ChFC, MIM, Vice President and Partner at BPG Wealth Management
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 11 – Ryan Buchanan
Watch this episode to hear a rare, unvarnished look at leadership in practice, not theory. Ryan Buchanan shares the real story behind scaling a company, surviving near-failure, and rebuilding with greater intention, offering candid lessons on resilience, values alignment, and the responsibility leaders have to shape more inclusive, community-centered organizations. The ups and the downs […]
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Hiring For Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by Carl J. Cox, CEO and Founder, 40 Strategy
The Profiles in Leadership series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 10 Dawn Jagger
If you care about leadership that actually makes systems work better, for real people, in real time, this conversation is worth your time. Dawn Jagger offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at values-driven leadership inside large government systems, sharing hard-earned lessons from leading through COVID, building trust with communities, and navigating change when the stakes are […]
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Hiring For Good – Profiles in Leadership is joined by Patrick Lyons, Founder & CEO, Culture By Design, Inc.
The Profiles in Leaderships series features conversations with organizational leadership experts to discuss important lessons they have learned and what “Hiring for Good” means to them. This series helps us better understand the role leadership plays in positive transformations and growth for people, organizations, and the world we live in. This episode features a conversation […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 9 with Gary Mortensen
Gary Mortensen’s journey spans wine, tech, intelligence work, startups that were too early, and businesses built to last generations. Along the way, he shares hard‑earned lessons on innovation, team-building, resilience, and what it really means to lead through disruption, whether that’s industry change, personal loss, or a global crisis. If you’re interested in how real […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 8 with Marcella Vail
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Hiring for Good Podcast, presented by Acumen Executive Search. In this episode, Marcella Vail, executive leader, cultural strategist, and nonprofit COO, shares a powerful, practical perspective on building people-centered organizations that scale without losing their soul. From leading culture at high-growth companies to designing systems that […]
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The Not-So-Secret Weapon of Cross-Industry Experience
Lessons learned from the Hiring For Good Podcast ”….Hiring a proven leader with cross-industry experience increases your organization’s ability to strategize and operate with innovation, agility, and resilience, three of the most pivotal markers for success in the modern business landscape“.
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Hiring For Good Ep. 7 with Amina Moreau
If you’re rethinking how and why we work, this conversation will challenge your assumptions. Amina Moreau, co-founder and CEO of Radious, shares how the pandemic reshaped her approach to leadership, team building, and the future of flexible work. From radical transparency in hiring to designing workspaces that put people, community, and sustainability first, this episode […]
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“Tell Me About Yourself” – The Do’s and Don’ts
Have you ever stumbled through the interview question, “Tell me about yourself”? Here is some advice to help you ace it!
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Hiring For Good Ep. 6 Mya Chamberlin
This episode offers a rare, deeply human look at leadership rooted in place, purpose, and community. Mya Chamberlin, Executive Director of Friendly House, shares her unconventional path from childhood volunteer to organizational leader, and reflects candidly on loss, resilience, and guiding a 90‑year‑old nonprofit through profound change. Listeners will gain thoughtful insight into values‑based leadership, […]
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Hiring For Good Ep. 5 with Anja Taylor
This episode is a master class in modern, human‑centered leadership. Anja Taylor, President of Kinesis, shares an honest and deeply thoughtful perspective on navigating ambiguity, building belonging at work, and leading through transformation in an era of constant change. From redefining “work–life balance” to rethinking hiring, power, and growth, this conversation will resonate with leaders […]
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Charles Swatzell
As an English major, I loved studying critical theory. Wolfgang Iser’s “Reader Response Theory” was my favorite approach to eliciting meaning from a text. In RRR, Iser suggests that the meaning of any work is unique to the reader, as each person brings to it their own understanding and repertoire of experiences. The best readers […]
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Hiring For Good With Acumen
Acumen has been honored to support clients and candidates who are doing truly impactful work in the world. Click on the video below to see some of the ways these leaders are bettering the communities in which they serve, for good.
