Who we are
About Hunter Ambrose
Strategic Search. Modern Visibility. Human-Centered Leadership.
Hunter Ambrose is a boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm built for organizations where leadership alignment is mission-critical. We partner with healthcare systems, public utilities, family offices, and investor-backed companies to recruit leaders who deliver performance, stability, and vision.
Led by a small, senior team—Nicole Barbano, Justin Wade Sipe, and Julia Skoblova—Hunter Ambrose is intentionally structured to provide focused, high-touch service with the speed and discretion today’s leadership landscape demands. We are supported by a national network of sector-specific consultants and advisors, allowing us to execute searches with precision and relevance.
We do more than recruit—we shape how your leadership brand shows up in the market. From job reels, SparkHire interview protocol, to candidate coaching and strategic consulting, our approach is comprehensive, creative, and built for long-term impact.
Our Leadership Team
Nicole Barbano - Founder & Principal
Nicole leads all executive searches and advisory engagements. With nearly two decades of experience recruiting for healthcare, energy, legal, and private entities, she is known for her direct, strategy-driven approach and deep understanding of leadership dynamics.
Nicole works closely with CEO’s, boards, investors, and leadership teams to align talent with business goals—whether through permanent placements, interim leadership, or leadership coaching. She also leads the firm’s coaching and masterclass offerings and frequently advises candidates on high-stakes transitions and visibility strategy.
Justin Wade Sipe - Principal
As Principal at Hunter Ambrose, Justin oversees finance, vendor management, and operational support. He ensures the firm runs efficiently behind the scenes, managing budgets, systems, and external partnerships that support executive search delivery.
With over 20 years of experience in operations and team leadership—including roles in big-box retail and multi-site car wash and storage operations—Justin brings a strong background in cost control, vendor oversight, and business development. He also contributes to business development and supports select client engagements requiring operational insight.
As Nicole’s husband and business partner, Justin plays a key role in maintaining the structure, stability, and growth of the firm.
Julia Skoblova - Creative Director
Julia leads the firm’s creative and digital marketing strategy, helping clients tell their story to attract top-tier talent. She produces Job Reels—short-form, high-impact recruitment videos that give candidates an authentic look into your organization and leadership culture.
Julia also develops integrated marketing plans to support priority searches, including social media campaigns, brand alignment, and digital visibility.
With a background in design and a deep understanding of narrative branding, Julia ensures that every engagement reflects the unique strengths of each client and creates meaningful connections with the right audience. ‘
Interested in Joining Hunter Ambrose?
We’re always open to conversations with professionals who bring fresh thinking and proven results. If you excel in leveraging AI in executive search, are an experienced executive coach, or a marketing strategist with a track record of impact, we’d love to connect.
Did you know? Q&A with Hunter Ambrose
What does Hunter Ambrose specialize in?
We specialize in executive search, interim leadership, strategic consulting, executive coaching, and corporate training. Our clients include healthcare systems, public utilities, investor-backed ventures, legal and financial organizations, and family offices.
What roles do you recruit for?
We focus on senior leadership, director-level, and specialized roles. This includes leadership, finance, nursing, information, revenue cycle, human resources, and general counsel.
How is Hunter Ambrose different from other search firms?
We are a boutique firm that works with a limited number of clients each quarter, ensuring highly focused and senior-led execution. Every search is led by Nicole Barbano and supported by a small leadership team with national consultants. We also offer Job Reels, SparkHire video interviews, and executive coaching as part of our integrated recruitment strategy.
Do you offer interim leadership placements?
Yes. We place experienced interim leaders—CEOs, CFOs, CNOs, and others—as at-will employees of your organization. This model offers flexibility, cost savings, and operational control compared to traditional staffing models.
What is SparkHire, and how does Hunter Ambrose use it?
SparkHire is a secure, one-way video interview platform that allows candidates to record structured interviews. Hunter Ambrose was one of the first healthcare search firms to implement SparkHire—over 10 years ago. It remains a key part of our screening process and helps clients evaluate candidates more efficiently and consistently.
What is the Hunter Ambrose Recruitment Method?
Our method combines targeted search, SparkHire video screening, candidate briefings, and weekly client updates. With a 91% candidate-to-interview rate and a one-year guarantee on all placements, our approach is designed for precision, speed, and long-term fit.
What’s a Job Reel, and why does it matter?
A Job Reel is a short-form video that highlights your team, leadership culture, and community. Produced by our in-house Creative Director, it gives candidates an authentic view of your organization. Job Reels drive engagement and increase the visibility of your opportunity, especially valuable in competitive or rural markets.
Where is Hunter Ambrose based?
Hunter Ambrose is based in Kansas City, Missouri. Nicole Barbano, our Founder, is originally from San Diego, California, and Principal Justin Wade Sipe is from Canton, Kansas. Our location in the heart of the country gives us a national lens with regional sensitivity.
Does Hunter Ambrose only recruit in the U.S.?
No. While we’re based in the U.S., we are a global firm. The firm has been retained by organizations in Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
Does the firm work in Rural America?
Absolutely. Hunter Ambrose has been retained by over 500 Critical Access Hospitals in 47 states. We are deeply committed to solving leadership challenges in rural and underserved areas.
What types of organizations do you work with?
We work with a range of organizations—from critical access hospitals and public utilities to private equity-backed ventures, family offices, and regional law firms. Whether you’re in a small town or managing growth across multiple markets, our team adapts to your scale and complexity.
Do you only recruit for executive roles?
Executive search is our core focus, but we also support interim leadership, director-level roles, and key operational hires—especially when those roles impact strategy, compliance, or performance.
Do you offer executive coaching or consulting separately?
Yes. Nicole Barbano provides 1:1 and group coaching, masterclasses, and consulting services for boards, leadership teams, and professionals at career inflection points. Coaching and consulting can be bundled with a search or offered as a stand-alone service.
How do I get started?
Click below to book a no-obligation search consultation — it’s a relaxed, goal-focused conversation with Nicole and the team to explore your timeline, needs, and whether we’re the right fit to support your search, coaching, or advisory goals.