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Testimonials

"Carlsen Resources helps their clients navigate through the recruiting process with ease. Their professional staff has a wide net of contacts, which gives clients an array of possibilities when looking to fill a position. They "crack open" the assignment and marry a "words on a page" job description to the other factors that matter--personality traits, skill set and an organization's larger business goals and objectives."
Jennifer Caserta, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Communications, Scheduling & Alternative Platforms, Independent Film Channel

"I only have wonderful things to say about Carlsen and would be happy to do so. Carlsen is a boutique shop; a shop where every attention to detail is catered to, where everyone knows your first name and you're treated as a member of the team, where even after the deal is done, the follow up and personal attention leads you to the conclusion that your business is appreciated."
Liz Janneman, President, Ad Sales, Current TV

"Carlsen Resources does a tremendous job in preparing candidates and hiring executives for the recruitment process. Their in-depth knowledge of the industry and genuine care and understanding of their clients significantly enhances the recruitment outcome. I have a sincere appreciation for what the team at Carlsen brings to the recruitment process. The team is terrific to work with...smart, intuitive and a pleasure."
Karen Broach, President, Birmingham Division, Bright House Networks

"I found the people at Carlsen to have their pulse on the direction of the entertainment business and to be very well connected within the industry. During the interview process, the team was very responsive to my needs and always available to take my calls. The prepping process was informative and thought provoking and I was surprised how quickly I received feedback. It was a great experience for me during a time of uncertainty and I couldn't have asked for a better partner."
Elizabeth Cullen, Vice President, Scheduling & Acquisitions, Lifetime Entertainment Services

"I had great experiences with Carlsen on both sides of the fence -- them placing me in a new job and then later helping me hire an executive. I have found Carlsen to be incredibly responsive to questions and needs. They work fast when necessary including once setting up an important interview overnight to take advantage of my being in the same town for half a day with a candidate -- who ultimately got the job. They are thorough in checking references (I know this too from having my own references checked!). I am often surprised at the scope of candidates they know and can suggest. In addition, their ability to help with at least the beginning of negotiations is helpful. I always found that they were truthful and direct in a business that is often not so. I would hire them again and I hope they will recruit me again.”
Rose Catherine Pinkney, Former Executive Vice President, Programming & Production, TV One

"The Carlsen Team did an excellent job of preparing me as a candidate. Thorough detail of the requirements of the position were provided as well as an in depth view of those that would be conducting the interview so as to understand how to respond with focus on their area of interest. Probably the most critical strength of working with Carlsen was that they took the time to know me as a candidate, thus presenting me in a manner which clearly provided the company with reasons why I would be best suited for the position. I sincerely appreciate the Carlsen team working with me. Bright House is a great company and the position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best professionals in the industry."
Carlos del Castillo, Vice President/General Manager, Bright House Networks

"Carlsen Resources is a first class operation. They are 100% completely thorough in their searches, start to finish, outline exactly how the process works for both the candidate and employer, fully manage expectations and timelines, and have a deep understanding of many areas of the business – marketing, sales, research, technology, HR, PR and more. CRI is trust-worthy, respected, reliable and enthusiastic with a network of connections and contacts that are second to none. CRI is an asset to both the candidate (helps prep) and the employer (knows the right ‘fit’) and has wonderful follow-up (ie. check in on candidates/employers months after a placement has been done). They are a fantastic team and totally professional."
Susanne McAvoy, Vice President, Ad Sales Marketing, Hallmark Channel

”I have been nothing but pleased with my interaction with Carlsen Resources. Their attention to detail and ability to understand exactly what is needed in a search is second to none. From first interaction right through and beyond the placement of a candidate, Carlsen treats people on both sides of a search not like commodities but rather as individuals and they do everything a client could ask to deliver against objectives. Ann and Jeannine are a trusted resource and have been nothing but professional in every interaction. I highly recommend Carlsen Resources.”
Charlie Collier, Executive Vice President/General Manager, AMC Network

