The Hitch Partners Way
At Hitch, we’re maniacally focused on delighting our client partners by delivering solutions grounded in actionable insights and data. We’re not your typical retained search firm—we’re a team that loves what we do, has fun doing it, and somehow manages to make a little magic happen along the way.
The Hitch Team’s secret to success lies in our chemistry, diverse perspectives, and relentless commitment to delivering high-impact hiring solutions. Many of us grew up—or spent time—in the “DMV” (DC, Maryland, Virginia) admiring Cal Ripken Jr., who built his legacy by simply showing up—again and again—quietly delivering at a world-class level. He wasn’t flashy, but he was proud of his craft, grounded in his values, and deeply committed to his community.
That same mindset defines Hitch Partners. We show up. We deliver. And we do it with consistency, integrity, and a deep respect for the people and organizations we serve.
Who We Are
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Michael Piacente
MANAGING PARTNER
Known as the “CISO Whisperer,” Michael has an unmatched ability to connect with security leaders and foster trusted relationships across the globe. Through CISO Sanctuary gatherings in the U.S., and abroad, he continues to build spaces where CISOs can connect, share, and strengthen the community. No one works harder, talks more, or cares as deeply about our CISOs and clients’ success.
When he’s not traveling, Michael somehow balances coaching, family life, and his self-proclaimed world-class meat smoking—while doing everything possible to avoid a burpee.
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Brett Starr
MANAGING PARTNER
Brett thrives on data, detail, and deciphering the complex world of CISOs. Known for his humility and brainpower, he’s the kind of leader who hires (or begs) people smarter than himself and then steps aside so they can shine.
A masochist in the best way, Brett prefers pushing sleds in the Texas heat over an air-conditioned gym. With his kids now in college, he’s traded “chauffeur” duties for new ones — mostly taking orders from the Hitch team and his wife, or trying to survive AIM Boot Camp
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Karen Troni
TEAM CO SEARCH PARTNER
Karen is the OG of Hitch—wicked smart, endlessly resourceful, and the one we all turn to when we need the inside scoop on candidates and where they’ll thrive next. As the architect of “Team Colorado,” she drives candidate research and development while guiding clients seamlessly through each search.
Between raising four kids, coaching CrossFit, and leading with equal parts snark and savvy, Karen somehow makes it all look effortless. She’s the adult in the room—and we’ve learned to do what she says. Because otherwise? Burpees. Lots of burpees.
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Jamie Becker
TEAM CO SEARCH PARTNER
Jamie is the un-snarky alter-ego of Karen, powering “Team Colorado” with precision and wit. She somehow juggles candidate development, running a CrossFit gym, and raising two kids (three if you count her husband). When she’s not finding standout talent, she’s hiking Colorado trails, cheering at volleyball tournaments, or traveling with her family before the kids leave the nest. Calm, sharp, and quietly competitive, Jamie is the perfect blend of strength and grace—though we still secretly hope she bosses Karen around at the gym someday.
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Jason Owens
DIRECTOR OF DATA
Jason is our globetrotting data guru—the one who turns raw information into stories the CISO community actually wants to read. He refines our database, dives into AI to uncover patterns and insights, and somehow makes data feel human.
Always on the move (and yes, we’re hoping he’s scouting future Hitch offices abroad), Jason brings curiosity, precision, and humor to everything he does. When he’s not deep in data, he’s exploring new cultures, cooking up vegan creations, or trying once again to convert Michael to the plant-based side.
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Donna Pellegrino
TEAM ATX SEARCH PARTNER | MARKETING & EVENTS LEAD
Donna was brought on as the “adult” to keep the train on track with Team Austin—a role that’s proven challenging, but not nearly as much as raising four kids, starting a lacrosse league, and leading Hitch’s marketing and events with fearless precision. She’s the calm in the chaos, balancing strategy, creativity, and the occasional “non-standard” personality (see Brett above).
When she’s not researching candidates or planning Hitch gatherings, Donna’s probably on Peloton or finding new ways to run circles around every challenge that comes her way.
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Amy Ferrell
TEAM ATX SEARCH PARTNER
Known as the “Calendar Assassin,” Amy brings sharp insight, unshakable organization, and a knack for asking the questions no one else thinks to ask. She’s efficient, fearless, and always a step ahead—usually followed by a well-timed “bless your heart.”
Family means everything to Amy. She’s a proud mom of three strong daughters—her eldest graduating from the Air Force Academy, her middle at Texas A&M, and her youngest soon headed to Colorado State to play college soccer. Like her girls, Amy does nothing halfway—ever
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Suzanne Bolden
TEAM ATX SEARCH PARTNER
Suzanne lives by the motto, “Good food is the destination.” Her culinary curiosity has taken her down misty Northern California roads in search of lavender goat cheese, across the Gulf of Aqaba for the perfect shawarma, and into hours-long barbecue lines in the Texas heat—all in the name of flavor. Fortunately, her husband and three kids are always game to join the adventure.
With a background in process improvement and a love of efficiency, Suzanne brings structure and calm to every journey—much to the occasional amusement (and gentle exasperation) of those around her.