Blue Rock Search Appoints VP of Business Development
October 24, 2024 – Blue Rock Search has expanded with the addition of Colleen Barker as vice president of business development. “On behalf of the entire Blue Rock Search team, I’m so pleased to welcome Colleen Barker to our organization,” said Ruben Moreno, HR & diversity practice leader of Blue Rock Search. “As the executive search landscape continues to evolve in response to market needs, our priority is developing ’relationships built to last’ with our valued clients. Barker is a reliable, collaborative team player and brings exceptional experience in business development and strategic thinking. We’re excited to have her join the team, and we look forward to her ongoing contributions to our efforts to provide the best possible service and advice to our clientele.”
Ms. Barker brings nearly 30 years of experience to her new leadership role at Blue Rock, including over a decade in the recruiting sector. “Throughout her career, she has had a track record of not only exceeding sales targets but also empowering teams to achieve their full potential,” Blue Rock said in a release. “Having worked as both an individual contributor and in sales leadership roles, she excels in managing the sales cycle from discovery to close while fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.”
Previously, Ms. Barker served as senior director, business development and partnerships with recruitAbility. Before that, she held the role of senior manager, business development with Modis. Prior to that, Ms. Barker was manager strategic partnerships with Austin Staffing. During her career, she has also held positions with HireBetter, PeopleReady, and Acrobat Outsourcing.
“I am committed to driving revenue growth and refining our sales strategies to ensure we exceed our goals,” said Ms. Barker. “I believe in cultivating strong relationships with clients at all levels and inspiring the team to embrace innovation and continuous improvement. With a focus on securing significant contracts and guiding our team toward success, I look forward to contributing to the ongoing achievements of Blue Rock Search.”
Blue Rock Search is a 100 percent minority/female-owned executive search firm. As a member of the SRA Network, the firm is also a Hunt Scanlon HR/Diversity Recruiting Power 65 recruiter. The firm’s consultants specialize in the targeted identification, assessment, and placement of executives across five distinct practice areas: Private equity, human resources and diversity, franchise, higher education, and CX. Blue Rock’s processes, technology, tools, and search methodology are designed to flex to the needs of its clients.
Mr. Moreno is a co-founder of the firm and leads the Blue Rock HR executive search practice specializing in the identification, assessment, recruitment, and onboarding of chief HR officers and their teams. As a subject matter expert and specialized executive recruiter, he has been dedicated to partnering with his clients to identify, assess, and recruit the best human resources leadership talent available for over 12 years.
Related: Blue Rock Acquires ReCreation’s Executive Search Practice
Nancy Estep-Critchett is also a founding partner of Blue Rock Search, with oversight of the franchise practice. She has 30 years of working experience as a business advisor and executive recruiter in the franchising space. Ms. Estep-Critchett has built solid relationships which have spanned decades with industry professionals and internationally recognized brands.
Past Hire
Blue Rock Search recently hired Jacquelyn D. Elliott as the new higher education practice leader and chief experience officer. “Our team and our clients have already benefited from Dr. Elliott’s exceptional knowledge on several placements,” said Mr. Moreno. “We look forward to seeing her years of expertise and pursuit of excellence drive continued results for both search candidates and for our clients.”
Blue Rock Search Names Leader of Private Equity Practice
Blue Rock Search has appointed Joshua Jones as practice leader for the firm’s growing private equity practice. “Since joining Blue Rock in early 2018, Joshua has established himself as a key influencer in the executive search community,” the search firm said. “His insights have been featured in top-tier publications like the Wall Street Journal, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader. With over 15 years of multifaceted business experience across public and private sectors, and strong relationships within diverse private equity communities, Joshua empowers our clients with the comprehensive knowledge necessary to source transformative leadership talent.”
Dr. Elliott has more than 30 years of C-suite leadership with a focus in university and business higher education to her new role with expertise in business development, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. She has held multiple positions across academic affairs, institutional advancement, international education, and all aspects of strategic enrollment management. She is president emerita of enrollmentFUEL, a national strategic enrollment management consulting and marketing company, and has also held roles such as Dean of admissions and financial aid, associate vice president of institutional advancement, and vice president for enrollment management across multiple institutions. Her most recent academic appointment was at the University of Missouri—St. Louis where she focused on faculty development, training, and accreditation.
“Dr. Elliott is an established leader in higher education, and someone we are proud to have as a full-time member of our team,” said Ms. Estep-Critchett. “Her dedication and depth of knowledge will certainly be continued assets to our firm and to our clients across the board.”
Related: Blue Rock Acquires ReCreation’s Executive Search Practice
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