“I’ve worked with Carlsen Resources for over 15 years; a company that always takes the time to listen to the needs of their candidates and clients while producing a wide and diverse range of candidates. CRI is very accessible and strives to provide detailed follow-up and honest feedback to their clients…they understand the complexities of the today’s marketplace and consistently deliver on specific requirements. The CRI team is excellent at building and retaining industry relationships…and their pro-social/cause related activities go beyond industry norms, which help define the company and its employees as genuine, caring and generous.”
Dennis Gillespie, Senior Vice President, Distribution, GSN

“I was recently placed in an executive position through a search conducted by Carlsen Resources. Having been through a few other searches in previous years with other firms I braced myself for the harsh reality of the process. Needless to say I was extremely pleased to have such a radically different experience.
The main difference in my experience at Carlsen was communication. I never felt out of the loop, and I never felt unprepared for what was coming in the interview process. Even though I knew I was one of many candidates to start, I always felt like someone was in my corner. As a result, I was able to create a plan that was practical and effective, and I had more effective interviews.
After the interviews, when you are most anxious, I always received a prompt and welcome follow up call to let me know how it went. This can make all the difference in the world in terms of feeling secure and confident in the process. I can't imagine anything more detrimental for all involved than feeling like you are going in blind without a sense of how you're being perceived, and what is important to stress in terms of your experience and thoughts on the position.
In this case, the outcome was successful, but even if it wasn't I am sure the applicants and the company engaging in the search were both better served by Carlsen's attention to detail and commitment to comprehensive communication throughout the process.”
Joel Stillerman, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Production & Digital Content, AMC Network

"Over the years, we have worked with Carlsen Resources to identify cable industry executives for senior positions in operations, programming and finance at Suddenlink. Ann, Renee, Jeanine and the rest of the team have always delivered the best candidates for us, and they have earned our trust and loyalty. We have great confidence that Carlsen Resources knows all of the exceptional candidates, is highly selective and rigorous in conducting searches, and is tuned in to our requirements and culture. These are all essential components of achieving a perfect fit, and that’s what we get with Carlsen Resources – every time!! This is a people business, and there is no more important decision we make than the selection of our talented managers and executives. We are glad to count Carlsen Resources as a partner in that process."
Mary E. Meduski, Executive Vice President and CFO, Cequel Communications (Suddenlink)

"Ann and her team at Carlsen Resources have an unmatched and in-depth knowledge of the industry and have withstood the test of time as they continually present 'top of the class' candidates. Carlsen Resources represents honesty, integrity and an expertise that is second to none in the business."
Kevin Hyman, Executive Vice President of Cable Operations, Bright House Networks

"There were several elements about my Carlsen Resources experience that were extreme customer management positives for me:
Responsiveness: Carlsen kept me updated every step of the way.  As a conduit between me and the prospective employer, they really seemed to put themselves in MY personal position, always assuring that I remained informed.  They were pros at making sure they touched base prior to the start of a weekend to give the latest updates and anticipated what questions I might have.  No phone call or email EVER went unreturned.   Response was timely always and Carlsen was extremely proactive and courteous.
Preparation: Pre-interview prep and post-interview feedback sessions were features I did not expect to enjoy.  In this way, Carlsen Resources acted as coach and offered helpful, strategic resources I was able to arm myself with at every stage of the interview process.  Carlsen provided advice and tips and was extremely candid when questions were posed.
Negotiation: I appreciated that no stone was left unturned.  Carlsen WANTED to know what was important to me and presented MY side to the prospective employer.  They did more than offer a "yes" or a "no", they provided insight, context and perspective that helped guide me professionally and personally. "
Alex Dombronovich, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development, WICT

"The team at Carlsen was professional and thorough and we were very pleased with the Carlsen experience.  We appreciated the way they set up meetings to discuss the candidate, and how they took the time to understand the people who were hiring and the people the candidate would report to.  They were outstanding at matching the job specifications, culture and skill sets.  We have hired a well vetted and talented executive who is primed to make an impact on our group.  They listened to our needs and delivered in a very timely manner!"
Brad Fox, Executive Vice President, Sales & Affiliate Marketing, Comcast Networks
Todd Brown, Western Division Vice President, Affiliate Sales & Marketing, Comcast Networks

