Our Team is Your Team

The HSP team is fixated on exceeding client expectations and being the best in the business.

 

For us, great outcomes result from the excellence, collaboration, integrity and grit of our team. We are
not transactional – we are true partners and our clients’ brand ambassadors, working seamlessly with
clients and candidates every step of the way.

Meet Our Team

Eleni Henkel

CEO & Founder

Eleni Henkel

CEO & Founder

Contact Eleni

Eleni is the Founder and CEO of HSP. She has extensive experience in financial services and search and is considered a trusted advisor by clients and candidates. Eleni is relationship-oriented, taking a consultative and long-term, client-based approach to the business. She is respected for her extensive knowledge of the investment market, her thorough and diligent approach to client service, her integrity, and her exceptionally high standards. Eleni’s reputation as a leader in the search community, combined with her far-reaching network of relationships in the business sets her apart from other search professionals. She has led hundreds of searches for many of the most sophisticated and demanding investment firms in the industry. Eleni works with candidates at all levels but has particularly extensive experience working with senior candidates helping them navigate their careers. Eleni was previously a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley where she spent close to 25 years in a variety of positions including client-facing roles within Healthcare and Capital Markets. Prior to transitioning to the search business, Eleni had global responsibility for the firm’s Analyst and Associate programs.

 

Education:

  • Dartmouth College – B.A. in Economics and French (Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa)
  • Harvard Business School – Master’s in Business Administration

Proud, first-generation Greek-American. Eleni is a sugar-loving mom of three who belongs to two book clubs, a bridge group and an all-women’s investment club. If she’s not busy working or eating a bowl of ice cream, she can typically be found running or walking/talking with friends, trying to make her 20,000 steps per day goal (helps to have a standing desk with a treadmill under it!).

Leah Trabich

Founding Partner

Leah Trabich

Founding Partner

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Leah is a Founding Partner of HSP and has almost 20 years of financial industry and executive search experience. In addition to overseeing HSP’s pre-MBA efforts, Leah spearheads and manages the firms’ senior search business, encompassing a range of post-MBA and more senior level engagements. While she works with candidates at all levels, she has particularly deep experience counseling more tenured candidates and serving as an advisor and sounding board as they progress throughout their careers. Leah has led hundreds of mandates, through which she has developed deep relationships with a wide range of some of the most renowned global financial institutions. She is a trusted advisor and leverages her years of first-hand industry experience and knowledge to effectively deliver results. Known for her methodical approach, Leah also takes pride in having a nuanced appreciation for her clients’ cultures and expectations. She is relied on and respected for her valuable strategic insights, thoughtful guidance, and analytical nature. Prior to joining HSP, Leah worked at SG Partners, a buyside focused executive recruiting firm. Leah comes to recruiting with a deep background in finance and strategy and first-hand experience in multiple industries, having worked at Related Companies in real estate development and acquisitions and at Time Inc. in M&A / Strategy. She began her career in the Mergers and Acquisitions group at Morgan Stanley.

 

Education:

  • Duke University – B.A. in Economics (Cum Laude)
  • Harvard Business School – Master’s in Business Administration

Part-time health nut whose weekdays consist of morning meditation and a vegan diet, balanced by a weakness for fries, a strong coffee habit, and a love of creative cocktails. Enjoys dancing and traveling (30 countries and counting). Former competitive swimmer, 3-time marathoner, forever a flywheeler (RIP), with long-term Ironman aspirations.

Martha Byrd

Managing Director

Martha Byrd

Managing Director

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As one of the firm’s more experienced recruiters, Martha works across the firm’s pre-MBA, post-MBA, and senior level mandates. She has worked closely with some of HSP’s longest-standing clients on engagements across their organizations. She has experience working on a range of sectors, including healthcare, consumer, TMT, industrials, and A&D, and has led a variety of engagements across platforms, including private equity funds, hedge funds, corporates, and family offices. Martha is highly regarded by HSP’s clients and candidates – she is patient, transparent, methodical, and committed to getting the job done. Martha previously worked as an equity research associate at Sterne Agee, covering the commercial banking sector with a focus on U.S. large-cap banks.

