We’re good for the civic sector.
It takes a leader to find leaders, and with decades of experience in the civic sector we know how to identify your needs, build a process that works for you, and find the perfect fit. It’s what we’re all about, from our interests and education to our bedrock values. Get to know us.
Our Team
Read the detailed bios and get all the goods on our team. But what you really need to know is we’ve got experience, connections and we’re ready to talk… and to listen.
Experience: We’re talking decades in the civic sector. No rookies here. That means we’ve got the skill and expertise your organization needs, with the professional recognition to back it up.
Connections: We know people and people know us. That’s important in search, but it’s more than just a big list. It’s a good list. They’re not just connections, they’re friends. We treat others as they want to be treated and it shows.
Ready to Talk: We may have impressive resumes, but we’re still approachable. Seriously: Give us a call. We’re regular people. We're also exceptional whistlers and agate hunters (OK, maybe we’re not that regular).
Marcia Ballinger
Co-Founder; partner Of counsel
Marcia has been a leader in the Twin Cities executive search community for nearly two decades. Marcia is an expert, author (Winning the Executive Interview, The 20-Minute Networking Meeting, and Make the Jump: Reinvent Your Career in the Nonprofit Sector) and frequent speaker on the topics of executive networking, career management and best practices in executive recruiting.
Lars Leafblad
Co-Founder and Partner
Lars has spent his career doing what he loves best—connecting people with one another and with new opportunities to develop their careers and connections. He has served as Director of the Bush Fellowship Program at the Bush Foundation and as a member of the Famous Dave’s of America National BBQ Touring Rib Team. He’s also honored to be a trustee of the American Swedish Institute, especially as a graduate of St. Olaf College.
Jamie Millard
Co-owner and managing partner
Jamie Millard is a connector and storyteller who deeply appreciates the humility and courage required to lead—especially in those defining moments when leaders stand at the threshold of transition. As a former executive director, her direct experience is a rare asset in the executive search field, which will help her guide both candidates and clients with empathy and expertise in their own pivotal moments of change.
Damon Shoholm
Principal
With over 15 years of experience in leadership development, civic engagement, and facilitation training, Damon has earned a strong reputation as a trusted counselor, coach and civic connector across Minnesota. Most recently, Damon served as the Grantmaking Director for the Bush Fellowship at the Bush Foundation. He has also served as Director of the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation and is a current board member of the Shannon Leadership Institute.
Jen Hanlon Ash
Principal
Jen has worked inside companies for over two decades as a human resources leader, talent strategist, hiring manager, business partner and coach. Jen is an empathetic listener who builds authentic, consultative relationships with candidates and clients alike. She’s obsessed with learning how organizations work and making connections, which is why she finds executive search work so engaging and rewarding.
Jennifer Erickson
Principal
Jennifer believes that great executive search begins with understanding people. With more than 15 years of experience in talent acquisition and human resources, she brings deep expertise in helping mission-driven organizations identify leaders who will not only succeed in a role, but thrive within a culture. Known for her thoughtful, steady approach, Jennifer helps clients and candidates navigate important leadership transitions with care, clarity, and a genuine commitment to finding the right fit.
On-Boarding CoacheS
Good civic search doesn’t end when you find the right person. We stick around. Our team of on-boarding coaches works with newly placed executives to help them through the transition.
LEADERSHIP ADVISORS
Our Leadership Advisor network is comprised of top executives recruited by us who are willing to be partners and advisors to our newly recruited leaders.
When we place a new leader at a client organization, they can reach out to this network for advice, brainstorming, support and fellowship as they begin their own leadership transition.