Meet the Naviga Team

Grounded by her Midwestern roots and the deep seated values of her Irish heritage, Kathleen brings hard work, honesty, and unwavering integrity to her three decades of experience in corporate talent acquisition and professional search.

Kathleen’s reputation was built on leading a scaling talent acquisition environment during her tenure at Daleen Technologies. Starting as employee number 66 in a pre-IPO environment, she successfully led the corporate talent acquisition efforts that drove organizational growth to over 700 employees and public status (NASDAQ: DALN), hiring internal corporate team members in Sales, Marketing, Professional Services, Accounting/Finance and Software Development across the U.S. and Canada.

During her overeas time as a Talent Acquisition Expat in Amsterdam, Kathleen gained firsthand experience with the intricacies and challenges of international hiring. Navigating different business cultures and legal frameworks solidified her global perspective on talent acquisition. She learned that successful hiring requires a nuanced understanding of not only a candidate's skills, but also their ability to thrive in a multicultural environment. This international experience has since attracted global companies to Naviga, seeking her expertise in helping them hire key leaders for their United States operations.

This vision led her to found Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search, a company built on a culture of integrity and a deep commitment to its clients and candidates. As the CEO and Founder, Kathleen guides and empowers a talented team of professionals who lead the company's key departments from operations, sales and marketing to finance and talent acquisition. Her strategic leadership ensures the entire company is aligned with its core mission of delivering exceptional recruiting services, all while she remains keenly focused on continuing to scale and progress the business to its greatest heights.

Reflecting Kathleen’s personal values, Naviga's foundation is a belief that the right placement is about more than just a resume. We go beyond skills and experience to truly understand a client’s culture and a candidate’s unique qualities in our evaluation process. This commitment to a values-based selection process ensures that we don't just find a good fit on paper; we build lasting relationships that lead to success for all parties.

Kathleen Keisacker, is a Florida-based Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Master of Accountancy specializing in taxation from the University of South Florida. With over two decades of experience in both public and corporate accounting, Kathleen provides financial expertise to Naviga.  

For the past 15 years, Naviga has benefited from Kathleen’s experience and strategic guidance as its fractional CFO. In this role, she has been instrumental in the strategic development of financial models, payroll alignment, compensation programs and sales forecasting to ensure the business is aligned with the company's financial goals.  Her deep understanding of accounting and taxation, combined with her practical experience, has been crucial in supporting Naviga's financial health and growth.

Caroline Bowersock serves as Director of Accounts and Growth at Naviga, bringing nearly two decades of experience in client development, strategic partnerships, and executive-level recruiting solutions. With 18 years at Naviga, she has been instrumental in cultivating long-term client relationships and driving the firm’s evolution into a full-service recruiting partner across industries.

Caroline began her tenure at Naviga as a National Recruiting Coordinator and quickly advanced through roles in client relations and operations before stepping into her current leadership position. Her steady progression reflects her deep commitment to client success and her ability to navigate a dynamic business landscape. Over the years, she has played a key role in expanding major accounts, identifying new market opportunities, and influencing firm-wide strategies that have directly contributed to revenue growth and service excellence.

In her current role, Caroline leads efforts to grow and deepen client partnerships, while also onboarding new clients through thoughtful, consultative engagement. She has a unique ability to align hiring strategies with business outcomes, particularly in revenue-generating and customer-facing roles. Her extensive cross-functional knowledge, forged over years of close collaboration with recruiters, leadership, and external client teams, allows her to deliver seamless experiences for clients while driving efficiency and alignment internally.

Caroline’s perspective is shaped by a rare continuity through multiple market cycles and phases of company growth. She offers deep institutional knowledge, from market shifts and service expansions to process refinement and positioning, and is regarded as a consistent, trusted advisor by both clients and colleagues.

She embodies Naviga’s core values of integrity, responsiveness, and quality. Known for her empathetic and relationship-driven approach, Caroline builds strong, lasting connections by prioritizing transparency and always keeping the client’s success at the center of every interaction.

