Founded in 2006. One-year guarantee standard. Flat fee firm. Let’s get to work.
The Hunter Ambrose Int. Ledership Team
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Nicole Barbano Sipe - Founder and Principal
As Founder and Principal of Hunter Ambrose, Nicole is an executive and corporate coach, speaker, and strategic advisor who 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 CEOs, boards, investors, and leadership teams to align talent with business goals—whether through permanent placements, interim leadership, or leadership coaching. She leads the firm's coaching and masterclass offerings and frequently speaks on leadership development and market positioning. Nicole also advises candidates on high-stakes transitions and visibility strategy, helping leaders navigate complex career pivots and enhance their executive presence.
Her expertise spans both talent acquisition and leadership development, making her a trusted advisor for organizations and executives seeking transformational growth and strategic alignment.
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Justin Wade Sipe - Principal Consultant
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 the delivery of executive search services.
With over 20 years of experience in operations and team leadership across multi-location retail and service enterprises, Justin brings a strong background in cost control, vendor oversight, and business development. His expertise spans large-scale operational management, including big-box retail environments and multi-site service operations. He also contributes to business development initiatives 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 strategic growth of the firm.
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Julia Skoblova - Creative Director
Based in Warsaw, Poland, 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, driving engagement across global markets.
Julia develops comprehensive integrated marketing plans to support priority searches, including social media campaigns, brand alignment, and digital visibility strategies. Her international perspective brings fresh insights to positioning clients in competitive talent markets, while her design expertise ensures every touchpoint reflects sophisticated, contemporary branding.
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. Her work bridges cultural and geographic boundaries, helping organizations attract talent both locally and internationally.
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Nick A. Milne - Search Associate
At Hunter Ambrose, Nick Milne applies a detail-oriented and people-centered approach to executive search—connecting mission-driven organizations with leaders who inspire results. As a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Fordham University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies, Nick combines analytical precision with exceptional communication skills to identify high-performing professionals across diverse sectors.
Nick began his career with Hunter Ambrose International in 2018, contributing to the firm’s recognition among Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Executive Search Firms in 2022. Starting as an Administrative Assistant, he advanced to Senior Consultant through performance and commitment, supporting national retained searches for Critical Access Hospitals, healthcare finance, hospice leadership, and start-up technology firms.
Today, as a Search Associate, Nick focuses on academia, athletics, and professional services searches, bringing insight, structure, and sincerity to every engagement. His background in education and media adds a unique perspective to leadership evaluation—ensuring every placement strengthens both organizational culture and community impact.
Quick FactsFounded in 2006 — nearly two decades of executive search expertise
Ranked #21 among the largest executive search firms by Modern Healthcare (2022)
National Reach — specialized in placing leaders across all 50 states
Global Reach - Retained by healthcare and family office organizations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico
Healthcare Stronghold — Retained by over 500 Critical Access Hospitals since 2019
Cross-Sector Expertise — Public utilities, law firms, investor-backed companies & family offices. Healthcare expertise extends to a multi-disciplinary expertise from finance, plant operations, and risk management.
Integrated Solutions — 1 in 4 clients also engage us for coaching or strategic advisory
Leadership Team — 3 senior partners supported by a national consultant network
Philosophy — Boutique-level service. Enterprise-level results.
Location — Based in Kansas City, Missouri