About Us

Welcome to HeadHunters NW, your strategic partner in executive talent acquisition. Drawing on decades of specialized experience, we excel in identifying and securing exceptional leaders for organizations with complex regulatory environments and unique industry requirements

For over two decades, HeadHunters NW has served as a trusted partner to organizations across diverse industries, delivering premium executive search solutions. Our expansive network spans the United States and extends globally, providing unparalleled access to exceptional talent.

We distinguish ourselves through deep industry knowledge and continuous professional development, maintaining cutting-edge expertise in the complex nuances, regulatory frameworks, and evolving needs of the global defense, small arms, and shooting sectors.

Our comprehensive approach encompasses a thorough understanding of candidate motivations, strategic compensation design, seamless relocation management, and expert navigation of market dynamics—ensuring optimal matches that drive organizational excellence.

We Proudly Serve:

  • Global Fortune 500 corporations

  • Strategic venture capital and private equity groups

  • Established family-owned enterprises

Private Equity

Capital management alone doesn't drive profits—strategic talent does. In today's fiercely competitive landscape, HeadHunters NW delivers exceptional leaders precisely when you need them. Our expertise spans the entire investment lifecycle, from pre-investment due diligence to executive leadership placement and board composition.

Publicly Traded

Successfully navigating shareholder expectations, activist pressures, and ESG requirements demands specialized experience. The market demands results—we deliver. HeadHunters NW's proven ability to discreetly secure world-class talent empowers your organization to address complex challenges with confidence. Whether you're a multinational corporation with diverse divisions or a focused headquarters operation, our cross-functional expertise secures the buy-in essential for sustained success.

Venture Capital

Hyper-growth environments require leaders with unique capabilities. We identify and secure transformational talent at every stage—from early acquisition through liquidity events and beyond. Leverage our global expertise to strengthen your investments with exceptional CEOs, C-suite executives, and board leadership that accelerate value creation.

Privately Held

Every organization—regardless of size—requires exceptional leadership to drive profitability and sustainable growth. Whether selecting your first CEO or enhancing your leadership team, we provide scalable talent solutions precisely calibrated to your pace, culture, and strategic objectives.

100% Guaranteed Results

Uncompromising Excellence, Measurable Results

  • Accelerated Talent Acquisition: Our retained search model delivers exceptional leaders in under 90 days

  • Six-Month Placement Assurance: All placements include a comprehensive six-month guarantee backed by contractual agreement

  • Continuous Success Partnership: We maintain proactive communication with both clients and placed executives throughout the integration process to ensure alignment and exceed expectations

  • Acquisition Technology

    Our cutting-edge talent acquisition technology identifies candidates poised to make a significant impact on your business all while optimizing recruitment costs.

  • Project Management

    Experience a seamless onboarding process with access to a wealth of valuable resources, constructive feedback reviews, transparent contracts, and continuous support through our collaboration with your hiring team.

  • Screening Tools

    Utilizing thorough research, interviews, and reference checks, we meticulously uncover potential red flags, presenting only the highest-caliber candidates for your consideration.

  • CRM Software

    Efficient relationship management tools enable effective communication, allowing us to assess, predict, and proactively resolve any potential issues.

  • Video Integration

    Enhance the hiring process with recorded interviews that contribute to more accurate assessments. Observation through video integration aids in determining the best-fit candidates.

Shaylene Keiner, President of HeadHunters NW, a top-tier executive talent acquisition firm.

Shaylene Keiner

Founder & President, HeadHunters NW

With visionary leadership and strategic foresight, Shaylene Keiner founded HeadHunters NW in 2004, building on her exceptional experience within both publicly traded and privately owned global recruiting organizations.

Under her guidance, HeadHunters NW has established itself as a premier executive search firm specializing in highly regulated industries with distinctive technical requirements—sectors whose unique culture and legacy Shaylene deeply respects and understands.

Drawing on over two decades of executive recruitment expertise, Shaylene has successfully navigated changing political administrations, economic fluctuations, and industry transformations. This forward-thinking approach has enabled HeadHunters NW to remain consistently ahead of marketplace trends.

The firm's distinctive strength lies in its ability to identify exceptional talent both within specialized industries and beyond—bringing fresh perspectives while honoring established traditions. This agile methodology has established HeadHunters NW as a trusted partner to some of the most respected brands across multiple sectors.

Shaylene considers it both a privilege and a responsibility to provide transformational leadership talent that drives innovation and excellence in the organizations she serves. Her work is guided by a profound respect for constitutional principles and patriotic values.

Logo featuring a revolver sketch, cursive text 'Shaylene Keiner,' title 'President, HeadHunters NW,' and tagline 'The Best Heads for Business.'

Engage Today, Transform Tomorrow

Our Clients

Meet the Team

  • Outline of the Nike Swoosh logo in black
  • Two people dancing, one wearing a suit and fedora, and the other with long hair and a dress, both silhouetted against a white background.
  • Black circular logo with stylized "G" and "S" letters
  • Stag standing silhouette
  • Nightforce Precision Optics logo with "NF" in a circle, black background.
  • STI International logo with stylized text in an oval design
  • Daniel Defense logo, black text on a white background
  • Simple illustration of a bicycle to symbolize transportation or cycling
  • Vista Outdoor logo with mountain design and text below.
  • NSSF logo with text "The Firearm Industry Trade Association."
  • Heckler & Koch logo with initials HK in red and company name in black text below.
  • Silhouette of Hexenhut, a witch's hat, and a broom symbolizing a witch.
  • Silhouette of a person sitting on a chair with a confused or questioning posture, featuring shadow-like details.
  • L3Harris logo featuring stylized geometric globe design.
  • Logo of IHEA-USA with silhouettes of hunters and tagline "Responsible Hunting."
  • EOTech logo with stylized "E" symbol
  • Hill Country Wholesale, Inc. logo with stylized mountains.
  • Steiner logo with slogan 'Nothing Escapes You' next to triangle graphic.
  • Buck Knives logo with "Est. 1902" and anvil symbol

  • "As a global company headquartered abroad, we needed an executive recruitment firm that could meet our domestic and international demands. We doubled our team with high-performing professionals who are a good fit with our industry and corporate culture. While there have been very few new employees who have not fit, HeadHunters NW has been fast to address issues and replace them as needed."

    Paul Lemke, GM RUAG Ammotec USA

  • "She not only has successfully placed highly talented people in key positions, but most importantly, she worked collaboratively with our team, communicated progress regularly, and delivered results effectively and timely."

    Deb Kenney, VP HR & Administration, NSSF

  • "The diverse skill set and their depth of knowledge provide the biggest advantage for their clients. In my 21 years of working in the outdoor industry, I have never met a more dialed-in person...she knows the industry, product, companies, and who's-who at all levels. Her ability to stay connected on the latest news and trends is remarkable."

    Jeff Stawiarski, VP Sales & Marketing, L3Harris / EOTech

  • "Headhunters NW has assisted us in recruiting some of our most effective staff members, all who have not only the skills and experience we required to continue to grow our business but have also possessed the most important attribute of fitting in with our culture."

    Monika Leniger-Sherrat, GM, Nightforce Optics