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Our Mission
To cultivate and build an A-team of professionals to support our clients from corner office to household with a holistic, personalized approach and focus on results.
About Truex Métier
Welcome to Truex Métier, where the art of talent acquisition has been perfected by our four decades of experience, assisting clients and candidates alike in achieving their goals. As a full-service administrative, executive, and estate recruiting consultancy, we are not just seasoned professionals – we are architects of careers and builders of teams.
Our journey spans more than 40 years, a testament to our enduring passion for connecting exceptional talent and organizations. At Truex Métier, we view our history of success as a foundation upon which we continue to innovate and redefine the standards of excellence in the recruiting landscape. When you work with Truex Métier, you’ll benefit from the authenticity of our team and our Culture and Strengths Methodology. This unique approach is underpinned by research and refined to deliver positive, lasting outcomes.
Tenacity is our driving force. We approach each search with an unyielding commitment to uncovering the perfect match. Whether it's an administrative professional poised to streamline your operations or an executive leader ready to steer your organization towards new horizons, we work meticulously to find the needle in the haystack.
What truly sets us apart is our promise to have your back. In a world where talent acquisition can be a complex maze, we stand as your unwavering advocates. Your success is our priority, and we take pride in not only meeting but exceeding your expectations at every turn. Our focus is on a partnership where experience, tenacity, and dedication converge to create unparalleled wins for our clients and candidates alike. At Truex Métier, we go beyond talent acquisition; we shape careers and foster organizational success. Join us on a journey where the pursuit of excellence is not just a mission but a way of life.
The Leadership Team
Mary Ann Truex
President
John Cullens
Chairman
Mary Ann Truex joined a well-known San Francisco based image and corporate design firm as Assistant to the President after receiving her dual BS degrees in Marketing and Finance from U.C. Berkeley. John Cullens spent 15 years in the high tech industry in positions ranging from Engineer to VP of Sales and Marketing for several companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies before entering the executive search industry.
In 1983, John and Mary Ann combined their expertise to start Truex Associates and Truex Temps. For the next 16 years, it was the fastest growing staffing company in San Francisco and on the Peninsula with over 500 contract and permanent employees throughout California. Truex Associates redefined the industry by focusing on matching each candidate’s strengths and personality with the client’s corporate culture.
After a successful exit in 1998, John and Mary Ann became involved in various venture capital and nonprofit endeavors including 6 years of research into Positive Psychology and its effect on corporate productivity. This culminated into a new model for the staffing industry after Mary Ann certified as a life coach by the Applied Neuroscience Institute. She now applies scientifically and empirically proven methods to finding and matching positive candidates and strength profiles to employers who can benefit from this talent pool. These new hires are more creative, more open to new ideas, more willing to take on new challenges; and apt to share their contagious energy.
Truex Métier, is the realization of these principles, uniquely matching candidates that possess high positivity, integrity and character strengths with corporate cultures that will benefit most from these talented employees.
Christine Braelow
General Manager
Originally from Michigan, Christine has lived in the Bay Area for over 25 years. She holds a BBA from the University of Michigan and brings more than 30 years of experience in executive and IT search, consulting, and global SaaS sales leadership. As General Manager at Truex Métier, she leads the team in partnering with clients to deliver exceptional talent searches. She believes great searches go beyond the resume, using human insight to uncover the qualities and fit that lead to long-term success. Christine began her career in IT recruiting, founded Lynx Consulting, and led it for 20 years. Outside work, she is a passionate advocate for wildlife preservation, with a particular soft spot for elephants, and she has never been known to turn down a sushi dinner!
Favorite Quote:
“This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before.”
- Maya Angelou
After work you'll find me...
Heading to a Pilates or yoga class, exploring the amazing Bay Area trails with friends, getting lost in a good book, or cheering for my lifelong team the Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue!
The Talent Acquisition Team
Carmen Archbald
Originally from Texas, Carmen earned her BA in Fine Arts from St. Edward’s University. After relocating to the SF Bay Area, she built a career in domestic staffing, support-ing UHNW families in Estate Management and Executive Personal Assistance. She brings over 20 years of experience before transitioning into recruitment. Carmen draws on her background to connect with clients and candidates with care, valuing lasting and meaningful partnerships. Outside of work, she’s usually cheering on her kids at soccer games, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or enjoying a carefully brewed cup of coffee whenever she can sneak in a rare slow morning.