 

Education:

  • University of Virginia – B.A. in Global Development Studies
  • University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce – M.S. in Commerce with concentration in Marketing and Management

Louisiana-native and Mister Softee devotee. Aquarius mother of four (a beagle and three sons) who loves to watch the latest reality TV shows and play cribbage in her spare time.

Sivi Colberg

Associate

Sivi Colberg

Associate

Contact Sivi

Sivi works on a range of searches across levels and investment strategies and is involved in all aspects of the search process, including research, candidate sourcing and communication, screening, and facilitation of all logistical elements. Sivi previously interned with HSP and joined full-time upon graduation.

 

Education:

  • Colgate University – B.A. in Economics

Sivi is a New Hampshire native who loves doing anything outdoors, especially hiking and swimming. Dessert is her favorite “meal” (specifically chocolate cake and Phish Food from Ben and Jerry’s), but Italian food is a close second.

Julia Cooper

Principal

Julia Cooper

Principal

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Julia is responsible for candidate research and sourcing, client and candidate communication, scheduling, and overall search implementation. She has worked on a range of searches across investment strategies and asset classes including private equity, hedge funds, and credit. Julia previously interned at the Estee Lauder Companies within their global product marketing team for Aramis Designer Fragrances.

 

Education:

  • University of Virginia – B.A. in Media Studies, Minor in Spanish (with distinction)

Bermuda-native who loves all water-related activities from swimming and sailing to exploring coral reefs. Julia is a sushi-lover with a Food Network obsession.

Daria DeChirico

Operations

Daria DeChirico

Operations

Contact Daria

Daria supports the HSP team and is responsible for managing the back-office operations of the firm. In addition to administrative support, she assists with data management and research. From HR to IT, Daria is a jack of all trades and a master of multitasking. Her no-frills approach and positive attitude are invaluable to the team, and she is known to “keep calm and carry on.” Prior to joining HSP, Daria was an Operations Manager at 92nd Street Y, a non-profit cultural institution.

 

Education:

  • Monmouth University – B.A. in Elementary Education, concentration in History

Daria’s favorite things include Disney, any type of trivia and taking long walks at the beach. Never one to miss an opportunity to plan an event, she loves to host family and friends and has a deep appreciation for design and style.

Whitney Diederich

Managing Director

Whitney Diederich

Managing Director

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Whitney is a founding team member and has worked with many of HSP’s long-standing clients on engagements across their organizations and within various strategies, sectors, and levels. Whitney has worked on hundreds of mandates across asset classes, including private equity, growth/venture, and credit and has deep experience working on both HSP’s senior level mandates as well as pre-MBA searches. During her time at HSP, Whitney has worked with an array of firms, ranging from some of the largest and most complex mega funds to lower middle market private equity funds and everything in between. Whitney brings the same detail oriented and thoughtful approach to every mandate she works on, regardless of the scope. Given her ties to the region, Whitney frequently travels to Chicago and is responsible for leading HSP’s Midwest coverage effort. Whitney previously worked as a recruiter at SG Partners, a buyside focused executive recruiting firm, and prior to that, she was at Conversion Partners, a boutique consulting and advisory firm primarily focused on supporting growing companies in the education sector.

 

Education:

  • Brown University – B.A. in Commerce, Organization and Entrepreneurship (COE) and Urban Studies

Proud Aunt and Midwesterner at heart, Mezcal enthusiast and avid listener of crime podcasts. Lover of salty snacks and can still do a backflip from her days as a gymnast on the Brown University varsity team.

 

Shivani Dixit

Principal

Shivani Dixit

Principal

Contact Shivani

Shivani works with candidates across levels, spanning from pre-MBA to post-MBA, and is involved with candidate evaluation, search implementation and client management. She has experience working across sectors and with a variety of platforms, ranging from our largest private equity mega fund clients to credit and special situations firms and everything in between. Prior to joining HSP, Shivani was most recently Chief of Staff at Fur, a haircare startup. Previously, she worked at L.E.K. Consulting, where she was a generalist and worked closely with private equity clients across all sectors. She was also heavily involved in the firm’s D&I initiatives. Shivani began her career at PNC Institutional Asset Management, where she was in a rotational program across the bank.

