Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Websites
Timeline
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Judene Hylton

Bethesda,MD

Summary

Results-driven Executive Recruiter with over a decade of experience leading high-impact searches, sourcing diverse executive talent, and advising mission-driven organizations on inclusive hiring strategies. Skilled in managing full-cycle recruitment for C-suite and senior leadership roles, with a proven track record of building strong client relationships and delivering strategic business development outcomes. Adept at planning and executing large-scale events, workshops, and professional development trainings that enhance employer brand and community engagement. A collaborative project manager with a keen eye for detail, able to coordinate cross-functional teams, drive initiatives from concept to execution, and ensure seamless, on-time delivery in fast-paced environments.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Managing Associate

Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners
Remote
05.2023 - Current
  • Successfully leads and executes national and international executive searches for C-suite, President/CEO, in-house legal counsel, and board-level roles, with a strong focus on inclusive leadership and organizational transformation.
  • Advises mission-driven organizations on executive hiring strategy, delivering tailored consultation and weekly training to embed best-in-class, inclusive search practices across leadership teams.
  • Directs sourcing and placement of CEOs and executive leaders within 3–5 months, leveraging national networks and rigorous, equity-centered search methodologies.
  • Oversees teams of researchers and recruiters to ensure seamless execution of search processes, from candidate development to finalist selection.
  • Delivers professional development coaching for executive candidates using Hogan Assessment and Wisnio tools, facilitating leadership growth and alignment with client cultures.
  • Spearheads business development for the nonprofit practice group, generating over $100,000 in new revenue annually through client engagement, proposal development, and strategic outreach.
  • Cultivates and expands diverse leadership pipelines through proactive sourcing, relationship-building, and executive-level networking across the U.S.
  • Leads virtual and in-person Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) trainings for C-suite leaders, search committees, and board members, advancing organizational cultural competency.

Senior Associate

Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners
Chicago, IL
05.2021 - 05.2023
  • Led full-cycle executive search processes for Director to C-level roles across nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate sectors, consistently delivering high-caliber, mission-aligned candidates.
  • Developed and executed customized sourcing strategies, including targeted outreach, referral networks, and passive candidate engagement, increasing placement success rate.
  • Managed candidate pipelines using applicant tracking systems (ATS) and CRM tools, ensuring accurate documentation, compliance, and a seamless candidate experience.
  • Facilitated client briefings, search kick-offs, and finalist presentations, driving stakeholder alignment and efficient decision-making across diverse leadership teams.
  • Conducted in-depth interviews and candidate assessments, evaluating for leadership potential, values alignment, and cultural competency.
  • Authored compelling position profiles and outreach materials that effectively communicated client missions and role value propositions to prospective candidates.
  • Supported business development efforts by preparing proposals, contributing to pitch meetings, and building trusted relationships with new and existing clients.
  • Partnered with internal research and operations teams to ensure timely execution of deliverables and maintain high standards of service quality.

Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant

Relativity
Chicago, IL
10.2019 - 05.2021
  • Provided full-cycle recruitment support across Sales, Customer Support, Finance, and Marketing teams, ensuring alignment with hiring goals and organizational culture.
  • Managed an average of 15 active requisitions per quarter, delivering timely and high-quality hires in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
  • Played a key role in the executive recruitment and placement of the Chief Marketing Officer, Director of Finance, and Chief Human Resources Officer.
  • Designed and implemented a company-wide Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Manual, equipping internal stakeholders and hiring teams with inclusive hiring practices and language.
  • Partnered with Sales leadership during the 2019 hiring surge to recruit and onboard over 25 business development professionals across Chicago and San Francisco offices.
  • Developed and implemented recruiting strategies to attract top talent.
  • Provided guidance and advice to hiring managers on best practices related to recruitment processes.
  • Coached managers on how best to engage prospective hires throughout the entire recruitment cycle.
  • Reviewed resumes against established criteria; interviewed applicants in person or by telephone; verified references; conducted background investigations when necessary.
  • Negotiated compensation packages with successful candidates in collaboration with HR team members.
  • Identified new sources of passive talent through networking activities and social media platforms.

