Michelle Kristel is a former nonprofit executive who understands the impact a great hire has on an organization. She believes placing the right leader in the right position builds stronger and more effective teams. Michelle has a keen eye for matching talent to opportunity and is driven by a fierce commitment to advance her clients’ missions. Through her experience in both executive search and nonprofit leadership, she has seen firsthand the impact great placements have on programs, fundraising, governance and fiscal health. She is proud to bring her clients the essential talent to meet their goals and realize their vision. 

Michelle is the former executive director of In the Life Media (ITLM), a nonprofit organization producing documentary programming to raise awareness of issues related to gender, HIV/AIDS and LGBT rights. She joined ITLM in 2002 in the position of production manager. In 2006, following a succession of promotions, she was appointed executive director. ITLM's signature series, IN THE LIFE, was broadcast nationally on PBS from 1992 through 2012. 

Currently, Michelle serves on the Board of Directors of CenterLink, the national association of LGBT community centers. She is a proud member of the Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants, with which she serves as a Co-Chair of the Program Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. 

Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Master of Arts from New York University.

Dr. Zaria Davis is a mentor, educator, and advocate. She serves as a coach and consultant for nonprofits and corporations servicing directly impacted communities. Previously, Zaria served as Executive Director of Lincoln Heights Outreach, Inc. She is actively engaged in her local community in developing and training new advocates, especially those impacted by the criminal legal system. Zaria is a Subject Matter Expert with Jamii Sisterhood and serves on the Dignity LeadHERship Alliance team and the Ed Trust's Justice Fellows Advisory Board. 

Zaria holds a DSW (Social Work) from Capella University, MSW from University of Cincinnati and BA in Sociology from Wilberforce University. She is currently enrolled in Eden Theological Seminary pursuing her MDiv. Dr. Davis is a member of Leadership Ohio 2021 Class and graduate from Leadership Cincinnati Class 44, JLUSA’s Leading with Conviction, and EXCEL.  

She serves as a board member for Dress for Success Cincinnati and served as chair of the program committee which included hiring new team members, Ohio Justice and Policy Center, ReNForce, and the Robert O'Neal Multicultural Art Center (ROMAC). Zaria is a member of the International Coaching Federation, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Community & Restorative Justice, National Association of Black Social Workers, and Life Member.  

Bryan Epps supports impact-driven institutions in their national searches for exceptional executive leaders. He is passionate about ensuring that the voices of individuals within organizations are heard. Bryan has successfully completed searches for senior executive-level positions in organizations focused on social justice, philanthropy, higher education, housing, and public service.

Bryan began his career by mobilizing urban farmers to address issues such as food security, violence prevention, civic engagement, and education—causes that have remained close to his heart throughout his professional journey. As a policy leader, he held senior positions under Mayors Michael R. Bloomberg of New York, NY, and Cory A. Booker of Newark, NJ. In his role as a public affairs executive with Yoswein New York, he spearheaded grassroots campaigns.

Following the tragic loss of Trayvon Martin, Bryan played a pivotal role in the Movement for Black Lives as the Executive Director of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. His efforts in forging partnerships with frontline leaders, emerging organizations, and established civil rights groups were instrumental. The Center became the launch site for Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp, a national initiative that helps young people understand their legal and civil rights. Bryan’s commitment as an organizer and volunteer also extended to his work with Equal Justice USA, where he played a crucial role in designing violence prevention policies that have since been adopted in seven cities. Additionally, he served as the Board Chair of Garden State Equality, New Jersey's leading civil rights organization for the LGBTQ community.

A recent resident of Richmond, Virginia, Bryan enjoys spending time with his family at the region's farmers’ markets and on nature trails.

Catie brings nearly 15 years of executive search experience in the nonprofit and private sectors. Her role spans the full search lifecycle, working closely with internal teams and clients on research, candidate development, project management, and search operations.

Catie has successfully helped recruit C-suite executives for a wide range of mission-driven organizations. She has expertise in working with social justice and advocacy organizations, health and human services organizations, and public and private foundations.

Prior to joining McCormack+Kristel, Catie served as Associate – and previously Research Associate – in the Los Angeles office of Diversified Search, a leading executive search firm. She played an integral role in successfully completing more than 200 executive searches across multiple industries. Although she has helped recruit C-suite and other senior executives in many markets and sectors, Catie has always felt most connected to her work on behalf of mission-driven organizations.

