NAER Elects New Chair

June 23, 2009 – The National Association of Executive Recruiters (NAER) has named Kaarla McKenzie, president of Tampa-based Source Executive Search|Consulting, Inc., as the new chair of its global board of directors. She will replace Deborah Hall-Kayler of Hall & Associates, Ltd., in what will be a one-year term. Ms. McKenzie began her recruiting career in 1994, initially geared toward communications and information technology industries, and later within the advertising and marketing arena. She joined niche advertising and marketing recruiting firm PLA, Inc. in early 1999 and ultimately assumed responsibility for the direction and daily operations of the firm in 2001. In 2004, Ms. McKenzie rebranded the professional search practice from PLA, Inc. to Source Executive Search|Consulting. The firm’s focus is in recruiting talent in advertising, marketing, media, sales promotion and public relations for brand leaders and their agencies. “Kaarla brings passion and a collaborative approach, which will really allow NAER to offer greater value to its current members, as well as to prospective members. We are all thrilled to have Kaarla as the Chair of NAER,” said Ms. Hall-Kayler. Joining her on the board are vice chair Michael L. Garnes of St. Augustine-based Next Level Executive Search, which specializes in the sports industry, and treasurer/secretary Seamus McGardle of Dublin, Ireland-based SRI Executive Search, which focuses on global placements for life science, energy and non-profit organizations. Founded in 1985, the NAER is a professional association of niche recruiting firms with members in the U.S. and Europe.