A new award to display, a handshake from partner and senior vice president of talent acquisition Chris Jemo and a hug from partner and director of recruiting Angela Burns.
That’s what four associates received when they got promoted in the Recruiting Department. Kevin Pierce, Josh Eades, Maya Ferrell and Hope Collins all started at The Connor Group within the last three years. Now, they each have new titles and new responsibilities thanks to their relentless effort to hire elite talent and manage multiple projects.
“People count. They’re the lifeblood of the organization, so it’s important to recognize them for their success,” Chris said.
“Recruiter development is a team effort,” Angela said. “We are fortunate enough to have fantastic recruiting leaders on our team. The recruiting department functions like a machine!”
Kevin Pierce
- Promoted from Senior Field Recruiter to Executive Recruiter
- 130% to goal on manager hires in 2023
- Instrumental in Regional Vice President search – hiring 2.
Favorite part about the recruiting department?
I love the challenge of finding the right talent for TCG. We only look for top talent, so it’s a process, a grind, and takes grit/resilience to be successful in recruiting. You must be relentless!
What was your reaction to getting promoted?
It feels great to be recognized and grateful to be working for a company that rewards work ethic, performance, and drive. It’s great to celebrate in the moment, but then it’s on to the next one!
Josh Eades
- Promoted from Field Recruiter to a Sr. Field Recruiter
- 140% to goal year to date
- Period 1: 100%, Period 2: 125% Period 3: 167%
Favorite part about the recruiting department?
We are a really competitive group. Everyone is pushing to be the MVP! We also hold each other accountable to hit our goal and help others achieve their goals. What we do is not easy; it takes grit and determination to push through the hard times. So, getting to celebrate the wins for myself and the whole team is amazing!
“He’s got a great attitude and a great work ethic,” Chris said. “He’s really cracked the code on hiring managers, which is not always an easy task finding the right people for this company.”
Maya Ferrell
- Promoted from SI Specialist to Field Recruiter
- 2023: 124% to goal while completing 6-8 SI interviews a day
- 2024: 130% to goal while completing 6-8 SI interviews a day
What was your reaction to getting promoted?
I started working at The Connor Group after graduating with my associate degree in business management from Miami University. I’ve definitely grown personally and professionally here at The Connor Group. My husband and I got married, bought our first home, bought a new car and added a puppy to our family! I worked hard to hit 124% in 2023 and have already increased my 2024 year to date, so being recognized is an awesome feeling!
Hope Collins
- Promoted from Recruiting Coordinator to Executive Assistant
- Over the last 18 months, has been given responsibilities such as the organizer of the Relentless Pursuit Race, Flight Department administrative duties, Facilities administrative duties
- Maintains quality of work & attention to detail while performing at an 8.25 or higher
“We want to do a Relentless Race. We give it to Hope. We need someone to help with facilities and cleaning and ordering and more parts. We give it to Hope. We need help with the Flight Department. We give it to Hope,” Chris said. “She never balks. She does a great job. Her attention to detail is probably as good as anyone in this company. She never asks about herself and she’s always trying to help others.”
What was your reaction to getting promoted?
It was definitely a shock to realize that I was getting promoted. In the past three years, I have had no shortage of hats to wear, as I’m sure many other administrative assistants and coordinators can agree. My title may have changed, but I always look forward to finding a new solution and getting to be creative in that pursuit.
Favorite part about the recruiting department?
Starting my career in the recruiting department has been instrumental in learning about the different areas of our business. I’ve been fortunate to see so many great candidates end up joining the organization, and it makes you really proud to see them excel over their career. It’s also very cool to see how each cog fits into the machine that is The Connor Group. It really gives you a sense of perspective and purpose to see each area relentlessly working together, side by side.
When it comes to the future of the Recruiting Department, all four associates agree — it’s looking bright.
“I see us breaking records so we can hit our 2027 objectives such as hiring the right people and getting to the goal of 500 associates in our 22-23 markets,” Maya said. “I also see us all being relentless in not only our careers but in life!”