ADVISOR

Andrew, a graduate of Western Michigan University, is a seasoned talent acquisition leader with deep expertise in high-volume, specialty and executive-level recruiting. He has successfully scaled talent acquisition functions at both Amazon and Chewy, playing a critical role in building and optimizing high-volume hiring strategies to meet explosive demand while maintaining a strong focus on quality. His ability to develop scalable, lean, data-driven hiring processes has positioned him as a leader in talent acquisition for organizations both large and small. Outside of work, Andrew resides in Michigan and enjoys traveling with his wife and two boys, embracing new experiences and cultures.

FOUNDER / Advisor

John Ozburn, founder of HR Navigators, is a seasoned global HR leader with three decades of experience shaping talent strategies at industry giants like Andersen, AT Kearney, Republic Services and most recently Amazon. A graduate of Oakland University, John has dedicated his career to finding, developing, and managing top talent.

A Navy veteran, John is a passionate advocate for fellow veterans. His career has taken him around the world, giving him a deep understanding of diverse workforces and global HR challenges. Now based in Michigan, John enjoys life with his wife and two incredible sons—ask about them, and you'll see him light up!

In creating HR Navigators, John has brought together an incredibly talented and experienced group of advisors.

ADVISOR

Breanna Misterek is a seasoned HR and talent development leader with over 15 years of experience in retail operations and human resources. She has worked with industry leaders at Target, New York & Company, and Amazon, specializing in HR business partnership, global talent management, and leadership development. Breanna holds a degree in Marketing and Business Administration from Western Washington University, where she was a four-year varsity letter in golf. Her passion lies in helping leaders reach their full potential and driving business success through streamlined people processes and programs.

Currently residing in Gig Harbor, WA, Breanna is married and the proud mother of energetic two-year-old boy and girl twins—making life an exciting adventure!

ADVISOR

Cathy, currently residing in Seattle, WA, is a senior executive coach, master facilitator, human resources leader, and retired naval officer with more than 25 years’ experience serving at every organizational level to motivate and inspire teams to achieve results. After her naval service, Cathy joined Amazon, working in Human Resources and Executive Leadership Development. She is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and mentoring those going through career transitions. Cathy earned her commission and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. She has a Master’s in Business Administration from City University of Seattle and a Master’s in National Security Studies from the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She is a sought after speaker and facilitator who delivered presentations on leadership, team building, and diversity & inclusion coaching.

ADVISOR

As a senior learning and development executive and coach, Lucy has driven organizational success through innovative leadership programs and strategic talent development initiatives. With a strong track record of designing impactful interventions, she enhances leadership skills, fosters inclusive cultures, and delivers measurable business outcomes. Lucy brings expertise in facilitation, event hosting, coaching, DEI initiatives, and creating learning solutions that meet the dynamic needs of organizations. Passionate about individual growth and cultivating high-performing teams, she aligns people-centric talent strategies with organizational goals. Her certifications include SDI Facilitator, FIRO-B Facilitator, Multipliers Certified Facilitator, SLII Facilitator, ICF Diploma Level 1, and Impact Players Certified Facilitator, alongside being a GB Women’s Rugby League Capped International Player and Rugby League Hall of Fame inductee. Lucy lives in England, where she was born and raised in Yorkshire, is happily married with twin daughters (who she learns from every day); she also enjoys coaching a local women’s football team.

ADVISOR

Dr. Meisha Rouser is a recognized expert in organizational and leadership development with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in cultural transformation, executive coaching, change management, and building high-performing leadership teams. Meisha designs strategies that accelerate results, mobilize employees, and drive sustainable change in complex environments.

As an organizational behavioral scientist, her research on Gen Z in the workplace provides groundbreaking insights for creating productive and meaningful work environments. She skillfully navigates organizational culture to ensure lasting impact and strategic success.

Dr. Rouser holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, a Master’s in Organizational Development from Antioch University, and an Executive Leadership Certificate from MIT Sloan. She has worked with clients including HP, FujiFilms, Intel, Jackson Laboratories, and the U.S. Navy.

Advisor

Ryan Ewing is a former Fortune 50 executive with expertise in manufacturing, distribution, people operations, and supply chain. Now focused on his investments and business ventures, he helps organizations optimize HR processes through strategic process engineering. With a data-driven and systems-oriented approach, he streamlines talent acquisition, workforce planning, and operational efficiency. Ryan partners with businesses to reduce friction, enhance scalability, and align HR functions with long-term growth objectives.

