IRVINE, California, March 20, 2017 – McDermott & Bull, one of the largest search firms in the Americas and the fastest-growing firm within the Hunt Scanlon Top 50 Recruiters list, is pleased to announce the promotion of Brandon Biegenzahn to President.

Biegenzahn has been one of the top producers at McDermott & Bull for several years and leads the firm’s Financial Institutions practice.  In his role as President, Biegenzahn will play a critical part in the onboarding and mentoring of new Principal Consultants at McDermott & Bull.  Biegenzahn’s strategic thinking, deep client relationships, entrepreneurial acumen, and leadership skills will be vital as McDermott & Bull continues to expand into new markets, both in the United States and Europe.

Biegenzahn joined McDermott & Bull as a Principal Consultant in 2011, and was soon promoted to Partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Financial Institutions and Private Equity Practice groups.  Earlier in his career, Biegenzahn, a corporate attorney by training, practiced with Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton and Buchalter Nemer in their Corporate Finance and Real Estate Finance departments, respectively.  As corporate counsel, Biegenzahn advised his clients in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, asset-based financing, and real property purchase and sale transactions.

About McDermott & Bull

McDermott & Bull has been redefining expectations within the world of executive search since 2001.  The firm’s practice leaders, all of whom have substantial executive experience, are uniquely positioned to address the dynamic leadership demands of public and private companies across nearly every industry.  With the advent of MB Interim Leaders in 2011, McDermott & Bull is powerfully equipped to service both the permanent and interim needs of its clients.  Respected companies including Aramark, CoreLogic, Epson America, Hyundai Capital America, In-N-Out Burger, Kaiser Aluminum, Unified Grocers, Western Federal Credit Union (UNIFY Financial Credit Union), Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Chicken of the Sea, Western Digital, Golden State Foods, Google, Panda Restaurant Group, Honda Center/Anaheim Ducks, Comerica Bank, Union Bank, as well as portfolio companies owned by private equity firms such as Riverside Company, Sun Capital Partners, ClearLight Partners, Swander Pace Capital, Chicago Growth Partners, Atar Capital, and Riordan, Lewis & Hayden, have all partnered with McDermott & Bull.  Additionally, the firm’s Executive Network program provides valuable resources for and offers opportunities to build meaningful relationships with thousands of C-Suite and VP-level executives throughout the country.

IRVINE, California, March 16, 2017 – McDermott & Bull, one of the largest executive search firms in the Americas and the fastest-growing firm within the Hunt Scanlon Top 50 Recruiters list, is pleased to announce the successful appointment of Jen Altheide as Vice President, Sales and Operations with Winspire, a company that helps nonprofits maximize their fundraising revenue.

This executive recruiting engagement was conducted by Chris Bull, Managing Partner; Rob Gross, Associate Principal Consultant; and Krista Sietsema, Recruiting Associate at McDermott & Bull.  According to Bull, “We really enjoyed our time getting to know Jen.  Her energy and entrepreneurial spirit is contagious, and we feel that her overall sales experience will serve her well in this role.”

Altheide has over fifteen years of experience leading sales and operations teams.  Prior to joining Winspire, she was a sales and enablement Executive Director with Yellow Pages, tasked with generating new business.  In this role, Altheide created and developed numerous market efficiencies and sales processes to support sales nationwide.  She created and rolled-out a customer retention and upsell program, as well as customized a customer contact and upsell process consisting of various touch points.

Altheide received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from San Diego State University, a Master of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and currently serves on the board for Education for the Children Foundation.

About Winspire

Since Winspire’s founding in 2008, the company has helped non-profits generate almost $50 million, and last year alone they assisted non-profits raise nearly $7 million.  Whether it be supplying tickets to some of the hottest awards shows, vacations to exotic destinations, or a baseball experience at Wrigley Field, Winspire’s forte in identifying items and experiences that resonate with audiences at fundraising events is exceptional.  From the beginning, the Winspire team has been dedicated to creating and providing the non-profit community with the best service and most unique auction item experiences.  Winspire has worked with over 30,000 non-profits across North America to provide auction items that help increase net revenue in events big and small.

