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Ann is a sixth generation Texan. After graduating from The University of Texas, Ann practiced in public accounting. Ann has been recognized as an industry leader since she entered the Executive Search and Staffing industry and has received numerous awards for outstanding performance as an Executive Recruiter and a national industry leader. Ann has been inducted into the National Association of Personnel Services Hall of Fame for her leadership, innovation and contributions to the Executive Search and Staffing industry. Ann received the prestigious Norbert I. B. Fried Ethics National Award in recognition of her efforts to upgrade the image and practices of the Executive Search and Staffing industry. Ann is the Founder and CEO of Deacon Recruiting Inc., Deacon Professional Services LLC, and Lux Concierge LP. Deacon is one of the largest Executive Search firms in central Texas. Lux Concierge founded in 2021 is the largest concierge firm in Austin, Texas and has recently started to serve the Denver market.

Ann continues to give back to the community through her many Board activities. Ann currently serves on The University of Texas’ Chancellors Council Executive Committee and the Dean’s Advisory Council for the UTSA Alvarez School of Business. Ann is a Past Chairman of the Board for the National Association of Personnel Services; previous Community Board Leadership positions include the International Entrepreneurs Organization, the Battered Women’s Shelter of Bexar County, Arthritis Foundation, and the Junior League of San Antonio. Mrs. Deacon has received Distinguished Volunteer Awards and the President’s Award from various organizations.

Ann has been married to her husband, Charlie, for 37 years. She has strong family values and she considers herself fortunate to have close lifelong friends.

Dana is Vice President of Deacon Recruiting and leads the Accounting-Finance Division.

Dana graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.  She began her career with Deacon Recruiting in 2011 as an Associate Recruiter and was quickly promoted to Director, and then to her current role, Senior Director.  During her tenure, Dana has consistently received numerous awards for Top Quarterly and Top Monthly Performer and was recognized as Deacon’s 2012 Rookie of the Year.  Combined with Dana’s results driven approach and Deacon’s Best Practices, she is able to identify the very best candidates for Deacon’s Client Companies.

Dana lives in Spring Branch with her husband, John and daughter, Brooke.  She enjoys running, attending workout classes, and spending time with her family and friends.

What do you love best about working at Deacon Recruiting?

I love the flexibility, autonomy and opportunity to change lives!  Team Deacon is fun, supportive and rewards going above and beyond.  The ability to strategize and think creatively is what we do best in order to have fun and do great things for the San Antonio community.

What do you love best about your job?

What don’t I love?!?  I love that no days looks the same, the opportunity to work with impressive talent on both the Client and Candidate side to build relationships AND the endless opportunity offered.  What is not to like about doing great things for others and get paid handsomely for it!

Lauren Costley is the Senior Divisional Director of the Corporate Services & Training & Development Divisions.  Lauren joined Deacon with 11 years of experience in Management, Sales and Marketing, predominantly in the Health and Fitness arena.  Lauren graduated from Texas State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. She was Rookie of the Year in 2013, and was an inductee in to the company’s “Million Dollar Club” in 2017.  Her specialties include all levels of professionals in the areas of Human Resources, Operations, Legal, and Executive Administrative support.

Lauren is also very involved in her community. In 2012, she served as the Ambassador Lead for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society promoting their Inaugural Herothon Half-Marathon Series.  In 2013, Lauren and other Deaconites participated in the Light the Night event with LLS to raise money for research to find cures for blood cancers. She is excited to continue her involvement with LLS in 2021 by fundraising and running for “Woman of the Year”. In 2018, Lauren was on the Executive Leadership Committee for “Go Red”, a program dedicated to the awareness and importance of heart health for women through the American Heart Association.

Lauren also serves as a Committee Chair for SAHRMA; a local chapter that supports the education and further development of Human Resource professionals. Lauren has been a Speaker on panels for the National Association of Personnel Services and local Universities in San Antonio.  In 2016, she served on a committee for Executive Women International, awarding non-traditional students scholarships.  Currently, Lauren serves on the North Chamber Leadership Lab Alumni Board.

Lauren and her husband, Chris, have been married for fourteen years, and have two children, Camryn and Jordan. In her spare time, Lauren loves to run, play golf and to have FUN with family & friends.

Lauren is dedicated to helping those in San Antonio look for their next opportunity!

What do you love best about working at Deacon Recruiting? 

What I love about Deacon is the never-ending learning and professional growth that the Organization fosters.  I also love the support and camaraderie between all of our Divisions.  I like to be a part of a winning team, and I love that fact that we all want each other to succeed.

What do you love best about your job? 

What I love about my role is consulting with our Client-Companies to solve hiring issues to find them the very best candidate match.  Improving the lives of both Clients and Candidates around our great City is what motivates me every day!

Cathi is a Director in Deacon’s Medical Division. The practice focuses on placing professionals in hospitals and clinics nationwide in Radiation Oncology, specifically Medical Physics, Dosimetry, and Radiation Therapy.

Cathi Mitchell Beecroft is the product of a military upbringing.  Her mother was in the United States Air Force which allowed the family to travel the world.  Cathi spent most of her formative years in Japan and the Philippines, moving to Texas in 1989.