Ryan is a native Arizonan and lives in Phoenix with his wife and two children. He is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a BSBA in Finance. In his free time, he enjoys supporting his kids’ activities and devoting his time and talent to local charitable organizations.

Advisor

Jess Pizzica, founder of GRIT Talent Solutions, grew up in a small town in Oregon, where her journey in leadership and her passion for empowering others began. With a diverse career spanning Retail, Supply Chain, Operations, Learning and Development, Talent Management, and Human Resources; Jess's career culminated in achieving the role of Chief People Officer before launching GRIT Talent Solutions. GRIT specializes in designing and implementing customized talent programs that align with each company’s unique culture and goals. By embedding deeply within organizations and building a strong foundation, GRIT enables businesses to scale effectively through its Talent Ecosystem, which focuses on Team Effectiveness, Talent Philosophy, Organizational Design, and Talent Processes. GRIT helps companies achieve in six months what often takes years, creating high-performing teams, aligning leadership, and delivering a world-class employee experience. With GRIT, businesses can unlock the power of their people and thrive through scalable talent solutions.

Jess received her Bachelors degree from the University of Oregon and her MBA from University of Phoenix. Jess lives in the Seattle area with her husband and three children.

https://www.gritsolutionsteam.com/

Advisor

Nikkii is a seasoned employee benefits professional with nearly 20 years of experience, specializing in self-funded health & welfare plans, 401(k) administration, compliance audits and filings, and plan implementations. Nikkii is passionate about empowering people to be their best health advocates while optimizing benefit strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing employee engagement through tailored and inclusive benefit offerings.

Nikkii and family reside in the PNW and in their free time enjoy exploring the countryside.

Advisor

Karen Preston, based in Michigan, is a human resources consultant with extensive global business and functional experience across multiple industries and operational platforms. As a consultant, she leverages her human resource expertise and experience to help clients achieve their individual and organizational goals. Her extensive knowledge and background in leadership coaching, talent management and transition planning stem from a diversified portfolio of public and private roles.

Karen also offers fractional services for organizations in demand of interim HR leadership, change management and project delivery. Her transparent, candid and collaborative approach has proven key in her effective guidance and direction to her clients
.
Karen earned a B.S. from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Karen is also a Board of Trustee member for The University of Olivet.

Advisor

With a career spanning over three decades in human resources, talent strategy, and workforce transformation, Michael Baumgartner is a results-driven consultant specializing in HR infrastructure, compliance, talent acquisition, and organizational development. He has held senior leadership roles at Amazon, Ticketmaster, and global technology firms, shaping the future of HR operations across industries.

Michael has successfully led large-scale HR transformations, including optimizing Amazon Air's aviation workforce, overseeing AWS Japan’s HR strategy, and designing cutting-edge HR tech systems that streamlined hiring and workforce management. His expertise in SOC 2 compliance, payroll systems, and HR technology integration ensures that businesses operate with efficiency, security, and scalability.

As a consultant, Michael partners with high-growth companies to build robust HR frameworks, implement compliance-driven solutions, and enhance leadership capabilities. His work empowers organizations to navigate complex workforce challenges, improve retention, and drive sustainable growth through strategic HR execution.

Whether it’s advising on HR technology, compliance initiatives, or leadership development, Michael delivers innovative, data-driven solutions that align business goals with workforce success.

Core Expertise: ✔ HR Infrastructure Development ✔ Talent Acquisition & Retention Strategies ✔ Workforce Planning & Organizational Design ✔ Payroll & Benefits Administration ✔ HR Technology & Systems Integration ✔ SOC 2 Compliance & Risk Management ✔ Leadership Coaching & Change Management

Advisor

Lee Palmer is a dedicated consultant, executive coach, facilitator, and researcher with over 16 years of experience in psychology-based leadership training, global learning and performance solutions, team development, and learning architecture. With a diverse background as an evidence-based coach and teacher in the US, Europe, and Australia, she has guided numerous clients and teams to significant personal and professional achievements. Lee’s expertise spans leadership development, project management, team training, coaching, organizational effectiveness, change management, and more. Lee is a committed scholar/practitioner and published researcher, and is certified in assessment and psychometric tools like Franklin Covey Leadership Essentials, Clifton Strengths Finder, Everything DiSC, and SDI 2.0, enhancing her ability to craft tailored solutions for each unique client and situation. Lee has lived and worked globally and currently resides in Seattle , Washington.

