McDermott + Bull Places CHRO for Williston Financial Group
April 1, 2020 – Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed Heather Krablin as senior vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO) for Williston Financial Group (WFG), a leading provider of homeowner title insurance and related lender services for residential and commercial real estate transactions. Chris Bull, managing partner and co-founder of the search firm, led the assignment.
Ms. Krablin will be called upon to develop and drive a human capital strategy that is responsive to, and anticipatory of, the evolving needs of WFG, which is based in Irvine and Portland, OR, and the ongoing trends in the industry, said McDermott + Bull. WFG was seeking a CHRO to shape the growth and development of the company’s executive leadership team and overall organization.
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“Heather is uniquely qualified for this role at WFG as her career path aligns well with what will be called for in her new position with the company. She has those special qualities, and the commitment, to lead the HR organization of a fast growing, duel-headquartered business,” said Mr. Bull.
Ms. Krablin will provide strategic vision, ensure tactical and data-driven execution and deliver the leadership necessary to support and enhance WFG’s mission and trajectory, said the search firm. She will serve as a critical business partner to the executive leadership team and will ensure that the organization remains committed to its culture of trust and quality of service. As CHRO, Ms. Krablin will also oversee the areas of succession planning, talent acquisition, talent management and leadership development, organizational and performance management, learning and development, executive and employee compensation and benefits, employee relations and all employment-related compliance.
Strong Experience
Ms. Krablin spent the last 10 years in progressively responsible roles in the human resources field, and the last five as vice president human resources for True Religion Brand Jeans. Prior to joining True Religion she worked at Ross Stores for four years, where she was responsible for talent recruiting and acquisition, plus building compensation guidelines, workflow, and process improvement.
“Heather believes that the best way to serve our employees is with an efficient system that can quickly respond to their needs and concerns,” said Steve Ozonian, WFG’s CEO. “We can tell that she has the personnel perspective to advise WFG leadership on how our operational structure can attract and maintain the best team in our industry.”
“As the ‘port of entry’ for new team members, human resources and onboarding are critical to our future success,” said Mr. Ozonian. “I’m confident Heather will make it a welcoming process that reflects the WFG spirit. I know she is excited to serve in this important new role for WFG.”
“I am grateful for this exciting new opportunity to be part of WFG as it enters its second decade,” said Ms. Krablin. “The company and its executives are respected throughout our industry for creating a collaborative, dynamic environment, where staff are not only valued but encouraged to contribute their ideas and energy. I know that sense of inclusion is what has engaged WFG customers and I look forward to being part of this team effort.”
Respected Recruiters
Williston Financial Group was formed in 2009 to acquire various businesses in the title insurance and real estate settlement services industry. The Williston Financial Group family of businesses works to take time and cost out of real estate transactions. By focusing on the client and their processes, the business helps compress the time required to close a loan and/or transfer real property ownership. Since its founding, WFG has acquired WFG Lender Services (formerly known as New Millennium Title Group, LLC), WFG National Title Insurance (formerly known as TransUnion National Title Insurance Company), WFG Title Insurance Company (formerly known as TransUnion Title Insurance Company) and WFG National Title Company of Washington (formerly Northpoint Escrow and Title LLC).
McDermott + Bull serves clients in the technology, financial services, manufacturing, biotech and life sciences, retail and professional services sectors. Since the advent of MB Interim Leaders in 2011, the firm has served both the permanent and interim needs of its clients. Clients include Experian, First American Financial, Fluidmaster, Kelley Blue Book, SC Fuels, Thomas James Capital Homes, Trojan Battery, Union Bank and Vizio, among others.Mr. Bull is a co-founder of the firm. In addition to leading a team of executive search consultants, he has built his own executive search practice catering to a variety of clients, including Experian, First American Financial, Fluidmaster, Kelley Blue Book, SC Fuels, Thomas James Capital Homes, Trojan Battery, Union Bank and Vizio, among others.
Mr. Bull is a co-founder of the firm. In addition to leading a team of executive search consultants, he has built his own executive search practice catering to a variety of clients, including Experian, First American Financial, Fluidmaster, Kelley Blue Book, SC Fuels, Thomas James Capital Homes, Trojan Battery, Union Bank and Vizio, among others.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
