Duffy Group, Inc.

Public Service Recognition Week is an opportunity to recognize the professionals whose work strengthens our communities every day. In a recent article published by Public Sector HR Association - PSHRA, Melissa Barker shares thoughts on the challenges and opportunities government organizations face as employee expectations, workplace dynamics, and leadership needs continue to shift.https://duffygroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/return-to-office-final.pdf The article offers valuable perspective for public sector leaders focused on building resilient teams and effective organizations for the future.

May the 4th be with you. ✨ 🛸

Even in a galaxy full of talent, the real challenge isn’t finding candidates. It’s understanding the market.

The organizations that hire best aren’t guessing. They are making informed decisions based on real data, clear expectations, and a disciplined approach.

That’s the difference Informed Search is designed to make.

This is the way.

What a meaningful recognition from the Arizona business community!

In the 2026 edition of Ranking Arizona by AZ BIG Media, Duffy Group was named one of the Top 10 Executive Search Firms.

Ranking Arizona is the state’s largest and most comprehensive business opinion poll, where voters are asked a simple question: With whom would you recommend doing business?

Thank you to our clients, candidates, and partners for the continued trust.

Read here: https://azbigmedia.com/business/ranking-arizona-2026/ranking-arizona-top-10-executive-search-firms-in-2026/

Duffy Group was named a Sun Devil 100 company, ranking #43 of the fastest-growing alumni-led organizations! Each year, Arizona State University celebrates alumni who are driving innovation, growth, and entrepreneurial impact across industries. Congratulations to honorees Angelo Accomazzo, Kathleen Duffy, Colleen Neese, Kristin Pozen, and Teresa Ybarra. The award luncheon was a great time to connect with fellow leaders, celebrate other honorees, and be part of a community that continues to shape the future of business. Forks Up!

Last week, Melissa Barker and Nicole Gruenhaupt joined local government leaders in Glenwood Springs for the Colorado City and County Management Association annual conference. It was a valuable few days spent reconnecting with clients and peers, building new relationships, and engaging in conversations centered on leadership and career development. A highlight was Melissa Barker’s panel participation, where she shared her knowledge on navigating the interview process in the public sector. Thank you to CCCMA for bringing together such a strong and engaged community!

The leadership skills gap isn’t new, but it’s getting harder to ignore. Closing the gap requires a more intentional approach. Rethinking how we define leadership, how we assess it, and how we develop it from within.

Practice Leader Kristin Pozen shares strategies for anyone considering leadership hiring, creating talent pipelines, and succession planning. Click here for article: https://worldatwork.org/publications/workspan-daily/closing-the-skills-gap-tips-for-recruiting-retaining-great-leaders

Last week, Colleen Neese and Kristin Pozen attended the 2026 Huddle Up for the Kids FRIENDraiser event in support of our client, Friends of the Children Phoenix.

As a member of the fundraising committee, Colleen Neese played an active role in supporting their mission centered on long-term, consistent mentorship, helping to drive lasting change for youth across the community.

The event brought together community leaders, supporters, and advocates, all huddled around a shared goal of creating brighter futures for the children served. Safe to say the night was a win!

We’ve always known Kathleen Duffy is a force in executive search. But now the Phoenix Business Journal is telling the story.

Their latest profile explores Kathleen’s decades-long journey from discovering a recruiting instinct to building Duffy Group into a nationally respected executive search firm.

Read more:

Phoenix Business Journal Spotlights CEO Kathleen Duffy’s 35-Year Pursuit of Exceptional Leadership Few leaders have shaped Arizona’s executive recruitment landscape like Kathleen Duffy. In a recent Phoenix Business Journal profile, she reflects on the path that led her from discovering an instinct for recruiting while attending Arizona State University to founding Duffy Group in 1991, a nationa...

Finding the right leader requires more than chance or luck. It takes alignment, research, and an informed search process.

At Duffy Group, we approach each search intentionally so organizations can build teams that last.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️