Our culturally diverse team is recognized for our track record of success and our broad, deep knowledge of the companies, the people, and the opportunities we represent.

Kim Firstback to top

President & CEO

Strategy and an eye on the bigger picture are hallmarks of Kim First’s tenure at The Agency Worldwide®. A respected industry expert, she works closely with many of the world’s top executives and researchers within the biopharmaceutical and food & agriculture sectors on multi-year engagements. Through her collaborations, Kim helps to build successful teams, structure […]View More.

Jeff Appelbaumback to top

EVP & COO

As EVP & COO, Jeff is responsible for The Agency’s business operations including strategy, IT, finance, and HR. Jeff started his career in the entertainment industry, holding various creative positions that led to prime time program development for the ABC/Walt Disney Company. He worked on the forefront of technology as director of post production for […]View More.

Susan Shoemakerback to top

Vice President, Science & Operations

For 18 years Susan has provided leadership and contributed both industry and academic perspectives to The Agency. She draws upon her 20 plus years’ experience of research and teaching in life sciences to develop and implement proprietary approaches to sourcing from in-depth publication reviews to analysis of cutting edge technologies.  A natural teacher, Susan enjoys […]View More.

Galina Albertback to top

Executive Search Director

Since joining The Agency team in 2013, Galina has made key contributions on behalf of clients in both project management and recruiter roles. Her great attention to detail and exceptional background in relationship management enable Galina to understand and build relationships with both clients and candidates. Her analytical skills, thoroughness, and understanding of business were […]View More.

Veneta Chemerinskiback to top

Executive Search Director

Joining the team in 2016, Veneta brings a scientific and academic perspective to the Agency through her masters degree in Biochemistry and utilizing 15 years of experience working in the clinical research space at University of Pittsburgh and Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. In her role as an Executive Recruiter, she connects exceptional senior-level talent […]View More.

Michelle Schmidtback to top

Executive Search Director

Michelle brings a unique background and set of experiences to The Agency having spent 27 years at Eli Lilly. Those years in the Pharmaceutical industry: 10 years in Quality as an analytical chemist, 17 years in HR & Recruiting supporting medical manufacturing, medical and quality - were exceptional training in understanding the nuances of recruiting for the life sciences.View More.

Kelli Webbback to top

Executive Search Director

Kelli brings a passion for connecting people and science; a skill honed over her 27 years working at Eli Lilly & Company. Kelli started her career as a scientist and then moved into laboratory leadership before transitioning into Human Resources. While in HR, she supported Manufacturing, Quality, Research, Medical, Product Development, and Sales & Marketing. […]View More.

Lyn Azusadaback to top

Recruitment & Sourcing Coordinator

Evexa Videsback to top

Project Manager

Working as an extension of your hiring team.

Steve Jobs
"Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people."

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