Being a successful HR executive in both Fortune 1000 and non-profits, Nancy sought a position with an organization whose mission aligns with hers.  In her new role of Director of Human Resources at JFCS, she has achieved that goal.

Can you describe your prior career background?

For 12 years I worked as a Human Resources Leader for Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. As the Vice President of Human Resources, I led a team of HR generalists responsible for organizational and leadership development, performance management, talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation, as well as partnered with leaders to move the culture of Penn Mutual to a new level. Prior to that, I worked for the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, where I re-designed the Human Resources department from a specialist model to an HR business partner model to better support clinical and business areas.

Why and how did you begin to work with Kelleher Associates?

I was familiar with Kelleher Associates because, as an HR professional, I was the person who retained outplacement service companies on behalf of my employer.  When the HR department I worked in was severely downsized – and my entire team eliminated – Ed Kelleher and his team at Kelleher Associates were there for me.

Although much of the coaching advice offered by Kelleher was not new to me because of my HR background, it was worth hearing again. Ed helped me by giving non-judgmental advice, and he was always calm and patient in the midst of the emotional whirlwind that defines the job search process.  It’s a huge comfort and a great asset to know that someone is always in your corner, available to answer questions, keep you feeling sane and give you perspective on your thoughts.

What did you learn about the importance of networking through your work with Kelleher Associates?

One day I was sitting with Ed while he was reviewing messages and resumes looking for a possible networking connection for me. I wanted to go back to non-profit work, and Ed pulled out a resume for someone who was relocating, leaving a job vacant. I knew him! He turned out to be a former coworker from over 15 years ago. I reconnected with him briefly before he moved to Chicago. He forwarded my resume to another of our Einstein colleagues and his CEO at Jewish Family and Children Services prior to his relocation. Months later, I got a call from that CEO and we, too, reconnected. In the end, I accepted a job offer from Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia.  It is also worth noting that I wound up with three job offers from networking contacts I made while working with Kelleher Associates.

What did you like best about working with Kelleher Associates?

Everyone at Kelleher Associates is extremely friendly – they just exude warmth. Also, their job search process is not a regimented one; you can gear your process to best fit your needs. Ed had a keen understanding of the way I wanted to handle my search, and he didn’t force me to fit into some sort of mold. The consultants at Kelleher have a very flexible model for helping you search for a new job…and they support you in any way they can.

What were some of the key learnings during your search process, and what would you recommend to others seeking their next position or considering a change in their career path?

First, I learned to be true to myself.  You have to be in order to figure out where and what you want your next career move to be. Also, I recognized that while this might be a hard transition, it is also an opportunity. I knew I wanted to make a change to the non-profit sector, but I needed to figure out how and follow a path to get there. I had to learn how to accept change and be flexible with my requirements. Finally, I learned you should always have your resume ready. Stay connected to people and take advantage of every opportunity to meet new people or reconnect with old friends and colleagues. I wasn’t a big networker before I worked with Kelleher, but I learned just how valuable it really is when searching for a job.

Would you recommend Kelleher Associates to others and why?

I would absolutely recommend Kelleher Associates to others. Each and every consultant is so welcoming in his or her own way.  They don’t hesitate to come up and introduce themselves and offer a helping hand, which is a different experience than you might have somewhere else. They are truly unique.