 

Education:

  • University of Chicago – B.A. in Economics

 

Shivani grew up in  Las Vegas as the oldest of 3 sisters. Since moving to NYC from Chicago, Shivani enjoys long walks around the city and spending time with family and friends at restaurants or comedy shows. She is also a skincare junkie, willing to try any and every product.

 

Betsy Driscoll

Associate

Betsy Driscoll

Associate

Contact Betsy

Betsy is responsible for candidate sourcing, scheduling, client and candidate correspondence, and overall search process management.  She works on searches across a range of strategies, sectors, and levels. Betsy previously interned with HSP and joined full-time upon graduation.

 

Education:

  • Washington and Lee University – B.A. in Strategic Communication and Global Politics

 

Since a young age, Betsy has loved playing the piano and Bernese Mountain dogs (her family has had 3 of them). She’s always open to trying new types of seafood and sushi and is working on her recipe for the perfect chocolate chip cookie. She has an interest in movies and enjoys traveling to new places.

Marie Evers

Principal

Marie Evers

Principal

Contact Marie

Marie works with candidates at all levels and is responsible for candidate research and sourcing, client and candidate communication, scheduling, and overall search implementation.  Marie has led a multi-faceted career and brings a wide range of experiences across sectors to HSP.  Prior to HSP, she worked both for and with Fortune 500 companies, including Estee Lauder, Kraft Foods, Pepperidge Farm, and GE, in various consulting and R&D roles. In her most recent role, she advised clients on all aspects of boat ownership, including acquisitions, refit/rebuilds, and ongoing operational management. At HSP, she brings to the table her extensive client management experience, dynamic entrepreneurial mindset, and her ability to connect personally with just about anyone.

 

Education:

  • Michigan State University, BS in Packaging (Cum Laude)
  • University of Virginia, Darden School of Business – Master’s in Business Administration

 

Well-traveled and adventurous, she holds her USCG captains license and has dove the famous South Fakarava Pass in French Polynesia. With Midwest roots, she still says hello to people on the sidewalk  regardless of how it’s received.

 

Jennifer Harris

Managing Director

Jennifer Harris

Managing Director

Contact Jennifer

Jennifer is an experienced recruiter who works across all levels with an emphasis on HSP’s senior level mandates across strategies and sectors. Jen has a no-nonsense, results-oriented approach and a knack for assessing the right cultural fit. While she has executed numerous mandates across a variety of industries, she has extensive experience working with HSP’s infrastructure and energy focused clients and has a natural affinity for the sectors, given her Texas roots. Prior to joining HSP, Jennifer spent four years at JPMorgan, working with ultra-high net worth clients in the Private Bank.

 

Education:

  • University of Texas in Austin, McCombs School of Business – BBA in Finance, Graduate of the Business Honors Program
  • University of Virginia, Darden School of Business – Master’s in Business Administration

Mother of four (excluding her two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boone & Crockett), avid golfer and a true Texan at heart. Lover of skiing, hiking, wine tasting and international travel.

Kat Hearington

Managing Director

Kat Hearington

Managing Director

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Having worked in search for close to 15 years, Kat is one of HSP’s most experienced recruiters. As a founding team member, Kat has worked closely with long-term clients to build out their teams across industry groups, functions, and levels. She has handled some of the firm’s most complicated searches and brings an unparalleled level of enthusiasm to each engagement. In addition to working on traditional investing mandates, she is also HSP’s resident expert on investor relations/marketing, corporate development/strategy, and capital markets functions. Prior to HSP, Kat worked at SG Partners, a buyside focused executive recruiting firm, and she started her career at Morgan Stanley.

