NPAworldwide Elects Board Chair; Re-Elects Key Directors
May 12, 2026 – Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has elected a new slate of representatives to its board of directors. The election was held during the group’s virtual annual owners meeting. Member-owners also accepted a financial report, amended the organizational bylaws, confirmed the actions of the Board of Directors and conducted other official business.
NPAworldwide member-owner Patti Steen of The Pelsten Group automatically acceded to a two-year term as chair, after being elected last year to a one-year term as chair-elect. Ms. Steen previously served as secretary/treasurer and prior to that was a multi-term director and practice group leader.
“I’m truly honored and excited to be elected as board chair of NPAworldwide, a member-owned organization, Ms. Steen said. “What makes this role especially meaningful is that it represents all our members—their voices, their investment, and their shared vision.”
“As board chair, my focus is on strengthening our organization by growing membership, deepening engagement, and ensuring every member experiences real value and success from being part of NPAworldwide,” Ms. Steen continued. “Achieving these priorities will require all of us—board members, committees, and members alike—to actively shape a community that is engaged, supportive, and impactful. I’m energized by what we’ve built together and even more excited about where we’re headed next.”
Three Directors Re-Elected
The following individuals were re-elected for a second two-year term:
- Jenn Anderson, Prestige Recruiting Firm (New York, NY) – director for Americas East.
- Melanie Johnson, Sunrock Recruitment (London, U.K.) – director for EMEA.
- Parvathy Krishnan, Cucumber Consultants (Hyderabad, India) – director for Asia.
Ms. Steen congratulated the new directors on their successful re-elections. “It takes dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to our members to serve in this role,” she said. “Board directors give their time, expertise, and judgment to ensure that the network not only operates effectively today but continues to thrive for future generations of members.”
Related: 6 Proven Rules of C-Suite Succession Planning
The remaining officers and directors are Immediate past chair Pam Robison, secretary/treasurer Tim Lane and directors Phil Chappel, Patrick Long, and Andrew Thoseby.
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The NPAworldwide board of directors is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the member-owned global recruitment network. Each person on the board of directors also owns and operates a member recruitment firm.
NPAworldwide is a global recruitment network facilitating placements between its member firms. The recruitment network has more than 550 member offices across six continents. Its headquarters is in Grand Rapids, MI.
Related: What are Boards Doing Differently for Better Executive Appointments in 2026?
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