What Caroline values most about Naviga’s culture is its unwavering commitment to making an impact. She appreciates the firm’s evolution, expanding from a single service line to five robust offerings, shifting from a contingent to retained search firm, and cultivating a talented internal team, all while remaining true to its mission of helping businesses grow through hiring top talent.

Outside of work, Caroline finds energy and joy in spending time with her family and cheering on her beloved Florida Gators. Her guiding principle is simple yet powerful: approach every interaction with empathy, integrity, and curiosity.

With over 12 years of dedicated experience in executive search and talent acquisition, Amber Wishart brings a wealth of expertise across diverse industries including Capital Equipment, Industrial, Financial Services, Consumer Packaged Goods, Information Technology, and Marketing. At Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search, Amber leads a team of Senior Recruiters while managing a portfolio of core clients, specializing in placing Vice President to C-suite executives across Finance, Accounting, Sales, Operations, and Marketing functions throughout North America.

Before joining Naviga, Amber honed her leadership and operational skills in a family-owned construction business, gaining invaluable insight into how strategic vision and hands-on leadership drive organizational success. This unique perspective shapes her approach to executive search, where she combines a proprietary talent pool and a comprehensive 5-step vetting process to deliver candidates who not only meet skill requirements but also align culturally and strategically with her clients’ long-term goals.

One of Amber’s standout accomplishments includes leading a confidential search for a Chief Marketing Officer at a global fintech company. This complex assignment required a strategic, discreet approach to attract top-tier passive candidates and successfully establish the company’s U.S. leadership presence.

Amber is passionate about maintaining a candidate-centric hiring experience in today’s competitive market, advising clients on the importance of presenting compelling, authentic opportunities to attract top talent. She embraces continuous learning by engaging deeply with candidates and clients alike, enabling her to provide strategic guidance that goes beyond traditional recruitment.

Known internally as the “Non-Ghosting Recruiter,” Amber prides herself on transparent, respectful communication and building strong, lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. Outside of work, she is actively involved in her local church and animal rescue efforts, and serves as Vice President of Membership for her local Toastmasters club, where she enjoys helping others grow their communication skills.

Amber also dedicates time to supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces transitioning to civilian careers, offering personalized guidance that leverages their leadership strengths in new professional opportunities.

Driven by authenticity, hard work, and a passion for meaningful connections, Amber embodies Naviga’s culture of high performance paired with genuine care, making her a trusted advisor and valued leader within the firm.

Chelsea Williams is the Growth Marketing Manager at Naviga, where she impacts the company’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, and client-facing campaigns. With six years at Naviga, Chelsea brings a rare dual perspective shaped by her early experience in recruiting and her evolution into a strategic marketing leader. Her work fuels the firm’s visibility, drives lead generation, and directly supports Naviga’s continued growth across its specialized recruiting lines. 

Chelsea oversees all aspects of the firm's marketing initiatives, from creating high-impact newsletters and managing Naviga’s digital presence to executing data-driven campaigns that align closely with business development objectives.

Among her most significant contributions is the design and implementation of Naviga’s modernized selling process, which introduced scalable touchpoints, automations, and refined messaging to streamline the prospect experience. She led the development of Naviga’s LinkedIn newsletter and the Executive Edge newsletter, establishing scalable distribution channels that continue to grow their reach while strengthening brand presence and generating new business opportunities.

Chelsea is also a key contributor to the firm’s culture of continuous growth. She exemplifies Naviga’s commitment to agility, high performance, and client-centric innovation. She thrives on learning, collaboration, and executing with purpose, and encourages others to treat the business like their own, a mindset that fuels team-wide accountability and pride.

Outside of work, Chelsea is deeply committed to her family and personal development. She enjoys cheering on her kids at the baseball field, training her golden retriever, and participating in Toastmasters to sharpen her public speaking skills. She also proudly supports Naviga’s Special Operations initiatives, regularly meeting with veterans from MacDill Air Force Base to offer career transition guidance and coaching.

Guided by empathy, authenticity, and a belief that work should be both meaningful and fun, Chelsea brings heart and hustle to every aspect of her role. She continues to shape how Naviga shows up in the market, driving impact not just for the firm, but for the clients and candidates it serves.

