Buffkin/Baker Expands Its Capabilities

to Better Serve You

We’re excited to share some news. Buffkin/Baker, our parent firm, has merged with Pondera Advisors, a leadership consulting firm, and Rep-Lite, a commercial sales staffing firm. The three are being brought together under CEO Kelly Conway to create a connected approach to talent.

Here’s why we’re so glad about it. As HR leaders, you know a great hire is only the beginning. How a leader is selected, how they settle in, and how well they lead their team all matter just as much. Now, alongside our HR-focused executive search, we can connect you with:

• Leadership assessment to support confident selection decisions
• Onboarding and executive coaching to help new leaders get off to a strong start
• Team development to help them build teams that deliver
• Commercial sales staffing through Rep-Lite, which specializes in MedTech and pharma, to help you build the sales teams that drive growth

For the candidates we place, that means more support as they step into new roles. For our clients, it means one trusted relationship instead of several separate providers.

Our team, our focus on HR leadership, and the way we work with you stay the same. We just have more ways to help.

Reflections on HRLF Ignite and LEAP HR

Ignite 2026 kicked off with a Welcome Reception and a panel with HR leaders from some of the world's most recognized sports franchises. And throughout the conference, we had the opportunity to network with and learn from some of the most influential HR and People professionals in New England.

And we kept this momentum going into LEAP HR! This three-day conference gathered HR, TA, and L&D leaders in life sciences for pragmatic case studies, frank benchmarking, and curated peer discussions.

We sponsored both of these HR leadership events, and it was amazing to engage with familiar and new faces.

Upcoming Events

— Uprooting Toxic Leadership to Grow a Thriving Culture - November 12

Recent Opportunities

Recent Placements

Chief People Officer

Life Sciences

VP, Human Resources

Life Sciences

Director, HRBP

Manufacturing

Learning & Development Leader

Software

Sr Director, HRBP

Life Sciences

Sr Director, Talent Development

Semiconductor

VP, Total Rewards

Healthcare

Exec Director, HRBP

Life Sciences

A Final Word - Connection

From networking at HR conferences to communicating with clients and candidates, our industry is defined by human connections. Even though new technology and innovation are inevitable, we should never lose sight of what is at the center of the work we do - people.

At HRLF Ignite and Leap HR, we had the opportunity to build new connections and see industry collaboration in-person. Rather than treating other HR professionals as mere competitors, we know that our industry and region are stronger when we build together.

Here's to new connections, new insights, and new possibilities!