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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.14.20 Email from Meegan Jessee - CAO recruitment firm and proposal From:Jessee, Meegan To:Alpert, Bruce;Bennett, Robin;Clerk of the Board;Connelly, Bill;Cook, Holly;Lambert, Steve;Lucero, Debra; McCracken, Shari;Pickett, Andy;Ring, Brian;Ritter, Tami;Rodas, Amalia;Sweeney, Kathleen;Teeter, Doug Cc:McCracken, Shari Subject:CAO recruitment firm and proposal Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2020 12:22:23 PM Attachments:Butte County -- Chief Administrative Officer.pdf Good afternoon – Shari asked that I send you some additional information on the CAO recruitment firm Peckham & McKenny Executive Search Firm. Copied below is some basic information on Peckham & McKenny and attached is the full proposal the firm provided. The proposal has been refined slightly in the contract development process, but it will give you a good idea of the firm and the process they use. Peckham & McKenny where selected after reaching out to multiple firms based on their experience, reputation and responsiveness. Thanks, Meegan Peckham & McKenney, Inc. Peckham & McKenney provides executive search services to local government agencies throughout the western United States and is headquartered in Roseville, CA. The firm was established as a partnership in June 2004 and incorporated in 2014 by Bobbi Peckham and Phil McKenney, who serve as the firm’s President and Chief Operating Officer, respectively. Our team of five Executive Recruiters is based in northern and southern California and Colorado and brings over 80 collective years of experience in local government and executive search. We are supported by administrative, research, and marketing and design professionals. We are proud of our reputation as one of the most trusted and respected executive recruitment firms in the country. Since 2004, we have conducted more than 500 executive level recruitments in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. On behalf of elected Boards, Councils, and Commissions throughout the West, we have successfully placed hundreds of County and City Managers, Chief Administrative Officers, Executive Directors, General Managers, Administrators, and Legal Counsel, as well as their Assistants and Deputies. In addition, we have placed hundreds of executives in the areas of public safety, community development and planning, economic development, public works and engineering, finance, human resources, city clerk, information technology, library and community services. We invite you to visit our web site at www.peckhamandmckenney.com. We may be reached toll-free at (866) 912- 1919. Relevant Recruitments Peckham & McKenney has significant experience in the successful placement of County executives, including the following. Archuleta County, CO – County Attorney (2008) Contra Costa County, CA -- Chief Assistant County Administrator (2016 – placement of two candidates) Douglas County, NV – County Manager (2014) and Assistant County Manager (2012) Douglas County, CO – Assistant County Manager (2009) Eagle County, CO – County Manager (2015) Garfield County, CO – County Manager (2012) and County Attorney (2011) La Plata County, CO – County Manager (2007) Mariposa County, CA – County Manager (2015) Mesa County, CO – County Attorney (2014) Napa County – County Executive Officer (2017) – County Board chose to appoint its County Counsel Placer County, CA – County Executive Officer (2017) and Assistant County Executive Officer (2018) Sacramento County, CA – Assistant County Administrator (2016) San Mateo County, CA – County Manager (2008 and 2018) San Miguel County, CO – County Manager (2019) Santa Cruz County, CA – County Administrative Officer (2017) and County Counsel (2019) Summit County, CO – Assistant County Manager (2018) Teton County, WY—County Manager (2008) Yolo County, CA – County Administrator (2009) and County Counsel (2014) Department head searches were also conducted for the California counties of Contra Costa, Fresno, Marin, Mariposa, Placer, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, and Santa Clara; Douglas, Eagle, Jefferson, San Miguel, and Yavapai, CO; and Teton, WY. Meegan Jessee Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Butte County Administration 25 County Center Drive, Suite 200, Oroville, CA 95965 T:530.552.3312 Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest April 6, 2020 Ms. Meegan Jessee Deputy Administrative Officer Butte County 25 County Center Drive, Suite 200 Oroville, CA 95965 Dear Ms. Jessee: Thank you for the opportunity to express our interest in assisting the Board of Supervisors in the recruitment of a new County Administrative Officer. It is our understanding that the County is interested in a full recruitment and outreach process leading to the successful placement of a fitsorganization and community that it serves Peckham & McKenney has significant experience in the successful placement of County executives, including the following. Archuleta County, CO County Attorney (2008) Contra Costa County, CA -- Chief Assistant County Administrator (2016 placement of two candidates) Douglas County, NV County Manager (2014) and Assistant County Manager (2012) Douglas County, CO Assistant County Manager (2009) Eagle County, CO County Manager (2015) Garfield County, CO County Manager (2012) and County Attorney (2011) La Plata County, CO County Manager (2007) Mariposa County, CA County Manager (2015) Mesa County, CO County Attorney (2014) Napa County County Executive Officer (2017) County Board chose to appoint its County Counsel Placer County, CA County Executive Officer (2017) and Assistant County Executive Officer (2018) Sacramento County, CA Assistant County Administrator (2016) San Mateo County, CA County Manager (2008 and 2018) San Miguel County, CO County Manager (2019) Santa Cruz County, CA County Administrative Officer (2017) and County Counsel (2019) Summit County, CO Assistant County Manager (2018) Teton County, WYCounty Manager (2008) Yolo County, CA County Administrator (2009) and County Counsel (2014) Department head searches were also conducted for the California counties of Contra Costa, Fresno, Marin, Mariposa, Placer, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, and Santa Clara; Douglas, Eagle, Jefferson, San Miguel, and Yavapai, CO; and Teton, WY. 0¤¢ª§ ¬ lj -¢+¤­­¤¸Ǿ )­¢ȁǾ ΖΓΓ ( ±£¨­¦ "®´«¤µ ±£Ǿ 3´¨³¤ ΕΓΖ$Ǿ 2®²¤µ¨««¤Ǿ #! ΜΘΙΚΛ The attached proposal includes more detailed information regarding the firm, the search process and timeline, cost of services, and our guarantee. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you on this important search process. Please feel free to call me toll-free at (866) 912-1919 if you have any questions. Sincerely, /s/ Bobbi Bobbi C. Peckham, President Peckham & McKenney, Inc. www.peckhamandmckenney.com bobbi@peckhamandmckenney.com 0¤¢ª§ ¬ lj -¢+¤­­¤¸Ǿ )­¢ȁǾ ΖΓΓ ( ±£¨­¦ "®´«¤µ ±£Ǿ 3´¨³¤ ΕΓΖ$Ǿ 2®²¤µ¨««¤Ǿ #! ΜΘΙΚΛ TABLE OF CONTENTS THE FIRM 1 Peckham & McKenney, Inc. Our Reputation Our Commitment to the Future YOUR RECRUITMENT TEAM 2 Our Approach Your Team THE SEARCH PROCESS 4 THE SEARCH SCHEDULE 7 COST OF SERVICES 8 Cost of Services Additional Service Costs Process of Payment Insurance GUARANTEE AND ETHICS 9 Placement Guarantee Reopening the Recruitment Ethics 0¤¢ª§ ¬ lj -¢+¤­­¤¸Ǿ )­¢ȁǾ ΖΓΓ ( ±£¨­¦ "®´«¤µ ±£Ǿ 3´¨³¤ ΕΓΖ$Ǿ 2®²¤µ¨««¤Ǿ #! ΜΘΙΚΛ THE FIRM Peckham & McKenney, Inc. Peckham & McKenney provides executive search services to local government agencies throughout the western United States and is headquartered in Roseville, California. The firm was established as a partnership in June 2004 President and Chief Operating Officer, respectively. Our team of Executive Recruiters is based in northern and southern California, Colorado, and Texas and brings over 60 years of experience in local government and executive search. We are supported by administrative and research specialists, marketing and design professionals, a web technician, and distribution staff. Since 2004, we have conducted more than 500 executive level recruitments in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. On behalf of elected Councils, Boards, and Commissions throughout the West, we have successfully placed hundreds of City and County Managers, Chief Administrative Officers, Executive Directors, General Managers, Administrators, and Legal Counsel, as well as their Assistants and Deputies. In addition, we have placed hundreds of executives and organizational leaders in the areas of public safety (police and fire), community development and planning, economic development, public works and engineering, finance, human resources, city clerk, information technology, library services, parks and recreation, and community services. Our Reputation Peckham & McKenney is one of the most trusted and respected executive recruitment firms in the country. Time and again, we receive unsolicited compliments from clients and candidates relating to our integrity and high ethics. Not only are we committed to providing our clients with well-qualified candidates, but we also take pride in treating both our clients and candidates with utmost respect. This commitment has lead to multi-year retainer agreements with a number of agencies, as well as numerous client and candidate testimonials to their experiences with us, which you can find on our web site at www.peckhamandmckenney.com. We recognize that every agency and community we serve is unique, and the candidate you ultimately select must in order to identify and recruit the best candidates for your consideration. Nearly 89% of our placements stay in Our Commitment to the Future At Peckham & McKenney, we are committed to local government and sensitive to the challenges and issues faced by our clients and candidates. We have provided numerous workshops and training sessions in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington to up-and-comers, mid-career professionals, and executives on resume and interview preparation and general career guidance. We also actively support Government, Women Leading Government, and the annual s in California and Colorado. In addition, we serve as the Administrator for the Credentialed Government Leader program for the Municipal Management Associations of Northern & Southern California. Peckham & McKenney is a Gold Level sponsor of the League of California Cities, California City Management Foundation, Colorado City & County Management Association, Arizona City/County Management Association, and the Washington City & County Management Association. We are members of a variety of industry associations including the International City/County Management Association, International Hispanic Network, and Women Leading Government. 