Expertise + Experience
Meet Our Executive Recruiting Team
People are the heart of our business, and where our team truly excels. We value straight talk, thoughtful listening, agile work and using technology to improve our results and efficiency. We’re also passionate about building relationships, elevating great leaders and helping our clients succeed.
Here are some of the friendly faces you’ll work with:
David Lyman
Principal
As one of the most trusted and respected executive recruiters in the Twin Cities, David Lyman thrives on helping senior leaders and mid-sized companies transform their futures. He specializes in C-level and board searches, with deep involvement in every engagement.
David’s career spans more than 25 years at international and boutique search firms where his integrity, vision and partnering approach led to success. Prior to launching Lyman Executive Search in 2019, he cofounded LymanDoran, the third largest executive search firm in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and led Schall Lyman, a regional practice. He began his career with key positions at Russell Reynolds Associates and Korn Ferry International.
David prides himself on being a strong listener, connector and coach with solid ties to his community, family and professional network. He is an active board member for Dunwoody College of Technology, current member of the Private Directors Association, past president of the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club and former board member of the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota-North Dakota. He holds an MBA from New York University and a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College. David and his wife have four children and live in Excelsior, Minnesota.
Nora Klaphake
Search Consultant
Nora Klaphake loves meeting new people, making connections and discovering where each leader’s unique talents will make the greatest impact. Her background in law, higher education and executive search gives her a well-rounded perspective and firsthand knowledge of what creates a great hiring experience for companies and candidates.
She excels at communication and takes a forward-thinking approach to all her engagements.
Most recently, Nora founded a legal recruiting firm where she advises numerous organizations on executive recruiting, talent development and human capital management. She also has served in top administrative and recruiting positions at Hamilton College, the University of Minnesota Law School and the Maslon law firm.
Nora earned her bachelor’s degree from Hamline University and her JD from the University of Minnesota Law School. She regularly volunteers with various legal and bar associations, and speaks on generational differences in the workplace. Outside the office, she enjoys traveling and exploring live music venues around the world.
Theresa Michel
Search Consultant
Theresa Michel loves when clients say, “We didn’t think we could find a leader with this combination of skills and experience!” A seasoned executive recruiter, she applies her talents to high-profile executive searches across a variety of industries.
More than 20 years of search experience—including both client side and search firm roles—gives her valuable perspective on all aspects of the hiring process. Her career highlights include positions with top boutique search firms, Korn Ferry International and a publicly traded company where she launched and led the internal executive search function during a period of rapid growth.
Family-owned and privately-held companies appreciate Theresa’s transparent approach, strategic mindset, tenacious attitude and nimble style. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and a JD from William Mitchell College of Law. Theresa lives with her husband and their two children in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Libby Utter
Search & Business Development Consultant
Libby Utter excels at growing and maintaining relationships. With high energy, professionalism and caring, she spearheads C-level and board searches and supports new business development activities.
Her experience includes more than 15 years in executive search, culminating as past president of executive search firm The Wood Group, and hands-on organizational leadership as executive director of the non-profit Gilda’s Club Twin Cities. Her network and talents extend across privately-held and family-owned companies, financial services, private equity firms and non-profit organizations.
Libby is president of the Minnesota Chapter of the Private Directors Association. She is a past board member of Theater Latte Da (development chair), the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance (board chair), Minnesota Stroke Association (board chair) and the Scleroderma Foundation (board chair). A graduate of the University of Michigan, she lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her husband and, to her delight, near her grown children and grandchildren.
Heidi Westlind
Search Consultant
After a successful career in marketing, sales and communications roles, Heidi Westlind turned her talents to executive search where she enjoys making an impact with privately-held and family-owned businesses. Her discerning approach, attention to detail and exceptional project management skills add value to every search engagement.
Her successful track record includes leading C-level and board searches across numerous industries. Prior to her career in executive search, Heidi spent fifteen years at International Decision Systems in global leadership positions, including chief marketing officer, and ten years at Vander Zanden, Inc., a communications coaching firm, where she specialized in client relations and development.
Heidi holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.
She and her husband have five children and live in Deephaven, Minnesota.