 

Education:

  • Brown University – B.A. English Literature, B.A. in Education Studies

AMATEUR METEOROLOGIST, MOTHER OF TWO, LOVER OF GRAMMAR AND CROSSWORD PUZZLES. IN THE FALL AND WINTER, YOU CAN FIND KAT CHEERING ON THE NY GIANTS, AND IN THE SPRING AND SUMMER, SHE’LL BE ROOTING FOR THE NY METS.

Tomi Kennedy

Principal

Tomi Kennedy

Principal

Contact Tomi

Tomi works on a range of searches across fund sizes, geographies, and investment strategies. She is responsible for research and sourcing, client and candidate correspondence and scheduling, and the facilitation of all logistical elements of a search. Tomi previously worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Centerview Partners and recently joined.

 

 

Education:

  • Princeton University – B.S. in Economics

Born and raised in New Jersey, Tomi is all about family. She loves good food, European beaches, and listening to the Mamma Mia soundtrack. Most importantly, she is embarrassingly dedicated to her Co-Ed Sunday soccer league.

Sarah Kehrt

Principal

Sarah Kehrt

Principal

Contact Sarah

Sarah has been a member of the HSP team since inception and has over 15 years of experience in the search industry. She has executed hundreds of searches across a diversity of platforms and sectors. Sarah works with candidates at all levels and is heavily involved in sourcing and candidate evaluation, as well as market research. Sarah is warm and inviting and is well respected by candidates and clients alike. Sarah previously worked at SG as a core interviewer and member of the pre-MBA team.

 

Education:

  • Colgate University – B.S. in Psychology

Soccer enthusiast since childhood and mother of two daughters. When she isn’t coaching her daughters’ soccer team, Sarah stays active by running or attending her favorite fitness classes. Cheese Danishes and Mexican food are her weaknesses.

Matt Henkel

Strategy

Matt Henkel

Strategy

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Matt is responsible for all things Strategy and Operations at HSP. Matt started his career as an investment banking analyst at Morgan Stanley before joining TPG as an investment associate. Following TPG, Matt made the switch from investing to operating, joining a then-small FinTech startup, Brex, as one of its first business hires. In three+ years at Brex, in various roles, he saw the company grow through several fundraises and to >1,500 employees by the time he left. Matt’s experiences as both a candidate and a client make him deeply familiar with HSP’s business, but he brings with him a unique perspective and approach thanks to his time in the fast-paced startup world. Matt believes strongly in following your instincts and taking risks.

 

Education:

  • Dartmouth College – B.A. in History and English

MATT IS A LIFELONG, DIE HARD CLEVELAND SPORTS FAN AND LIKES TO COMPETE IN LONG DRIVE GOLF COMPETITIONS.

Nellie McCullough

Principal

Nellie McCullough

Principal

Contact Nellie

Throughout her tenure at HSP, Nellie has worked on a wide range of engagements across industries. She supports the team on all aspects of the search process including sourcing, candidate evaluation, and facilitation of all logistical elements. Nellie initially gained exposure to recruiting during her internship at Agenus, a biotechnology company, where she worked as an intern in Human Resources and assisted in candidate assessment and scheduling, as the firm was expanding its UK presence. Nellie previously interned with HSP and joined full-time upon graduation.

 

Education:

  • University of Virginia – B.A. in Media Studies, Minor in Spanish

New England-native whose childhood home is older than the United States (built in 1712). Lover of all things history, people-watching, photography, and most of all, her family’s dachshund, Georgie.

Alina Mistuloff

Research Analyst

Alina Mistuloff

Research Analyst

Contact Alina

Alina supports the HSP team and is responsible for data and information management, search-related research, and administrative assistance. Conscientious, detail-oriented, and always smiling, she is an instrumental resource to the HSP team. Prior to joining HSP, Alina spent over two years at Northrop Grumman Aerospace as a business management analyst.

 

Education:

  • San Francisco State University – B.S. in Business Administration, concentration in Management

Southern California-native and the “older” twin with a deep appreciation for the color pink and hot sauce. Dog-lover that one day hopes to raise a golden retriever.