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Executive Search: Alignment of Organizational Goals and Values
During Acumen Executive Searches’ 16 years as an executive recruiting firm, we have supported numerous leadership recruitments. Whether it is a CEO, President, CFO, CTO, CIO, CHRO, COO, or a key director/manager, finding the right blend of technical skills and industry expertise is important, yet the biggest indicator of long-term success is the ability to […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 4 with Charles Swatzell
Charles Swatzel’s journey defies the typical tech-founder narrative. From a childhood spent on stage in professional theater to leading a global software company, Charles shares how creativity, people-first leadership, and disciplined execution can coexist in high-growth environments. This episode offers practical insights on building trust across global teams, leading with humanity in tech, and creating […]
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Hiring For Good Ep. 3 with Nicole (Nikki) Chen
Watch this episode to hear how Nikki Chen is redefining what it means to lead with authenticity, empathy, and courage—demonstrating that real change begins when people feel seen, heard, and truly valued. It’s not ‘what can they do for me’—it’s ‘what am I making sure I’m prepared for them. – Nikki Chen Suzanne Hanifin: President […]
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Executive Recruiting for Associations and Not-For-Profits
During Acumen Executive Searches’ 16 years as an executive search firm, we have supported numerous associations and not-for-profits as they transition to new leadership. A search at any level of leadership within these entities can be a very nuanced process, but the role of the top staff leadership, whether the title is Executive Director, CEO, […]
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Hiring For Good Ep. 2 with Stan Hanks
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build the future before the world knows it needs one, this episode is it. From helping shape the early internet to inventing the foundation for VPNs and rethinking how companies hire and lead, Stan Hanks delivers a masterclass in curiosity-driven leadership and why the best innovators […]
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Hiring for Good Ep. 1 with Tanis & Suzanne
Our inaugural episode of “Hiring For Good” with hosts Tanis Morris and Suzanne Hanifin is now live! Hiring For Good examines how leadership has the power to transform a company, community, and society at large. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and embark on a journey of leadership insights. Stay tuned for more empowering episodes to come! We […]
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Key Elements of an Onboarding Plan
During Acumen Executive Searches’ 16 years as an executive search firm, we have supported numerous onboarding plans for our clients’ new leadership hires. Here are some valuable factors we consider when strategizing pre-onboarding (the period between offer acceptance and the start date) and onboarding. As executive recruiters, these guidelines are tailored for leadership positions; however, […]
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The Benefit and Power of Acting Now to Hire A New Executive
Clear… and not so Clear The need to fill an executive role is often clear. A CFO is retiring, and a replacement must be found prior to their exit, or the CMO of a company has moved on and the company is in need of a new leader. In cases like this, you know a […]
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Supporting Out-of-State Candidates: How Executive Search Firms Make Relocating Seamless
An effective executive search firm does more than just match talent to opportunities where there is a strong alignment of mission, vision, and values. Boutique search firms such as Acumen cultivate a lifetime of relationships and offer a suite of services to their clients and candidates who are both local and relocating from other areas. […]
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What a Human Resources Partner Can Do for a Company
Situation When a long-time manufacturing client sought Acumen’s expertise to hire a Human Resource leader, little did they know that their needs were far greater. The company had been experiencing rapid growth and was struggling with filling positions, high rates of tardiness and absenteeism, bad hires, and supervisors who needed development. They had few formal […]
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Executive Compensation Philosophy
Executive compensation philosophy refers to the guiding principles and beliefs that an organization follows when determining how to compensate its top executives. It encompasses the overall approach and values that shape the design, structure, and level of compensation for executives within the organization. Here are some common elements that may be part of an executive […]
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Your Network is Your Prosperity
We want to thank Alice Tang for her time with the Acumen team. We were treated to her incredible workshop, “Your Network is Your Prosperity,” which she presented at our office last week. During our two-hour session with Alice, Suzanne wrote down a number of comments that came up during our discussion about the value […]
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Improve Employee Retention Utilizing a Mindful Hiring Process
Employee retention is crucial for the stability and growth of any organization. It is the opposite side of the Recruiting coin. Organizations spend a great deal of time, money, and energy on recruiting. But once you hire that great employee, how do you ensure they’ll remain an engaged and happy team member for the long […]
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Steps to Successful Recruiting