EDUCATION

Ph.D: Human Development. Leadership Psychology

Fielding Graduate University

M.A: Human & Organizational Development

Fielding Graduate University

Master’s Program: Leadership & Organizational Development

Saybrook University

B.A: Psychology

University of Washington

CERTIFICATIONS

Franklin Covey Leadership Essentials, Extraordinary Productivity, Leading at the Speed of Trust; Blanchard SLII Situational Leadership; Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument; Clifton Strengths Finder - Talent Assessment; Korn Ferry 360; Inclusive Leadership Compass - ILC 360; SDI 2.0 - Core Strengths; Everything DiSC - Wiley Research; National Institute of Health Research Training Certification; CITI Human Research Curriculum Certification; ICF accredited Evidence Based Coaching Certificate.

Lee has worked and lived all over the world and currently resides in the state of Washington.

Advisor

Through the Years..

After starting his career in Operations as a General Manager in a major Fortune 500 company, Andy gravitated toward Human Resources with a keen understanding of the relationship between talent engagement and business results. He rose through the ranks of the prestigious Pepsi and Disney HR organizations on his way to CHRO roles at rising PE rooted organizations.

Today Andy leverages his unique blend of experience from both the operations and human resources perspectives within rising and Fortune 500 companies to enable measurable client results in his roles as coach and consultant.

How he moved the dial

· The Walt Disney Company – Business integration of: ABC Sports into ESPN, ABC Family into Disney Channel group, TOON Disney, Disney Radio and Disney TV Animation into Disney Channel. Led business segment systems implementations.

· PEPSICO/Taco Bell – Led restaurant operations including P&L accountability, workforce planning, corporate marketing, in store training and compliance regarding state, federal and local health code requirements. Received General Manager of the year award for operational excellence.

· The Walt Disney Company – Co-lead Disney Consumer Products acquisition of Muppets, Fox Family Worldwide (Saban Entertainment) and Power Rangers.

Area of Expertise

· Executive and Career Coaching

· Leadership Development

· Change management

· Organizational Design

· Merger/Acquisition Integration

· Business Development

· Program Development

· Contract Negotiations

Where He Got Street Smart…

· Disney

· Pepsi

· Aramark

· Advantage Solutions

· Republic Services

· Bujinkan/Ninjitsu

Where He Got Book Smart BA… University of Texas, Austin

Industry Experience

Environmental, Entertainment, Media, Food & Beverage, Retail, Technology, Publishing, Healthcare Services, Consumer Products, Marketing & Sales Services.

Advisor

Mandi is an experienced, results-driven Human Resources professional with a demonstrated history of working in complex industries. Mandi is passionate about coaching business leaders, navigating employee and labor relations issues, building a performance management culture and driving employee engagement.  Mandi is an excellent communicator and builds relationships within all levels of an organization with confidence.  

Mandi earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Dispute Resolution from Boise State University.  Additionally, Mandi has earned professional certifications from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Association of National Professional Mediators.   Mandi’s experience spans across retail, waste management and semiconductor organizations.  

On a personal note, Mandi was born, raised and reside in the beautiful state of Idaho.  Mandi, her husband and their children love to camp, fish and take our jet boat up the Salmon River.  Mandi’s family outings are always accompanied by our German Shorthair Pointer, Marz.  Marz loves being part of the fun and is always eager for a new adventure.

Advisor

Jonathan Gale, PhD is a Board Certified Executive Coach. As an Organizational Psychologist, Jonathan helps leaders identify and unblock barriers to success. Evidence-based, goal-oriented, solution-focused executive coaching. Jonathan has worked with leaders across industries and company sizes, from startups to publicly traded.

Jonathan, his wife and kids, reside in southern California (plus dog).

Alex Brenner is a veteran finance executive based in the Pacific Northwest with almost 20 years experience building and turning around finance and operations teams. Alex brings a wide array of industry experience from biotech to heavy industry, across all stages of company from startup to Fortune 500. Alex employs a data-driven, analytical approach to addressing challenges. In seeking to build durable solutions, Alex focuses on unit economics

Alex is a current member of the Washington State Chapter of Financial Executives International. In June 2024, Mr. Brenner was named one of the Top 25 CFOs of Washington by TOP CFOs. He received an M.B.A. from Oregon State University with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Finance, a B.A. in Economics from University of California, San Diego and completed an executive program for emerging and prospective chief financial officers from University of Chicago. Alex currently lives in Seattle, WA spending as much time as possible with his daughter and dog.