Izzy Mittag-Lenkheym

Principal

Izzy Mittag-Lenkheym

Principal

Contact Izzy

Upbeat and personable, Izzy brings her always positive attitude to every search. She is involved in all aspects of the search process, including research, candidate sourcing and communication, screening, and facilitation of all logistical elements. Izzy previously interned with HSP and joined full-time upon graduation.

 

Education:

  • University of St. Andrews – B.A./MA in Social Anthropology

A citizen of three countries, an almond butter addict and avid beach goer, Izzy has watched upwards of 200 live baseball games and deems herself a professional carrot cake baker.

Sandy Mok

Principal

Sandy Mok

Principal

Contact Sandy

Sandy has been at HSP since inception and plays a central role in executing and facilitating searches at both the pre- and post-MBA levels. Sandy brings nearly two decades of executive search experience to the HSP team and her relationships in the industry are widespread. She is known for her approachability, is loved by candidates, and has a natural ability to connect with people – it seems like everyone knows Sandy, and conversations with her are always in demand. In addition to domestic searches, Sandy has worked on several of HSP’s hedge fund and Asia-focused mandates across the public and private markets. Prior to joining HSP, Sandy worked with SG Partners, a buyside focused executive recruiting firm, where she played a vital role in the execution of searches for the pre-MBA team.

 

Education:

  • University of Miami – B.A. in Psychology

Caffeine-dependent, mother of three who loves to get creative with meals using her instant pot.
Enjoys all superhero movies and has jumped out of a plane – twice.

Avery Moore

Principal

Avery Moore

Principal

Contact Avery

Avery has worked on searches across levels, spanning from pre-MBA to post-MBA, and she is responsible for candidate assessment and all components of search execution. Her experience ranges across sectors, strategies, and functions, including private equity and growth equity/venture. With a unique sense of humor and a can-do attitude, Avery can always be counted on to make you smile. Prior to joining HSP, Avery worked on the investments team at First Western Trust as a relationship manager.

 

Education:

  • Colgate University – B.A. in History and French

Former London resident and Royal Family enthusiast. Avery’s diet consists mainly of chocolate almonds, donuts, martinis and Old Bay seasoning (not necessarily together).

Fiona Murchake

Associate

Fiona Murchake

Associate

Contact Fiona

Fiona is responsible for candidate sourcing, scheduling, client and candidate correspondence, and overall search process management.  She works on searches across a range of strategies, sectors, and levels.  Prior to HSP, Fiona worked at McKinsey, where she supported a recruiting team focused on undergraduate, MBA and lateral hiring across North America.

 

Education:

  • University of Virginia – B.A. in Media Studies

FIONA IS A BORN AND RAISED VIRGINIAN WHO RECENTLY MOVED TO NYC. SHE CONSIDERS HERSELF A GLASSWARE AFICIONADO AND A LOVER OF BONSAI TREES. THOUGH SHE MISSES HER FAMILY GOLDEN RETRIEVER LUCKY,  HER DAILY PIECE OF CHOCOLATE HELPS.

 

Ellie O’Callaghan

Associate

Ellie O’Callaghan

Associate

Contact Ellie

Ellie works on a range of searches across fund sizes, geographies, and investment strategies. She is responsible for research and sourcing, client and candidate correspondence and scheduling, and the facilitation of all logistical elements of a search. Ellie previously worked as a Research Manager at Guide Point Global and recently joined the firm as an Associate.

 

Education:

  • Trinity College– B.S. in Political Science

Ellie is a native New Yorker who adores dogs and sampling any and all healthy food options. Ellie loves spending time with her three older sisters and unabashedly loves karaoke, though she cannot carry a tune.

Rachel O’Connell

Principal

Rachel O’Connell

Principal

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Rachel works on searches across all levels and is involved with candidate evaluation, search implementation, and client management. She has experience across sectors and with a variety of platforms, ranging from venture to late stage buyout funds. Rachel’s journey to recruiting is rooted in a strong foundation in finance and technology. Prior to joining HSP, Rachel was a Vice President at Fifth Wall, where she focused on venture stage investments. Rachel was also an early employee and Senior Director of Strategy at Foxtrot, and a venture investor at S2G Ventures. Rachel began her career as an investment banking Financial Analyst on the Consumer team at Robert W. Baird.  Rachel’s impressive track record and insights stemming from her diverse experiences render her a valuable asset to our team.