When assessing candidates for a specific position, Acumen recommends a systematic approach to evaluate their qualifications, skills, and suitability. We’ve outlined a series of steps below that provide a road map through the more scientific elements of the recruitment process. That said, exceptional recruiting goes far beyond data-driven spreadsheets and finding an individual with the […]
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Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
How do you sum up the value you bring to a potential employer in one or two pages? Your resume is the primary marketing piece of your personal brand. Ideally, this document will help you stand out as an applicant and get companies clamoring to hire you, and there is no room for error. Unfortunately, […]
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Non-Profit CFO Finds Meaning and Mission in the For-Profit World
The Situation Our client, a global architecture, engineering, and construction firm with a specialty in sustainability and designing “living buildings” sought a CFO who could bring fresh new ideas from outside the industry as they were growing exponentially, into new markets and innovative new services. They were also seeking a CFO who could develop a […]
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Acumen Welcomes Tanis Morris
We are delighted to announce that Tanis Morris has joined Acumen as Director of Business Development. She resonates with Acumen’s mission of providing high-quality, mission-driven executive search services. She is proud to participate in the process of bringing transformative and impactful leaders to client organizations, to work for a certified Woman Owned Business with a […]
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When Hiring is a Team Sport
Acumen often works with hiring teams to bring in new executive leadership. Whether a Board, Commission, or Hiring Committee this process provides unique challenges and opportunities. Here are a few tips and tricks to navigate hiring when it is a team sport: Bringing in new leadership can be time-consuming, stressful… and very important. We encourage […]
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Women’s Million Dollar Conversation
“Every time I have taken a leap of faith in myself, it has been rewarded tenfold.” ~ Suzanne Hanifin I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Alice Tang in her Women’s Million Dollar Conversation series, where she interviews leading women to discuss their insights, experiences, and tips on how they achieved their goals to […]
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An Afternoon Celebration
The Acumen team had a special afternoon of acupuncture, micro-needling, and self-care to celebrate our fearless leader Suzanne Hanifin’s big day. As a small, woman-owned business we were excited to partner with Karly Bannister of Keahi Health for our event — she gets “glowing” reviews.
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Acumen announces new EDI partnership
Acumen is delighted to announce our partnership with Equity expert and thought leader Zhou Fang from Intersectional Group. Zhou Fang is the founder and principal equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practitioner of Intersectional Group LLC, an EDI consulting practice with a focus on intersectionality, empathy and compassion, as well as curiosity. Zhou is an advocate […]
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Congratulations Karen – An Acumen Update
Karen Anderson, my longtime friend and colleague of Acumen Executive Search, is ready to follow and focus on her dream. For the past several years, Karen has been building Navarra Gardens, a 14-acre indoor and outdoor Corporate Retreat and Event Venue – which is now an open and welcoming business. Throughout our 20+ years of friendship, Karen […]
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Acumen Welcomes Felicia Wells-Thomas
We are pleased to announce Felicia Wells-Thomas has joined Acumen Executive Search as a Client Manager and will be helping leading businesses find executive candidates and leaders. Interconnectedness inspires Felicia. “I want to be the concierge of the World.” Her forte is finding solutions that benefit people, organizations, and communities by aligning goals and visions. As a […]
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FTC Proposes Ban on Worker Non-Compete Clauses
“Around one in five American workers are now bound by a non-compete, and a significant body of research shows that non-competes reduced wages overall. They don’t just reduce wages for the workers that are directly subject to a non-compete, but they actually have a market-wide effect, which is quite striking,” stated Lina Khan, chairperson of […]
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When a National FI Organization Wanted a CIO, Acumen Delivered More
The Situation An Award-Winning National Mortgage Company was in need of a CIO, with solid leadership skills: able to manage, develop, and grow a talented team; have hard conversations when necessary; and able to streamline processes to allow the team to perform more efficiently. In addition, to being a strong leader, the organization required the […]
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Building a Company Culture of Wellbeing
Stop burnout before it affects your office. Pandemic shutdowns, fears of a recession or layoffs, and inflation have been weighing on everyone lately. Many companies are adding to employees’ responsibilities to meet the increase in demands which can lead to burnout. Keep your team and yourself happy by incorporating some wellness practices in your organization.1. Engage employees […]
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Happy Thanksgiving!
We have so much to be thankful for this season – family, friends, and our Acumen community are just the start. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Happy Thanksgiving from the Acumen team!