"I really appreciate Terri Thompson's forthright and honest approach.  I truly felt like she had the best interest for me and my family at heart.  I guess that's why she has so many repeat clients on both sides--business and individuals."
Tom Alexander, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sprout Network


"Carlsen Resources brings incredible expertise, persistence and creativity to everything they do.  Terri Thompson did an amazing job with my most recent search, helping me set priorities and evaluate a pool of highly talented candidates.  Terri became an extension of my staff; she is flexible, smart and fun to work with.  Most importantly, Terri really listened to our needs and worked tirelessly to make sure we were 100% satisfied."
Sandy Wax, President and General Manager, PBS KIDS Sprout

"It was refreshing working with the the Carlsen team in that they didn't just simply want to place me as a prospect or a 'candidate'.  I found that they took the time to understand what type of company, work environment and challenge I was looking for that could further shape my career.  In fact, I felt like they always had my best interest in mind through the courting, consideration and post acceptance phases.  They have turned out to be great partners in the career and company matching business and I would recommend them without reservation." 
Scott Bailey, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Comcast Interactive Media

"I had an amazing experience working with Terri Thompson.  Terri guided me through the entire recruitment process and helped me evaluate the best situation for me, personally.  She got to know me, my current situation and what I wanted to achieve in my next career move.  She provided excellent information leading up to meetings with my new employer and I approached every step of the process extremely prepared.  Terri sets the bar for executive recruiting."
Karin Gilford, Senior Vice President, Fancast & Online Entertainment, Comcast Interactive Media

"I loved working with Terri!  She's a true professional who always had my best interests in mind and really helped to make the transition as smooth as possible.  She was there from start to finish and still follows up to make sure I'm doing well.  It's rare to see that dedication."
Anthony Armenise, Senior Vice President, On-Air Promotion, Lifetime

"I always find Ann and her staff to be expansive in thinking, responsive in execution and extremely thorough from start to finish. Carlsen's unique knowledge of the corporate cultures at media companies means they have a tremendous advantage in finding the candidate who will be the right fit."
Ed Carroll, President, Rainbow Entertainment Services

"The Carlsen team works hard to understand our needs and our business. Their preparation is much more than just understanding what type of candidate we are looking for. They review our business plan and look for specific challenges that a successful recruit would need to address, and they spend time understanding our culture, improving the chances of finding the right person for the job on all levels. The Carlsen team is comprised of high energy, ethical, and fun professionals."
Bill Shreffler, President and CEO, Broadstripe

"Carlsen is extraordinarily effective in researching, vetting and ultimately identifying the best candidates for critical executive positions. They are hands-on and committed to making sure the fit is right for both the individual and our company, regardless of the complexity of the search or the length of time that is required."
John Lansing, President, Scripps Networks

"Carlsen is at the top of the list for integrity, business ethics and honest feedback. They inspire you with confidence based on experience as industry leaders, and with their willingness to work with a client for a mutual win-win. Carlsen Resources values diversity and they value people. They have recognized that these two things are the cornerstones of business success and sustainability."
Pandit Wright, Former Senior Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Discovery, Communications, Inc.

"The Carlsen team is smart, thorough and very easy to work with. Candidates are well-researched and always qualified for the positions for which they are recommended. The Carlsen team knows our company and works hard to ensure our diversity objectives and chemistry/culture considerations are reflected in the candidates they recommend to us."
Jeffrey S. DeMond, President, Bresnan Communications, Inc.