Catie grew up in South Carolina and now lives in El Paso, TX with her daughter. She is a strong supporter of the Point Foundation and has enjoyed volunteering with organizations such as Union Station Homeless Services and Five Acres. She has served as a Board Member and Board Development Chair for the South Pasadena Educational Foundation.

Isabella Cruz is an inclusive recruiting and talent acquisition specialist who excels at connecting mission-driven nonprofits with leaders who inspire change. Driven by a passion for aligning people with purpose, Isabella finds fulfillment in discovering each organization’s unique story and identifying leaders who will advance that mission. As a bridge between clients, candidates, and consultants, she brings a strategic approach to every search, seamlessly integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into the hiring process. Her detailed administrative and client service support ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved.

Prior to joining McCormack + Kristel, Isabella was an Associate at DHR Global, one of the world’s largest executive search firms, where she focused on the tech, manufacturing, and private equity sectors. Her professional journey includes hands-on experience in talent onboarding, retention, and DEI initiatives, equipping her with a deep understanding of how to match candidates to roles that resonate with organizational values. With a foundation in DEI practices, she is skilled at identifying individuals who bring both professional excellence and a commitment to creating an inclusive workplace culture.

Isabella lives in Portland, Oregon with her partner and dog. Her commitment to service extends well beyond her professional life. She has volunteered with Feed the Mass, Oregon Food Bank, and Habitat for Humanity, and has played a central role in community initiatives such as a week-long expungement workshop with Expunge Oregon, aimed at helping individuals rebuild their lives.

Isabella holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Spanish from Oregon State University.

Enrique Campos works with both clients and candidates ensuring ease and transparency for all parties involved in the search process. He is a skilled multi-tasker and talented administrator, with responsibility for scheduling, document production, marketing, and database management.

Enrique is inspired by our clients, particularly youth-serving and homeless service organizations, and he cares deeply about helping place leaders who represent the communities they serve.

Through his background in the nonprofit sector serving LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC youth, he is closely tied to the missions of our clients. He began his career through his work at the UC Riverside LGBT Resource Center, which was followed by his work at TruEvolution, an HIV/AIDS and homeless services provider in the Inland Empire. In these roles, he assisted in strategic marketing, client care, housing navigation, database management, and community outreach.

Enrique currently serves on the board of Safe Schools Desert Cities, a nonprofit based in the Coachella Valley that fights for the rights of LGBTQIA+ students.

Enrique graduated from the University of California Riverside with a degree in Spanish and French.

Kristine Papp is a multi-talented professional who leads the firm’s financial, administrative, and marketing functions. She is skilled at balancing a diverse range of responsibilities and excels in the creation of dynamic marketing materials to promote our searches and engage candidates.

After a long, accomplished career in corporate marketing and branding, Kristine chose to follow her passion by working with purpose-led organizations. Her dedication to our clients is further reflected in her commitment to volunteer service. During the fall of 2020, Kristine worked with the U.S. Census Bureau to count people experiencing homelessness in New York City. She is a long-serving volunteer at the Meatloaf Kitchen and Pantry at University Community Social Services in Manhattan, and she has prepared and served Thanksgiving dinners to individuals and families in need at the Saint Stephen of Hungary School for many years. She is a current Board Member of First Avenue Owners Corporation. 

Kristine earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing from Ithaca College. 

Joe’s 30+ years of search experience include positions in New York and Los Angeles as Partner with Ward Howell International, Vice President with Ray & Berndtson and with Billington, Fox & Ellis, and Manager with Ernst & Young. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Joe McCormack served in the U.S. Navy and, following training in the Department of Defense Information School, was a Navy public affairs officer on the staff of Commander, U.S. SECOND Fleet. Joe served for four years on the national Board of the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), which advocates for respect for all in our nation’s schools. He also served on the Board of Regents for The Point Foundation, the first national LGBT scholarship fund, for six years and was the first Chair of its Board of Trustees. He served for three years as a board member and member of the Development Committee for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network in Washington, DC, which successfully advocated in 2011 for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Previously, he served as Vice Chair of the Board of PHFE (Public Health Foundation Enterprises) in Los Angeles. Joe has served as Vice Chair of the Board of the LGBT Center of the Desert in Palm Springs and served on the Center’s Capital Campaign Committee for its successful $3.5 million campaign.

Since his retirement in 2022, Joe continues to be a sage strategic advisor and mentor to the McCormack + Kristel team.