1 YOUR RECRUITMENT TEAM Our Approach When you retain Peckham & McKenney, you are guaranteed that your Recruiter is fully responsible for the success of the recruitment process. Supported by experienced administrative, research, and marketing specialists, your Recruiter limits the number of active searches to which she or he is committed. Members of your Recruitment Team follow. Bobbi C. Peckham, President Your Recruiter Bobbi Peckham brings over Executive Recruiter as well as prior experience in a local government agency. Ms. Peckham is sought out and retained due to her high ethics, integrity, hands-on communities. Ms. Peckham began her career Illinois, where she became familiar with all aspects of local government community at that time. Ms. Peckham was then recruited to join the Executive Search practice of a leading California recruitment firm. Later, she played an integral role in creating a national search business for what became the largest recruitment practice serving local government in the country. Here, she became Regional Director overseeing Northern California and a nine-state region. In 2004, Ms. Peckham formed Peckham & McKenney, Inc. in partnership with Phil McKenney, Chief Operating Officer. Since 1987, Ms. Peckham has placed hundreds of executives in local government agencies. She is driven to helping the next generation of leaders to succeed in their careers and frequently contributes her time and knowledge in resume review, career guidance, and interview skills. She was also instrumental in writing the Job Hunting Handbook. Ms. Peckham received a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco. Joyce Johnson, Operations Manager Joyce Johnson joined Peckham & McKenney in 2005 and serves as the firm's Operations Manager. She has over 30 years' experience in the field of administrative and executive support for all aspects of the executive recruitment process. She oversees internal administration of the firm as well as directing contract administrative support in the areas of advertising and design, web posting, and duplication and mailing services. Prior to joining Peckham & McKenney, Ms. Johnson oversaw internal administration in the Western Region headquarters of two national management consulting and executive recruitment firms. Ms. Johnson is complimented regularly on her strong customer orientation working with both clients and candidates alike. Ms. Johnson holds an Associate of Arts degree from American River College. Joyce Masterson, Research Assistant Joyce Master Economic Development & Community Relations with the City of Escondido. She brings Peckham & McKenney extensive experience in general government administration, media relations, public information, and customer service. She has been active in various organizations over the years including the Municipal Management Assistants of Southern California and California Association of Public Information Officials. Ms. Masterson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications from Brooklyn College, NY. Kevin Johnson, Research Assistant Kevin Johnson has been a member of the Peckham & McKenney team since 2009 and currently serves as a Research Assistant. He supports the firm's Recruiters through his research of local government agencies and networks, potential candidates, and current candidates prior to recommendation to our clients. Mr. Johnson mastered his researching abilities while obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Willamette University. 2 Linda Pucilowski, Graphic Designer With nearly 30 years experience, Linda Pucilowski provides her expert design and marketing skills to Peckham - and brochure design and creation. Ms. Rachel Moran, Website & Social Media Assistant Rachel Moran has been in the graphic design field since 2007 and prides herself on creating eye-catching visual art. She supports the Peckham & McKenney team by handling all website visual and technical design as well as social media. Ms. Moran graduated Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design. 3 THE SEARCH PROCESS While it is our intent to customize the search and project schedule to fit Butte County process typically includes the following key steps: Project Organization Prior to beginning the recruitment, necessary documentation (contract, insurance, business license, retainer invoice, etc.) will be processed. We ask that a single point of contact be identified by Butte County. This individual will serve as our liaison throughout the recruitment, providing necessary information to us, responding to our questions, and receiving and distributing all correspondence. A single point of contact will ensure timely and clear communication throughout the process. We will request a conference call with the County to discuss the process, listen to specific desires and expectations, and respond to any questions or concerns. We will discuss expected parameters of the search, the search