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Integration & Onboarding
Make new team members feel welcome before they even step foot in the office on the first day. Write a personal note. Schedule a team lunch or happy hour. Give them time to build relationships and help make those introductions. Acumen Executive & Talent Search‘s own Suzanne Hanifin talked about the importance of taking the time to integrate new […]
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Push Past Discomfort to Build Confidence
By Suzanne Hanifin As a small business owner, I tend to get down into the weeds – driving sales, client management, accounting, office, and supporting my amazing team. I don’t usually go all out and do something that is so difficult like public speaking. I took the leap. When my friend, Tracy Vicario from HUB asked me to participate […]
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LinkedIn Cybersecurity
Social media channels offer an opportunity to reach people outside of our day-to-day routines both professionally and socially. Many executives rely on LinkedIn to get industry news, connect with colleagues, and even search for potential employees. Unfortunately, LinkedIn also hides potential trouble in the form of cyber threat actors. Recently, the site purged hundreds of […]
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Onboarding vs Integration
DisruptHR is described as “an information exchange designed to energize, inform, and empower people in the HR field.” 14 speakers are given five minutes to speak. Acumen’s Founder and CEO, Suzanne Hanifin, was invited to be one of this year’s speakers, and shared her thoughts on “Integration vs. Onboarding.” Check out her full slide deck […]
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Acumen’s 15th Anniversary Celebration
It is not every day we celebrate a company turning 15 and we have met some incredible people along the way. Acumen has experienced some interesting changes including a global pandemic and we have grown stronger because of them. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize our team for creating one of the […]
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DisruptHR Portland 2.0
DISRUPT IS AN INFORMATION EXCHANGE DESIGNED TO ENERGIZE, INFORM AND EMPOWER PEOPLE IN THE HR FIELD. We are excited to finally bring back DisruptHR to Portland, Oregon for the second time! Space is limited, so grab your ticket today! There will be food, drinks, and fun! Hear from local speakers and […]
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Quiet Quitting – Another Lesson for Me
I have heard a lot about “Quiet Quitting” recently, people who are hired to do a salaried job within a set amount of time and stop working when either the job is done, or the time has ended (whether remote or in person). For example, an accountant is hired for 40 hours per week to […]
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5 Questions to Support Building Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
Acumen Executive Search aspires to conduct highly inclusive and equitable searches for new executive leaders who help our client organizations thrive. We approach this work with humility and an orientation towards continuous learning and training. Over the last several months, we have been outlining some of our processes and lessons learned as related to diversity, […]
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How New Leadership at Multnomah County Health Department is Driving Innovation to Elevate Health Outcomes for Vulnerable Oregonians
“What Does it Mean to Be One Health Center?” For the Executive Officer of Oregon’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), this question was at the heart of the search for the health Center’s Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Operations Officer dyad which would help further the Health Center’s goals around healthcare integration, health and […]
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Great News – Oregon’s Biosciences is growing
Oregon Bioscience Association recently released a report on the bioscience boom in Oregon and its great news for the industry. Oregon biosciences is growing! The Oregon and Clark County bioscience industry has seen strong growth during the COVID-19 pandemic; in fact, seeing it’s highest numbers in the past twenty years. With new money coming from […]
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How Investing in the Right Search Firm to Identify the Right Manager Leads to Longevity and Client Success
“Mike is the best hire I have ever made” ~ Leonard F., President The Situation Our client, a company engaged in the design and manufacturing of portable instruments for agricultural and environmental research, had urgent need for a world-class Quality Assurance Manager. They had previously been employing students, who were used to lower salary requirements, […]
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Recruiting “Perfect Fit” Leaders
Acumen hosts an open discussion on Recruiting “Perfect Fit” Leaders on Wednesday, May 18 from 3:00-3:45 PM (Pacific Time) Online Via Zoom No agenda, no sales pitches – just come and share your ideas, ask your questions, and gain insights. Suzanne Hanifin, CEO & Founder of Acumen Executive Search, will host this small group open […]
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Sometimes You Get What You Need
“I really appreciated the willingness to reframe this position and the sophisticated approach to negotiating for both the client’s and candidate’s best outcome.” Technology Firm’s Vice President of Strategy, placed by Acumen. The Situation The placement of a Vice President of Strategy at an Oregon-born Technology Consulting & Professional Services firm did not follow the […]
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Acumen’s Michelle Satter Featured Person on the Move
Congratulations Michelle for being a Portland Business Journal Featured Person on the Move. https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/potmsearch/detail/submission/6513658/Michelle_Satter
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Good News in Manufacturing for Us All to Get Inspired
Karen Anderson speaks with Erick Frack of Enoch Precision Manufacturing
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Successions: Is Contingency Planning Enough?
