DEB RYAN, FOUNDER AND ADVISOR
Debra allied her extensive recruiting background with her personal business philosophies to establish Bonell Ryan, Inc. in 1996 as a retained Executive Search firm that specializes in the placement of senior-level executives.
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, PRESIDENT AND CEO
John-Stuart is the President & CEO of Bonell Ryan Executive Search, having joined the firm in 2014 and taken over its management in 2025. Bonell Ryan provides attentive, first-class service to a preferred client base in the fields of SaaS, FinTech, and Payments.
With a focus on developing mutual trust and respect, John-Stuart has built close relationships where he is viewed as a true partner. His efficient, thorough, and highly personalized service, as well as his uncanny ability to develop a strong understanding of and connection to qualified candidates has led to his strong reputation and continuous repeat business.
Known within the payments and fintech industry, John-Stuart has built relationships with strategic clients and led searches across several functional areas. He is an experienced executive search professional adept at locating talent across a variety of industries and functions. John-Stuart leads all searches for Bonell Ryan, crafting search strategy and overseeing 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, DIRECTOR SEARCH OPERATIONS
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, Dip Cone, and Zoey. Wesley is an avid community supporter and has enjoyed volunteering over the years with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the Alzheimer's Association.
CRIMSON PIAZZA, SEARCH COORDINATOR
Crimson joined Bonell Ryan in 2024 and, as Search Coordinator, ensures candidate profiles are accurate and up to date, facilitates meeting preparations and follow-ups, organizes candidate data, and supports administrative operations to keep searches running smoothly. He employs the strong process learned at Bonell Ryan to maintain organization and accuracy, ensuring the team's success.
In addition to his role at Bonell Ryan, Crimson works with various nonprofit performance venues in Richmond, VA, as a Stage Manager, Technical Director, and Operations Director. His administrative skills and keen eye for detail have helped mount countless productions aimed at inspiring the community and sparking conversation.
Crimson holds a [BFA] from Virginia Commonwealth University and has found diverse avenues to apply his degree. He currently resides in Chester, VA, with his wife, Savannah, and their son, Asher. Outside of work, Crimson enjoys being a stay-at-home dad and spending as much time as possible with his family.
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.