timeline, and schedule future meeting dates. At this time, the Board of Supervisors will determine the extent of involvement of other individuals in the search process. ship team, staff members, labor representatives, appointed commission or committee members, business leaders, community stakeholders, residents, and others. In addition, we will discuss specific desires and expectations of the Board relating to the development of the candidate profile, finalist interview process, and the various components to be considered. Ms. Peckham will provide recommendations on best practices. Please note that decisions on the extent of involvement of others as well as additional components to the finalist interview process will impact the search, search timeline, and ultimately the cost of the recruitment process. Development of Candidate Profile (on-site meeting #1) This step provides for the development of the Candidate Profile that will serve as a guide in the identification of potential candidates, outreach and recruitment efforts, screening and selection of your next County Administrative Officer. The Candidate Profile includes information relating to Butte County; current and future issues and opportunities; expectations, goals, and objectives leading to the success of the new County Administrative Officer; and the background and experience, leadership style, skills and abilities, and personality traits of the ideal candidate. Ms. Peckham will develop this profile following individual or group discussions with those individuals identified in the initial conference call (see Project Organization above). Our proposal includes one day on site to develop the Candidate Profile. We will request information relating to compensation and benefits, organization charts, and budget data. In addition, we will request high-resolution photos to be used in an attractive brochure to market the opportunity. A draft of the Candidate Profile will be provided to our point of contact for review. We ask that all revisions and corrections be provided to us in a timely manner in order to maintain the agreed-upon search timeline. Our marketing and design professional will then prepare an attractive marketing brochure incorporating the Candidate Profile. This brochure will be distributed to up to 500 identified industry professionals, and it will also be available lso be made available to the County. Advertisements will be placed in the appropriate industry publications and websites, and our firm will assume responsibility for presenting your opportunity in an accurate and professional manner. Social media, including LinkedIn and other venues, will be used as appropriate. Full information on the position will be posted on the Peckham & McKenney website and provided to the County for posting as well. 4 Recruitment The main focus of our outreach will be direct phone contact with quality potential candidates. With over 50 combined years of executive search experience, we have developed an extensive candidate database that is continuously updated and utilized. Our recruiting efforts will focus on direct and aggressive recruiting of individuals within the search parameters established during the Candidate Profile Development. We believe direct recruiting produces the most qualified candidates. Throughout this active search process, we will regularly update the County of the recruitment status and share questions, concerns, and comments received from potential candidates as they consider the opportunity. By doing Board to ensure that all issues and concerns of candidates are discussed and understood As resumes are received, they will be promptly acknowledged within 48 hours, and we will personally respond to all inquiries. Once the resume filing deadline has passed, we will update the County on the status of the recruitment, the number of resumes received, and our intent for preliminary interviews. Preliminary Interviews Upon our review of the resumes received, supplemental questionnaires will be sent to candidates who appear to meet the Candidate Profile. Following a thorough review of the supplemental questionnaires, we will conduct preliminary interviews with those individuals most closely matching the Candidate Profile. Internet research will also be conducted so that we may probe the candidate regarding any areas of concern. Candidates will be advised of the search schedule and updated regularly as to their status. Recommendation of Candidates/Selection of Finalists (on-site meeting #2) A bound report will be provided to the Board of Supervisors prior to our meeting to discuss our recommendation of leading candidates. This report will include a full listing of all candidates who applied for the position, as well as the cover letters, resumes, and supplemental questionnaires of the recommended group of candidates for further consideration. We may include a first and second tier of candidates within our recommendation. Ms. Peckham will meet with the Board of Supervisors in a one- to two-hour meeting and will provide an overview of each recommended candidate as well as share any concerns or negative information. Once a group of finalists has been selected by the Board, we will revisit early decisions relating to the