 

Education:

  • Indiana University, Kelley School of Business – B.S. in Business

Native Midwesterner with a passion for all things food and wine. An avid reader, yogi, wake surfer, and history buff. Enjoys traveling with friends and family.

Michelle Syed

Principal

Michelle Syed

Principal

Contact Michelle

Michelle works with candidates across levels, spanning from pre-MBA to post-MBA, and is involved with candidate evaluation, search implementation, and client management. She has experience working across sectors and with a variety of platforms, ranging from private equity funds to real estate asset managers.  Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to HSP from her background in the industry. Michelle joined HSP from Square Mile Capital Management, a real estate focused fund, where she initially worked on the debt originations team; most recently, she was a part of the equity asset management team covering investments across the country and spanning all property types.

 

Education:

  • Cornell University – B.A. in Economics

MOTHER OF THREE DOGS WHO ENJOYS TRAVELING. AMATEUR BAKER AND MIXOLOGIST (SPECIALTIES ARE FOCCACIA AND ESPRESSO MARTINIS, RESPECTIVELY). LOVES HIIT FITNESS CLASSES, TAKING WALKS ALONG THE HUDSON RIVER, THAI FOOD, AND MOZZARELLA STICKS.

Anna Cristina de la Torre

Associate

Anna Cristina de la Torre

Associate

Contact Anna Cristina

Anna Cristina works on a range of searches across fund sizes, geographies, and investment strategies. She is responsible for research and sourcing, client and candidate correspondence and scheduling, and the facilitation of all logistical elements of a search. She recently joined the firm as an Associate.

 

Education:

  • Southern Methodist University – B.A. in Chemistry and Psychology, Minor in Spanish, University Honors and Phi Beta Kappa

ANNA CRISTINA GREW UP IN ALABAMA AND HAS CUBAN ROOTS. SHE ENJOYS RUNNING OUTSIDE, TRAVELING AND EXPLORING NEW RESTAURANTS. SHE IS FOND OF ANY AND ALL TYPES OF MUSIC AND LOVES COFFEE, CHOCOLATE, TAJIN AND MOST OF ALL HER FAMILY’S TWO MINI DACHSHUNDS, MAX & RINGO STARR. 

Katherine Tormey

Associate

Katherine Tormey

Associate

Contact Katherine

Kate works on a range of searches across fund sizes, geographies, and investment strategies. She is responsible for research and sourcing, client and candidate correspondence and scheduling, and the facilitation of all logistical elements of a search. Prior to joining HSP, Kate spent two years at KIPP NYC as a teacher and is a Teach for America alum.

 

Education:

  • College of the Holy Cross – B.A. in English, Minor in Education (Cum Laude)
  • Relay Graduate School of Education – Masters in Teaching (High Honors)

Kate is a former Early Childhood and Special Education teacher. She is a proud aunt, country music lover, avid reality tv watcher, and enthusiastic book club participant. In her spare time,  she loves to try new restaurants (especially Italian) and go on long walks exploring various neighborhoods throughout the city.

Alyson Tauber

Controller

Alyson Tauber

Controller

Contact Alyson

Alyson is responsible for all accounting functions at HSP, including invoicing and tax compliance. She is also the CFO of Coventry Real Estate Advisors, a real estate investment manager that focuses on investments in retail and mixed-use real estate. Prior to her current roles, Alyson spent three years at the Real Estate Assurance group at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, where her portfolio of clients included Kimco Realty Corporation, JPMorgan, Citigroup and Blackrock.

 

Education:

  • University of Michigan Business School – Bachelor’s in Business Administration
  • Certified Public Account (CPA) designation

Mother of three amazing children, lover of all things chocolate and all things M&M. Bravo TV is her guilty pleasure and she’s an exercise addict.

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