The Organization
A Mission That Demands the Right Leadership
The YWCA West Central Michigan is a community organization focused on serving individuals and driving public policy change. Their work centers on transforming the lives of those in West Michigan who experience intimate partner violence and assault.
For a mission-driven organization making an impact on the most vulnerable in the community, having the right leaders at the helm is crucial — not only to the success of the organization, but to the quality of life of those it serves.
The First Search — Fall 2024
CEO Placement
The YWCA needed a CEO who could guide the organization through transition and carry its mission forward. W Talent Solutions began by completing a comprehensive interview process aimed at understanding the exact background and characteristics the right candidates would need.
"The process was smooth. They interviewed us, we did an assessment of qualities and characteristics, had a debrief on that, and then received a packet of candidates."
— Sara Hendrix, Executive Committee Member, YWCA Board of DirectorsThat alignment between process and outcome made the difference.
"We were looking for somebody to come in and make some meaningful change within the organization internally — and she has done that."
— Sara HendrixThe Second Search — February 2026
The Placed Candidate Becomes the Client: VP of Finance
Having experienced the CEO search process firsthand as a candidate, Deb O'Leary knew exactly what W Talent Solutions was capable of. When she needed to hire a VP of Finance, she didn't look elsewhere.
"My personal experience as a candidate going through the CEO hiring process was exceptionally positive. The process was highly organized, thoughtfully designed, and guided by meaningful questions. The hiring team adhered to the established timeline, communicated clearly, and consistently followed through promptly and seamlessly whenever I had questions."
— Deb O'Leary, CEOThe decision to return to WTS was also rooted in values alignment. Because the YWCA's mission centers on empowering women, partnering with a female-owned firm was a natural fit. O'Leary also pointed to WTS's data-driven methodology as a differentiator — specifically the use of the Predictive Index as both a screening tool and an onboarding resource for new hires.
"As the CEO now hiring for a VP of Finance, the experience identically mirrored that of my personal experience."
— Deb O'Leary, CEO
