Nicole Barbano is the Founder and CEO of Hunter Ambrose, a boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm that works with boards, CEOs, and leadership teams across healthcare, infrastructure, family offices, and investor-backed organizations.

For nearly two decades, Nicole has advised organizations on one of the most consequential decisions any institution makes: who it hires to lead.

Nicole began Hunter Ambrose in San Diego, California, building the firm around a simple idea — that executive search should combine rigorous candidate evaluation with trusted advisory relationships. Over time, the firm expanded nationally and is now operated from Kansas City, Missouri, where Nicole runs the business alongside her husband, Justin.

Together, they oversee executive search engagements, leadership coaching, and advisory work for organizations navigating leadership transition and growth.

Throughout her career, Nicole has worked directly with boards, founders, and executive teams to recruit and develop leaders responsible for complex organizations and public-facing institutions. Her work often intersects with environments where leadership decisions carry significant operational, financial, and community impact, including hospitals, utilities, special districts, and regulated enterprises.

Nicole also works with small business owners, founders, and emerging leaders through executive coaching and leadership advisory sessions. Her coaching focuses on practical leadership execution — helping leaders clarify priorities, strengthen decision-making, and navigate the realities of building and leading organizations.

She is the host of the Hunter Ambrose Podcast, where she interviews executives, operators, and leadership thinkers about the realities of work, hiring, and organizational leadership.