Meet Pinnacle

Alec joins Pinnacle as a Market Director, responsible for establishing and growing the Pinnacle brand as it expands into new markets.

‍

With over six years of experience helping financial leaders achieve their goals, Alec is a trusted resource for providing interim solutions to critical needs within companies' financial teams.

‍

As an active CPA license holder and former public accountant turned multi-award-winning executive recruiter, Alec brings a unique blend of financial expertise and talent acquisition skills to his role.

‍

Prior to joining Pinnacle, Alec led BGC Search and began his recruiting career with a Global Fortune 500 staffing firm.

‍

His public accounting foundation, combined with hands-on experience in the recruiting world, allows him to understand his clients' needs precisely and provide immediate solutions and recommendations. Alec prioritizes transparency, a sense of urgency, and problem-solving in his approach to helping companies achieve their goals.

‍

Outside the office, Alec is an avid gym-goer, golfer, skier, and snowmobiler who enjoys outdoor activities with friends and family.

Nicole Beichner has built a thriving career at Pinnacle Consulting & Recruitment, making a meaningful impact on every client she supports. As Pinnacle’s Manager of Business Development and Client Services, she brings joyful passion, an outgoing personality, and unwavering dedication to her work.

‍

In her role, Nicole cultivates strong client relationships, uncovers new job opportunities, and represents Pinnacle throughout the region’s networking community. Her involvement in multiple professional groups has helped her build the connections that drive her day-to-day success.

‍

Staying true to herself is at the core of Nicole’s approach, and she credits her achievements to the support she receives both inside and outside the office. She also gives back to the community through her volunteer work with The Pittsburgh Rainbow Kitchen.

‍

Nicole continues to focus on what she does best: building authentic connections, understanding goals, and delivering real solutions that help people and organizations move forward.

‍

Outside the office, Nicole enjoys quality time with her friends and family (especially her nieces and nephews), traveling, and unwinding with a great glass of wine.

As Pinnacle’s Director of Client Services for Consulting, Preston is proud to lead Pittsburgh’s premier finance and accounting consulting practice. With nearly a decade of experience helping clients fill their interim needs, Preston’s philosophy revolves around crafting a safer model for clients, ensuring that the consultants Pinnacle places with them are not merely a temporary fix but a reliable stopgap solution. Pinnacle does this under Preston’s leadership by nurturing a stable of long term, talented consultants, motivating them with competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, ensuring that they remain committed and engaged.

Preston began his career at Deloitte after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Robert Morris University. During his four-year tenure at Deloitte, he specialized in tax consulting, focusing on partnerships, trusts, individual tax returns, and tax provisions for both private and public companies. He then transitioned into corporate accounting for the Bayer Corporation, quickly acquiring a comprehensive understanding of Bayer's accounting functions through collaboration with various internal teams. Preston’s Big 4 and in-house experiences ensure he has the technical expertise to thoroughly understand his clients’ needs, ensuring alignment and satisfaction.

Jo Anna is a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of John Carroll University, where she earned her degree in Accounting and a minor in French. She spent the first decade of her career with Deloitte’s Pittsburgh office, providing audit and tax services to middle-market clients as well as global Fortune 500 companies. During that time, she also completed her Master’s in Taxation at Duquesne University and became a Certified Public Accountant.

‍

In 2005, Jo Anna shifted her career focus to the human side of Accounting and Finance. Since then, she’s helped hundreds of accounting professionals advance their careers. As our Market Development and Recruitment Director, she partners closely with her colleagues to attract and hire top consulting talent and to support Pinnacle’s growth across multiple markets.

‍

Outside of work, Jo Anna stays busy with her husband and three children. They enjoy traveling, building Legos, and working on jigsaw puzzles together. When she eventually retires, she hopes to spend her time volunteering, solving cold cases and cuddling premature babies in the NICU.

With nearly a decade of experience in recruitment, Shannon brings a wealth of expertise in pairing clients and top-tier consultants to fulfill interim hiring needs as Manager of Recruitment & Client Services. Working with accounting and finance consultants, she specializes in delivering tailored solutions to meet clients' urgent staffing needs.

‍

Originally graduating from Allegheny College with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Shannon began her career in veterinary medicine. However, driven by her passion for helping others, she transitioned into the field of recruitment as an alternative means to make a meaningful impact.

‍

Transparency is an integral part to Shannon's approach, fostering trust and collaboration between clients and consultants. As a result, she is known for providing exceptional support and service, ensuring successful outcomes for all parties involved and making sure their needs are met with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.

‍

Outside of work, Shannon and her husband enjoy life on their hobby farm with their two dogs and horses.

Kristi brings over 15 years of experience in management consulting, with a background spanning talent acquisition, sales, and project management. She’s worked across industries including automotive, manufacturing, private equity, and finance, serving as a trusted advisor to both clients and consulting professionals. Her focus has always been on building strong partnerships and aligning talent with client needs. 

