SearchWide Global Expands
February 24, 2025 – Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has expanded with the additions of Carmen Rodgers, Chris Bates, and Danielle Loney. “The onboarding of three new team members, each bringing profound expertise and innovative skills to further drive organizational success,” the firm said.
“The addition of Carmen, Chris, and Danielle to our team reflects our commitment to excellence and leadership,” said Mike Gamble, chairman and CEO of SearchWide Global. “Their extensive expertise will undoubtedly bolster our growth as we celebrate 25 years in business.”
Ms. Rodgers will serve as an executive recruiter for the experiential, tradeshows, events & venues division. With over two decades of experience in recruiting and talent management, she is known for her talent acquisition strategies and inclusive hiring practices. Her tenure as talent acquisition director at EssenceMediacom with their bespoke agency Media Futures Group and roles at Colossal Media, Freeman, and Wyndham Hotels have shown her ability to innovate recruitment processes.
“Carmen’s creative insights and extensive experience in recruitment will significantly enrich our team’s capabilities and strategic direction,” said Andrea Christopherson, global head of experiential, tradeshows, events & venues. “We are thrilled to have her on board.”
Mr. Bates joins SearchWide Connect as an executive recruiter, providing noteworthy expertise in sourcing and recruiting talent across many sectors. His previous work at Magnit included collaborating with global brands such as Disney and Netflix, highlighting his strategic acumen in high-volume staffing. “Equipped with an MBA, Chris’s prior achievement in building partnerships at HRU Technical Resources proves his capability to enhance recruitment strategies and maintain crucial industry relationships,” SearchWide said.
“Chris’s strategic approach to talent acquisition will enhance our recruitment strategies and business partnerships,” said Wendy Moran, global head of SearchWide Connect. “He will play a key role in providing exceptional candidates at a faster pace than traditional retained executive search services.”
Ms. Loney takes on the role of project coordinator within the marketing & experience team, primarily supporting SearchWide Connect. With a foundation of over 10 years in customer-facing roles, she excels in managing diverse projects and fostering team collaboration. “Her leadership at Pasco Kids First and success as an account executive at SurveyMonkey illustrate her ability to exceed organizational goals,” SearchWide said. “Holding a master’s degree in developmental disabilities and certifications in project management and sales development, Danielle is set to drive projects to successful outcomes with her innovative strategies and collaborative spirit.”
“We are excited to welcome Danielle to our team. Her exceptional project management skills and strategic insight are assets that promise to drive innovative outcomes for our projects,” said Cambria Jones, chief marketing and experience officer at SearchWide Global.
Related: SearchWide Global Assists the International Association of Exhibitions and Events with CEO Search
SearchWide Global, based in St. Paul, MN, is a full-service executive recruitment firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries. The firm specializes in C-level and director-level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations.
Recent Search
SearchWide recently assisted in the recruitment of Brad Dean as the new president and CEO of Explore St. Louis. Executive vice president Mark Gnatovic led the assignment. “Brad Dean is a highly respected leader in destination marketing with a proven record of driving growth and innovation,” said Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of SearchWide Global. “His expertise positions him well to advance Explore St. Louis’ mission and future goals.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Brad to Explore St. Louis,” said Steve O’Loughlin, chairman of the board of commission. “Brad’s impressive track record of success in destination marketing and his deep understanding of the tourism and convention industry make him the ideal leader to take Explore St. Louis to the next level. His experience will be invaluable as we continue to promote our city, attract new visitors, and drive economic growth.”
Mr. Dean brings over two decades of leadership in the tourism and destination marketing industry, including his most recent role as CEO of Discover Puerto Rico and his 20-year tenure as president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Related: SearchWide Global Assists the International Association of Exhibitions and Events with CEO Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
