ADK Consulting & Executive Search Assists The Massachusetts Port Authority with Recruitment of Chief People Officer

September 22, 2025 – ADK Consulting & Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Taylor Casey as chief people officer of The Massachusetts Port Authority. The assignment was led by Gale LaRoche and Christine Santiago. In this position, Ms. Casey will report to the CEO, leading the Authority’s HR efforts, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, DEI initiatives, workforce planning, and benefits administration. Ms. Casey has more than 15 years of experience in driving workforce strategy, organizational transformation, and talent optimization.

Most recently, she served as vice president of people and culture for Ideon, a software company that provides digital experiences in health insurance and employee benefits. In that role, she directed organizational strategy and people operations with full oversight of strategic initiatives. Ms. Casey has also served as chief people officer for Transformative Healthcare in Massachusetts and CALL9 Medical, P.C. in New York.

The Massachusetts Port Authority is an independent public authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, created by act of the legislature in 1956. It operates three significant business lines – Aviation, Maritime, and Real Estate – and stewards $3.4 billion in assets that safely, securely, and efficiently connect the Commonwealth and New England to the world beyond and enhance the quality of life for residents in the region.

Founded in 2003, Atlantic Beach, FL-based ADK specializes exclusively in talent searches for the airport management community. The firm is led by founder and president Doug Kuelpman, who has a history of over 40 years in aviation. ADK’s services include retained executive search, interim management, organizational consulting, and leadership development.

Dr. LaRoche is a senior human resources consultant for ADK, providing retained executive search and consulting services. She also is an adjunct faculty professor for Capella University. Dr. LaRoche has previously served as vice president, administration at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and the vice president of HR for the Wayne County Airport Authority (Detroit) and has extensive experience in HR management for both the public and private sector. Her specialty is bringing in strategic HR best-practices and technology to help organizations operate in a more effective and efficient manner. Dr. LaRoche has a wealth of experience in starting up and turning around inefficient HR departments to be effective and strategic partners to the business.

Ms. Santiago is also a senior human resources consultant for ADK. In addition to providing recruitment services and organizational development for their clients, she actively collaborates and assists in continuous improvement programs for the entire ADK team, improving communication and outstanding service to clients. Ms. Santiago joined the firm in 2019, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the airport industry. She initially worked in human resources and then expanded her role to safety and risk management for Clark County Department of Aviation in Las Vegas, NV.

Finding Chief People Officers

A number of search firms have been called in to find chief people officers. Here is a sampling from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives.

NU Advisory Partners has placed Deborah DeVerna as the new chief people officer of Allvue Systems. “With your wealth of expertise in organizational development and talent strategy, we’re confident your leadership will elevate team cohesion and drive impactful results as the organization grows,” said Nada Usina, co-founder and CEO of NU Advisory Partners. Thank you to Marc Scheipe, Deborah Mason Lefkowitz, Alana Zell, Alexandra Millett, and Vista Equity Partners for your continued partnership.” With over 20 years of experience as a strategic human resources leader, Ms. DeVerna brings a robust track record of enhancing organizational effectiveness through collaborative partnership with global leadership teams. Her expertise spans talent development, culture building, and change management, making her a fantastic addition to Allvue’s executive team. Previously, she served as chief people officer at Qontigo and Octave Group, where she led impactful initiatives that fostered dynamic, people-centered workplaces.

Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital was recently retained by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) to lead in its search for a chief people officer. Doug Trout, CEO of DRiWaterstone, is leading the assignment. The chief people officer is responsible for developing and executing human capital strategy in support of the organization’s plan and strategic direction, specifically in employee relations, talent management, change management, performance management, training and development, compensation, and succession planning. In collaboration with the Union of Concerned Scientists’ leadership, the chief people officer will implement policies and practices to build and maintain a unified work culture that exemplifies UCS values, thereby positioning the organization to effectively carry out its mission.

CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Arturo Towns as the chief people officer of Central States, a provider of metal building components, roofing, and building systems. The search was led by partner Andrea McDaniel Smith and search consultant Ted Wieber. “Arturo’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Central States Inc. as we reinforce our commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture,” said Jim Sliker, CEO of Central States. “He brings an exceptional blend of strategic vision and a genuine people-first approach to Central States. We are thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team and look forward to the positive impact he will make.” With a career spanning more than 25 years in human resources, Mr. Towns brings a wealth of experience in strategy, talent acquisition, and development to Central States as the 100 percent employee-owned company focuses on engaging employee-owners and advancing success.

Related: The Christopher Group Recruits Chief People Officer for Mintz Group

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media