‍

Before joining Pinnacle, Kristi was part of a global consulting firm, where she was responsible for Talent Management and Acquisition with a focus across the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and DC markets. She also played an active role in mentoring within the firm’s internal program. Earlier in her career, Kristi held progressive roles in accounting and finance, first at a Michigan-based CPA firm and later with a Tier 1 automotive supplier. She is a certified PMP and Six Sigma Black Belt. 

‍

A graduate of Oakland University, Kristi is based in Southeast Michigan. When not at work, she loves cycling (road/gravel, mountain, and fat tire in the snow,) hiking and traveling with her husband and dog. Also, Kristi is a certified scuba diver (preferring warm tropical waters over the cold Great Lakes).

Tyler Barnot is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Accounting recruiting, specializing in placing consultants within the Pittsburgh area. With a commitment to providing clients with top-notch staffing solutions, Tyler excels in matching talent with temporary, consulting and permanent job opportunities.

‍

Tyler began his career managing a personal training program following his graduation from Westminster College, PA, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. Building upon this foundation, he furthered his education by obtaining a Master's of Business Administration, equipping him with a robust skill set for navigating the dynamic world of recruitment and staffing.

‍

In his role at Pinnacle, Tyler leverages his expertise to capture and connect the best talent in and around Pittsburgh, ensuring that clients receive tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. Beyond his professional endeavors, Tyler is engaged in his community and coaches travel baseball for the Beaver Valley Baseball Organization.

‍

With his industry knowledge, academic credentials, and commitment to this community, Tyler Barnot is a trusted partner for clients seeking exceptional staffing solutions and individuals striving to advance their careers in accounting and finance.

‍

With nearly a decade of direct-hire recruiting experience, Bri has grown into her role as Director of Client Services and Recruitment at Pinnacle Consulting & Recruitment, where she leads the firm’s direct-hire Accounting & Finance practice. Leveraging her background in Big 4 public accounting, Bri specializes in guiding professionals through key career transitions, especially those moving from public accounting into corporate/industry roles, while also partnering with industry professionals at every stage of their career, from staff level through CFOs.

‍

Her approach is rooted in genuine connection and trust. Bri is known for truly listening, understanding motivations beneath the surface, and providing thoughtful, personalized guidance. She combines technical expertise with a strong grasp of cultural fit, enabling her to deliver tailored hiring solutions that support long-term success for both her candidates and clients.

‍

Bri remains active in the accounting and audit community through the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Duquesne University Accounting Mentorship Program.

‍

Outside the office, she enjoys all things organization and personalization, staying active, and spending time with her husband, Patrick, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Roscoe.

Nadine brings a strong foundation in accounting, having worked in both public and corporate environments early in her career. Her firsthand experience in the field gives her valuable insight into the roles she now recruits for, allowing her to evaluate talent with both technical understanding and strategic perspective.

‍

Today, Nadine focuses on placing top-tier accounting and finance professionals, including CFOs and other senior leaders, into permanent roles that help companies grow and succeed. She partners closely with clients to understand their goals, align talent with business needs, and deliver a seamless hiring experience.

‍

Known for her ability to connect with people and uncover what truly drives candidates and hiring managers alike, Nadine is passionate about helping professionals advance their careers and helping businesses thrive.

‍

Outside of work, Nadine is passionate about traveling, especially internationally, because she loves exploring new cultures and perspectives. She also plays the piano, enjoys working out, and considers herself a big foodie always on the hunt for new places to try.

Brian joined Pinnacle in January 2023 and is a dedicated member of the recruitment team, bringing a thoughtful, people-centered approach to every search he supports. He is a graduate of Duquesne University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, a focus that strongly informs his ability to understand individual motivations, career goals, and personal priorities.

Prior to Pinnacle, Brian gained valuable experience in sales, which strengthened his communication skills and taught him how to meet people where they are, listen actively, and build trust. In his current role, he leverages this experience alongside a strong attention to detail to guide candidates through the hiring process with clarity, transparency, and care.

Brian takes pride in helping candidates find opportunities that align not only with their professional goals, but also with their personal lives and long-term well-being. He is especially motivated by the opportunity to positively impact someone’s career trajectory and provide guidance during what can be a pivotal life decision.

Outside of work, Brian values time spent with friends and family and believes that balance outside the workplace is just as important as success within it. He is excited to continue growing at Pinnacle and looks forward to building lasting relationships with both candidates and clients while contributing to a team that values integrity, growth, and people-first decision making.

With 20+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams in Technology and Accounting/Finance recruitment, Paul has helped organizations from startups to Fortune 100 companies bring the highest level of talent to their teams. He is a proud Eastern Michigan University graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration and is excited to bring his expertise to Pinnacle.

‍

He believes the most important skills he brings to this role are passion and empathy. He is passionate about connecting talented individuals with the right opportunities and understands what consultants are looking for in the job market. He loves helping people and businesses come together to solve problems, knowing that each transaction is unique.