Talent Acquisition Manager
Favorite Quote:
“This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before.” - Maya Angelou
After work you'll find me...
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Walking my dog on the beach, spending time with my family, reading books with my kids, shuttling between soccer games, or planning my next travel adventure.
Kristy Bella
Kristy, a native New Yorker, pursued her education at St. Joseph's University and later enjoyed three rewarding years at Fox Sports. The allure of San Francisco drew Kristy in 2016 when she found her calling at Truex Métier. Throughout the pandemic challenges, she stayed committed to connecting clients with top talent. Eight years strong with the company, she has witnessed its growth firsthand. In her free time, she finds solace by the beach and delights in exploring local culinary offerings. Her journey is a testament to embracing change and finding joy in professional and personal adventures.
Vice President, Talent Acquisition
Favorite Quote:
"You gotta keep on keepin’ on. Life’s a garden: dig it. You gotta make it work for you." - Joe Dirt
After work you'll find me...
Searching for the best martini in town
Robert Behney
Robert has been a recruiter for over 30 years, with experience principally in financial services. He leads a practice with a focus on recruiting and evaluating candidates for companies throughout the US. Clients include buy-side investment management firms including famiily- and multi-family offices, endowments and foundations, venture capital and private equity, asset management and institutional asset managers. After three decades, Robert never tires of the thrill when a candidate gets a fantastic new job and a client gains an outstanding new associate. When not at work, Robert enjoys reading, international travel and fine wines.
Managing Director, Talent Acquisition
Favorite Quote:
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy"
After work you'll find me...
Popping corks on fine wine.
Thuha Cao
Thuha is an ENFJ who has always been drawn to serving others. After earning her Bachelor's degree while leading the HR student organization in college, she spent several years in people operations before deciding she wanted a career change. She initially came to Truex Métier as a candidate, but as fate would have it, she met the company’s Founder, Mary Ann Truex, and was hired on the spot as her Executive Assistant. In 2019, Thuha was promoted to Recruiter and the rest is history. In her spare time, Thuha enjoys learning about psychology, being outdoors, and spending quality time with her favorite people and adorable cats.
Vice President, Talent Acquisition
Favorite Quote:
"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have."
After work you'll find me...
Taking a sunset walk, lifting weights at the gym, joining a dance class, enjoying good conversations with friends, savoring a delicious home-cooked meal, or catching up on the latest TV shows and movies.
Mackenzie Cullens
Mackenzie developed a strong foundation in client service and relationship building at First Republic Bank/JP Morgan Chase Wealth management. Inspired by her passion for people, she transitioned into recruiting in 2025. She now focuses on connecting top talent with opportunities that align with their skills and goals. Known for her thoughtful communication and ability to build trust, she creates lasting relationships with candidates and clients. Mackenzie holds a degree in Economics from UCLA and lives in San Francisco, where she enjoys exploring new restaurants and weekend getaways.
Talent Acquisition Manager
Favorite Quote:
"The best way to predict your future is to create it"
After work you'll find me...
Discovering new restaurants, dreaming up future travel plans, and finding calm through yoga and pilates.
Shelby Coletto Falvo
A Bay Area native and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate, Shelby joined Truex Métier in 2013. After walking into the office as a candidate, she left 3 hours later with a job offer to join the team as a Recruiter and hasn't looked back since. A true introvert at heart, she embraces a unique approach to recruiting and prides herself on her ability to listen intently, ask the right questions and lead with compassion while developing meaningful relationships through trust and reliability. Shelby plans to spend the rest of her career in talent acquisition, but never fails to find time to strengthen her skills as an amateur chef.
Exec. Vice President, Talent Acquisition
Favorite Quote:
"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." - John Muir
After work you'll find me...
Messing around in the kitchen (baking sourdough or creating a new sheet pan meal), inn-to-inn hiking in Europe, wine tasting, or spending time with my dogs, Benjamin and Bear.
