Meet Our Talent
At Talbott Talent, we’re passionate about strengthening nonprofit organizations through their greatest asset, their human capital. Prioritizing people translates into our own workplace, where our team places a high value on one another. We're pleased to introduce the Talbott Team:
Having spent two decades leading and advising nonprofit executives and boards of directors, Leah has a broad range of experience and skills. She founded Talbott Talent to expertly match organizations with the best leaders for their missions. After recognizing the need for not only exceptional candidates, but also more effective organizational structures to support those leaders, she added related consulting services to expand Talbott Talent's impact on the nonprofit sector.
What's the most rewarding aspect of working at Talbott Talent?
The people aspect of my job is the most rewarding…working with a team of smart, talented professionals; hearing a candidate say, “This new job will change my family’s lives forever.”; watching board members become genuinely engaged in the future of their nonprofit.
What's something you hope to learn or improve this year?
It sounds pretty basic, but right now I’m focusing on improving my punctuality. I’m always trying to squeeze in one more task to an already full day and that puts me behind. Through improved self-discipline I’m much better than I used to be, but there’s still more progress to be made.
What's your favorite local place to shop, eat, or otherwise frequent?
Java House in Midtown Carmel, hands down. I can get a bit of work done, bump into some of my favorite people, and enjoy a great cup of cold brew.
Erica Poff, MA, CAE, PMP, IOM – Vice President
Over her career, Erica has worked in several states and countries to expand and vitalize nonprofits worldwide. As our Vice President, she manages search and consulting projects and develops and implements internal business strategies. Her expertise and broad knowledge of the nonprofit sector make her an incredible asset to the Talbott Talent team.
What's the most rewarding aspect of your job with Talbott Talent?
Working with the amazing women on the Talbott Talent team. Each of us brings a different but complementary skill set and professional background that adds a richness to the work we do with nonprofits. And they’re all really cool too!
What's something you hope to learn or improve at this year?
Incorporating mindfulness and gratitude as a natural part of my every day (and not just when I remember to open the apps I have for these on my phone!).
What's your favorite local place to shop, eat, or otherwise frequent?
During non-Covid times, I loved to do brunch on weekends with my husband or a group of friends (my favorite is Northside Kitchenette in Broad Ripple), check out vintage clothing shops in Fountain Square, and go hunting for mid-century anything at Midland Arts & Antique Market downtown.
Heather Rolinski – Vice President, Nonprofit Effectiveness
Heather develops close relationships with our nonprofit clients, working as an advisor and talent development expert. In the past, she has helped organizations form recruiting strategies, increase employee engagement, and transform leadership and culture. She directly increases organizational effectiveness by working from the inside out.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The ability to work with nonprofits who are truly making a positive impact is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy seeing the ripple effect from our work with our clients out to their members and communities they serve. I also truly enjoy the relationships we form with each client and enjoy our continued partnerships. It's hard when a client engagement ends, because I feel we have become an extension of their team and contribute to their success, which is incredibly rewarding. Thankfully, through the deep relationships we forge, many of our clients return to us and we continue working together. A win/win for everyone!
What's something you hope to learn or improve this year?
This isn't very exciting, but I want to get better at time blocking so I can build in time for special projects or other activities that are important to me. I like to stay very busy, but with that can come a bit of chaos with juggling so many things at the same time (and I happen to suffer from 'shiny object' syndrome). So, I'd like to increase my focus and be more diligent with my time. So many leaders that I coach struggle with the same issue. Maybe we need an accountability group!
What’s your favorite local place to shop, eat, or otherwise frequent?
I love the new cafe in downtown Noblesville, Bica. It's a wonderful eatery and coffee shop with a creative, eclectic menu. Personally, I'm vegetarian and love flavors from around the world. It's nice when we get a new place that has a diverse menu and caters to different dietary preferences. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a good pizza! But it's nice when Hamilton County can spread her wings in the culinary department.
Nancy Elbert – Executive Recruiter
Nancy’s journey in corporate recruitment led her from data systems in Texas, to founding and leading a successful investment company, to using her expertise for Talbott Talent’s executive search projects. For the past five years, Nancy has served on the board of trustees for the University High School of Indiana. She is constantly expanding her knowledge of the nonprofit industry and looking for ways to help others.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job with Talbott Talent?
The most rewarding part of what I do is watching our candidate get hired into what is often their dream job. I love experiencing that joy with them.
What’s something you hope to learn or improve this year?
Technology has always been a challenge for me, so I also hope to discover new ways to stay immersed in its rapid changes as it evolves.
What’s your favorite local place to shop, eat, or otherwise frequent?
I love the Monon trail. I walk around 5 miles a day, and this is my favorite place to do it. There’s a vibe out there that invigorates me; the beauty of nature, the people, and listening to a good podcast as I walk are all part of the experience for me.
Kristin Jarvis – Business Manager
Kristin’s nursing background reflects her caring nature, and her path from the hospital to business management reflects her skill in company and client support. Outside of Talbott Talent, she co-owns a business with her husband; it was named Franchise of the Year in 2019.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job with Talbott Talent?
The most rewarding aspect of working with Talbott Talent is being part of a team that cares about each other and the cause. I especially enjoy when I can take care of the "little" things so that other teammates can take care of the "big” things. When what we do individually comes together, it collectively equals success!
What’s something you hope to learn or improve this year?
I'm working to improve my tech skills!
What’s your favorite local place to shop, eat, or otherwise frequent?
I love to plant fruit trees, perennials, and a garden, so some of my favorite places to shop include Habig Garden, Sundown Gardens and Rural King.
Heather Hunter – Marketing Intern
A recent graduate from IU Bloomington, Heather manages content, contributes to marketing strategy, and designs digital and print media for Talbott Talent. She also works part-time in marketing with Synergize, an atypical networking group focused on lifelong friendships and community impact.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job with Talbott Talent?
I appreciate the opportunity to learn from such intelligent, driven women with so many diverse talents. They inspire me so much! I also really enjoy serving multiple causes through our clients.
What’s something you hope to learn or improve this year?
I know a lot about communication, but I don’t have as much business acumen as I wish I did. I’m hoping to gain those skills through an MBA that I plan to start this fall. I also want to decrease my consumption of single-use plastic.
What’s your favorite local place to shop, eat, or otherwise frequent?
I love earrings, and Silver in the City in Carmel has an amazing selection. I actually try to stay away from there as much as possible, because I’ll spend all my money if I’m not careful!
This article was featured in our January newsletter. Visit our archive to subscribe.
