Our Team
WTI’s recruitment services are augmented by a multi-lingual staff, as well as a full-time research department who have consistently identified emerging trends and industry insights for our global clientele across the United States, Europe, LATAM, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and United Arab Emirates.
Dream it.
Build it.
Grow it.
Barbara Talabisco, President & CEO
Since founding Wakefield Talabisco International in 1992, Barbara has brought her vast network of personal contacts and in-depth industry understanding to the firm. Her dynamic, results-driven personality, combined with her creative candidate & business development skills has consistently generated successful placements for corporate clients ranging from innovative start-ups to billion-dollar multi-national organizations. Barbara remains committed to empowering some of the world’s fastest growing companies both at home and abroad, and she looks forward to partnering with the next generation of executive leadership.
David Stern
Senior Vice President
David Stern is an experienced executive search consultant, specializing in the procurement of senior talent for businesses worldwide. In addition to his keen awareness of organizational structures and the dynamics of complex business environments, David has worked extensively across Europe, the Middle East, North America, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
David came to WTI from Johnson, Smith and Knisely in 1997. Earlier in his career, David worked for advertising, retailing and financial-services companies. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, as well as his MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA.
Patrick Foley
Senior Vice President
With 20 years of experience in executive search, Patrick has focused on a wide variety of industries across both the domestic and foreign markets. Patrick believes his success derives from a passion for the industry, as well as broad-based expertise in Retail, Financial Services, Healthcare, Technology and Direct Sales.
Patrick began his career with Cromwell Partners, a specialized boutique retained search firm that focused principally on Financial Services. He has been with Wakefield Talabisco International since 2007, where he has developed a broad-based expertise across financial services, healthcare, technology and direct sales.
Jacqueline Lane
Vice President
Jacqueline Lane is a highly accomplished executive search consultant, with deep expertise in Consumer Goods, as well as Luxury & Specialty Retail.
Since 1998, Jaqueline has collaborated with iconic brands to procure valued executives and team members across a comprehensive range of international and domestic leaders. As a champion of the female workforce, Jaqueline remains committed to accelerating brand positioning, relevance and long-term roadmaps by fostering dynamic career pathways and rewarding opportunities for clients and candidates alike.
Ryan Caraway
Senior Research Partner
As the firm’s Executive Writer & Senior Research partner, Ryan Caraway is fully responsible for guiding our team of Research Associates toward best practices and high-quality outcomes. In addition to his genuine interest in the business, its people and industry characteristics, Ryan has developed a mastery of client-facing presentations and candidate support toolkits, while providing 360-degree views of where each role fits in our global footprint. Ryan is a valued strategic contributor who is committed to building-out search and business development advantages that greatly assist our clients and consultants with all aspects of market intelligence.
Ryan received his bachelor’s degree in Communications & Media from Northeastern University.
Rochelle Taylor
Chief of Staff
For over 20 years, Rochelle Taylor has served as Chief of Staff to Barbara Talabisco, President & CEO. As the firm’s dedicated liaison to our many business partners, Rochelle has a full understanding of the search and research needs of our internal clients and candidates and is our primary reserve of knowledge when it comes to the firm’s operations & logistics. In addition to her exemplary client & candidate service, Rochelle has consistently developed confidence and trust among our clientele while serving as an active contributor to WTI’s practice knowledge system and research meetings.
Rochelle continues to serve as WTI’s go-to resource for identifying and tracking organizational, industry and functional trends. The firm’s success is only made possible by her passion for the industry and her standards of excellence.