Michael Beck of Eliciting Excellence wrote a thought-provoking article about Successions. What happens if the successor you bring in to run your company after you leave doesn’t do well? Michael explains the ways he and his company ensure that the successor you bring in is the right person for the job.
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Solutions for the Great Resignation: An Opportunity for “GROWTHH”
We at Acumen have had a front-row seat in witnessing the Great Resignation: people are leaving their jobs, pivoting in their careers, starting their own companies or consulting firms, or are opting for retirement. We are witnessing this phenomenon with our multi-million-dollar and Fortune 500 company clients, our family-owned and operated clients, and even our […]
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Transition & Exit Planning: Why, When & How? Hosted by Ideal Business Transition Solutions and Now CFO
Do you have solutions penned for the uncertainty in life? Are your family and employees protected?
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Acumen Hosts Client Appreciation Party
Acumen welcomed dear colleagues to an appreciation party in October. It was a delight to connect with people in person! The wonderful company, in addition to the great food and drink, made for a good time by all. Be sure to check out photos of the event:
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How Do You Position Your Company to Attract Top Leadership Talent?
The pandemic forced us to alter our focus to what is most important: namely family, human connection, good health, flexible work arrangements, and most importantly, the “why.” Needs and criteria of top talent have changed dramatically. Note per a recent Bloomberg News article: At least some atop the corporate ladder seem to be paying attention. […]
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Executive Compensation – Establishing KPIs
By Suzanne Hanifin Today, executive compensation packages are heavily weighted toward salary and bonuses. As Executive Recruiters, we are often asked, “how do we set up a fair bonus structure?” The current consensus seems to be a bonus structure based upon 50% company wellbeing and 50% on personal goals or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is […]
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New CEO Breathes New Life and Innovation into Public-Sector Organization
By Molly Norton Acumen was retained to locate the next CEO for a leading-edge, respected, highly regulated Oregon-based quasi-governmental institution that has existed since the late ’70s. The organization was primed for new, visionary leadership to take them to the next stage of their evolution. The new CEO was hired following a national search and […]
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Your Words Are Powerful
Your words can frame a person’s perspective of you in just moments. Read tips how to present yourself with credibility
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What’s Your Company’s Future
What’s Your Company’s Future. It starts with a conversation about culture, can you describe it in five words?
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Transition & Exit Planning – The Why, When, and What
Succession planning webinar on how to maximize financial return and strengthen your organization as you plan for retirement.
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Retire Without Selling – Putting Your Plan to Work, Part 3
Retiring without selling, putting your plan to work. Part 3 of series lead by Alice Tang, Suzanne Hanifin, Don Bielen, and Jim Grew.
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Are You Zoomed Out?
There's a reason we have been experiencing being ZOOMED-OUT and MS TEAMS-OUT
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How to Successfully Conduct a Virtual Interview
How to Successfully Conduct a Virtual Interview
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Retiring Without Selling – Crafting Your Personal Plan Webinar, Part 2
Retiring without selling, crafting your personal plan. Part 2 of series lead by Alice Tang, Suzanne Hanifin, Don Bielen, and Jim Grew.
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Retiring Without Selling – Finding Options For You Webinar, Part 1
Retiring without selling, finding options for you. Part 1 of series lead by Alice Tang, Suzanne Hanifin, Don Bielen, and Jim Grew.
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Why Acumen Executive Search?
Why Acumen should become your partner for your executive recruiting needs.
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CEO Insights Invites Heyke Kirkendall-Baker
Heyke Kirkendall-Baker, Founder of NW Employer Solutions and CEO of Parity Software. What you need to do to protect yourself regarding Parity Laws in Oregon.
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CEO Insights Invites Carl Cox
Carl Cox, CEO of 40 Strategy. Today more than ever, having a strategy has never been more important. Hear from the Strategy Expert himself.
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Planning on Selling Your Business? Think Again…
There will be a wave of Baby Boomer business owners retiring but research shows there aren’t enough buyers for all those businesses. What are the alternatives?
