SkyWater Search Partners Names HR Practice Leader

April 13, 2020 – Minneapolis, MN-headquartered executive search firm SkyWater Search Partners has added Andrea Anderson to lead its newly expanded human resources placement practice area. With 16 years of experience in human resources and recruiting leadership roles, “Ms. Anderson is uniquely qualified to join and lead SkyWater’s rapidly expanding HR practice area,” the firm said.

“The HR practice at SkyWater has been growing very quickly over the past few years, completing roles anywhere from the HR manager level to CHRO,” said Adam Hoffarber, a partner at the firm. “We determined that our next phase of growth in this space would come from a leader within the HR industry with a strong executive recruiting background, but also someone that has exceptional functional HR expertise who knows the ins and outs of the ever-changing HR world,” he said. “Someone that knows how to identify strong HR talent, and someone that clients enjoy partnering with on a personal level. With that in mind, we couldn’t be more excited to have Andrea join the SkyWater team and lead our HR practice.”


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Before joining SkyWater, Ms. Anderson spent seven years at Securian Financial in several HR leadership roles and led the executive recruitment function for the past two years. Prior to that, she was a recruiting consultant with Travelers.

“I’ve worked with Andrea from a client perspective for a while, and have seen her outstanding abilities as an executive recruiter, valued relationship partner, and most importantly, her values as a person,” Mr. Hoffarber said. “When we had the opportunity to bring her over to the executive search side to lead our HR practice, we jumped at the chance. We’re looking forward to seeing Andrea drive continued growth in one of our fastest-growing practice areas at SkyWater.”

“As a career HR practitioner, I understand the unique challenges facing the HR function and the impact the right HR hire can make on an organization,” said Ms. Anderson. “Today, more than ever, businesses are leaning on their HR leaders to navigate through a host of challenges from changing legislation, to hiring strategies and employee engagement. My aim is to be an added and continued resource for businesses needing to make the perfect hire today. I’m thrilled to lead the HR practice area and join the talented SkyWater team; they are truly the best in the business.”

Growing Search Firm

Using a multi-level matching process, SkyWater Search Partners specializes in identifying the potential fit between each individual’s needs, work style, and career aspirations and the employer’s vision, values and workplace culture. As part of its 2020 growth strategy, SkyWater is expanding its marketing and human resources recruiting practices, solidifying its presence in all major executive recruiting segments, including accounting and finance; information technology; engineering, operations and supply chain; sales; marketing; human resources; consumer packaged goods; and construction.

In February, SkyWater Search Partners named McKaela Baldus to lead its newly expanded marketing practice division. With over a decade of experience as a Twin Cities marketing recruiting leader, Ms. Baldus is positioned to help SkyWater achieve its 2020 growth plans in this segment. At SkyWater Search Partners, Ms. Baldus will leverage her deep understanding of marketing leadership and relationship management, as well as her trademark drive to “get clients what they need, the first time, every time,” to expand the practice, said the firm.

SkyWater began the year by naming Ben David as head of its construction, architecture and engineering recruiting practice. He brings extensive experience and a broad professional network to his new role, where he will expand SkyWater’s client relationships with Minnesota’s top organizations in the construction-related industries.

Prior to joining SkyWater, Mr. David spent six years with Minneapolis-based Rauenhorst Recruiting, where he served as accounts project manager, developing their online presence and campaigns, and director of research and development. Before that, he was an architectural draftsman with Charles Cudd De Novo Architects, where he worked on custom luxury homes in the Twin Cities.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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