In 2010, through a strategic partnership with another entity, Winspire formed their Sport & Entertainment division.  WSE, as it is known, capitalizes on the emerging Corporate Incentive Hospitality market.  Winspire provides highly sought after, hard to find, unique experiences for both charity auctions/fundraisers and corporations.  This increasingly popular fundraising and incentive tool allows non-profits and corporations alike to place exclusive travel and entertainment packages with their organization of choice.  With the ability to choose from a variety of award shows, major sporting events, VIP access, family vacations, international trips, cruises, adventure travel, golf trips, and hundreds more, Winspire is the leader in the marketplace.

About McDermott & Bull

McDermott & Bull has been redefining expectations within the world of executive search since 2001.  The firm’s practice leaders, all of whom have substantial executive experience, are uniquely positioned to address the dynamic leadership demands of public and private companies across nearly every industry.  With the advent of MB Interim Leaders in 2011, McDermott & Bull is powerfully equipped to service both the permanent and interim needs of its clients.  Respected companies including Aramark, CoreLogic, Epson America, Hyundai Capital America, In-N-Out Burger, Kaiser Aluminum, Unified Grocers, Western Federal Credit Union (UNIFY Financial Credit Union), Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Chicken of the Sea, Western Digital, Golden State Foods, Google, Panda Restaurant Group, Honda Center/Anaheim Ducks, Comerica Bank, Union Bank, as well as portfolio companies owned by private equity firms such as Riverside Company, Sun Capital Partners, ClearLight Partners, Swander Pace Capital, Chicago Growth Partners, Atar Capital, and Riordan, Lewis & Hayden, have all partnered with McDermott & Bull.  Additionally, the firm’s Executive Network program provides valuable resources for and offers opportunities to build meaningful relationships with thousands of C-Suite and VP-level executives throughout the country.

IRVINE, California, March 7, 2017 – McDermott & Bull, one of the largest executive search firms in the Americas and the fastest-growing firm within the Hunt Scanlon Top 50 Recruiters list, is pleased to announce the successful appointment of John Mackey as SVP, Trust & Investments with Exchange Bank, a premier community bank based in Santa Rosa and serving the Bay Area.

This executive recruiting engagement was conducted by Brandon Biegenzahn, Co-Chair of the Financial Institutions Practice; Michelle Davis, Associate Principal Consultant; and Laurie Henderson, Recruiting Consultant at McDermott & Bull.  According to Biegenzahn, “John’s technical profile, his nature, and his disposition are the ideal package for Exchange Bank.  Not only is John a veteran in the wealth management business, he is the type of leader who empowers people to achieve beyond their own expectations of themselves.  We couldn’t be happier for Exchange Bank, and proud of this result.”

Mackey is a Crocker Bank/Wells Fargo-trained banker.  His career has exposed him to multiple facets of the banking industry including commercial, private and retail segments.  In 2003, he was tapped to start an ultra-high net worth wealth management business for Wells Fargo.  He found tremendous success and today the business is known as Wells Fargo’s Abbot Downing.  Prior to joining Exchange Bank, Mackey was with Comerica, where he oversaw wealth management in Silicon Valley and the Central Coast and was dedicated to establishing a multidiscipline team client experience.

Mackey received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from California State University, Sacramento and an MBA from Golden Gate University.

About Exchange Bank

Founded in 1890 and headquartered in Sonoma County with assets of $2.2 billion, Exchange Bank is a premier community bank providing a wide range of personal, commercial and trust and investment services.  Exchange Bank has 18 branches in Sonoma County and a commercial and SBA lending office in Roseville and Marin, California.  The Bank’s legacy of financial leadership and community support is grounded in its core values of Commitment, Respect, Integrity and Teamwork.

