Celebrating 25 years as the premier talent partner for life sciences and healthcare organizations, Slone Partners has taken time throughout the year to reflect on our journey — the milestones, the challenges, and the moments that have shaped and defined us. But at the heart of every success story lies the remarkable people who make it all possible.
In this final installment of our anniversary blog series, we turn the spotlight on the voices of our team — the dedicated professionals who bring our mission to life every day. Their stories, told in their own words, illuminate what makes Slone Partners not just a place to work, but a very special place to belong.
Our Spirit of Passion and Purpose
For Kyle Kinzie, President & Partner, Hospitals & Healthcare Delivery Solutions, what stands out most is the company’s spirit of unity and purpose.
“This is a team that thrives on collaboration — where every voice matters and everyone leans in to support one another. It’s clear that the expertise built here over the past 25 years is unmatched, but what makes it even more powerful is the genuine passion behind the work we do. That passion fuels our collective drive to make a difference for our clients, our candidates, and each other.”
That sense of passion and purpose has been ingrained in the company’s DNA throughout its history. Laurie Shepard, Senior Manager, Recruiting Assistants, whose tenure at Slone Partners extends more than 15 years, says the team is unified in its mission-driven approach.
“When I joined Slone Partners in 2010, I was immediately struck by the collaboration and sense of purpose that defines this organization. From brainstorming new ideas to tackling tough challenges and celebrating wins, there has always been a shared feeling that we’re working toward something meaningful together. As we celebrate 25 years, I’m proud to be part of a team that continues to push boundaries and make an impact.”
Staying True to Our Core Values
By placing a premium on both individuals and teams, says Alicia Montgomery, Chief Talent & Recruiting Officer, the company’s strength lies in its diversity and mutual respect.
“What truly makes Slone special is how we embrace individuality; where one person has a gap, another has a strength, and we catch each other as we learn and grow. This dynamic has fostered a deep mutual respect and allows us to challenge and uplift each other, rising to meet every challenge together. Throughout our evolution, we’ve stayed true to our core values, consistently growing and adapting without losing sight of what makes us who we are.”
Slone Partners’ core values are more than just words on paper. For Melissa Keen, Manager, Data Administration, how those values play out in reality is quite personal.
“When my husband and I adopted our son, born extremely prematurely at just 25 weeks in Tucson, Arizona, Slone didn’t hesitate to support us. They gave me the opportunity to work remotely from Tucson so I could be by his bedside during his four-month NICU stay. The team rallied around us, offering unwavering support during one of the most exciting yet uncertain times in our lives. That experience speaks volumes about the heart of this company. Slone Partners doesn’t just talk about values — they live them.”
Gaining Satisfaction from the Work
For many, their sense of professional satisfaction comes from the work itself — helping clients and candidates achieve their goals — but also from the culture of support and growth that surrounds them. Carrie Albee, Manager, Research & Sourcing, shares her perspectives.
“The dedication, teamwork, and openness here are inspiring, and knowing that everyone supports each other makes coming to work something I look forward to. What I really like is working on a variety of interesting and challenging roles that keep things fresh and help me grow. It’s a place where we can share ideas, be ourselves, and feel like we’re making a real difference for our clients.”
“Reference checks. Sounds dull. Hardly. Every day, our superlative candidates connect us with former managers, peers, and direct reports, who share strong verifiable examples of the traits most coveted for the job description. This is my every day with Slone Partners, connecting with erudite research scientists and clinicians, C-suite executives, board members, quality and regulatory experts, executive business development and commercial leaders, collecting the verification that our recruiters have indeed found the best person to join our client’s team. How great is that? Never a dull moment.”
Being Part of a Collective Effort
After 25 years, the collective spirit that imbues the culture at Slone Partners remains as strong as ever. Sona Stroud, SVP, Executive Search & Partner, says that spirit is evident in the enduring relationships she has built since starting at the company in 2011.
“From the beginning, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside colleagues who cared deeply about the work, our wonderful clients, and one another. Those relationships have been such a rewarding part of my journey here,” she remarks. “The history, the client impact, and the shared experiences across the years all add up to something I’m proud to have contributed to. Our success has always been a collective effort, built on the energy, ideas, and passion of many people over time.”
And as Lori Lucas, Vice President of Marketing & Project Management, states, the company’s sincere commitment to its people is the foundation of its success.
“Slone Partners has the processes, structure, and heart in place to make people successful not just in their careers, but in their personal lives as well. While I value the flexibility of working remotely, what stands out most to me is how connected we remain. We find ways to come together, celebrate wins, and support each other through challenges. To me, that combination of professionalism, collaboration, and the genuine heart of the company is what sets Slone Partners apart.”
After a tremendous quarter century of amazing partnership, progress, and people, one truth shines through: the success of Slone Partners has always been — and will always be — powered by the collective heart, talent, and purpose of its extraordinary team.