Janice Martinez has been a key part of Naviga’s talent acquisition team for over four years. Her journey with the firm began uniquely as a part-time temporary Sourcer during the pandemic in 2020. Quickly recognized for her adaptability and broad skill set, Janice transitioned into a permanent role where she has taken on a dynamic range of responsibilities, contributing to many areas beyond traditional recruiting.

Before joining Naviga, Janice amassed over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and management. This extensive background enables her to bring a fresh and innovative perspective to talent acquisition, challenging conventional approaches and driving continuous improvement. Her willingness to step up — whether managing marketing projects, improving KPI reporting, or supporting visual branding with content creation — has made her a versatile and invaluable team member.

In her current role as Associate Director of TA, Janice focuses on strategic sourcing, comprehensive KPI reporting, and administration of Naviga’s Applicant Tracking System to optimize process efficiency and data integrity. She also supports the firm’s operations by troubleshooting and managing logistics, and often fills in as a graphic designer to support the firm’s visual communication needs.

Janice embodies Naviga’s culture by fostering open, honest communication and bringing a balanced mix of professionalism and approachability. She values the firm’s culture of autonomy and inclusivity, appreciating the trust and freedom Naviga provides its team members to take ownership and innovate. She is proud of Naviga’s courage to evolve, adapt, and embrace diverse perspectives — qualities she champions in her daily work.

Outside the office, Janice enjoys staying active, savoring good food and drinks with friends, and spending quality time with her family — especially watching her son play baseball. She also pursues creative hobbies like knitting and woodworking.

Her key advice to new Naviga team members is to ask questions and openly share ideas, emphasizing that every fresh perspective is vital to the firm’s ongoing growth and innovation. Janice’s dedication, adaptability, and collaborative spirit make her an essential contributor to Naviga’s success and a trusted leader within the team.

Cody Sohalski brings a dynamic blend of sales expertise and talent acquisition experience to Naviga’s Contingent Workforce Solutions. Cody began his career in educational staffing and contracting. Over nearly three years, he advanced from Account Executive to Team Lead, refining his skills in client relations, team leadership, business strategy, and effective communication. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in understanding client needs and delivering talent solutions that drive operational success.

In his current role at Naviga, Cody manages key client relationships and leads recruitment strategies focused on temporary and interim workforce solutions. By integrating business development with recruiting, he ensures that talent acquisition efforts are directly aligned with clients’ operational and growth objectives. Cody’s collaborative approach, attention to detail, and deep understanding of the staffing landscape enable him to deliver highly customized, results-driven workforce solutions that consistently exceed client expectations.

Cody is motivated by Naviga’s culture of excellence and teamwork, which aligns with his personal commitment to integrity, transparency, and building trusted partnerships. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both client and candidate perspectives, ensuring that every placement is a strong match in terms of skills, culture, and long-term success. His focus on authentic relationships allows him to provide personalized service and strategic guidance that meets the unique needs of each client.

Outside of work, Cody enjoys golfing, fitness, and spending time with his puppy; activities that help him stay energized and maintain balance. His professional philosophy centers on creating lasting client relationships through trust, open communication, and a relentless focus on delivering meaningful outcomes. Cody’s passion for talent acquisition and commitment to client success make him a valued partner for organizations seeking flexible, strategic workforce solutions.

Cody is a graduate of the University of Tampa with a degree in Business, Management, and Marketing.

Michael Streeter brings over 20 years of expertise in executive search and recruiting, specializing in technology and financial services. Since joining Naviga, he has quickly become a vital contributor, connecting top-tier talent with leading global companies across North America.

Before being hired at Naviga, Michael built a distinguished career with large staffing firms, honing his skills in managing recruiting and sourcing teams, overseeing job posting strategies, and supporting enterprise-level clients, particularly in banking and financial services. His experience includes leading high-volume, specialized recruitment, notably executing large-scale seasonal staffing projects for Big 4 firms in Tax and Audit. His deep knowledge of IT roles, combined with complex finance and accounting searches, enables him to navigate challenging talent landscapes with precision.

