Our team. Your team.

Danny Gutknecht

Chief Executive Officer

Danny Gutknecht

Most days you’ll find me listening to an eclectic mix of music while riding the trails around downtown Phoenix; I started my entrepreneurial life at the age of 10 to fund my love of music. That Nebraska kid realized that the songs he loved were about creating a better version of yourself. Thus began a quest for self-knowledge, self-awareness and individuation. Poring through my own research and performing deep dives into psychological literature, I grew to the conviction that personal development isn’t just for the arts, psychology, or spirituality. Great companies spring from people uniting to share meaning and pursue personal development. I’m excited to have built a company that helps people find their own meaning with work.

David Payne

Chief Customer Officer

David Payne

Texas native that loves Arizona, father of two teenage daughters that stress me out, and an 11 year old son that constantly makes me question my intelligence.

Trail runner, washed out tri-athlete, mentor, Maven, wannabe Evangelist, give me AZ sunshine over the A/C, trips to Mexico over San Diego, Jeeps with the top down, exceptional Añejos.

And being around people that are driven, curious and willing to push themselves in pursuit of being great at whatever it is they’ve chosen to do.

Shelly Spriggs

Chief Learning & Delivery Officer

Shelly Spriggs

Hi! I’m Shelly Spriggs, an Oklahoma girl who enjoys watching my kids play sports, my doggos, lake time, OU Football, running and losing myself in a good read. When you can’t find me doing those things, you better do a search and rescue!

After years of working in Corporate Human Resources, I dove head first into my personal and work meaning journey, landing me with a team of people who thrive on helping others align their personal and organizational purpose. I get excited about redefining learning internally and externally by bridging leaders and organizations together.

Chaz Bennett

Business Development

Chaz Bennett

Chaz graduated with his Bachelors of Communication with a Minor in Technology. He has 10 years’ experience in Executive Search Recruitment, is the definition of a people person, well connected, and extremely likable. His personality and positive energy are contagious and it shows in the relationships he builds with coworkers, candidates, and clients. Chaz can open up many doors for candidates in the marketplace. 

Ikaika Luis

Business Development

Ikaika Luis

I’d like to say I have it all figured out.

But, the more I learn, the more I realize I have no idea what’s going on.

Jessica Martinez

(SHE/HER) Search Director

Jessica Martinez

I came to Arizona to study, and stayed to wear flip-flops at Christmas. I enjoy margaritas in nearly every flavor, traveling a bit too close to the sun, Imagine by John Lennon and my beautiful family. I joined Pathways to help people find jobs they love, and found tools that are applicable to more than just work.

Michelle Strickler

Marketing/Executive Assistant

Michelle Strickler

Hailing from the beautiful state of Minnesota, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my experiences in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesota has instilled a deep appreciation for community and collaboration with a commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction.

I am a lifelong learner with a diverse range of interests and experiences and a natural inclination toward creativity, and an insatiable curiosity. I look for new and exciting ways to make an impact through authentic, compelling, and unforgettable experiences.

In my free time, whether I’m exploring new places, trying new foods, or pursuing the elusive hole-in-one, I am always looking for inspiration in my creative pursuits.

Terence Bennell

Media & Technology

Terence Bennell

I fell into the media by chance. Turned out quite well, though; BBC tv, private enterprise, then my own editing company in London.

‘Twas also chance that brought me to Arizona, via Paris, which led to the two biggest things in my life: Pathways and being a dad.

Growing quite fond of happenstance…

Alexys Aguilar-Carr

Search Consultant

Alexys Aguilar-Carr

Hi, I’m Alexys! I grew up in sunny, Arizona and have been here ever since. If I’m not working, I’m hanging out with my three corgis, (I may or may not be a crazy dog mom…) or enjoying a nice happy hour!

Working at Pathways allows me to connect with individuals that are wanting to do meaningful work.

Ben Kussie

Search Consultant

Ben Kussie

My name is Ben, I’m from the Pacific North West, and graduated from Whitworth University in 2018. I enjoy a good drink at a bar and catching up with friends, but more times than not you’ll find me yelling ‘fore!’ right off the tee box under the Arizona sun.

James Murray

Search Consultant

James Murray

My name is James and I’m from Asheville, North Carolina. I graduated from a small school called Sewanee located in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee. Upon graduating I promptly moved out west and am loving the sun. I enjoy being outside playing golf, soccer, or hiking and will treat myself to a Corona or two on the weekends!

Kevin Figueroa

Search Consultant

Kevin Figueroa

Walker Houghton

Search Consultant

Walker Houghton

Hi I’m Walker. Originally from Austin, Texas. I am easily spotted in a crowded room. I love my dog Pepper and my cat Lazlo. Having trouble parallel parking? I’m your guy. I enjoy learning and take that into my everyday life and relationships.