Cathi started her career on the clinical side of healthcare then transitioned to a successful career in medical device sales.  She earned her Green Belt in Six Sigma during her tenure with GE Medical.

Cathi started in the Executive Search and Staffing Profession in 2006, joining Deacon in 2010.  Cathi has held significant positions while at Deacon, currently she is a Director with our Medical Division.  As a contributor on the Medical team, Cathi collaborates with client companies to identify solutions for their strategic talent needs.  Through her efforts in the community, she earned a seat on the San Antonio North Chamber Board of Directors in 2019 and served as the Executive Council Chair for Technology in 2020.  She continues to be an advocate for businesses and leaders.

Cathi considers herself very fortunate to have great friends and family with which to spend her free time.  She enjoys the outdoors in our beautiful South Texas area, listening to live music and experiencing the many cultural activities that are available.  Cathi is the proud Godmother of a beautiful 12 year old girl.  Cathi is married to the love of her life, Jeff, who she first met in High School in the Philippines.

What do you love best about working at Deacon Recruiting?

I love the continuous training and development that we do here at Deacon.  We have so many collective years of experience in our office and access to the best insight in our business.  We use that to our benefit when it comes to training.  Whether you are just getting started in recruiting or have a long history in the business, like me, you can find value in the T&D focus here at Deacon.  Not to mention, we have a ton of fun together!!

What do you love best about your job?

Hands down, it has to be helping people!!  My whole career, both in healthcare and recruiting, has been about that.  Moving jobs can be stressful, but it can also be life-changing for a person and those around them.  I can’t think of anything more rewarding than to help someone navigate to a better situation for them and their family.  I have the BEST job ever!!

Holly is the Senior Divisional Director of Deacon’s Medical Division. The Medical Division focuses on placing professionals in hospitals and clinics nationwide in Radiation Oncology, specifically Medical Physics, Dosimetry, and Radiation Therapy.

Born and raised in Danby, Vermont, Holly graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a 3-Year Honors Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. Holly celebrated 10-years with Deacon Recruiting in April of 2021.

Serving on almost every Division throughout her tenure at Deacon, her extensive experience in the Recruiting Profession ensures a high level of cultural and functional fit for each selected candidate for Deacon’s Client Companies.

Holly has been consistently recognized throughout her tenure at Deacon, including the 30 Day Club membership, Recognition of Excellence, Outstanding Accomplishment 2013 and multiple Top Quarterly and Top Monthly Performer recognitions.  Holly has also served multiple terms on Deacon’s Social Committee and is a founding Member of Deacon’s Book Club.

She believes in giving her time and supports the Greater Chamber’s Technology Council as well as serves as a founding member of the Medical Divisions efforts to support Radiation Oncology talent entering the market through Deacon’s – “Accelerate” Your Job Search – Entering the Job Market with Confidence webinar series.  She supports youth sports and is an active volunteer with the Greater Helotes Little League and the YMCA.

Holly lives in San Antonio with her husband, Bernie, and four children, Brianna, Hudson, Beckett and Gabriel.

What do you love best about working at Deacon Recruiting?    

The Deaconite Team is a group of high performing, fun and caring individuals.  It’s amazing to be surrounded by the best of the best, our group feels like a family.

What do you love best about your job? 

Watching the professionals we work with evolve and grow throughout their careers!

Amanda is a Director in Deacon’s Accounting & Finance Division.  Amanda’s area of specialty is Banking, specifically Commercial Loan Assistants, Credit Analysts, Commercial Loan Officers, and C-level Banking Executives.

Amanda graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Consumer Sciences.  Amanda joined Deacon in 2012 as an Associate Recruiter and was consistently promoted based on her performance and dedication to exceptional service.  She enjoyed a brief 1.5 year hiatus to get married and build a beautiful home.  Deacon is delighted to welcome Amanda back to Team Deacon in 2017.  She led the Corporate Services Division prior to her leave and has a reputation of connecting “A” Players with award winning companies in the San Antonio area.  Building and maintaining strong professional relationships has been an important priority for Amanda over the years.

Amanda lives in New Braunfels and enjoys spending time with family and friends, tubing the river in Gruene, trying new restaurants, and salt-water fishing.

What do you love best about working at Deacon Recruiting? 

I enjoy working with a team that is passionate about what they do each and every day. Deacon is a work hard/play hard environment, where we have the opportunity to change people’s lives and have fun doing it. I truly enjoy, building long and lasting relationships with both my candidates and clients.

What do you love best about your job? 

I love the challenge of finding people that are hard to reach or difficult to find, by being creative and thinking outside the box. I know the right person is out there, I just have to figure out how to find them and I bring on the challenge with open arms.

Abbey has a dual role as Deacon’s Senior Marketing & Operations Specialist.

Her primary responsibilities include maintaining Deacon’s social media pages and website in addition to managing the day-to-day Operations. Abbey also works with Deacon’s Marketing Initiatives and all social strategies.