finalist interview process. A one-day finalist interview process is standard for initial finalist interviews (leading four to eight candidates), however, the Board may want to include multiple interview panels, tours, meet-and-greet sessions, one-on-one interviews, presentations, and other selection options. Ms. Peckham will again provide recommendations on the finalist interview process. Peckham & McKenney will notify all candidates of their status. Those candidates selected as finalists will be notified and provided with all necessary information to attend finalist interviews with the County. We will prepare an interview schedule and confirm with our point of contact all necessary details. If necessary, finalists will make their own travel plans and reservations. It is customary that the County reimburse finalists for round-trip airfare, car rental, and lodging necessary to attend the interviews with the County. We will confirm this with the Board at our meeting to recommend candidates. Finalist Interview Process (on-site meeting #3) (First Round) Ms. Peckham will provide on-site facilitation during the finalist interview process. An orientation session will be held at the beginning of the process, and we will facilitate a review and discussion of the finalists at the end of the day. Interview materials, including suggested interview questions, evaluation and ranking sheets will be provided. Again, a standard finalist interview process of the leading four to eight candidates is typically conducted within one day. Should the process desired by the Board require more than one day, an additional fee will be charged. 5 (Second Round held on consecutive day as First Round) Ms. Peckham will provide on-site facilitation during this second round of interviews with the leading two to three finalists. Typically, these interviews provide more in- depth, informal conversations that will ultimately lead to the selection of a finalist candidate. Qualification Once the finalist candidate has been selected and a conditional offer has been made by Butte County, a thorough background check will be conducted that is compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act. Peckham & McKenney utilizes the services of Sterling Talent Solutions (www.sterlingtalentsolutions.ca), background checks. This investigation will verify professional work experience; degree verification; certifications; and criminal, civil, credit, and motor vehicle records. We encourage our clients to consider further vetting the candidate through a Department of Justice LiveScan (California clients) in order to ensure that all known criminal history records (beyond seven years) are investigated. Ms. Peckham will also contact professional references, and a full report will be provided. This comprehensive process ensures that only the most thoroughly screened candidate is hired. In addition, negotiation assistance will be provided as requested by the Board. process of internet-based research, background checking through Sterling Talent Solutions, and reference checking has proven successful for our clients through the years. In addition to relying on our services, clients are encouraged to utilize the background checking protocols they normally would use in hiring a position of this type. Enhanced reference checking and background responsibility. Our ultimate goal is to exceed your 6 SEARCH SCHEDULE This sample schedule anticipates a 14- make the process as efficient and effective as possible. We ask that our clients work with us to identify future meeting dates that will be published within the Candidate Profile. This will ensure that the momentum of the search process is consistent and that all parties are available thereby leading to a successful result. ACTIVITY TIME FRAME I. Project Organization Pre-Recruitment Conference call discussion of recruitment process Formalize project schedule II. Development of Candidate Profile Two Weeks On-site meeting #1 with the County to discuss Candidate Profile Develop Candidate Profile/Marketing Brochure and obtain approval Develop advertising and recruiting plan III. Recruitment Six Weeks Advertise, network, and electronically post in appropriate venues Distribute candidate profile to up to 500 identified industry professionals Focused outreach to individuals within the parameters of the Candidate Profile Respond to all inquiries and acknowledge all resumes received within 48 hours IV. Preliminary Interviews Two Weeks Screen resumes and conduct Internet research Identify leading candidates and request supplemental questionnaires Review supplemental questionnaires Conduct preliminary interviews with leading candidates V. Recommendation of Candidates/Selection of Finalists One Week Provide written recommendation of candidates to the Board On-site meeting #2 to provide overview of recommended candidates Board selects finalist candidates for finalist interview process Peckham & McKenney notifies all candidates of status in recruitment process VI. Finalist Interview Process Two Weeks On-site meeting #3 to facilitate finalist interviews with the Board Assist County throughout process and provide recommendations Board selects candidate or leading 2-3 candidates for further consideration