A consulting culture built on humble, hungry, connected.
Pioneer was created to be a different kind of management consulting firm: one where talented people do meaningful work, clients receive exceptional partnership, and being world-class never comes at the expense of being human.
Life at Pioneer
Humble in how we serve. Hungry in how we grow. Connected to one another, our clients, and our communities.
Why Pioneer Exists
Pioneer was founded in 2009 to create jobs people love in service to companies we admire. Today, that purpose continues to shape how we hire, how we lead, how we serve clients, and how we contribute to our communities.
Pioneer Begins
Pioneer is founded with a clear ambition: create jobs people love while helping organizations turn important strategies into meaningful progress.
A New Compass
Pioneer marks its first decade with a renewed identity built around finding the right course, creating clarity, and helping clients reach meaningful outcomes.
A Second Hub Opens
Pioneer expands into Denver, earns national recognition on the Inc. 5000, and strengthens its ability to serve organizations across the United States.
Growth With Culture Intact
Pioneer is recognized among Minnesota’s top workplaces while continuing to grow its people, capabilities, client relationships, and community impact.
Building What Comes Next
More than 70 Pioneers across Minneapolis and Denver help organizations navigate business transformation, technology, data, AI, customer experience, and organizational change.
Serious expertise. Genuinely good people.
With leadership presence in Minneapolis and Denver, we channel our pioneering spirit, united by our humble, hungry, connected values. With compassion, our leaders guide us toward growth and community impact.
Our Leadership
Brian Westerhaus
Owner & Partner
Meet Brian
Owner and Partner at Pioneer
Proud father of three
Moonlights as a cross-fit coach at The Firm
Metallica fanatic
He leads with HHC by
Humbly and quietly serving others from the background. From a personal goal to a grounding belief, this idea was the birthplace of HHC culture.
Want to connect with Brian? He can be reached at Brian.Westerhaus@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Brian Westerhaus
Owner & Partner
Molly Koenen
Owner & Partner
Meet Molly
Owner and Partner at Pioneer
Spends her weekend watching her boys wrestle or play baseball
Known at Pioneer for her belly laughter
Loves her gym, The Firm
Reads constantly on almost any topic
She leads with HHC
With small town heart and hustle, which is personally meaningful to her. Molly grew up in Olivia, MN a small town of 2,500 people, who care deeply about each other, their families and community, and the professions they’ve carefully chosen to contribute meaningfully to the world. She believes you can be world-class and kind at the same time.
Want to connect with Molly? She can be reached at Molly.Koenen@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Molly Koenen
Owner & Partner
Laura Nelson
Owner & General Manager, Minneapolis
Meet Laura
Owner and General Manager, Minneapolis
Loves being active outdoors (with the exception of winter!)
Can be found cheering on her sons at a hockey rink, baseball field, or football field
She leads with HHC by
Being fiercely committed to the growth and empowerment of our team and clients, as well as to building community in the workplace and beyond. We are encouraged to bring our whole self to work and are hungry to meet new challenges and opportunities that our clients bring forward.
Want to connect with Laura? She can be reached at Laura.Nelson@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Laura Nelson
Owner & General Manager, Minneapolis
Craig Adams
General Manager, Denver
Meet Craig
Managing Director, Denver
Brings 15 years of consulting experience in digital transformation, strategy, organizational effectiveness, and healthcare
Can be found on weekends in the great outdoors, skiing, camping, and coaching his kids in youth sports.
He leads with HHC by
I’m passionate about helping clients succeed. I like bringing clarity to complexity, creating alignment on the things that matter, listening with humility, and building solutions that connect people and processes in ways that truly improve how work gets done.
Want to connect with Craig? He can be reached at Craig.Adams@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Craig Adams
General Manager, Denver
Lane Elmer
Chief Financial Officer
Meet Lane
Chief Finance Officer at Pioneer
An avid outdoorsman who loves backcountry skiing & bird-hunting
Doubles as an adventure guide for his children
He leads with HHC by
Working behind the scenes to solve problems and move organizations forward in service to our clients. He also loves having a great time supporting other Pioneers!
Want to connect with Lane? He can be reached at Lane.Elmer@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Lane Elmer
Chief Financial Officer
Holly Stang-Williams
VP, National Solutions People & Organization
Meet Holly
Practice Director, Organizational Effectiveness and Strategy & Execution
Loves outdoor adventures and anything in or by water
Passion for helping organizations achieve success through people and talent
She leads with HHC by
Unlocking the potential of people to help drive business strategy and goals, I focus on fostering an environment where individuals can thrive, align their strengths with organizational objectives, and innovate with purpose. By cultivating a culture of growth and collaboration, I enable teams to achieve impactful results while staying connected to the bigger picture.
