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. 

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.

Blake Lautner

Search Director

Blake Lautner

As the Search Director overseeing Pathways Semiconductor and Technical Recruitment, I get to partner with key clients, work with engineers as they evaluate the market, and lead a team of search consultants.

I truly enjoy assisting others in reaching their goals, whether it’s supporting organizations in building exceptional teams, helping engineers take the next step in their career journey, or aiding search consultants in their growth and development.

Along the way, I have been fortunate to build incredible relationships, make great friends, and learn a ton (mostly about myself). Outside of Pathways, I golf most weekends and fly fish when my schedule permits. Originally from the greater St. Louis area, I now call Phoenix home and will take 115° over -5° any day.

Ikaika Luis

Search Director

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.

Mandy Landrum

Senior Search Consultant

Mandy Landrum

AZ native and girl-mom sporting an adrenaline junkie heart and a mars-mentality mindset. I have an insatiable hunger for nature, typically spending my free time hiking, climbing, camping, riding, or flying.

When I’m not living life on the edge, I can be found helping others to find their version of flow-state through their career. I’ve spent the past 13 years bringing great people together for greater purposes, and doing it in a humanized manner.

I believe you can harmonize the experience for the company and accomplish more for the customers, and the team, by bringing the power of meaning to the table.

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.

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.

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…