Elizabeth is a seasoned Learning and Performance Specialist with over 13 years of experience in instructional design, facilitation, learning strategy, and project management. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in English Language and a Master’s in Educational Administration. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Educational Systems and Environments. She has collaborated with top companies such as Amazon, Ford Motor Company, and The Clorox Company in the Learning and Development space, building impactful learning programs to enhance team performance.

Elizabeth's dedication to sports, particularly basketball, underscores her commitment to teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—qualities she brings to her professional endeavors. She is passionate about learning, growth, and leaving a positive impact on team members and company goals. Among her other passions are spending time with her family— Liz is married with two amazing children and resides in Mexico. She is ready to apply her expertise and passion for learning and performance to your next project.

Caleb Brigman is a seasoned HR professional with experience in organizational design, change management, compensation and talent management. He is passionate about solving organizational and talent challenges by building solutions across HR disciplines. Caleb has worked at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Amazon, DocuSign, Coinbase and Hitachi Consulting. He holds an MBA with an emphasis on organizational behavior and human resources from Brigham Young University.

Caleb resides in the Seattle area with his wife and two children and enjoys hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Kate is a thought leader and generalist whose 15+ years’ experience stretches over HR, L&D, Operations both warehousing and manufacturing along with process optimization and change management. Passionate about working backwards from her customers, Kate’s most recent roles In Operations and Transformation have delivered on a range of projects focused on strategic organisational development, building culture, developing standard work and capability frameworks whilst delivering on several CAPEX and OPEX projects ranging from 10-20 million dollars.

Kate’s experience has enabled her to lead and develop teams from HR and Safety to Maintenance, Quality and Engineering. Kate is data driven, solutions focused and enjoys working with teams and businesses to identify opportunities and create value that sticks for the long term.

Kate is based in Australia with her partner, 2 boys aged 2.5 years old and 7 months and her large staffie Sophie who helps bring some girl power to the household!

Heather Kahlfeldt is a strategic HR leader specializing in compensation design,

performance management, and total rewards. With deep expertise in structuring

competitive pay programs, optimizing performance frameworks, and aligning rewards

with business strategy, she has helped organizations attract, retain, and engage top

talent.

Throughout her career, Heather has thrived in fast-paced, evolving environments—from

launching a new children’s hospital to shaping HR strategies for Fortune 500 companies

and advising nonprofit leadership. She believes well-designed compensation and

performance management programs are the key to driving both business success and

individual growth.

Her leadership roles at VF Corporation (parent company of Vans and The North Face),

Willis Towers Watson, Aon, and TD Ameritrade have given her deep expertise in

executive and broad-based compensation, incentive design, pay equity, and

performance management. She partners with business leaders to create scalable, data-

driven people strategies that drive both organizational growth and employee success.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Heather combines deep analytical expertise with a

passion for building cultures of accountability and high performance. She also serves on

the board of Hope Cottage, a nonprofit dedicated to adoption, foster care, and maternal

health, reflecting her commitment to empowering individuals and families.

Now based in Austin, Texas, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids,

and their lively city farm—including three dogs, chickens, two pygmy goats, two turtles,

and a bearded dragon. Whether navigating complex business challenges or managing

her backyard menagerie, she embraces every new adventure with enthusiasm Heather Kahlfeldt is a strategic HR leader specializing in compensation design,

performance management, and total rewards. With deep expertise in structuring

competitive pay programs, optimizing performance frameworks, and aligning rewards

with business strategy, she has helped organizations attract, retain, and engage top

talent.

Throughout her career, Heather has thrived in fast-paced, evolving environments—from

launching a new children’s hospital to shaping HR strategies for Fortune 500 companies

and advising nonprofit leadership. She believes well-designed compensation and

performance management programs are the key to driving both business success and

individual growth.

Her leadership roles at VF Corporation (parent company of Vans and The North Face),

Willis Towers Watson, Aon, and TD Ameritrade have given her deep expertise in

executive and broad-based compensation, incentive design, pay equity, and

performance management. She partners with business leaders to create scalable, data-

driven people strategies that drive both organizational growth and employee success.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Heather combines deep analytical expertise with a

passion for building cultures of accountability and high performance. She also serves on

the board of Hope Cottage, a nonprofit dedicated to adoption, foster care, and maternal

health, reflecting her commitment to empowering individuals and families.

Now based in Austin, Texas, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids,

and their lively city farm—including three dogs, chickens, two pygmy goats, two turtles,

and a bearded dragon. Whether navigating complex business challenges or managing

her backyard menagerie, she embraces every new adventure with enthusiasm and humor!