Michael’s approach emphasizes technical qualifications, cultural fit, and candidate reliability, where his “human touch” differentiates him. He excels at identifying candidates with relevant industry experience, often from competitor organizations, delivering results that align with client needs. One rewarding placement involved sourcing a Level IV Accounting Manager with CPA credentials and Big 4 experience, a role with a highly limited candidate pool. Through diligent outreach and evaluation, Michael secured a candidate who exceeded client expectations and became an invaluable asset.

He partners closely with clients to clarify the essential skills and attributes that drive success, ensuring focused searches that save time and produce superior hires.

Outside of work, Michael maintains balance through regular gym sessions, which fuel the physical and mental stamina necessary for success in the fast-paced recruiting world. He lives by the principle, “Time is finite and therefore your most valuable resource, use it wisely,” reflecting his commitment to efficiency and purposeful action in every facet of his professional life.

Dawn Slagter is a seasoned Executive Recruiter with over 15 years of experience helping companies across North America identify and secure high-impact talent in highly specialized roles. At Naviga, Dawn supports our clients with searches spanning legal, technology, financial services, life sciences, marketing, and data science, bringing a deep understanding of both industry nuance and candidate motivation.

Known for her high-touch, insight-driven approach, Dawn partners closely with clients to uncover not just the job requirements but the strategic goals behind each hire. She thrives on digging deep, building trust on both sides of the search, and aligning outcomes for long-term success. Her placements range from mid-level professionals to C-suite executives, and she has a particular strength in hard-to-fill roles with narrow candidate pools, like her recent successful search for a Life Sciences Regulatory Attorney with Biotech and in-house experience.

Before entering recruiting Dawn spent five years as an administrative professional, experience she credits with building the organizational discipline, communication finesse, and time management skills that now define her candidate and client experience. She brings a “white glove” service mindset to every engagement, ensuring that hiring is smooth, transparent, and delay-free from first outreach to final offer.

Dawn is also deeply committed to helping clients compete for today’s top talent by helping them refine and market their true value proposition beyond just compensation. She leverages real-time salary benchmarks, candidate feedback, and competitor insights to shape compelling messaging around culture, flexibility, and growth. Her market intelligence and candidate-first thinking make her a critical partner to both hiring leaders and job seekers alike.

Outside of recruiting, Dawn is passionate about cooking and recipe creation, with aspirations of publishing a series of health-conscious cookbooks. Her personal philosophy, “I don’t quit, I adapt, I learn, I push forward,” shapes everything she does in both life and work.

Dawn holds certifications in diversity sourcing and recruiting and is a member of several industry associations including NALS and the American Staffing Association. She brings this passion for equity and inclusion into every search, striving to build workplaces that reflect a wide range of backgrounds, ideas, and experiences.

Tabatha Valentin‑Elliott serves as National TA Recruiter at Naviga, bringing over eight years of recruiting experience, more than four of which have been dedicated to executive search in both corporate environments and agency settings. She joined Naviga in September 2024, and leads national-level recruitment assignments for global organizations.

With deep expertise in sales leadership and management hiring across industries including SaaS/technology, legal, professional services, and material handling/logistics, Tabatha excels at identifying leaders who align with both functional and cultural imperatives.

Her career path includes leadership roles in customer service, retail, medical manufacturing, and sales. At Medtronic, she served as Head Recruitment Chair for an employee resource group, spearheading diversity and inclusion initiatives and gaining critical insight into the real-world pressures of hiring and retention. This experience refined her approach to aligning candidate capabilities and cultural fit, especially under tight timelines and complex stakeholder dynamics.

Tabatha’s executive search methodology emphasizes trusted partnership with hiring managers and recruiters. She invests time upfront to understand each role’s specific business priorities, team dynamics, and any past recruiting challenges. One standout placement involved a Finance Director role in an M&A context, which required coordinating across multiple stakeholder groups. By aligning priorities and influencing budget decisions, Tabatha helped secure a candidate who delivered immediate impact and exceeded expectations.