Senior Executive Search Associate

DHR International
Chicago , IL
12.2017 - 10.2019
  • Led full-cycle executive recruitment for director through C-suite placements within the consumer and marketing sectors, supporting Fortune 500 companies, global brands, and high-growth firms.
  • Partnered closely with Managing Partners and Practice Group Leaders to develop tailored search strategies that addressed complex client needs in brand management, digital transformation, customer experience, and omnichannel leadership.
  • Managed and nurtured client relationships by delivering detailed market insights, presenting weekly candidate slates, and advising on finalist selection, onboarding, and integration.
  • Maintained a strong track record of high-quality placements and long-term client satisfaction.
  • Directed research strategy and oversaw candidate development efforts, leveraging industry networks and competitive intelligence to source diverse, high-performing talent.
  • Designed and facilitated professional development sessions for first-year associates and interns to strengthen firm-wide talent capabilities.

Legal Recruiter

Major, Lindsay & Africa
Chicago, IL
12.2015 - 12.2017
  • Successfully placed interim attorneys, legal consultants, and legal support professionals at Fortune 1000 corporations and AmLaw 200 firms, meeting urgent and complex staffing needs.
  • Managed the full recruitment process lifecycle, including candidate sourcing, presentation, client selection, offer negotiation, and successful placement closure.
  • Generated customized market research, client reports, and internal data analysis to support proposals, client presentations, and special projects within the legal search division
  • Identified and developed new business opportunities with large law firms, boutique practices, and corporate legal departments, contributing to overall firm growth and revenue targets.
  • Supported strategic business development initiatives by actively networking with hiring managers, general counsel, and talent acquisition leaders in the legal sector.
  • Authored and published weekly thought leadership articles focused on professional development, legal career strategy, and industry trends, expanding MLA’s digital engagement and visibility.
  • Partnered with organizations such as the Cook County Bar Association and the Black Women Lawyers Association to provide pro bono career counseling, resume consultations, and mentorship to attorneys and law students of color.

Paralegal

Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin
Chicago, IL
06.2010 - 08.2011
  • Drafted correspondence to clients and other attorneys.
  • Filed motions with courts electronically or via hard copy.
  • Provided administrative support such as answering phones or scheduling appointments.
  • Interviewed clients and obtained vital case information to support associates.
  • Scheduled and coordinated depositions, hearings, trials, and meetings.
  • Interpreted various types of legal documents including contracts and agreements.
  • Collaborated with attorneys in all stages of litigation process.
  • Researched applicable statutes, codes, regulations, ordinances, and precedent cases.
  • Maintained calendars for upcoming court dates or deadlines related to cases.

College Admissions Counselor

Grove City College
Grove City , PA
05.2008 - 06.2010
  • Reviewed applications, evaluated transcripts, and made decisions regarding admission status.
  • Provided guidance and support to prospective students on the admissions process.
  • Prepared reports detailing applicant statistics such as acceptance rates or demographics.
  • Collaborated with faculty members to ensure that application requirements are accurately reflected in communications with potential students.
  • Assisted in the development of recruitment strategies to attract a diverse student body.
  • Analyzed enrollment trends to identify potential areas for improvement within the admissions process.
  • Created marketing materials for recruiting efforts including brochures, flyers, and emails.
  • Maintained accurate records of all inquiries, applicants, acceptances, denials, and withdrawals from admission processes.
  • Conducted college tours for high school students and their families.
  • Organized events such as open houses, information sessions, and other outreach activities.

Education

J.D. -

Valparaiso University Law School
Valparaiso, IN
05-2014

Bachelor of Arts - Communication & Political Science

Grove City College
Grove City
05-2008

Skills

  • Executive search
  • Diversity recruitment
  • Professional development
  • Business development
  • Project planning
  • Stakeholder management
  • Client engagement
  • Candidate assessment

Affiliations

Big Brothers, Big Sisters Lone Star State, VolunteerThe Chicago Caribbean Professionals, Co-Founder

By the Hand Club for Kids, Board Member

Black Film Club Chicago, Co-Founder

Certification

  • Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Yoga Alliance, Completed July 2021

Timeline

Managing Associate

Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners
05.2023 - Current

Senior Associate

Diversified Search Group | Koya Partners
05.2021 - 05.2023

Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant

Relativity
10.2019 - 05.2021

Senior Executive Search Associate

DHR International
12.2017 - 10.2019

Legal Recruiter

Major, Lindsay & Africa
12.2015 - 12.2017

Paralegal

Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin
06.2010 - 08.2011

College Admissions Counselor

Grove City College
05.2008 - 06.2010

J.D. -

Valparaiso University Law School

Bachelor of Arts - Communication & Political Science

Grove City College