‍

Outside of work, he enjoys a good social gathering, especially when golf is involved. He spends a lot of time supporting his children’s activities and loves vacationing in warm-weather destinations. He is also a dedicated supporter of the Red Cross and the American Cancer Society and has a Goldendoodle named Leo who is a big part of his life.

John earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and, like many in the industry, found his way into recruiting and quickly developed a passion for it. He thrives on building strong relationships with highly skilled technical professionals and partnering with clients to bridge talent gaps and enable teams. With deep expertise in sourcing and recruiting, he brings a strategic and results-driven approach to talent acquisition. At Pinnacle, he looks forward to being a part of the team and looks forward to contributing his skills, learning from his colleagues, and helping drive success.

‍

Outside of work, he has been married for a year to his wife, Makenzie, who is also a recruiter. They have two dogs, Amigo and Kenny, and a cat, Señor. When he is not working, he can be found on their boat, tending to his vegetable garden, cooking, and taking their dogs for long walks.

Shannon started her career at one of the largest staffing firms in the U.S. right after graduating, stepping into the role of an IT recruiter. It was an incredible learning experience that allowed her to develop strong relationship-building and problem-solving skills from the start. After just nine months, she was promoted to an IT account manager, a pivotal moment in her career where she took on greater responsibility in managing client accounts and driving sales. During this time, she honed her expertise in both staffing and sales, laying a solid foundation for her future in the industry.

‍

She brings a deep understanding of market trends, a passion for building strong client relationships, and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams. Her knowledge of IT trends, positive energy, and ability to connect with people have been key to her success.

‍

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, whether it's working out, traveling, playing volleyball, or taking walks with her dog, Ollie.

Alicia joined Pinnacle in April 2023 as its general counsel, where she brings an impressive background of more than 20 years of legal and leadership expertise. Prior to Pinnacle, Alicia served as Deputy General Counsel of Corporate Governance and Corporate Secretary for PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.  She had previously spent over a decade at Reed Smith LLP, where she was a partner in its investment management group. 

‍

Alicia’s leadership acumen has extended deeply into various DEI efforts, where she consistently delivers results through innovation and a vision for inclusion and growth. At both PNC and Reed Smith, Alicia chaired diversity councils and supported key diversity initiatives, earning recognition for Reed Smith’s Women’s Initiative and PNC’s Legal Diversity & Inclusion Council under her watch. She received her J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Miami University. 

‍

Alicia has served on the Board of St. Clair Hospital and the Board of Directors of the National Aviary. She is married to Colin Powell, Pinnacle’s founder and CEO, and they reside in Peters Township with their children — Annabelle, a student at the University of Miami, and John, a high school student — and their three fur babies - Sammy, Teddy and Rocky.  Under Alicia's guidance, Pinnacle’s initiatives and partnerships will continue gaining momentum and making an enduring impact.

‍

Evelyn joined the Pinnacle Team as the Office Manager in September 2022. She has an extensive background in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Office Management.  She prides herself on being a very detail-oriented individual.

Outside of Pinnacle Evelyn keeps busy with her husband, Mark and her two adult children.  She enjoys reading, family gatherings, getting together with friends, traveling, and exploring new places.

For more than four years, Kasey Verna has built a career focused on making a meaningful difference at Pinnacle Consulting & Recruitment. Starting as an intern in 2021 and now serving as Pinnacle’s HR Manager, Kasey brings a proactive, people-first approach and a commitment to operational excellence that supports both our employees and the organization as a whole.

Guided by Pinnacle’s core values, Kasey has been instrumental in driving initiatives that improve employee experience and strengthen organizational effectiveness. From streamlining onboarding and benefits administration to leading strategic projects in leadership development and process improvement, Kasey ensures that HR is not just a function but a catalyst for growth and transformation.

‍

Kasey is focused on enhancing communication strategies, supporting the leadership team, and implementing solutions that align HR priorities with broader business goals. Her ability to balance empathy with execution has helped create a workplace culture rooted in trust, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

‍

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a BSBA in Human Resources Management and a Certificate in Business Analytics, Kasey combines a data-driven mindset with a passion for helping people succeed.

‍

Outside of work, Kasey enjoys coaching volleyball, exploring new restaurants, cheering on Pitt, reading, attending concerts, working out, and discovering new shows.

As Marketing Coordinator at Pinnacle Consulting & Recruitment, Jordan Komisarski supports marketing efforts across digital platforms, campaigns, and content that highlight the firm’s consulting and direct hire services. After starting with Pinnacle as an intern, she joined the team full time in May 2024 and works closely with internal teams to support brand visibility across the Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit markets.

Graduating from Point Park University with a BS in Marketing and Sales with a minor in Social Media Management, Jordan has consistently shown excellence in combining her academic learning with hands-on experience. Her favorite part about her role at Pinnacle is working with a team and creating campaigns that showcases both the brand and the people of Pinnacle.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking, watching reality TV shows, baking, doing her own nails, and spending time with her friends and family.