Exchange Bank is an 11-time winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s North Bay Best Places to Work survey and received the 2016 Healthiest Companies in the North Bay award.  NorthBay biz magazine named Exchange Bank 2016 Best Business Bank.  Exchange Bank can also be found in the North Bay Business Journal’s listing of leading SBA 7(a) Lenders, Wealth Management Advisors and Wine Industry Lenders.  www.exchangebank.com

About McDermott & Bull

McDermott & Bull has been redefining expectations within the world of executive search since 2001.  The firm’s practice leaders, all of whom have substantial executive experience, are uniquely positioned to address the dynamic leadership demands of public and private companies across nearly every industry.  With the advent of MB Interim Leaders in 2011, McDermott & Bull is powerfully equipped to service both the permanent and interim needs of its clients.  Respected companies including Aramark, CoreLogic, Epson America, Hyundai Capital America, In-N-Out Burger, Kaiser Aluminum, Unified Grocers, Western Federal Credit Union (UNIFY Financial Credit Union), Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Chicken of the Sea, Western Digital, Golden State Foods, Google, Panda Restaurant Group, Honda Center/Anaheim Ducks, Comerica Bank, Union Bank, as well as portfolio companies owned by private equity firms such as Riverside Company, Sun Capital Partners, ClearLight Partners, Swander Pace Capital, Chicago Growth Partners, Atar Capital, and Riordan, Lewis & Hayden, have all partnered with McDermott & Bull.  Additionally, the firm’s Executive Network program provides valuable resources for and offers opportunities to build meaningful relationships with thousands of C-Suite and VP-level executives throughout the country.

With backgrounds in the banking and financial services industry, Rod McDermott, Managing Partner, and Brandon Biegenzahn, Partner, lead and represent McDermott & Bull’s Banking & Financial Institutions Practice.  Using their robust industry knowledge, Rod and Brandon partner with clients such as American River Bank, ANZ Bank, Bank of Marin, Bank of the Cascades, BNY Mellon, First American Trust, First Republic Bank, Golden 1 Credit Union, Luther Burbank Savings, Pacific Mercantile Bank, Plaza Bank, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Silvergate Bank, Sunwest Bank, Tech CU, Union Bank, and Washington Trust Bank to find C-level executives, including CEO, COO, President, CFO, Chief Banking Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Information Officer, Compliance Leaders, HR Leaders, Retail Banking Executives, Trust and Wealth Management Leaders and Business Banking.  To learn more about McDermott & Bull’s Banking and Financial Institutions Practice, please visit http://mbsearch.com/industry-expertise/banking-financial-services/.

IRVINE, California, March 6, 2017 – McDermott & Bull, one of the largest executive search firms in the Americas and the fastest-growing firm within the Hunt Scanlon Top 50 Recruiters list, is proud to announce the successful appointment of James Kozy as Vice President, Financial Services Center with First American Financial Corporation, a leading provider of title insurance protection and settlement services to the real estate at mortgage industries.

This executive recruiting engagement was conducted by Chris Bull, Managing Partner; Rob Gross, Associate Principal Consultant; and Brittany Rausch, Recruiting Associate at McDermott & Bull.  According to Bull, “We felt that James’ shared services experience, along with a strong grasp of accounting & finance functions, made him a great candidate.  His personality and work ethic will be appreciated at First American.”

After graduating with a degree in Finance from the University of Toledo, Kozy started his career in an analyst role.  A promotional opportunity took him to Phoenix in 1995.  As the Controller of a small architectural and civil engineering firm, he was exposed to the AR, AP, financial planning, and accounting of the business.  Kozy took an opportunity with American Express in 1998, where he grew throughout the company in multiple finance and accounting roles.  Due to the success that he had in prior Controller roles, American Express made him responsible for creating a shared services platform.  In this role, he built a team from scratch, had oversite of anywhere from 60 to 90 employees, and led the R2R function for the company’s global Real Estate and Operations businesses (a $1B division).  Prior to joining First American Home Warranty, Kozy was in a lead Financial Officer role within the Technologies group at American Express, responsible for a $700MM annual budget, GAAP reporting, and strategic financial operations of the group.

Kozy earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance from the University of Toledo and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

About First American Financial Corporation

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) operates through its family of companies to help people achieve and protect their dream of home ownership.  First American was named one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2016.  With experience dating back to 1889, First American is a leading provider of title insurance protection and settlement services to the real estate and mortgage industries.  More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com.

