Experienced leader, entrepreneur names executive team to pilot growth in Texas market
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – May 14, 2020 – Vaco, a talent solutions firm that provides consulting, contract and direct hire solutions to more than 40 markets around the globe, has named Stephen M. Dyer, a veteran business leader, as managing partner of its San Antonio office to chart the future growth of the firm across central Texas.
Dyer joined Aventine Hill Partners, which was acquired by and rebranded as Vaco last year, in 2014. The firm – part of a powerhouse that delivers talent solutions across diverse industries and to more than 12,200 clients globally – anchors Vaco’s growth in the Lone Star State along with offices in Dallas and Houston. As part of the growth, Vaco has promoted Beth Hair, Aventine Hill Partners’ founder, to founding partner in San Antonio; she will continue to advise the next generation of leaders and explore new marketplace opportunities. Also elevated to leadership roles are Erica Baker, managing director and partner, accounting and finance; Janis Jesse, managing director, business and technology; Walter Belt, managing director, CFO advisory solutions; and Donna Ivey McIlveen, senior director, executive search.
“We’ve experienced significant expansion and success since joining forces with Vaco,” said Hair. “Vaco encourages an atmosphere of creativity, flexibility, and tech expertise that has allowed us to step on the gas to deliver even greater service to our clients. Stephen has embraced this culture, and along with our other leaders, he has a great vision for the future.”
“We know great people when we see them, and Vaco immediately recognized the strength and talent of the team in San Antonio,” said Leslie Cobb-Hector, senior managing partner of Vaco’s Texas operations. “It is exceptionally rare to find a tenured, home-grown team that is ready and equipped to step into leadership roles, and it’s really a testament to the foundation formed by Beth. We’re excited to see Stephen build upon that foundation.”
Dyer previously served as director of client services for Vaco in San Antonio, where he solved problems and advanced strategies in the areas of accounting and finance, business and technology, risk and compliance, project management, and CFO services.
Prior to joining Vaco, Dyer worked alongside several entrepreneurs to help launch their businesses as a consultant or COO. Originally from San Antonio, Dyer earned his degree from Texas A&M University and started his career in Houston as a management consultant where he assisted financial teams at Fortune 500 companies in improving financial reporting processes, system selection and implementation, and growth strategies. Dyer also has a passion for the San Antonio community, having been a member of Leadership San Antonio and helping match leaders to non-profit boards through the Area Foundation and SA2020.
“Strong relationships are so important in San Antonio. That is what brought me home and why I love our industry. Not only are we solving companies’ most complex problems, we are building strong bonds as well,” Dyer said. “I have been in both the client’s and consultant’s shoes, so I understand both sides. Connecting the two is about more than just providing people – it’s about providing solutions and connection. Our team knows the difference, and I am humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve them and clients, and to build on the legacy here.”
Several clients and leaders in SA community have already expressed positive feedback about the transition.
“HOLT CAT has been a long-standing customer of Aventine Hill Partners over the years,” said Paul Hensley, senior vice president of finance, CFO, and treasurer for Holt Texas, Ltd. “Beth and her team were great partners on accounting project work, staff augmentation assignments, and direct hire placement opportunities. Now that Vaco has acquired the business, my team and I are excited about the additional depth of services and capabilities that their merger brings to the table for us. Stephen is a dynamic leader who is well positioned to continue the tradition that was built by AHP and Beth, and I’m confident he will lead the Vaco team in San Antonio with their customer service attitude, new suite of competencies, and continued value chain creation for our company. They will remain our go-to provider for accounting-related project work.”
Vaco in San Antonio is one of the city’s largest regional professional services firms and is poised for growth by adding hundreds of clients and candidates to the company’s established portfolio. San Antonio – and Texas – are key growth markets for Vaco, which has experienced rapid expansion in the area, serving more than 1,100 clients in the state. Vaco in San Antonio delivered more than 250 projects for 100 clients last year and has served more than 400 clients since its inception. That growth is fueled by a high-performing team that includes over 100 consultants, including more than 10 CFO advisors, all committed to the success of the San Antonio business community.
About Vaco
Vaco provides boutique level service with global reach in the areas of consulting, consultative project resources, executive search, permanent placement and strategic staffing. Areas of expertise include c-suite search, accounting, finance, technology, health care IT, operations, administration and international managed services. Since its founding in 2002, Vaco has grown to serve more than 40 markets across the globe, with 1,200 employees, 5,500 consultants and $750 million in revenue. Vaco has been named to Inc. magazine’s list of the fastest-growing private companies for the past 13 years and was named to Forbes’ 2018 & 2019 lists of America’s Best Recruiting Firms.
Contact
Todd Smith | 615.202.7944 | todd@deanesmith.agency
Amy Kovar | 615.497.1799 | amy@deanesmith.agency
