DEB RYAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO
Debra allied her extensive recruiting background with her personal business philosophies to establish Bonell Ryan, Inc. in 1996 as a retained Executive Search firm which specializes in the placement of senior-level executives. Bonell Ryan, Inc. provides attentive, first-class service to a preferred client base in the fields of FinTech, Payments, Consumer Banking, eCommerce, and Retail.
Debra's high energy, integrity and candid style have led her to the Fortune 1000 companies and early and late stage start-ups that are in need of smart and savvy professionals for their senior management positions. Her keen ability to understand her client's specific business needs and how they compliment the career goals of her candidates has been a critical influence on her success.
With a focus on developing mutual trust and respect, Debra has built close relationships where she is viewed as a true partner. Her efficient, thorough and highly personalized service, as well as her uncanny ability to develop a strong understanding of and connection to qualified candidates has led to her strong reputation and continuous repeat business.
Prior to Bonell Ryan, Inc., Debra spent five years as a partner with Muller Ryan International, Inc., a global executive search firm, and five years in several senior management positions across the globe with Drake International, a world-wide recruitment firm.
Debra is a member of Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization, International Crisis Group and Metropolitan Squash Association. Her varied interests include international travel, cultural and international affairs, theater, squash, and skiing.
In 2008, Debra founded a not-for-profit organization – Children of Tomorrow – which helps educate impoverished children in various countries throughout the world.
Debra was born in Brisbane, Australia.
JOHN-STUART FAUQUET, MANAGING PARTNER
John-Stuart is a Managing Partner with Bonell Ryan, having joined the firm in 2014. In this role, he builds relationships with strategic clients and leads searches across a number of functional areas. He is an experienced executive search professional adept at locating talent across a variety of industries and functions. John-Stuart is involved in all aspects of search, including search strategy, research, candidate development and offer negotiation. He has a deep research background and superb skills in identifying executives.
Prior to Bonell Ryan, John-Stuart was with Diversified Search, one of the top ten executive search firms in the United States, as a key member of the Digital Media, Sports and Entertainment Practice. He worked closely with the Managing Partner of the firm’s New York office concentrating in media, technology, and entertainment.
John-Stuart holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BA from Valparaiso University in Indiana. He grew up in Hickory, North Carolina.
WESLEY HARRIS, SEARCH ASSOCIATE
Wesley joined Bonell Ryan in 2021 and leads the coordination of the candidate experience. He employs the strong process learned at Bonell Ryan to engage with both clients and candidates in order to drive successful searches.
Prior to Bonell Ryan, Wesley worked for PepsiCo leading a team of administrators across the state of Virginia in the areas of accounts receivable/payable, payroll, customer support, etc.
Wesley received his Bachelors of Science degree from the Honors College at East Tennessee State University and is currently wrapping up his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas.
Wesley resides in the Tri-Cities, TN area together with his wife, Amelia, son, Henry, daughter, Opal and their rescue dogs, Alexander Hamilton, Biscuit, and Dip Cone. Wesley is an avid community supporter and has enjoyed volunteering over the years with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the Alzheimer's Association.
CATHY SHAFFNER, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Cathy joined Bonell Ryan in 2018. She is responsible researching and sourcing candidates as well as data entry and reporting. Cathy employs the strong process learned at Bonell Ryan to identify and source senior level candidates across the country and communicate and conduct insightful screens and interviews.
In addition to her work at Bonell Ryan, Cathy is also a professor at the University of Richmond. She has extensive experience as an actor, teacher and director and lives in Richmond, VA
AUDRA HONAKER, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Audra Honaker has been with Bonell Ryan since 2017 and works as a sourcer and researcher. Audra employs the strong process learned at Bonell Ryan to identify and source senior level candidates across the country and communicate and conduct insightful screens and interviews. In addition to her work at Bonell Ryan, Audra is also a teacher at the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community as well as a Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. She has extensive experience as an actor and director and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.