About McDermott & Bull

McDermott & Bull has been redefining expectations within the world of executive search since 2001.  The firm’s practice leaders, all of whom have substantial executive experience, are uniquely positioned to address the dynamic leadership demands of public and private companies across nearly every industry.  With the advent of MB Interim Leaders in 2011, McDermott & Bull is powerfully equipped to service both the permanent and interim needs of its clients.  Respected companies including Aramark, CoreLogic, Epson America, Hyundai Capital America, In-N-Out Burger, Kaiser Aluminum, Unified Grocers, Western Federal Credit Union (UNIFY Financial Credit Union), Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Chicken of the Sea, Western Digital, Golden State Foods, Google, Panda Restaurant Group, Honda Center/Anaheim Ducks, Comerica Bank, Union Bank, as well as portfolio companies owned by private equity firms such as Riverside Company, Sun Capital Partners, ClearLight Partners, Swander Pace Capital, Chicago Growth Partners, Atar Capital, and Riordan, Lewis & Hayden, have all partnered with McDermott & Bull.  Additionally, the firm’s Executive Network program provides valuable resources for and offers opportunities to build meaningful relationships with thousands of C-Suite and VP-level executives throughout the country.

IRVINE, California, March 1, 2017 – McDermott & Bull, ranked among the Top 50 largest executive search firms in the Americas and the fastest-growing firm within the Hunt Scanlon Top 50 Recruiters list, is proud to announce the successful appointment of Kara Wheeler as Director of Human Resources with Baker’s Drive-Thru, one of Southern California’s most iconic fast-food chains.

This executive recruiting engagement was conducted by Rod McDermott, CEO & Co-Founder; Jared Moriarty, Associate Principal Consultant; and Brittany Rausch, Recruiting Associate at McDermott & Bull.  According to McDermott, “Baker’s Drive-Thru is a company with such a rich history and loyal customer base.  Customers and employees alike are practically family to the leadership team.  It was a privilege to be able to add to that team and bring in Kara, who we believe is the perfect fit for Baker’s as it continues to grow.”

A native of Southern California, Wheeler is a Human Resources professional who knows Baker’s Drive-Thru well.  She has extensive experience in the fast food industry; first with Wendy’s, where she managed Human Resources for all corporate-owned restaurants in California and Hawaii; and then Carl’s Jr., where she oversaw the HR department for the nation’s top performing region, and was personally responsible for 125 restaurants.

About Baker’s Drive-Thru

Baker’s Drive-Thru is one of Southern California’s most iconic fast-food chains.  The company was founded over 60 years ago by Neal Baker, a visionary who noticed that most fast-food chains either offered traditional burgers and fries, or Mexican food such as tacos and burritos, but never both.  Therefore, Mr. Baker developed the “twin-kitchen” concept, where burgers would be sold at one window, and Mexican food at the other.  Today, Baker’s Drive-Thru operates 39 restaurants throughout Southern California and employs nearly 1,500 people.  The brand has one of the most loyal customer followings in the industry, as their food boasts a healthier and cheaper option, with better service, than many of its competitors.

About McDermott & Bull

McDermott & Bull has been redefining expectations within the world of executive search since 2001.  The firm’s practice leaders, all of whom have substantial executive experience, are uniquely positioned to address the dynamic leadership demands of public and private companies across nearly every industry.  With the advent of MB Interim Leaders in 2011, McDermott & Bull is powerfully equipped to service both the permanent and interim needs of its clients.  Respected companies including Aramark, CoreLogic, Epson America, Hyundai Capital America, In-N-Out Burger, Kaiser Aluminum, Unified Grocers, Western Federal Credit Union (UNIFY Financial Credit Union), Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Chicken of the Sea, Western Digital, Golden State Foods, Google, Panda Restaurant Group, Honda Center/Anaheim Ducks, Comerica Bank, Union Bank, as well as portfolio companies owned by private equity firms such as Riverside Company, Sun Capital Partners, ClearLight Partners, Swander Pace Capital, Chicago Growth Partners, Atar Capital, and Riordan, Lewis & Hayden, have all partnered with McDermott & Bull.  Additionally, the firm’s Executive Network program provides valuable resources for and offers opportunities to build meaningful relationships with thousands of C-Suite and VP-level executives throughout the country.