TALENT CITIZEN - Key Persons
Throughout her career and volunteer experience, Alicia Paquette strives to enable people and organizations to perform at optimal capacity. As Search Coordinator, Alicia supports the Talent Citizen team through all aspects of the search process, including project management, scheduling logistics, document production, research, and marketing. In her role, she has an engaging and thorough approach, ensuring a seamless search experience, meeting both clients' and candidates' needs. Alicia has supported projects across higher education advancement, research, evaluation, and learning, grantmaking and philanthropy, social impact, and marketing and communications sectors.
With more than a decade of experience working in client-facing customer support roles, building expertise in finance, marketing, events, and business forecasting, Alicia has worked across a wide array of sectors with the ability to converge that experience effortlessly. Having managed a small local business for ten years prior to joining Talent Citizen, Alicia brings an individualized and thoughtful approach to each candidate and search.
Alicia spent the past seven years serving the local education system in various board and volunteer positions. As President of a local school board, she was responsible for fundraising, coordinating committees, managing the budget, and directing board meetings. Previously, as Vice President, she was integral in restructuring the organization for which she served.
In addition to her volunteer work, Alicia is a community-serving entrepreneur. In 2020, she launched a local cooking and delivery service, providing meals for families across greater San Jose.
Having recently relocated to Southern California, Alicia enjoys spending time with her family, including her two children, Jet and Quinn. They enjoy camping, hiking, bowling, swimming, baseball, playing games, and spending time with friends.
Get to know our team at Talent Citizen! We invite you to learn more about Alicia Paquette, including what led her to Talent Citizen, what she enjoys most about her work as Search Coordinator, and even a few recipe suggestions.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Search Associate
Britni Russell-Bianchi is a seasoned search associate specializing in the philanthropic and nonprofit fields. She is an equity-focused gate opener and relentless information democratizer. Britni's work has been at the intersection of philanthropy, strategy and learning, and person-centered ecology of health, which includes health equity, resilient communities, and environmental sustainability. She enjoys digging into inaugural roles that require a formative approach and working with organizations to connect their voice to communities of practice. Britni's project work has included executive, programmatic, and operational searches with national, domestic, and community-focused organizations. Her work also explores the interrelationship among program learning, evaluation, and impact assessment that assist organizations with authentic and trust-based internal and external relationships.
Most recently, Britni was a Senior Associate at NPAG, where she maintained a portfolio of philanthropy and nonprofit clients across the United States. Prior to executive search, Britni was an Associate Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). She cultivated a global and domestic portfolio, participated in multiple strategy reorganizations, and managed yearly evaluation and measurement projects. Before joining the team at BMGF, Britni was at the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, where she supported grants and contracts and maintained data for annual planning and budgeting in Education and Learning and Food Health and Well-Being.
Her passion for equity and ecology and her interest for native planting led her to be on the Board of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. You can find her in Southwest Michigan adding books to her TBR stack at the local bookstore and looking for the perfect yarn for a new blanket.
Britni earned a BA in Organizational Communications with a minor in Japanese from Western Michigan University and an MA in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy.
Recognized for her ability to engage the whole person beyond the package and posture of highly accomplished leaders, Eva Kotilinek has successfully recruited C-level talent worldwide for organizations ranging from impact start-ups, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Since joining Talent Citizen in 2019, an area of focus for Eva has been understanding the ways that data and technology, particularly in marketing and communications, can be used as a path to equity and finding talent committed to that.
As one of the few executive search professionals who began her career as a pure technology geek, Eva leads recruitments with a keen eye for the ways emerging technology can improve organizational effectiveness and social impact. She brings functional expertise in finance, strategy and planning, development, and executive leadership recruiting, as well as experience in recruitment research.
Eva's broad perspective allows her to see candidates' transferable skills, competencies, and experiences, which bridge and add value in corporate, social venture, and impact investment arenas. Imperative to the joy she seeks in her work is being involved with organizations, leaders, and change agents who play an active role in advancing social and cultural change.
Prior to Talent Citizen, Eva was Managing Director at Wyatt & Jaffe. During her tenure she played an integral role in transforming the firm into a responsive boutique recognized by Forbes as one of the 40 Best Executive Search Firms in the country. Eva is valued by her clients for the ability to successfully complete even the most challenging assignments.
Outside of work, you will find Eva spending time with her family and her dogs and the other animals that make up the Kotilinek zoo. Many of whom, if you have had the pleasure of being on a Zoom call with Eva, have made a regular on camera appearance, usually uninvited. With a passion and love for animals, she has served on the boards of and volunteers for numerous national and local animal organizations-with a soft spot for Basset Hounds in particular. As a family, the Kotilineks own, show, and breed Basset Hounds. Eva holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Winona State University.