In her work, Tabatha helps clients overcome a common obstacle: inflexible expectations. Leveraging market intelligence, candidate feedback, and hiring trends, she provides consultative guidance that helps clients adapt and stay competitive in talent acquisition.

Outside her recruiting practice, Tabatha is passionate about baking and mastering the science behind it—and brings that same curious, precise mindset to every search she leads. She describes herself as a “matchmaker of sorts,” specializing in connecting candidates and clients in ways others might overlook. For Tabatha, the most rewarding aspect of her role is creating win‑win outcomes: helping companies scale with top talent while supporting candidates through often stressful career transitions.

Brittany Struble brings more than eight years of recruiting and executive search experience to Naviga, partnering with clients nationwide to deliver thoughtful, well-matched talent solutions across a wide range of industries. Her background spans Sales, Education, Financial Services, Legal, Construction, IT and Education with a functional focus on Leadership, C-Suite, Finance/CFO, and Administrative roles.

Brittany began her recruiting career in Special Education staffing on a national scale, where precision, empathy, and compliance were essential. She later joined AppleOne, a professional services staffing agency, where she supported clients throughout Florida, Georgia, New York, Hawaii, and beyond. This broad foundation allows her to approach every search with a well-rounded perspective and a deep understanding of both regional and national hiring dynamics.

At the core of Brittany’s approach is authenticity and transparency. She believes successful placements start with truly understanding a client’s business objectives and a candidate’s motivations, then aligning both sides with intention and care. By tailoring each search to the specific needs of the organization, Brittany focuses on creating placements that drive long-term success—not just short-term hires.

Throughout her career, Brittany has led several complex and rewarding searches, including a Controller role for a prestigious hospital group requiring specialized finance and healthcare expertise, and a Director of Operations search within the legal sector that demanded experience in legal operations and trust-related regulations. These engagements reinforced her belief that market knowledge, precision, and proactive communication are critical in today’s competitive hiring landscape.

Brittany sees one of the biggest challenges companies face in attracting top executive talent as understanding the market and the evolving priorities of today’s workforce. She helps clients overcome this by staying closely connected to candidates, monitoring market data, and continuously assessing how shifts in generational values and expectations influence hiring decisions.

What Brittany enjoys most about her role is the opportunity to create lasting, meaningful matches—helping organizations advance their initiatives while giving individuals the opportunity to grow, thrive, and feel fulfilled in their careers. She is a strong believer in continuous learning and accountability, approaching every search with curiosity and a commitment to excellence.

In addition to her recruiting work, Brittany has delivered presentations on generational dynamics in the workforce, helping organizations better understand how to position themselves to attract and retain talent across all age groups. She is also an active member of the Suncoast ALA and the Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Outside of work, Brittany enjoys reading and writing, pursuits that reflect her thoughtful, reflective nature. She is deeply guided by the belief that every interaction leaves an echo, and she approaches her work and life with the intention of making a positive, lasting impact. Brittany has volunteered with soup kitchens across the five boroughs of New York, supported Feeding Tampa Bay, and contributed to various nonprofit organizations.

Kyle is the creative talent behind Naviga’s video presence since 2020. As our dedicated video editor, he works closely with our team to bring ideas to life, crafting compelling, professional videos that showcase our services, client stories, and thought leadership.

From refining raw footage to producing polished final cuts, Kyle ensures every video reflects Naviga’s brand, voice, and vision. His attention to detail and storytelling approach make our content engaging, inspiring, and aligned with the high standards our clients and candidates expect.

Thanks to his expertise, Naviga continues to deliver videos that not only look great but also connect, inform, and inspire.

For more than 6 years, JD has been the driving force behind Naviga’s visual identity. From eye-catching graphics and engaging creative content to impactful sales enablement tools, his work has elevated our digital presence and helped us connect with clients and candidates in fresh, meaningful ways.

JD has a rare ability to transform ideas into visuals that inspire action. His creativity keeps Naviga’s brand dynamic, modern, and memorable, ensuring we not only look our best, but also communicate our story with clarity and impact.