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CEO Insights Invites Kate Kanapeaux
Kate Kanapeaux, VP of Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition discusses pivoting to support members’ business growth, our region’s economy, and national security.
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CEO Insights Invites Adi Klevit
Adi Klevit, CEO and Founder of Business Success Consulting Group. Processes and Procedures for Effective Business Practices During Covid-19.
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CEO Insights Invites Leonard Felix
Leodard Felix, President of CID BioScience & Felix Instruments to discuss how diversity and innovation is key during the the pandemic.
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Acumen Helps Real Estate Development Client Secure Top-Tier C-Level-Talent to Bring World-Class Biotech Innovation to Portland
Acumen Helps Real Estate Development Client Secure Top-Tier C-Level-Talent to Bring World-Class Biotech Innovation to Portland
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Acumen Case Study with Will Fox
Suzanne Hanifin speaks with Will Fox, COO of Precision Analytical on how Acumen did placing him and everything he has accomplished in a short amount of time.
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Acumen Resume Quick Tip
A simple way to increase your unique value proposition and help your resume get noticed
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CEO Insights Invites: Laura Salerno Owens
Laura Salerno Owens, President of Markowitz Herbold PC. Watch and learn about how a premier litigation firm is navigating its way out of COVID-19.
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CEO Insights Invites: Will Fox
Will Fox, the COO of Precision Analytical discusses how they relied on their core values to make their way through the shutdown.
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CEO Insights Invites: Andrew Hermann
Andrew Hermann, Pres of CorSource Technology Group, shares importance of reconnecting old relationships and building new ones within the technology community.
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CEO Insights Invites Kendra Iden
Kendra Iden, President of KIKS Co, a Globally Inspired Design & Sourcing Firm for your home decor. Watch and learn about starting a business during COVID-19.
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Acumen Presents Career Support Services
Acumen can help guide your career strategy, personal branding, and help you nail your next interview.
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CEO Insights Invites: Agnes Zach
Agnes Zach has been a leader within the local Non-Profit community and discusses the non-profit landscape, success stories, and outlook for smaller non-profits.
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CEO Insights Invites: Chris Keefer
Chris Keefer, Principal of Keefer Strategies, a Preventative Law practice. Watch now and learn about preventative law from an expert attorney.
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CEO Insights Invites Ron Schoenheit
Ron Schoenheit, Founder & President of Cascade Protection Systems. Watch now and learn about a local company and their innovation during a time of crisis.
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CEO Insights with Chris Marsh, Leader Extraordinaire
Acumen is proud to share the first interview in our “CEO Insights” series: Chris Marsh, Leader Extraordinaire.
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Local Seamstresses Come to the Rescue of Pediatric Patients in Need
Local Seamstresses Come to the Rescue of Pediatric Patients in Need
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Onboarding Lessons and Advice
The most effective onboarding plans are those that give their executives a 3-month schedule that allow them to work a week within each group in the organization.
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How to Thrive in a Time of Video Interviews
Here are a couple resources to help get you started navigating this virtual world of interviewing.
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Work Flexibility is the Key to Recruiting and for Building a Culture of Trust
Work Flexibility is Key to Recruiting and Building a Culture of Trust
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The Acumen Approach – Now Backed By Behavioral Science
The Science and Power of Story. Behavioral science shows a staggering 95% of all decisions are first made emotionally
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How One Well-Placed HR Business Partner Can Transform an Enterprise and Mitigate Risk
A decades-old international transportation company needed a strategic HR leader who had the ability to lead following the strong Founder’s departure.
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Acumen Facilitates Succession Plan at the Eleventh Hour
A mid-sized aerial services company was looking to hire its first Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to help the succession from generation one to generation two.
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Acumen’s Open House Was a Success
Thank you to everyone who came to Acumen’s Open House and helped make it a successful evening.
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Ted Allen placed as Consulting CFO for PlusPoint Consulting
Acumen Executive Search is proud to announce the successful placement of Ted Allen as Consulting Chief Financial Officer for PlusPoint Consulting.
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Finding True Professional Fulfillment
For the majority of today’s workforce, more waking hours are spent during the week dedicated to our professions than spent with family and friends.
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Outsourcing & Company Culture
Is it possible to outsource certain functions while minimizing impactful effects to company culture?
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Stop Lying to Job Candidates About the Role
Too many hiring managers avoid telling candidates the truth about a job.
