Jen Hanlon Ash

Partner

Jen Hanlon Ash built a successful career over 20+ years in human resources management before specializing in executive search. During that time, she developed a strong generalist background and reputation for effectively partnering with executives and senior leadership to support talent acquisition, workforce planning, leadership development, culture and engagement initiatives. In 2018, Jen launched a values-based executive search and HR consulting practice delivering customized services to clients and a high-touch candidate experience.

Jen’s experience with clients spans a wide range of business models, industries, and practice areas. She has a deep commitment to the social sector, and a passion for connecting changemaking organizations with the purpose-driven leaders they seek.

Jen is an empathetic listener who builds authentic, consultative relationships. Clients find that she can troubleshoot a wide range of HR-related factors that may impact the success of a search. And candidates find that she takes the time to really understand their backgrounds and strengths. Jen is on a lifelong journey to build multi-cultural competence in herself and others, fight bias and intolerance, and meaningfully contribute to a just and peaceful world.

Education

Jen holds a B.A. in Business from the University of Northern Iowa and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification from the HR Certification Institute (inactive).

Jen is a lifelong learner who is continually studying organizational effectiveness and leadership development. She’s benefitted from formal instruction, self-directed learning, strong mentors, and the greatest teacher of all - hindsight. Jen has designed and delivered human resources training for leaders covering a range of topics including behavioral-based interviewing, bias reduction, equitable hiring, onboarding, retention, change leadership, succession planning/9-box model, employment law, compensation models, performance management, etc.

In addition, Jen has experience with developmental tools such as the DISC Workplace Model, CliftonStrengths Assessment, Myers-Briggs Indicator Type II, Discovery Insights Model, and the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) for individual and team-development goals.

Civic Leadership

  • Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Great River School, 2020-present

  • Volunteer and Foster, Ruff Start Rescue, 2013-present

  • Member-Artist and Volunteer, Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, 2016-2018

  • Member-Artist and Volunteer, St. Paul Art Collective, 2012-2015

  • Workplace Giving Coordinator/Volunteer, Hennepin County Giving Partners Program, 2003-2015

Fun Facts

  • Jen lives in St. Anthony, Minnesota with her husband, two dogs, and up to five teens/young adults depending on the time of year.

  • Against better judgment, they’ve also provided a home for foster dogs from Ruff Start Rescue over the years. As a result, they have an ongoing search for the most effective carpet cleaner.

  • Jen is an artsy-craftsy person who has multiple projects going at once, overflowing stashes of supplies, and a shameful pile of abandoned creative attempts. Her mantra is “If you can make something with it, don’t throw it away!”

  • A few of her favorite things: great design, homemade ice cream, vintage anything, digging in the dirt, watching things grow, and the sound of her family laughing.