Meet VisionSpark’s Team of Hiring Experts
Kate Norton, Client Strategist
Kate has had many years of success connecting with customers from a variety of industries, from medical to hospitality. Her success has been achieved by connecting with people and identifying areas to help her customers improve their business functions. She is excited to bring this depth and breadth of customer knowledge to develop long-lasting client relationships at VisionSpark. Kate was drawn to VisionSpark’s culture and core values; they provide a platform to further develop her passion for connecting as she matches VisionSpark clients with customized services to improve their businesses.
Kate is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in communication. She has lived across the country from California to New York, Connecticut to Virginia. She now lives in Worthington, Ohio, with her husband Eric and their two sons Sam and Ty. You can find Kate most weekends cheering for Sam and Ty from the soccer field sidelines, catching a Columbus Crew game, exploring the hiking trails in a nearby park, playing tennis, practicing yoga, or planning the next adventure with her family!
Q. If you weren’t working for VisionSpark, what would you be doing?
A. If I wasn’t working at VisionSpark, you would find me out of doors! I may be climbing to a beautiful summit in a national park, enjoying the Carolina coast, exploring the Hocking Hills region close to home, or simply reading a book on the porch; I love anything that takes me outside!
Q. What are you doing personally or professionally to further your development?
A. Simply put, I try new things! I am naturally inquisitive and love a new experience! Whether it’s picking up a book from a new author, exploring an unfamiliar city, or throwing myself into a new leadership opportunity. I welcome opportunities to stretch myself personally and professionally.
Tonya Casey, Director of Search Division
Tonya Casey is the senior consultant and hiring expert for many VisionSpark clients, having interviewed over 1,100 candidates for more than 50 search projects to date. She draws on her varied background and experience to advise business leaders on searches and connect them with the right people. Tonya has worked with hundreds of C-suite executives from small, privately held companies and large, public corporations across a variety of industries (from manufacturers to service providers). She has particular expertise in finding Integrators and COOs for companies running on EOS®.
Tonya started with VisionSpark more than six years ago and now manages the Search Division. As the team leader, she oversees all of our leadership and professional searches, and coaches and mentors our project managers and interview specialists. Passionate about systems, processes, and continuous improvement, Tonya constantly strives to better VisionSpark’s service offerings and uncover our client’s needs so we can provide unique, customized solutions.
Tonya has a bachelor’s degree in interior design and has worked in the construction, facilities management, and education industries. She lives in Powell, Ohio with her husband, Mike, and her two children, Hannah and Tim. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities like camping, rowing, or, on rare occasions, hiking in the Alps.
Q. If you weren’t working for VisionSpark, what would you be doing?
A. Anything where I can continue to learn, grow, and help others. The world is full of opportunities, and I love challenges and solving problems.
Q. What are you doing personally or professionally to further your development?
A. I am constantly reading blogs and articles about new trends in the recruiting industry and new technologies. I have a passion for learning, discovering new things, and taking full advantage of today’s constantly changing world.
Tracy Wilson, Search Consultant
Having worked at both large corporations and small operations, Tracy has experience in a variety of contexts and industries, including hospitality, construction, nonprofit, and professional services. She brings valuable insight from a range of previous positions on the frontline, in management and administration, and as a small business owner. Tracy was drawn to VisionSpark for their Core Values, proven hiring process, and evident concern for others. She shares VisionSpark’s passion for helping businesses succeed and making a positive impact by hiring the “Right People” for the “Right Seats.”
Tracy earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership with a specialty in human resources management from Northcentral University. She also has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Trine University. Tracy lives with her husband, Rich, and three kids, Ashton, Corbin, and Mira. In her free time, she loves to visit new places, locally and globally. Her most recent adventures included a cross-country train trip to the West Coast, during which she passed through 15 states in 10 days, capped off with visits to San Francisco and Seattle.
Q. If you weren’t working for VisionSpark, what would you be doing?
A. The possibilities are endless! Professionally, no matter where I am, I want my contribution to add benefit to the organization. I am constantly seeking opportunities for growth. Personally, I would be on an adventure. Close to home or far away, I love to experience new things.
Q. What are you doing personally or professionally to further your development?
A. I am always looking to embrace and conquer the next challenge. I enjoy learning from every environment I encounter, gathering information, and developing the understanding necessary to achieve goals.
Bob Spence, Senior Consultant
Bob Spence has been a part of VisionSpark since its inception. As a senior consultant, he works with clients on key search projects. Bob is a trainer and HR professional who helps clients with people issues and provides executive coaching to CEOs and business owners. He has worked with clients in many and varied industries. Bob has interviewed over 5,000 candidates for more than 300 search projects, including Integrator searches for companies running on EOS.
