With over 15 years in the executive search industry, Marissa has successfully led executive and senior-level leadership recruitments across functions and industries.

At Koya Partners | Diversified Search Group , Marissa leads a portfolio of executive-level searches. She has deep expertise in mission-driven organizations serving Black, Brown and LGBTQ+ communities, organizations with global reach, the faith-based sector, and with health-related nonprofits.

Representative clients include the Boys & Girls Clubs, JDRF, Southern Poverty Law Center, Catholic Charities, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Feeding America, Prevent Child Abuse America, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Prior to joining Koya, Marissa served as Vice President, Global Research for DHR International, a top five retained search firm. There, she was a key leader in the development of the education and nonprofit practice. Marissa was also responsible for overall management of DHR International’s global search execution and was instrumental in the expansion of the firm in Asia, Europe, and South America. Deeply committed to client service, Marissa was awarded the “Chairman’s Award for Excellence” at DHR multiple times.

Marissa was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a “Notable Leader in HR” in 2021.

Marissa’s commitment to the mission-driven field was cemented early in her career when she worked at Christopher House, a nationally recognized social service organization in Chicago that supports underserved families.

An active community member and leader, Marissa serves on the Board for the Instituto del Progreso Latino. She has mentored and served on the planning committee for P.E.A.K. (The Partnership to Educate and Advance Kids). Marissa volunteers regularly with several Chicago nonprofits, including local food pantries.

In addition, she is a Fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago, Class of 2020. Marissa is also a founding member of Chief, a private network designed for women leaders.

Marissa earned her BA from Marquette University, where she now serves on the Alumni Association National Board of Directors as Vice President/President-Elect.

Education

BA, Communication Studies
Marquette University