"I've been consistently impressed by the depth and breadth of Carlsen's knowledge and experience. What makes them unique is the quality of their relationships with both clients and candidates: they go far beyond resumes and job descriptions to understand the hiring company culture, the hiring manager's style, and whether a particular candidate will be a good fit. They make the process three-dimensional, and much more effective."
Erika Andersen, CEO Proteus International

"Resources are what Carlsen is all about. They are the go to people to call upon not only for filling a specific job but also as a resource in general."
Dale Hopkins, Former COO of G4

"Finding the right talent and fit for any role requires understanding of the industry, the company and the candidate. Carlsen Resources was able to successfully deliver in all of these areas."
Charley Humbard, President and Founder, Gospel Music Channel

"Carlsen Resources knows how to be a true partner. They make it their business to get to know our company, our people, and our needs, so they can thoughtfully and effectively steer us to the best candidates. We are grateful to the talented team at Carlsen Resources, as we would not be where we are today without their contributions!"
Nomi Bergman, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Development, BrightHouse Networks

"Carlsen Resources' reputation, in-depth knowledge of the cable and entertainment industries, relationships and commitment to professionalism greatly improve the effectiveness and integrity of the overall executive search process. Carlsen knows our company well and has been highly successful in identifying talented executives who fit within with our corporate culture."
Carolyn Dursi, Senior Vice President of Executive Recruiting, Cablevision

"Carlsen Resources is extremely thorough, fast and very responsive. With Carlsen, I was able to secure one of my best hires."
Robert Quigley, Executive Vice President and CMO, Charter Communications

"Working with Carlsen Resources was a great experience. The team is highly professional and thorough in new media and emerging technologies. We've hired a talented executive with a great pedigree from major industry experience and learned more about what's happening in the marketplace through the process."
Patricia Gottesman, Executive Vice President, Digital Marketing & Commerce, Cablevision Systems Corporation

"No other recruiting firm has the in-depth knowledge and relationships that Carlsen Resources brings to the industry. They are delightful to work with, and have a strong eye for talent, great people instincts, and are extremely thorough in researching candidates."
Deborah Blackwell, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SOAPnet

"I have had nothing but positive experiences working with Carlsen Resources. If we receive a candidate from your firm we know they will be a quality person who is more than capable of performing at a high level."
Barry Rosenblum, Executive Vice President, Operations, Time Warner Cable

"Whether my need is a senior executive to run a business, or a specific functional requirement, Carlsen has literally always come through for me."
Jeff Shell, President, Comcast Programming Group

"Carlsen Resources is THE go to executive search firm in the media industry. Thorough, diligent, dedicated and passionate are just some of the adjectives that spring to mind when thinking about Team Carlsen. They offer experienced, expert and insightful consultation and guidance, while matching the industry's best talent with just the right opportunity."
Evan Shapiro, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Independent Film Channel

"Carlsen Resources combines their deep knowledge of the business with exceptional client relations, from the beginning of the search until after the hiring has occurred. CRI works to understand the culture of a company. It's the cultural fit that will ultimately determine the long term success of a hiring and CRI gets it right. Carlsen Resources is a best practices company, striving to improve processes by listening to clients and implementing change."
Amy Tykeson, President and CEO, BendBroadband

"Ann Carlsen is beloved by the entire cable industry. Carlsen Resources is regarded as one of the most plugged in and effective executive search firms."
Geraldine Laybourne, Chairman and CEO, Oxygen Media

"Carlsen Resources is great to work with for many reasons, but fabulous customer service is at the top of the list. They have access to the most qualified candidates in today's marketplace. They listen to our needs and pre-screen all the candidates and only send the most appropriate ones for our open positions. I recommend them to everyone."
Kim Martin, Executive Vice President, General Manager, WE tv

"I have worked with Ann and Carlsen Resources for many years and have greatly benefited from their experience, contacts, and service. They have the highest standards and are rigorous in their assessment of strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly to me, they understand the importance of chemistry in matching executives to the right team, supervisor, and company culture."
Gavin Harvey, President, Versus

"Carlsen Resources is one of the best, most progressive and efficient search organizations I've ever encountered. They know the industry better than any other consulting company. Ann Carlsen and her team take advantage of knowing the 'who's who' in the industry business."
Tony Vinciquerra, President, Chief Executive Officer, Fox Networks Group

"When working with Carlsen, there is always consistently solid service, and no surprises. I have always received the highest caliber of talent in the marketplace from their recruiters. They have a knowledgeable and professional staff that will go the extra mile to make sure our needs are fulfilled."
Doug Holloway, President, Cable Investments, NBCUniversal Cable