Want to connect with Holly? She can be reached at Holly.Williams@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Holly Stang-Williams
VP, National Solutions People & Organization
Shane Jensen
VP, National Solutions Data, Analytics & AI
Meet Shane
Practice Director of Data Analytics
Always up for a fishing trip out west or up north
Love spending time with his family at their cabin
To many people’s surprise, he is colorblind
He leads with HHC by
Believing that HHC is the force that holds Pioneer together and helps deliver for their clients. Our practice synergies work in harmony, but it is our values that help differentiate Pioneer from our peers.
Want to connect with Shane? He can be reached at Shane.Jensen@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Shane Jensen
VP, National Solutions Data, Analytics & AI
Mike Kemp
VP | ServiceNow Solutions
Meet Mike
Leads as National Practice Director of Technology at Pioneer, guiding cross-functional teams to address complex HR and finance system challenges.
Brings expertise in process improvements across industries like mining, healthcare, utilities, and education, with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
Focuses on delivering transformations grounded in data-driven insights, lean principles, and effective collaboration.
He leads with HHC by
Leveraging his extensive experience in technology and business transformation to foster collaborative environments, approaching challenges with humility, and maintaining a relentless drive to deliver innovative solutions that align with clients' strategic goals.
Want to connect with Mike? He can be reached at mike.kemp@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Mike Kemp
VP | ServiceNow Solutions
Our Directors
Charlie Jacoby
Managing Director, Tech Enablement (MPLS)
Meet Charlie
Managing Director, Technology Enablement, Minneapolis
Brings over 25 years of experience helping companies apply technology solutions and optimize business processes to drive business value and innovation
Proven track record delivering enterprise initiatives across consulting and industry, leading global teams
Thought leader on digital transformation, automation, and modern leadership
In his free time, Charlie can be found backpacking, camping, biking, or traveling with family
He leads with HHC by
I have a passion for helping teams and organizations innovate and take advantage of the best technologies, while bringing every team member along on the journey. Amazing things happen when organizations connect people, processes, technology, and data.
Want to connect with Charlie? He can be reached at Charlie.Jacoby@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Charlie Jacoby
Managing Director, Tech Enablement (MPLS)
Ken Monblatt
Managing Director, Data, Analytics & AI
Meet Ken
30 years of experience leading technology & data strategy, digital transformation, and system integrations
Expert in partnering with executive teams to modernize their technology environments and implement complex data platform & analytics transformations
A former CIO who built his own successful technology consulting business and is ready to expand Pioneer's Data Analytics & Technology practice in the Denver market
A nature-lover and adventurer at heart who explores the country in a custom camper van
Ken leads with HHC by
Building genuine connections with executive teams and leveraging his desire to drive measurable technology and data outcomes. He approaches each transformation with humility and genuine care for people. He balances relentless pursuit of innovation with a commitment to truly understanding client needs.
Connect with Ken at Ken.Monblatt@thepioneerteam.com or LinkedIn.
Ken Monblatt
Managing Director, Data, Analytics & AI
Paul Raver
Managing Director, Energy & Infrastructure
Paul Raver
Managing Director, Energy & Infrastructure
Nick Nientimp
Senior Director, Strategy & Execution
Meet Nick
Director of Strategy & Execution
Brings over a decade of experience in Project/Portfolio Management, and strategy development within regulated industries.
Skilled at driving highly complex business transformations from start to finish.
Nick spends his free time chasing his toddlers around parks in the Denver area and raising money for the Denver Children's Foundation.
Nick leads with HHC by
Putting people in positions where they will succeed. Nick excels at building high-performing teams that solve our clients' most complex business challenges while fostering opportunities for our people to advance their own learning.
Want to connect with Nick? He can be reached at Nick.Nientimp@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Nick Nientimp
Senior Director, Strategy & Execution
Katie Nordstrom
Senior Director Of Talent Acquistion
Katie Nordstrom
Senior Director Of Talent Acquistion
Meet Katie
Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Pioneer
Brings over a decade of experience in recruiting, talent strategy, and business development
Skilled at building high-performing national recruiting teams and supporting executive hiring across industries
She loves all things outdoors, and you can usually catch her hiking, mountain biking, or skiing with her family.
She leads with HHC by
Focusing on authentic relationships and long-term impact. Katie listens with empathy, empowers her teams to succeed, and connects people with opportunities that create meaningful growth for both clients and candidates.
