KATE MCGOWAN
Human Resources & Talent Acquisition Leader
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Senior Human Resources and Talent Acquisition professional with extensive experience spanning professional search, executive recruiting, talent management, client relationship management, and organizational effectiveness. Proven background partnering with organizations and professionals to identify talent, support career advancement, strengthen employee development, and improve business outcomes. Experienced in Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, and IT recruitment, with a strong record of building trusted relationships, leading cross functional initiatives, developing talent, and driving process improvements. Recognized for leadership, relationship building, innovative problem solving, and a people focused approach to delivering results.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Consultant, HR Center of Expertise
KORN FERRY
Atlanta, GA
2024.01 - Current
- Advise organizations on talent and HR priorities, supporting effective hiring, employee development, workforce engagement, and organizational performance.
- Partner with clients and professionals to identify talent needs and align people strategies with business objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and professionals while supporting talent identification and career advancement.
- Support professional search initiatives through talent identification, relationship management, and candidate alignment.
- Apply innovative leadership approaches to develop talent, strengthen teams, and improve employee and employer outcomes.
Senior Partner, HR Center of Expertise
KORN FERRY
Atlanta, GA
2022.10 - 2024.01
- Provided HR focused talent and professional search expertise to organizations and professionals.
- Supported clients in identifying qualified talent aligned with organizational requirements and business needs.
- Built trusted relationships with professionals and organizations throughout the talent engagement process.
- Advised on talent development and career advancement while supporting organizational effectiveness.
- Contributed to Korn Ferry's broader mission of helping organizations hire, develop, and retain effective talent.
Senior Partner, HR Division
LUCAS GROUP, A KORN FERRY COMPANY
Atlanta, GA
2022.03 - 2022.10
- Led HR focused professional search activities, connecting organizations with qualified Human Resources talent.
- Developed and maintained relationships with clients and candidates throughout the search process.
- Advised organizations and professionals on talent requirements, career objectives, and appropriate talent alignment.
- Supported executive level recruiting initiatives within the Human Resources function.
- Earned the 2021 Sterling Club Winner recognition for professional performance.
Senior Executive Search Consultant, HR Division
LUCAS GROUP, A KORN FERRY COMPANY
Atlanta, GA
2021.01 - 2022.03
- Conducted executive search activities focused on identifying qualified Human Resources professionals.
- Matched HR talent with organizations based on professional qualifications, business requirements, and career objectives.
- Built relationships with clients and candidates through a trust based recruiting approach.
- Supported organizations in addressing HR talent needs across different professional functions.
- Recognized as a 2021 President's Club Winner for performance and achievement.
Account Executive & Recruiter
EXECSOURCE
Greater Atlanta Area
2018.04 - 2021.01
- Recruited qualified professionals across Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, and IT.
- Managed client relationships while identifying talent aligned with organizational requirements.
- Served as a recruitment partner to organizations seeking specialized professional talent.
- Leveraged knowledge of HR, Finance, Accounting, and IT professions to develop talent solutions.
- Supported client business objectives through hands on recruiting and relationship management.
Manager, Premier Account Management
PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
Greater Atlanta Area
2015.01 - 2017.08
- Facilitated monthly team meetings focused on customer service excellence, real time feedback, and developmental coaching.
- Developed individualized career development plans for Account Managers based on career aspirations, strengths, and growth areas.
- Designed and delivered training programs across functional business areas, including programs supporting customers ranging from 500 to 5,000 lives.
- Collaborated with Directors and Regional Vice Presidents on initiatives supporting financial and service performance.
- Led process improvement initiatives and represented Sales and Account Management during organizational restructuring.
Senior Client Services Specialist
PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
Greater Atlanta Area
2012.04 - 2015.01
- Managed policy sales proposals through completion while coordinating with multiple internal departments.
- Managed new business implementation as project manager through go live and administration.
- Served as liaison between external group clients, brokers, and Home Office departments.
- Resolved service issues involving Claims, Billing, and Contracts while addressing client requirements.
- Represented Account Management on Distribution and cross functional councils, including Customer Advisory, Sales, and Account Management councils.
Case Installation Specialist
PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
Greater Atlanta Area
2008.06 - 2012.04
- Managed updates and changes for new business and policy maintenance for Middle Market Life and Disability Group Insurance customers.
- Maintained source systems for claims, billing, and contractual documentation.
- Collaborated with internal and external business partners to ensure customer requirements were accurately implemented.
- Served as a subject matter expert during new business implementation to ensure expectations were met or exceeded.
- Reported performance metrics to leadership with supporting documentation and improvement strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Administration and Management; Pre Law Minor
Arcadia University
01.2008
Business Administration and Management
University College Dublin
01.2007
Skills
- Executive Search & Professional Recruiting
- Human Resources Talent Acquisition
- Talent Management & Development
- Executive Candidate Engagement
- Client & Relationship Management
- Leadership Development
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Employee & Employer Empowerment
- Process Improvement
- Cross Functional Leadership
- Workforce & Talent Strategy
- Career Development
- Customer Experience
- Change & Organizational Management
- Business Partnership
Websites
Professional Recognition
- 2021 Sterling Club Winner, Lucas Group
- 2021 President's Club Winner, Lucas Group
Timeline
Managing Consultant, HR Center of Expertise
KORN FERRY
2024.01 - Current
Senior Partner, HR Center of Expertise
KORN FERRY
2022.10 - 2024.01
Senior Partner, HR Division
LUCAS GROUP, A KORN FERRY COMPANY
2022.03 - 2022.10
Senior Executive Search Consultant, HR Division
LUCAS GROUP, A KORN FERRY COMPANY
2021.01 - 2022.03
Account Executive & Recruiter
EXECSOURCE
2018.04 - 2021.01
Manager, Premier Account Management
PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
2015.01 - 2017.08
Senior Client Services Specialist
PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
2012.04 - 2015.01
Case Installation Specialist
PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
2008.06 - 2012.04
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Administration and Management; Pre Law Minor
Arcadia University
Business Administration and Management
University College Dublin