The Annual Owners Meeting was held last week, during which we elected Directors and Officers for the upcoming term. We want to acknowledge the service of our outgoing and continuing board members, whose leadership and dedication strengthen NPAworldwide.
Jim Lyons – Honoring His Contributions
After years of dedicated service, Jim Lyons has stepped down from the Board. Jim has been an integral part of NPA, serving as Immediate Past Chair (2025), Chair (2023–2024), Chair-Elect (2022), and Secretary/Treasurer (2020–2021). Before that, he led the Cross Industry Practice Group in the USA. Though he is leaving the Board, Jim will continue to support the network by managing the Owner Round Tables and the Legal Practice Group. He has long described engagement in NPA as “The Essence of NPA” and remains one of our strongest ambassadors. We sincerely appreciate his lasting contributions.
Patti Steen – Chair Elect
Patti has over 30 years’ experience in recruitment. Patti started her career at Kelly Services where she became the Operations Director for the largest branch in the Seattle market. Feeling the need for a change, Patti moved to a large regional firm, The PACE Staffing Network. As the Vice President of Client Programs at Pace, she was accountable for developing strategic staffing programs for large customers in the Northwest. In 2009, Patti opened her own firm, The Pelsten Group. The Pelsten Group provides retained search, direct hire and contract placement to customers across the country.
Patti joined NPAworldwide within 1 month of starting her business in 2009. As a small business owner, NPAworldwide was the perfect solution for providing an opportunity to generate revenue through splits and be part of a community of talented business owners that she can collaborate with. Since 2011, Patti has served as the Trading Group Chair for IT / Hardware / Software / Electronics, Healthcare Practice Group Leader, served 6 years on the Board of Directors and 2 years as Secretary/Treasurer on the Executive Committee.
Tim Lane – Newly Elected Secretary/Treasurer
We are pleased to announce that Tim Lane has been elected as our new Secretary/Treasurer. Tim is the founder of Park Lane Recruitment, an IT and cybersecurity recruitment firm established in 2016. His recruitment career spans nearly four decades, starting in 1985, and he has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services to multinational clients.
Tim is no stranger to the NPA Board, having previously served two terms, where he played a key role in the strategic growth and integration of the network in the EMEA region. His leadership and expertise in global recruitment make him a tremendous asset as we continue to expand and strengthen our network.
Patrick Long – Re-Elected Director, North America
Patrick Long has been re-elected to serve a second term as Director, North America, overseeing LatAm, the USA west of the Mississippi, and Western Canada. Patrick is the owner of Provision People, a recruitment firm founded in 2016 in New York City. His firm specializes in banking and financial services, placing professionals such as private bankers, wealth managers, trust officers, tax directors, investment professionals, and attorneys. Additionally, Provision People is a significant player in IT recruitment within the financial services sector, filling roles such as data scientists, engineers, architects, software developers, and business analysts.
Patrick’s expertise and commitment have earned him Double Platinum status within NPA’s Recruiter Achievement Status program. In addition to his first term on the Board, he has also served as an Engineering/Operations/Manufacturing Practice Group Leader and as a peer coach. We are excited to have Patrick continue his contributions to NPA’s growth.
Andrew Thoseby – Re-Elected Director, Australia/New Zealand
Returning for a second term as Director, Australia/New Zealand, Andrew Thoseby brings decades of experience in executive search and business leadership. He is the co-owner of 1st Executive, a firm specializing in executive search, interim management, and recruitment advisory services. Established in 2000 and a member of NPA since 2015, 1st Executive supports organizations of all sizes, utilizing cutting-edge technology alongside traditional sourcing methods.
Andrew has over 30 years of corporate management and entrepreneurial experience, spanning industries such as FMCG, renewables, retail, manufacturing, marketing, IT, consumer electronics, and sports sponsorship. His strategic vision and expertise continue to add immense value to NPAworldwide.
Phil Chappel – Re-Elected Director, Practice Groups
Phil Chappel has been re-elected for a second two-year term as Director, Practice Groups. With a recruitment career dating back to the 1980s, Phil has extensive experience working with boutique firms across northern and central New Jersey. In 1996, he founded P. Chappel Associates, where he serves as president, business development manager, and lead recruiter.
Phil has been an active NPA volunteer for nearly a decade, previously serving as the Technology Practice Group Leader and as a peer coach. He recently completed his first term on the Board and continues to bring valuable insight and leadership to our network.
Looking Ahead
We are grateful for the dedication and leadership of these individuals and look forward to their continued impact on NPAworldwide. Their expertise, commitment, and strategic vision will help shape the future of our network, ensuring its ongoing success.