Want to connect with Katie? She can be reached at Katie.Nordstrom@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Khalid Abdellatif
Director, Strategy & Execution
Meet Khaled
Director, Strategy & Execution at Pioneer
Strategic, people-centric leader skilled in project management, strategy development, execution, and cross-sector collaboration
Guides executive teams through their most complex energy programs, sustainability integration, operational transformation, and turning boardroom vision into on-the-ground execution
Outside of work, he’s an avid reader, a published creative writer, enjoys intense workouts, and never misses a good game of squash
He leads with HHC by
Guiding organizations with curiosity, clarity, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Khaled listens deeply, meets clients where they are on their business journey, and helps them uncover opportunities for meaningful progress. His leadership is fueled by connection, creativity, and a drive to simplify complexity into action.
Want to connect with Khaled? He can be reached at Khaled.Abdellatif@thepioneerteam.com or via LinkedIn.
Khalid Abdellatif
Director, Strategy & Execution
Anne Tinklenberg
Director, Organizational Effectiveness
Meet Anne
Organizational Development leader specializing in change management and organizational design
Strategic partner who collaborates with client at all levels to drive innovation
Practice leader with expertise in methodology development and strategic planning
Avid runner and competes in marathons
Anne leads with HHC by
Creating collaborative partnerships and team development. Her hungry drive shows in her strategic problem-solving and delivery excellence, while staying connected via strong client relationships and key contributions to Pioneer's Gives Back (PGM) program.
Connect with Anne at Anne.Tinklenberg@thepioneerteam.com or LinkedIn.
Anne Tinklenberg
Director, Organizational Effectiveness
Leticia Wamulumba
Director, Organizational Effectiveness
Meet Leticia
Transformation change leader specializing in operating model design
Passion for partnering with client executives to navigate complexity
Innovation driver with proven expertise in AI business transformation
Fluent in French and Spanish
Leticia leads with HHC by
Empowering clients to own their transformation journey while pushing boundaries on how AI can redefine organizational effectiveness. She builds strong relationships with business leaders, demonstrating genuine passion for understanding each organization's unique pressures and culture.
Connect with Leticia at Leticia.Wamulumba@thepioneerteam.com or LinkedIn.
Leticia Wamulumba
Director, Organizational Effectiveness
David Orella
Director, Strategy & Execution
Meet David
Global, M&A leader skilled at driving multi-billion dollar integrations and acquisitions
Expert in executive partnership and technology transformations including product development roadmapping and GTM strategy
A dynamic change-maker who drove the enrollment of Pledge 1% increasing social impact in his local community
A life-long motorcycle rider and racer
David leads with HHC by
Partnering with client executives to drive complex M&A transformations while championing social impact and community engagement. He builds deep cross-functional relationships across teams and geographies, demonstrating hunger for results balanced with humility and genuine care for people.
Connect with David at David.Orella@thepioneerteam.com or LinkedIn.
David Orella
Director, Strategy & Execution
Jess Sundly
Director Of Talent Acquisition
Meet Jess
8+ years of experience in talent strategy and recruiting, with a genuine passion for connecting great people with exceptional opportunities
Trusted talent acquisition expert who designs candidate and colleague experiences that feel thoughtful, welcoming, and authentically valued from the very first interaction
A leader who builds inclusive, strategic teams that drive business growth while helping people find roles and workplaces they genuinely love
Mother of 2 who finds time for a great workout class and that perfect cup of coffee to fuel her days
Jess leads with HHC by
Approaching every interaction with a candidate or colleague by listening deeply and bringing empathy to the recruitment journey. She is hungry to deliver measurable outcomes and build connection at every level, while building teams that drive business growth.
Connect with Jess at Jess.Sundly@thepioneerteam.com or LinkedIn.
Jess Sundly
Director Of Talent Acquisition
Alex Aboud
Director, Technology Enablement
Alex Aboud
Director, Technology Enablement
Samantha Zogheib
Director, Strategy & Execution
Samantha Zogheib
Director, Strategy & Execution
Client Development Team
Carrie Aslagson
Client Development Director
Meet Carrie
Leader in relationship management and building client partnerships
Drives growth and impact by turning complex challenges into practical solutions
10 years of experience in delivering lasting value for mid-market and enterprise accounts
Enjoys Pilates, hiking, and podcasts
Carrie leads with HHC by
Staying curious, seeking to understand client needs before offering solutions. Her hungry commitment to continuous self-improvement and connected focus on building lasting relationships position her to drive meaningful impact for Pioneer's clients.
