Our Team

Pete oversees company strategy, drives growth initiatives, and enhances TalentRise’s service offerings to meet the evolving needs of our diverse client base. He spearheads the development of innovative talent acquisition solutions and leadership programs that align with the company’s mission to empower organizations with top-tier talent and leadership capabilities. 

Kristen focuses on building leaders’ mental agility and helping them authentically navigate challenges. With nearly two decades of HR leadership experience across multiple industries, Kristen partners with CEOs and leadership teams to drive leadership and team transformations. Kristen is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Positive Intelligence Coach (CPQC), Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

Elana Cunningham is the Engagement Coordinator at TalentRise, where she plays a vital role in client relationship management, marketing, and internal operations. As a key liaison between the executive recruiting and coaching teams, clients, and candidates, Elana ensures seamless delivery and client engagement across TalentRise’s recruitment and leadership development practices.

Pete oversees company strategy, drives growth initiatives, and enhances TalentRise’s service offerings to meet the evolving needs of our diverse client base. He spearheads the development of innovative talent acquisition solutions and leadership programs that align with the company’s mission to empower organizations with top-tier talent and leadership capabilities. 

With 11+ years of full lifecycle recruitment industry experience, Tom develops and manages client and candidate relationships to ensure a positive experience throughout the entire process. Serving a dual role as Director of Recruiting and Operations for both TalentRise and Viaduct, Tom assists both startups and emerging businesses. His primary responsibility is to manage the entire strategic recruitment process—sourcing, screening, selecting, hiring, and onboarding—matching clients with talent.

Barbara has an extensive background recruiting highly skilled leaders across a variety of industries. She has over a decade of experience in executive placement and corporate recruiting. Her areas of recruitment expertise include accounting and finance, sales, marketing, HR, payroll, legal and risk, and operational leadership.

Sarah is a talent consultant dedicated to connecting VP and C-Suite leaders across a variety of industries. She thrives on learning and understanding the intricacies of each client’s domain, allowing her to develop customized recruitment strategies that address their specific needs.

Adam serves as a Talent Consultant within the TalentRise Executive Search practice. In addition to his recruiting expertise, Adam brings over 12 years of leadership experience in nonprofits and schools, focusing on strategic planning, training and development, and equity and inclusion practices.

Jennifer serves as a Senior Talent Consultant within the TalentRise Executive Search practice. An industry veteran with 17+ years of experience, Jennifer has full-cycle recruitment and executive search experience across multiple industries with deep expertise in C-suite, director, sales, human resources, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare roles.

Carl Kutsmode is an Executive Talent Advisor and Affiliate Partner at TalentRise, with over 25 years of experience connecting employers with senior executive talent (Director to C-Level) to drive intentional business and career growth.

Kristen focuses on building leaders’ mental agility and helping them authentically navigate challenges. With nearly two decades of HR leadership experience across multiple industries, Kristen partners with CEOs and leadership teams to drive leadership and team transformations. Kristen is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Positive Intelligence Coach (CPQC), Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

Laura has 20+ years of business experience in HR and project management and has worked with small, mid-market, and large national and international companies in the pharmaceutical, hospitality, employee engagement, supply chain, and food manufacturing industries. Laura holds a B.A. from McGill University, is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), a PQ certified coach, coach-certified with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Co-Active Training Institute (CTI).

Amy has nearly 30 years of experience supporting enterprise-wide planning, visioning and strategic change initiatives within complex environments. She has led high-performing teams, driven organizational culture change and served as a chief of staff in the finance field. Amy also has expertise in leadership development, strategic communications, employee engagement and change management. She holds an MA in Communications and is coach-certified with the International Coaching Federation, the Co-Active Training Institute and the Linkage Leadership Institute.

Rachel Gojer is an Executive and Team Coach. Rachel helps leaders and teams stay focused, manage overwhelming circumstances, and move forward with confidence and power. She specializes in guiding high-potential leaders and teams through organizational transformations, mergers, and expansions. Rachel also speaks at leadership events.