As an equity-focused professional with experience in mission-driven organizations, José uses his expertise in communications, facilitation, and program management to advance inclusive, equitable searches with clients. He brings a critical lens and equity-centered approach to his role as Associate at Talent Citizen.
José has devoted his entire career to working with organizations at the intersection of education equity, leadership development, and social justice. His career started as a middle school teacher serving majority Black and Brown communities in Dallas, Texas through the University of Notre Dame's ACE Teaching Fellows program. He then transitioned to the nonprofit sector in his home state of North Carolina, managing an identity and leadership development youth program at LatinxEd while teaching as an adjunct instructor at the University of North Carolina School of Education. Before joining Talent Citizen, José worked at Occidental College in Los Angeles as an education specialist in the Office of Equity & Justice to influence and inform strategic and structural equity efforts, including hiring policies and practices. These experiences have informed his perspective on intersectional issues across systems and furthered his desire to create fruitful partnerships that advance the mission of social impact organizations.
Outside of work, José serves on a task force with the UNC DREAM (Diverse and Resilient Educators Advised through Mentorship) program to recruit, educate, and place diverse teachers into high-needs schools in Durham Public Schools. Previously, he also served on the board of Pupusas for Education, an organization providing holistic support services to serve the needs and dreams of North Carolina's marginalized youth. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, cooking, dancing, and exploring the cultural richness of Los Angeles.
José earned a B.A. in History with a minor in Education from UNC-Chapel Hill, as well as a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree from the University of Notre Dame. Most recently, he became a SHRM-Certified Professional.
As Talent Citizen's Data Specialist, Katherine brings an inquisitive spirit to projects, contributing accurate and targeted information in stewardship of the firm's database. Katherine supports the Talent Citizen team and the firm's clients by ensuring that each search has thorough outreach lists. Known for her speed and accuracy, Katherine is a whiz at managing large data sets and systems.
A savvy puzzle-solver, Katherine has been combining the technical and creative since she was a child growing up in the theater in Saratoga Springs, New York. Katherine spent much of her youth involved with theater. At age 15 she began learning lighting with the Home Made Theater company and decided to stick with it. Outside of her work with Talent Citizen, Katherine serves as the Lighting Director at The Egg, a premier performing arts center in Albany, New York. With particular talent in lighting dance performances and concerts, Katherine enjoys the rigor, creativity, variety, and camaraderie of collaborating with directors and performers, enhancing emotion and depth through lighting design.
Katherine is pursuing undergraduate studies at Hudson Valley Community College. An avid reader of sci-fi, fantasy, and LGBTQ+ literature, Katherine is also skilled in math and combines the study of math and literature in her independent studies degree.
Job Titles:
- Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging, Development & Alumni Relations Boston University
Talent Citizen congratulates Leslie Anselme on her appointment as the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) for Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) at Boston University, effective April 29, 2024. As part of the DAR Talent Management team, Leslie will work in partnership with Associate Vice President of Advancement Resources and Strategic Talent Management Amy Bronson to lead the strategic integration of a DEIB framework into DAR's programs, people processes, and organizational change management. Leslie's efforts in DAR will encourage staff engagement in DEIB initiatives and ensure a more diverse and inclusive workplace while advancing BU's mission and goals.
Leslie's career has spanned communications, advocacy, programming, and human resources for both corporate and nonprofit organizations. These experiences, including accomplishments in two inaugural DEIB roles, position Leslie to partner with DAR senior leaders and staff members to identify and enact opportunities for synergistic DEIB initiatives, strategies, and policies for all levels of the department composed of more than 265 professionals. Previously, Leslie served as the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice (DEIRJ) with Girls Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA). In that role, Leslie spearheaded the DEI strategy for the organization, including thematic monthly programming for staff, strategic communications, and recommendations for HR policies and practices. Before joining GSEMA, Leslie worked at EF Education First, where she progressed through HR roles to become the inaugural Program Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging for the company's multinational staff. Previously, Leslie led sales, operations, and communications at the Boston location of T2, a global tea shop, and she started her career at the Shirley Chisholm Project for Brooklyn Women's Activism.
Known for her warm personality, restorative and learning approach, and her strengths as a strategic and creative DEIB leader, Leslie is well suited for this inaugural position. An active volunteer leader, Leslie is a member of the Boston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the largest Black sorority dedicated to social action and community service, and she is a member of the YW DEI Community of Practice, a group dedicated to women's empowerment and social justice. Leslie is also a trained facilitator for #IAmRemarkable as part of the global movement that empowers underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond.
