2025 Notable Leaders in Recruitment & Talent

Attracting top talent starts from within. The 16 recruitment and talent professionals on our Notable list excel at enhancing employee engagement and strengthening organizational culture. They set the standard at their organizations, and that same commitment is reflected in their community involvement.

Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive; it includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must have at least five years of experience in their field and have shown the ability to effect change in their roles or areas of practice.

To nominate other best-in-class executives in their fields, click here.

2025 Notable Leaders in Recruitment & Talent

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McKaela Baldus

McKaela Baldus

General manager/senior vice president, Minnesota office, 24 Seven
With more than 15 years in the staffing and recruiting business, McKaela Baldus has established herself as an industry leader, recognized with numerous awards including Most Contractor Placements and Most
Marcia Ballinger

Marcia Ballinger

Co-founder, Ballinger Leafblad
Marcia Ballinger co-founded St. Paul-based Ballinger Leafblad in 2014 to create an executive search practice focused on serving the civic sector. Over her 20 years of experience in executive search,
Kathleen Brenk

Kathleen Brenk

Chief people officer, Sunrise Banks
Kathleen Brenk leads several teams at Sunrise Banks: human resources, marketing and communications, DEI, learning, and administration. Since joining the St. Paul-based bank two years ago, Brenk has prioritized transparency,
John Congemi

John Congemi

Senior director, talent and leadership development, Marvin
John Congemi oversees talent and leadership development at Marvin, a window and door manufacturer based in Warroad. Marvin has more than doubled in size in recent years, requiring evolved talent
Christine Esckilsen

Christine Esckilsen

Chief human capital officer, Piper Sandler
Christine Esckilsen has made a huge impact on the culture at Piper Sandler by fostering development of employees at all levels and creating an inclusive environment. She leads a team
Jenna Estlick

Jenna Estlick

President, human resources solutions, Versique
Jenna Estlick has more than 13 years of corporate experience leading high-performing human resources teams and driving strategic initiatives. Since joining Versique four years ago, she’s led the St. Louis
Amie Goettig

Amie Goettig

Director of recruitment, Bold Orange Co.
In her role directing talent acquisition, Amie Goettig is a critical catalyst for Bold Orange’s historic growth and continued success. Leveraging her extensive network and ability to align passions with
Alissa Henriksen

Alissa Henriksen

Co-founder/co-president, Grey Search + Strategy
After working for a large recruiting firm out of college, Alissa Henriksen co-founded Grey Search and Strategy with her husband, Lucas Henriksen, in 2008 and never looked back. Today, the
Kristin Nordling

Kristin Nordling

Founder/president, Lakeside HR Group
With her knack for finding talent and adding value to a company’s strategic needs, Kristin Nordling founded Lakeside HR Group in 2021. She brings more than 25 years of corporate
Jodi Standke

Jodi Standke

CEO, Talon Performance Group
When Jodi Standke founded her own legal recruiting firm in 1999, she led the charge in shifting the hiring experience for law firms and corporate legal departments by addressing retention
Stacey Stratton

Stacey Stratton

Founder/CEO/president, True Talent Group
Stacey Stratton founded True Talent Group in 2008 with the vision of taking a fresh approach to recruitment for creative and marketing professionals. Nearly 20 years later, she has stayed
Thomas Thissen

Thomas Thissen

CEO/president, Award Staffing
As the CEO and owner of Award Staffing for 20 years, Thomas Thissen has demonstrated unwavering dedication and a keen ability to lead through a myriad of challenges, resulting in
Tanya Lynn Velishek

Tanya Lynn Velishek

Workforce manager of clinical nursing pathways and partnerships, M Health Fairview
Tanya Lynn Velishek’s work at M Health Fairview exemplifies servant leadership, compassion, innovation, and strategic vision. She’s implemented impactful initiatives, including the OnTrack nursing assistant program, addressing critical workforce gaps
Tara Wyborny

Tara Wyborny

Vice president, talent development, Genesis10
Tara Wyborny is helping reshape the tech workforce in Minnesota and beyond through her leadership at Genesis10, a St. Paul-based staffing agency. She co-created the firm’s Dev10 recruiting division in
Brian Zingler

Brian Zingler

Director, hiring center, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Brian Zingler has brought about significant progress in recruitment and talent acquisition at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection hiring center in Bloomington, particularly for Border Patrol agents and Customs
Ashley Zintl

Ashley Zintl

Global talent acquisition director, H.B. Fuller
A leader in talent and recruitment with more than 17 years of experience, Ashley Zintl’s innovative approach and strategic vision have enhanced an inclusive, employee-centered culture at H.B. Fuller. Since