Our Experts

Our strength lies in our people—industry veterans who bring strategy, experience, and dedication to every engagement.

Jackie Deace

Managing Director — Grand Rapids, MI
P: 917-345-3104 | Jdeace@diligencesa.com 

Jackie graduated from Boston University and completed her MBA with a concentration in Human Resources. With over 15 years in the staffing industry, she has led practices within CPA firms and specialized in accounting, finance, HR, and engineering recruitment. She also spent time in leadership development and career transition services, giving her full-cycle knowledge of the talent management process.

Karen Ellis

Managing Director — Syracuse, NY
P: 315-427-1475 | kellis@diligencesa.com 

Karen Ellis is a connector at heart. With a career that spans executive recruiting, financial sales, corporate business development, and over 20 years of high-level retail management, Karen brings a uniquely human perspective to every search she leads. She built her recruiting expertise at respected firms, including Kelly Services, Orion Talent, and Jobot, where she saw firsthand how the right hire can transform a team and the right opportunity can change a person’s life. Her experience in credit union financial sales, as well as her client-facing roles with ADP and Spectrum, strengthened her belief that business success is built on meaningful relationships. Whether advising a growing organization or guiding a candidate through a career transition, Karen leads with honesty, empathy, and the commitment to truly listen. As Managing Director, Karen blends her recruiting expertise with her diverse background to support clients with clarity, insight, and genuine care. She understands the pressures leaders face, the challenges of hiring the right talent, and the importance of building partnerships rooted in trust. What she loves most about this work is simple: helping people, helping companies hire the right leaders, assisting candidates to step into roles where they can thrive, and helping teams grow stronger. Karen’s mission is to make the hiring process feel human again and ensure every search creates long-term success for both the organization and the individual.

Morgan Kaschalk

Client Services Specialist — Grand Rapids, MI
P: 616-915-2188 | mkaschalk@diligencesa.com 

Morgan is the Client Services Specialist at Diligence Search Advisors, supporting the recruiting team and clients through organized, efficient search processes. She also leads DSA’s marketing efforts, helping manage the firm’s brand, content, and online presence. She works to ensure a smooth and responsive experience for every client.

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Ready to work with the people behind the placements? Our experts are here to deliver talent strategies that move your business forward.