Leslie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies from Brooklyn College and a master's degree in Human Resource Analytics and Management from American University. She is a certified coach for Gallup Clifton Strengths and has received DEI certificates from Cornell University and the University of South Florida.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts / Boston University
Talent Citizen congratulates M. Quincy Davidson on his appointment as Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts at Boston University, effective May 1, 2024. In this role, Quincy will partner with Vice President for Development Josh Aiello and lead a team of major gift fundraisers responsible for regional, athletics, and parent and family philanthropy. This appointment marks a significant addition to Boston University's development leadership team as the institution continues to advance its mission through philanthropy.
Quincy comes to Boston University from Ithaca College, where he most recently served as Associate Vice President for Engagement. During his tenure, he provided pivotal leadership in raising major and principal gifts and managing teams across annual fund, alumni relations, major gifts, and corporate giving. Quincy also served as Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement on an interim basis, directing all aspects of advancement services, alumni engagement, and development efforts during a critical time for the college. His leadership led to increased alumni engagement and philanthropic support amid the challenges of the pandemic and institutional restructuring.
With 18 years of higher education experience, Quincy has a proven track record in philanthropy and alumni engagement. Prior to Ithaca College, he served as Vice President for Business Development at Purdue University Alumni Association, where he was responsible for revenue generation in support of 600,000 Purdue alumni. He also held leadership roles at Purdue College of Liberal Arts and Purdue University Fort Wayne. Earlier in his career, Quincy was an enrollment management professional in the Midwest and New England.
Quincy is eager to return to the Boston area. His unique perspective as a former college student-athlete and endowed scholarship recipient will be invaluable in this role at Boston University. An engaged member of the Ithaca community, Quincy is a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Tompkins County. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, French, and Sports Administration from the University of Indianapolis and a Master of Management in Higher Education Administration from Robert Morris University. Quincy is in the final stages of earning an Ed.D. in Education Leadership and Innovation from Purdue University Global.
For more than 15 years, executives leading organizations in the public and private sectors have trusted Rachel K. Partin to represent them, their organizations, and their goals to wide constituencies. As an executive search consultant specializing in the advancement field, Rachel guides candidates and counsels clients through transparent, equitable recruitment processes. Her clients include research-intensive universities-both public and private -liberal arts colleges, and museums, among others. Prior to her current role with Talent Citizen, Rachel was an Associate at Isaacson, Miller, a premier executive search firm serving mission-driven institutions. Prior to joining Isaacson, Miller, Rachel worked with Perkins Coie LLP, an international full-service law firm.
Rachel brings a service-oriented approach to her work. At Perkins Coie, she was the firm's Client Service Manager deepening the firm's relationships with its largest institutional clients and managing firm-wide client feedback and business development programs. With significant experience in higher education, Rachel understands the challenges, organizational structures, and cultural strengths of educational institutions. She worked as an Office Manager at the University of Portland. Prior, Rachel spent six years as a Writer/Editor for the President of Harvard University, progressively advancing to ultimately manage the correspondence/production team within the Office of the President. In addition to her writing duties, Rachel assisted Harvard's Vice President for Policy with policy initiatives and she staffed a Dean search committee.
Outside of work, Rachel volunteers as a Mentor with Marathon Scholars, a nonprofit focused on helping young first-generation Americans achieve their educational goals.
Rachel earned a BA in English with a minor in French and a BA in International Studies from Oregon State University, as well as an Ed.M. in Higher Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Get to know our team at Talent Citizen! As Rachel K. Partin kicks off her fourth year at Talent Citizen, we invite you to learn more about what drew her to Talent Citizen, what she loves about her executive search career, and what being a Talent Citizen means to her.
Tracy has worked collaboratively with a range of organizations, from regional nonprofits with high-impact direct services programs to complex national organizations across higher education, healthcare, philanthropy, and advocacy. Prior to founding Talent Citizen, Tracy built the External Relations and Development practice at Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group and served as a Managing Associate as part of Isaacson, Miller's scaling development practice. Earlier in her search career, Tracy managed C-suite searches for venture-backed technology startups and assisted in the establishment of a London office for one of the nation's fastest growing executive search firms serving the technology and professional services sectors.
The diversity of her experience has given Tracy an appreciation for the impact of multi-sectoral partnerships and the transferability of executive skills from sector to sector. Her client-centric approach was cultivated early in her career through public relations and marketing communications roles in the technology arena. She led marketing communications for an environmental consulting firm providing cutting edge environmental research, development, software, and analysis in climate and weather prediction, air quality, and satellite sensors.
Tracy holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston College. She also participated as a JET Fellow in the cultural and teaching exchange program fostered by the Japanese government.