Abbey graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Abbey started with Deacon in 2019, bringing over 7 years of sales and customer service experience.

Abbey currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She enjoys hiking, drawing/painting, poetry, exploring new places, and spending time with family, friends, and her rescue dogs, Sirius and Ellie.

What do you love best about working at Deacon Recruiting?

The culture and environment. The Deaconite Team is made up of high-achieving, fun-loving, and compassionate individuals. I don’t feel like I’m just another employee; I feel like I’m a valuable member of the family. I appreciate all of our Divisions’ support and friendship.

What do you love best about your job?

What’s not to love?! My everyday involves being creative and thinking outside the box with the support of a great team.

Suzanne Trainor is the Vice President of Accounting for Deacon and provides support for the internal staff.  Suzanne joined Deacon with twenty-seven years of experience in the accounting field.

Suzanne was raised in a military family and settled in San Antonio when her father retired from the Air Force.  Suzanne graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a BA in accounting in 1994 and went on to pursue her Certified Public Accountant license.  She has gained experience in public accounting and various industries throughout her career.

Suzanne has received various awards over the years for her dedication, hard work, contribution, and attention to detail.

Suzanne and her husband, Kevin, have been married seven years, and have a four-legged adopted child, a German Shephard named Champ, that keeps them busy.  She enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband, doing crafts, and volunteering at her church.

What do you love best about working at Deacon Recruiting?

Working with great people!

What do you love best about your job?

Helping others!

Lillie is a Recruiter at Deacon Recruiting. She joined Deacon with 2 years of sales experience. Lillie graduated from Texas State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Minor in Human Development and Family Science. While in college, Lillie was a member of the sorority, Kapa Delta, her freshman and sophomore year at Texas Tech University.

Lillie was born and raised in Spring Branch and now lives in San Antonio with her boyfriend, Brandon. In her spare time, she loves to spend time on their boat at the lake, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and her Mini Goldendoodle, “Bandit”.

As a former Cheer Captain, Lillie is ready to cheer on her Deaconites, Candidates and Clients as she Improves the Lives in and around Greater San Antonio!

What do you love best about working at Deacon Recruiting?

I love working at Deacon because we prioritize building strong relationships with both clients and candidates, ensuring a personalized and tailored approach to matching the right talent with the right opportunities. The company's dedication to integrity, transparency, and delivering exceptional service aligns with my own values, making it a fulfilling and rewarding place to work.

What do you love best about your job?

Michele Strain CPA joins Deacon as a Managing Director in the Austin Market. Michele has over 25+ years of professional experience which includes 20 years in Public Accounting plus 8 years in the Executive Search profession. Michele spent 14 years with Deloitte and 6 as an Audit Partner with a regional public accounting firm headquartered in Austin. Her specialties include executive level retained searches along with consultation on business process and strategic talent planning. In addition to her professional experience Michele has held a seat on the Board of Directors for multiple not-for-profit organizations in Texas. She has a true passion for giving back to her community.

Michele’s diverse experience in public accounting coupled with multiple years in executive search consulting with senior stakeholders in a variety of industries allows her to assist clients and determine their organizational needs while maximizing the client experience and delivering results.

Michele graduated from The University of Texas at Austin - Red McCombs School of Business with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting and holds her CPA license. She’s an avid Cross Fit enthusiast and marathon runner. She is a mother of three and enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family, and being involved in her Austin community.

Maddie is a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Deacon. Maddie graduated from James Madison High School in 2018. She joined Deacon with 3 years of Recruiting and Sales experience in the IT, M&L and Medical industries. She has recruited all over San Antonio for roles ranging from warehouse workers to higher level IT positions.

 Maddie was born here in San Antonio TX and has lived here for 24 years, The last 5 being with her Fiancé Brandon and her step daughter Emma. She also has a cat that is named Trinity that is her second kid if you will! In her spare time, she loves to weight train, eat at great restaurants and go to concerts.

 Maddie loves meeting new people and creating lasting and meaningful relationships with others. She is super excited to be a part of the Deaconites and is looking forward to assisting the team to strive to our goals.

Diana is the Corporate Office Assistant at Deacon. Diana joined Deacon in 2024 after gaining experience within the H-E-B Real Estate department, she moved on to do Commercial/Residential Real Estate on her own.

Diana is a San Antonio native with a great love for her city. She is a mom to 2 daughters, 1 son, 1 grandson, and 1 German shepherd mix rescue. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family & friends, traveling and running. Also a big foodie and loves trying new restaurants.

Diana thrives off building and maintaining relationships. She is excited to join the Deacon Family!

Sarah is a Recruiter at Deacon Recruiting, bringing over two years of experience in IT and Professional Services recruitment. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology from The University of the Incarnate Word in 2014. At Deacon, Sarah has successfully recruited for a wide range of positions across Texas, from entry-level to executive roles.

A San Antonio native, Sarah is a devoted dog mom and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, exploring new travel destinations, and trying out diverse foods and drinks.

Sarah is dedicated to fostering positive, genuine relationships and is excited to be part of the Deacon team. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact on the lives of both candidates and clients in San Antonio.