We match journeys.
Your role is more than a title, and candidates are more than resumes.
We fill tough positions
✓ Roles open for three months or longer
✓ Ambiguous or new roles
✓ Confidential searches
We've done it before. We've got you.
Uncover Hidden Talent
Your ideal hire may not be one of the usual suspects
Optimized Process & Preparation
Not everyone is a born interviewer
Job Alignment
We cut through the noise
Boutique, High-Touch Service
We care about this as much as you do
Remove Ambiguity
We do thorough assessments so you meet the right people
CIO | CTO | CDO | CISO
Engineering | Data
Transformation | Infrastructure
Architecture | Security
Digital | IT
GM | Head of Product
Business leaders | P&L owners
with a tech angle
Roles we fill
Let's change recruiting,
one conversation at a time
Distinguished Search launched February 2020
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What we're known for
- Getting to know you and accurately representing you
- Deep understanding of roles and candidates
- Cross industry placements
- Transparency and unwavering ethics
- Methodology and perseverance
- Reachability and proactive communication
- The right hires
Meet The Team
Somer Hackley
CEO & Executive Recruiter
Lauren Cooney
Director of Operations
Steve Hackley
Executive Recruiter
Media Center
Find the latest Distinguished Search featured articles, podcasts and interviews.
September 16, 2025 - Magnetize Your Executive Job Search. Insider knowledge from an executive recruiter — who gets called first, how to stand out, why to take the call, and smart questions to ask
Behind the Hire Podcast with Jesse Gale
April 25, 2025 - Somer Hackley: Search Smarter, Build Relationships, Get Hired (Search in Plain Sight)
The Fireside PM Podcast with Tom Leung
April 18, 2025 - How Executive Search Really Works: Lessons from Somer Hackley for Product Leaders Navigating Uncertain Times
CIO hiring on the rise: How to land a top tech exec role in 2025
February 25, 2025 - CIO Magazine interviews Somer Hackley on the trends she is seeing for CIO hiring in 2025.
Ellie Rich-Poole: The Recruitment Coach
February 25, 2025 - This article highlights Somer Hackley’s advice on making a lasting impact during a headhunter meeting.
Female Founders: Real Stories, Real Success
October 23, 2024 - A Female Founders Series with Helen Plumridge. The conversation dives deep into Somer's journey of building a successful recruitment business while staying true to her values.
October 21, 2024 - A Lightening Lesson: Demistifying Executive Search with Somer Hackley. Learn how to be magnetic and memorable to executive recruiters.
July 31, 2024 - The Power of Empathy and Relationships in Launching an Executive Search Firm with Somer Hackley
The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper
July 2, 2024 - In this podcast, Somer provides valuable insights into navigating the often confusing process of executive search and job hunting.
Career Briefs LinkedIn Edition with Sarah Johnston
June 18, 2024 - In this Career Conversation, we will discuss the best way to contact a recruiter, the dos and don’ts of working with a recruiter, how recruiters are compensated, and who recruiters work for.
Career Sessions, Career Lessons with J.R. Lowry
October 16, 2023 - Demystifying Executive Search with Somer Hackley.
S3 Ep 1 - Demystifying Executive Search with Somer Hackley.
The Resilient Recruiter Podcast with Mark Whitby
Ep 139 - How to Grow a Wildly Successful Executive Search Practice, with Somer Hackley. We talk about “doing BD by not doing BD.”
The Career PROgressions Podcast with Mark Allred
On this episode Somer Hackley is joining Mark to talk about some answers about working with recruiters and a job search in general that might be hiding right in front of us. She’s going to share some of the wisdom in her new book Search in Plain Sight.
Ep 165 - How to be Influential on Video
Capital One's Digital Diaspora: How One Bank Became A Wellspring Of CIO Talent For Many Companies
The Enterprisers Project
IT hiring: 5 truths about executive search firms
The Rise of Women-Owned Businesses in the United States
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