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Bryan Bast Chosen as CEO for Food and Beverage Innovations.
Acumen Executive Search is proud to announce the hire of Bryan Bast as CEO for Food and Beverage Innovations.
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Suzanne Hanifin joins Professional 50
Suzanne Hanifin recently joined the Professional 50, a network of Greater Portland’s Elite Exit/Succession professionals.
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Congrats to Scott Cooper – New MEDP Executive Director
Acumen Executive Search is proud to announce the successful placement of Scott Cooper as Executive Director for McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP).
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Product Marketing Manager Sought to Prepare Product Launch
An early stage, pre-launch medical device company needed an experienced Product Marketing Manager to spearhead go-to-market strategy.
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Suzanne Hanifin awarded Volunteer of the Year
The Oregon Cancer Ski Out awarded Suzanne Hanifin the Dave Grimshaw Award Volunteer of the Year. Suzanne has been involved with the Ski Out for about 25 years.
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Small Business Hiring Trends for 2019
Finding qualified people to fill positions in a booming economy is a challenge. Here are 4 key tips to ease the pain
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PwC 2018 Family Business Survey Results Are Out
PricewaterhouseCooper released the results of their 2018 Family Business Survey. It finds family businesses to be in good health. Click here for the quick facts
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World-Class Talent Expeditiously Moves Organization Forward
World-Class Talent Brings “Deeper Bench” to Early Stage Medical Device Company and Expeditiously Moves Organization Forward
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Back to Old School Recruiting
Finding a Construction Project Manager at the beginning of construction season proved to be challenging. Find out how this was overcome.
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Finding the Unicorn Locally
A fast-growing technology company was seeking an industry-savvy CFO who grasped the finance complexities for companies developing both hardware and software.
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Acumen partners with MEDP
Acumen Executive Search is proud to partner with McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) in the search for their new Executive Director.
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Acumen Receives Award from PNDC
Acumen Executive Search was the proud recipient of the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition 2018 Sustaining Member of the Year Award.
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OEDA Conference – Where Great People and Ideas Connect
Acumen was a proud sponsor and exhibitor at OEDA’s (Oregon Economic Development Association) Annual Fall Conference. Click here to see the award winners!
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How to Conduct a Search for Your Right Search Partner
The Most Critical Component of an Executive Search Takes Place Before the Search for an Executive. Read to see how to greatly increase the probability of search success.
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Pro-Bono Executive Development Board Hires Executive Director
An economic development board needed to hire it's inaugural Executive Director. Read how the needs were assessed and then successfully fulfilled.
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Acumen Successfully fills Executive Director Role
The experience we had with Acumen in the search for our Executive Director was superb. We highly recommend Acumen
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Focused Leadership Takes Good to Great
There was a substantial need for fresh perspective to help refocus the strategic vision and fine-tune executional methodologies. Read how the need was filled!
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The Right Person Opens the Door
A company hired 4 different individuals over a ten-year period and still didn't find the right Corp Account Manager. Read how they got finally got it right.
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The Cost of a Bad Executive Hire
Maybe that new executive you just hired, the one everyone thought was so great – isn’t. How much is their poor performance costing your business?
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The Leader’s Guide to Corporate Culture
Many leaders often don’t understand culture which can lead to their plans for company being derailed. Read more about how to use culture to shape your organization.
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Congrats to Avery Pickard, OEDA’s new Executive Director
Acumen Executive Search is proud to announce the successful placement of Avery Pickard as Executive Director for Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA).
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Congrats to Sarah Garrison – New PNDC CEO/President
Acumen Executive & Talent Search is proud to announce the successful placement of Sarah Garrison as CEO/President for Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC).
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Hiring and Retaining Top Talent
Hiring the right talent is a critical decision facing CEOs. Vistage provides insights for hiring the talent you need and retaining the talent you have.
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Oregon’s 2018 Job Outlook
If you’re looking to make a change, the outlook is very good. More than 30 companies, such as Nike, Umpqua, and OHSU, are looking for hundreds of workers.