Bob has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). He holds the Distinguished Service Award from BGSU, has received the 200 Club Achievement Award from Vistage, and in 2016, was awarded the Human Resources Lifetime Achievement Award from CEO Magazine. He is a Christian abstract artist and has published an art book featuring several of his designs.
Prior to his consulting career, Bob was a schoolteacher, principal, and superintendent. He has served school districts in Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. As an intern at BGSU, Bob taught both undergraduate and graduate classes. While in Wyoming, he served as a member of the Wyoming State Board of Education.
Q. If you weren’t working for VisionSpark, what would you be doing?
A. I would be teaching, doing volunteer work for my church, and spending more time on my Christian abstract art.
Q. What are you doing personally or professionally to further your development?
A. I am an avid reader, reading at least one book a month, and I participate in seminars and other developmental activities.
Kelsey Walton, Search Consultant
Before joining the VisionSpark team, Kelsey worked in the mental health field for eight years, where she specialized in helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her experiences have taught her patience, empathy, and the importance of strategic planning. She was drawn to VisionSpark because of their core values, culture, and their mission. She strongly believes in the proven processes VisionSpark uses, and is passionate about helping clients find the “right fit” hire for their company.
Kelsey is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She lives in Worthington, Ohio, with her husband Ian, and two children, Zander and Emerson. Outside of work, she loves spending her time at the farmers market, going to cookouts, having a bonfire, and going on walks with her family. When she has time to travel, Disney and Universal Studios theme parks are her go-tos!
Q. If you weren’t working for VisionSpark, what would you be doing?
A. I love getting to know people, figuring out what makes them tick, and learning what their goals and dreams are. I feel it is my path in life to be of service to those in need, so I’m sure I would be helping people in some capacity, wherever I am.
Q. What are you doing personally or professionally to further your development?
A. I am constantly learning. I love to listen to podcasts; I read all kinds of books, and watch documentaries. I am always looking for something new to discover!
Bethany Vasek, Achiever Consultant
Bethany joined the VisionSpark team in 2019. She specializes in interpreting the Achiever Assessment tool, which helps companies hire the right candidates and maximize the potential of their current employees.
Bethany has a degree in English education from Oral Roberts University. She previously taught middle school and high school English for several years before homeschooling her children for 16 years.
Bethany loves spending time with her husband, Tony, and their three kids, Maddie, AJ, and James. They live in Delaware, Ohio, on a pseudo-farm, complete with chickens, cats, and a dog. Bethany enjoys mentoring couples, counseling women, and learning about each person’s unique story. She loves people, values faith and family, and embraces opportunities to learn and grow.
Q. If you weren’t working for VisionSpark, what would you be doing?
A. My family and I would love to run a combination lodge/campground in our community. It would be focused on investing in others, connecting people with purpose, and helping each one see their value and worth.
Q. What are you doing personally or professionally to further your development?
A. I ask a lot of questions, and I enjoy digging for the answers. I surround myself with people who challenge me and keep me accountable. I read, listen to podcasts, and keep a written reminder of my goals. I plan time to dream about the future. Since I love people, I truly find it a joy to study them and learn as much as I can about who they are at their core.
Alec Broadfoot, CEO
Alec Broadfoot is a successful entrepreneur and business owner who adds value to companies by helping them make critical hiring decisions with significant bottom-line impact. For those familiar with EOS® companies’ structure, Alec is our Visionary. He is passionate about EOS and often evangelizes about EOS to VisionSpark clients.
Through VisionSpark, Alec engages mid-market companies across the country in hiring training, key leader searches, behavioral interviewing, and personality assessments. He has become a trusted, sought-after resource for business owners and leaders who want to improve their hiring practices and employ top performers. Having established himself as a strategic hiring expert in Columbus and across the Midwest, Alec frequently gives presentations on better hiring processes.
Alec earned his bachelor’s degree in international business and economics and holds his MBA from Bowling Green State University. Before forming VisionSpark, Alec served as the president of a Columbus-based publishing company. Alec lives in Powell, Ohio, with his wife Sheri, and their three children Maggie, Cameron, and Natalie.
Q. If you weren’t working for VisionSpark, what would you be doing?
A. One of my goals is to become a chair of a CEO peer group, like Vistage. I love working with leaders of growing mid-sized companies and have a huge passion to see them succeed in their businesses.
Q. What are you doing personally or professionally to further your development?
A. I read books, attend trainings, and surround myself with great mentors, advisors, and friends who challenge me and support me. I am blessed!