Stacy Holland founded Exceptional People Inc., in 1994 with a strong resume of success completing challenging management searches in technology and finance. The firm has been distinguished as one of the fastest growing private companies in San Francisco by the San Francisco Business Times and she personally has received entrepreneur and leading businesswoman awards on both coasts.
Prior, Stacy enjoyed a career in consumer goods and distribution
in management positions including Vice President, General Mills, Inc.,
Director, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Inc. and Director, Institutional Sales
for the Raeford Division of Burlington Industries, New York. Stacy
also led postions at Foote, Cone and Belding in New York and London.
Stacy is a MS graduate candidate at Dominican University, with the School of Education and Humanities School of Theology hoping this is a direct ticket to heaven (just checking if you're still reading.) She and her husband, Michael O'Donnell, live in Tiburon, California. They have three daughters.
As a Partner at Exceptional People, Inc. Ellen's passion is working with established and emergent companies in technology, renewable energy and financial services sectors building A teams in product, marketing, sales, business development and professional services. She builds long-term relationships with clients having conducted multiple searches recently for all of the following companies; Genesys Labs, Kyte, Schwab & Co., Sparkpr, VantagePoint Venture Partners as well as early stage, VC-funded consumer and enterprise technology ventures.
Ellen's industry perspective comes from her hands-on experience as a Director at UpStart Communications, a Fleishman-Hillard company, managing a professional services team at Information Builders, Inc. and prior as a business analyst at GE Consulting Services. Ellen's non-profit work includes: Senior Resources, Project Open Hand, Hospitality House, COTS, Petaluma People Services, AIDS Ride participant and board member to the Transitional Housing Fund.
Ellen holds a BS in Computer Science from Connecticut State University and resides in the North Bay with her husband and daughter.
Diana Duval joined Exceptional People in 2001 with 15 years project and product management experience in the wireless industry from her positions at Pacific Bell Wireless Services (AT&T) and a Nokia funded start-up launching wireless consumer services.
Diana has extensive experience in placing executive marketing, communications, product management / marketing, business development and sales professionals. She thrives and is passionate about combining functional requirements with essential soft skills to excel in emerging and established companies where both are essential in making a material impact in a fast-paced evolving culture. Some of Diana's clients include: BEA, Digitas, Genesys Labs, NetGear, WindRiver Systems, Kyte, Charles Schwab & Co. and Sparkpr.
Diana holds a BS degree in Computer Science from the University of Phoenix and resides in the South Bay with her husband and two young children.
Lynne Collins joined Exceptional People in 2007 with 13 years of strategic communications experience working with technology and consumer lifestyle companies.
Lynne's career prior to search includes holding manage- ment-level positions for two public relations agencies - Cunningham Communication Inc. (now Citigate Cun- ningham) and Red Whistle Communications, the former Consumer Technology Practice for The Weber Group (now Weber Shandwick). In addition, she founded two PR consulting practices for entrepreneurs, startups and established leaders. Highlights of her work include launching shopping Web site Overstock.com and driving its consumer PR as it blossomed into a near-billion dollar business, working with computer publishing mogul David Bunnell, and acting as interim PR director for CNET Networks' Games & Entertainment brands. She also brings a background in coaching to recruiting, working with senior executives and entrepreneurs to define and pursue their dream careers. Past clients now hold key executive roles for top consumer and online companies.
Lynne holds a BA in English from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and lives in Marin County, CA.
Bruce Kunkel, is a leader in technology staffing for emerging growth companies. Bruce works with innovators in emerging technology in concert with those in the venture capital community who invest in their vision. Bruce Kunkel works exclusively with clients that are leading the race to bring competitive products and services to market by sourcing and recruiting exceptional technical and executive talent that turn emerging ideas into reality. Bruce also consults with clients on strategic organization development projects, and coaches and counsels individuals on integral personal and professional development. Bruce has established effective long-term relationships with numerous clients. This past year Bruce has conducted multiple successful high-level executive and technical searches for InfiniteZ, Adify, Dogtime Media, Awake Media, Thought Matrix, Signia Ventures, and others. Bruce holds an MS Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from San Diego State University.
Colleen has been an integral part of Exceptional People for many years. She brings 20 years experience locating exceptional talent in technology, including sales, marketing, and senior level product management. Colleen has built a strong Bay Area network of professionals in GIS, Display, and enterprise software. Her ability to understand new technologies and effectively network with our extensive database is of particular strength in successful closure and meeting deadlines. Some of Colleen's recent clients include PureDepth MLD technology, and Autodesk GIS. She has a BS in Business Administration from St. Mary's College. Her avocations are as lifecoach and literary artist. Colleen and her husband, Mickey, live in Pleasant Hill . They have two children.