Board conducts second interview process on consecutive day. VII. Qualification One Week Conduct thorough background and reference checks on leading candidate Provide negotiation assistance 7 COST OF SERVICES Cost of Services Our all-inclusive fee to conduct the search process for your next County Administrative Officer is $30,500. The all- inclusive fee includes professional fees and expenses (out-of-pocket costs associated with advertising, consultant travel, administrative support/printing/copying/postage/materials, telephone/technology, partial background checks on recommended candidates, and full background check on selected finalist only). The fee quoted above is for a full recruitment process as described in The Search Process, including three to four days of on-site meetings. The first on-site meeting is to develop the Candidate Profile; the second on-site meeting is to provide a recommendation of candidates; and the third on-site meeting includes up to two consecutive days to facilitate finalist interviews. Additional Service Costs Additional on-site meeting day $500 - 1,000/each + travel expenses Each additional full background check $300/each Additional placement within organization* $5,000 (if selected within one year) *If Butte County hires an additional candidate from among those recommended for another position within one year of the close of the recruitment, a fee of $5,000 will be charged to the County. Process of Payment One-third of the all-inclusive fee is due as a retainer upon execution of the agreement. This retainer covers upfront and necessary expenses incurred by Peckham & McKenney on the County advertising. If the retainer is not received by Peckham & McKenney within 30 days of execution of the agreement, we will suspend the recruitment process until payment is received. The second third of the full payment will be invoiced one month from contract execution, and it is due within 30 days following the invoice date. The final third of the full payment will be invoiced two months from contract execution, and it is due within 30 days following the invoice date. If the County requires a different payment schedule, this must be agreed upon within the contract. Peckham & McKenney expects payment of all invoices in a timely manner. Insurance Peckham & McKenney carries Professional Liability Insurance ($1,000,000 limit), Commercial General Liability Insurance ($2,000,000 General Liability, and $4,000,000 Products) and Automobile Liability Insurance ($1,000,000). Our Insurance Broker is Wells Fargo Insurance, Inc., Charlotte, NC, and coverage is provided by Sentinel Insurance Company and Hiscox Insurance Co. Limited. Necessary insurance documentation will be provided to the County in a timely manner. 8 GUARANTEE AND ETHICS Placement Guarantee Our placement record is particularly strong in that 89% of the candidates we have placed remain in those positions for over five years. In the unlikely event, however, that a candidate recommended by our firm (external candidates only) leaves your employment for any reason within the first year (except in the event of budgetary cutbacks, promotion, position elimination, or illness/death), we agree to provide a one-time replacement at no additional charge, except expenses. Reopening the Recruitment Throughout the recruitment process, all of our efforts are made to ensure a successful placement of a candidate who fits the Candidate Profile. It is extremely rare that our recruitment process fails to produce a preferred candidate in the first instance. If the search process, however, does not produce a successful placement, and there is an understanding that the County and Peckham & McKenney each take responsibility for whatever errors may have been made, we will conduct a second recruitment process for the cost of expenses only (approximately $7,500). Prior to reopening the recruitment again, we will thoroughly review with the County what adjustments in approach, compensation, or other variables may be necessary to ensure a successful outcome. Ethics Time and again, we receive unsolicited comments from clients and candidates relating to our integrity and high ethics. First, we believe in honesty. No client should ever appoint an individual without being fully r We strive to keep everyone involved in a recruitment process informed of the status. Not only do we provide regular updates to our clients, but we also have a reputation for keeping our candidates posted. As recruitment professionals, we do not recruit our placements -- ever. Should a placement of ours have an interest in a position for which we are recruiting, they may choose to apply. However, if they become a finalist, we ask that they speak to their supervisor to alert them of their intent. During an active engagement, we do not recruit staff from our client agencies for another recruitment. Nor We are retained only by client agencies and not by our candidates. While we have a reputation for being actively involved in the profession and providing training, workshops, and general advice to candidates, we represent only our clients. In addition, we always represent and speak of our clients in a positive manner; during the recruitment engagement as well as years after. 9