Alex Huang
Alex is a recruiter and consultant who specializes in the financial services industry. He started his career as a wealth management professional in 2005 and joined the recruiting industry in 2016. Alex loves connecting candidates with top notch financial services firms, and helping people achieve their dreams and goals. He has assisted numerous clients in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Boston acquire the best talent in the market. Alex enjoys living in the Bay Area and spending family time with his wife, 2 children, a Great Pyrenees dog and a fat cat.
Vice President, Talent Acquisition
Favorite Quote:
"Be fearful when others are greedy, be greedy when others are fearful"
After work you'll find me...
Trying to find the best deal for the next vacation spot
Bonita Jung
A San Francisco native, Bonita started her career working in operations and management, honing her analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. A desire for change brought her to Truex Métier, where she took a leap of faith to tackle a fresh challenge as a recruiter. Her focus on integrity and straightforward approach has enabled her to build strong partnerships with both clients and candidates. Bonita has a BA from UC Berkeley and an MBA from USC. This former globetrotter can now be spotted shuttling her 5-year-old around town.
Sr. Vice President, Talent Acquisition
Favorite Quote:
"In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." - Albert Camus
After work you'll find me...
Watching Netflix or napping
Aisha Williams
Aisha is an avid athlete whose persever-ance and drive fuel her professional success. She infuses boundless energy into every pursuit and enjoyed success as a Leasing Consultant matching people with their perfect homes. At Truex Métier, Aisha shifted her skills into the dynamic world of recruiting where her talent for building connections found a perfect fit. Shaping careers and contributing to the growth of businesses has become Aisha's mission. When not immersed in the professional realm, Aisha frequently takes to the softball diamond, nurturing her lifelong love for the game.
Vice President, Talent Acquisition
Favorite Quote:
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
After work you'll find me...
At the gym or walking my dog, Teddy. And, though, I love all types of music, I love finance related podcasts.
The Administrative Team
Kerry Christianson
Originally from Seattle and now residing in Port Townsend, Washington, Kerry brings a strong background in executive support, bookkeeping, accounting, and organization to Truex Métier. She began her career as an Executive Assistant to global leaders at companies including Amazon and Guy Carpenter before transitioning into bookkeeping and accounting, supporting arts organizations including Centrum. After sailing down the coast with her husband in 2019, Kerry joined Truex Métier, where she now oversees critical financial operations. Outside of work, she enjoys community theatre, independent film, and exploring the Olympic Peninsula.
Controller | HR Director
Favorite Quote:
"Hey, hey, hey, hey-now. Don't be mean; we don't have to be mean, cuz, remember, no matter where you go, there you are." -Buckaroo Bonzai
After work you'll find me...
Riding my BMW c400x scooter, watching tv with my husband, or going out to dinner or a movie
Ella Komo
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Ella graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with interests in politics, culture, and communication. Her background in social media management and accounting has given her a blend of administrative, creative, and organizational skills that she brings to her role as Business Development & Marketing Associate at Truex Métier. A curious and adaptable person, Ella is always eager to learn and take on new challenges. Outside of work, she loves traveling internationally, exploring different cultures, hiking, swimming, and spending time with her three dogs - Winnie, Juice, and Bear.
Business Development & Marketing
Favorite Quote:
"Don't forget that the compass was invented before the clock because direction is much more important than time."
After work you'll find me...
Hanging out with friends and family, watching sports, reading, cooking, or enjoying nature.
Neale Walker
Originally from England, Neale moved to Northern Nevada in 2024, bringing over a decade of experience supporting CEOs and senior executives. Her career has spanned financial services, technology, and engineering, along with an earlier career in physical therapy after earning her Bachelor’s degree. Known for her adaptability and organizational skills, Neale brings a thoughtful and steady approach to supporting those around her. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, exploring the lakes and mountains of Nevada and California, and traveling whenever the opportunity arises.
Executive Personal Assistant
Favorite Quote:
"If you can't be kind, at least be vague." Judith Martin
After work you'll find me...
Attempting to keep my garden alive or hiking with my dog
Duke
A natural at welcoming guests, boosting morale, and bringing a little extra joy to the office. Whether greeting a familiar face, making new friends, or keeping a watchful eye on the team, our four-legged executive is always on duty. A firm believer that the best workdays include plenty of fun, good company, and, of course, a treat or two.