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Tracking the right sales metrics
There are three metrics high performing sales organizations track: behaviors, leading indicators, and lagging indicators. Read how these can make a difference
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Bad Hires Can Be an Expensive Mistake
A CareerBuilder survey shows three out of four employers have made bad hiring decisions. Read how much a bad hire can cost your organization
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Thank you to all of our Veterans
As a daughter of a Veteran who served during the Korean War, and a wife of an active duty Army Guardsmen – I want to say THANK YOU to all who have served.
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Acumen’s 10th Anniversary Party
Thank you for sharing such a monumental night with us. Listening to your stories of how Acumen has impacted you personally touched our hearts.
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Managing Scope & Aligning Internal Strategy
A healthcare technology innovator sought a marketing and communications expert to spearhead next steps in its go-to-market plan. See how they succeeded
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Game Changing Technology
A biomedical device company struggled to find its next for global Vice President, Customer Support. Find out what the missing link was.
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Oregon Laws Changed – Employers Need to Know
It is now unlawful for prospective employers, recruiters, and others involved in the hiring practice to seek an applicant’s or employee’s salary history.
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Current Trends in Succession Planning
Watch a great webinar on Succession Planning & Current Trends.
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High Growth Requiring Change Management
"We desperately needed a leadership role in Finance. Our executive resources were stretched way too thin. We had a big hole to fill."
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New Oregon Law on Equal Compensation
Starting on January 1, 2024, job candidates will have a right of private action against prospective employers if asked about their compensation history.
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Attracting Great Talent: Podcast with Tracy Vicario
Acumen Executive Search founder, Suzanne Hanifin, is featured in a Business Wellbeing podcast hosted by Tracy Vicario. Hear about retention and company culture
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What is employer branding?
Sid Smith, of Predictable Traction, recently wrote an article breaking down the phrase “Employer Branding” and discerning how it can be done properly. Read how.
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Changing Corporate Culture from the Inside Out
A national company discovered gaps in its accounting practices and needed to make a change, but risked losing valuable info that only the Controller knew.
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Company Reaches Crossroads and Contemplates Future
With aggressive competition creating a sense of urgency, leadership realized the company was at a crossroads and in need of fresh perspective.
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Summer Intern at Acumen
Portland, Ore.- May 17, 2017 Acumen Executive Search (https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com) announced today that Lexi Goebel has joined the firm as a Summer Intern. Lexi was born and raised in Oregon and just completed her sophomore year at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. She is studying Business and Economics and looks forward to the opportunity to get […]
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Molly Norton as Director of Talent
Portland, Ore. – February 21, 2017 – Acumen Executive Search (https://www.acumenexecutivesearch.com) announced today that Molly Norton has joined the firm as Director of Talent. Norton joins Acumen’s team of seasoned talent professionals and will contribute to the company’s ongoing growth strategy. “I have enjoyed partnering with Acumen for the past two plus years and highly […]
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Acumen Supports PIVOT Job Corp
Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program that helps people ages 16 - 24 improve the quality of their lives.
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USDOL Announces 2016 FLSA White-Collar Exemption Final Rules
Davis Wright Tremaine LLC posted the latest update regarding FLSA White-Collar Exemptions Rules. We want to share it the information of who qualifies for over-time. It is important to note that the salary requirements have increased (for lower wage earners, it has doubled) in regards to the qualifications. Organizations have only 200 days to implement. […]
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Biosciences in Oregon Makes Big Economic Impact
The bioscience sector in Oregon may not get as much attention as San Diego or Boston, but it accounts for a sizable chunk of jobs and wages.
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Acumen’s Karen Anderson honored by Clackamas County
Clackamas County – Community Impact Awards are presented by the Clackamas County Community Action Board to honor individuals and organizations that achieve significant results fighting poverty and helping low income individuals and families overcome barriers and build upon their natural strengths and abilities. Karen Anderson has been a Board Member of LOTSM since 2014. LOTSM provides […]
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April 28th, 2016 Acumen’s Web Launch & Open House
Join us to celebrate the introduction of Acumen Talent Search (and our new website: www.AcumenTSearch.com) We have opened our offices for friends and colleagues to party with us – food, drinks, and fun! Drop by and stay awhile; bring a guest or two. We would love to see you! WHEN Thursday, April 28, 2016 from […]
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Congrats to Denise McCarty – New Oregon Bio Executive Director
Acumen is proud to announce the successful placement of Denise McCarty at Oregon Bioscience Associate. Click on the image to read the full article.
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