Connect with Carrie at Carrie.Aslagson@thepioneerteam.com or LinkedIn.
Carrie Aslagson
Client Development Director
Kelly Hyman
Client Development Director
Kelly leads with HHC by
Building meaningful relationships and helping organizations identify opportunities to grow, evolve, and succeed. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience partnering with leaders across Fortune 100 companies, startups, private equity-backed businesses, and high-growth organizations, she brings a thoughtful perspective to connecting client challenges with practical solutions that drive results.
Connect with Kelly at Kelly.Hyman@thepioneerteam.com or LinkedIn.
Kelly Hyman
Client Development Director
Maura Howard
Client Development Director
Maura leads with HHC by
Building trusted relationships and connecting organizations with the right expertise to solve complex business challenges. She combines nearly 30 years of client support experience with a collaborative, client-focused approach that helps organizations navigate transformation, drive organizational effectiveness, and achieve measurable results.
Connect with Maura at Maura.Howard@thepioneerteam.com or LinkedIn.
Maura Howard
Client Development Director
Our Advisor Team
Kirsten Benefiel
Advisor
Kirsten Benefiel
Advisor
Nathan Eimers
Advisor
With over 20 years of experience in building and scaling organizations, strategic consulting, and driving transformative business growth, Nathan has a proven track record of success in creating high-performing teams and fostering winning cultures. Nathan is currently the Founder and CEO of Redwing Capital Group.
Prior to founding Redwing Capital Group, Nathan served as President of AIM Consulting, leading the team to deliver innovative technology solutions and exceptional business outcomes. His career began in management and technology consulting, progressing through executive leadership roles at Experis and Excell Data, where he honed his expertise in talent development, operational excellence, and customer-focused strategies. His passion centers on guiding teams through clear, strategic growth plans with a relentless commitment to remarkable client experiences.
Nathan Eimers
Advisor
Jen Stone
Advisor
Jennifer Stone is an experienced human resources leader with a track record of driving talent strategies, fostering strong workplace cultures, and supporting business growth. She currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Owens & Minor.
Before joining Owens & Minor, Jennifer was Vice President of Human Resources for the Medical Surgical Portfolio at Medtronic, a global medical device company. Prior to that, she spent over 20 years at Target Corporation in various leadership roles, including Head of Talent Management, where she led workforce strategy and organizational development initiatives.
Passionate about making a broader impact, she also serves as a board member of The Owens & Minor Foundation, which focuses on strengthening communities through charitable and civic contributions.
Jen Stone
Advisor
Pioneer
What It Means to Be a Pioneer
Humble
We listen first, serve without ego, share credit, and surround ourselves with talented, good, and kind people.
Hungry
We have an insatiable need to learn, grow, solve difficult problems, and deliver at the top of our game.
Connected
We invest deeply in one another, our clients, and the Minneapolis and Denver communities we call home.
Community in Action
Joy Collaborative
Pioneer supported Joy Collaborative’s work creating meaningful environments for young people with life-limiting conditions through a focused operational-finance planning session.
C.A.S.T.
Pioneer partnered with Citizens Against Sex Trafficking to help strengthen the organization’s ability to expand prevention education and serve more communities.
BRAIV Foundation
Pioneer helped activate a clearer strategy for an organization advancing support, research, and innovation for people affected by brain cancer and traumatic brain injury.
Pioneer Gives Back
Our team uses its skills, leadership, relationships, and resources to support nonprofit organizations and create lasting local impact.
Two hubs.
One connected team.
1
Minneapolis
Pioneer’s headquarters connects our team to one of the country’s strongest ecosystems for healthcare, financial services, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and enterprise innovation.
2
Denver
Our Denver team expands Pioneer’s western presence with deep experience in technology, healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and enterprise transformation.
Early Careers at Pioneer
EPiC: A launchpad for the next generation of consultants.
EPiC, or Early Pioneers in Career, is Pioneer’s associate-development program for emerging consultants ready to learn quickly, contribute meaningfully, and begin building a career around work that matters.
Start Immersed
Build a strong consulting foundation through focused learning, exposure to Pioneer’s capabilities, and direct access to experienced practitioners and leaders.
Apply It Quickly
Move from learning into meaningful client work, developing the analytical, communication, problem-solving, and project-management skills required to create real value.
Grow Together
Develop alongside a connected cohort with ongoing mentorship, candid feedback, shared experiences, and a team invested in your success.