about
know that
Our seasoned team of recruitment experts and industry professionals leverage their deep networks, insights and AI to drive growth through strategic talent acquisition.
our story
Cory Salmela, our CEO and Founder, recognized the shortcomings of traditional recruitment agencies through his own experiences. Motivated to create a more effective & human-centered solution, he launched Salmela to streamline the hiring process, ensure transparency, and connect exceptional talent with innovative companies.
good people know good people
Our team is dedicated to providing personalized solutions to assist you in reaching your business goals/objectives.
Our commitment to integrity and transparency ensures a seamless recruitment and hiring process that yields exceptional results for businesses and organizations looking for top talents.
Vision
Deliver unparalleled client and candidate satisfaction through thoughtful, authentic, adaptive, and innovative search practices and growth-services.
Mission
Salmela wants to advance the state of human-centered talent in the verticals we serve.
our values
Trust
Salmela pairs honesty, integrity, and transparency with candor and compassion to guide our work.
Collaboration
Salmela practices deep listening, and curious inquiry, prioritizing collaboration to solve challenges.
Humanist
People-centered, empathetic, and committed to building strong and lasting relationships.
Authenticity
Salmela is a team that champions independent spirit, and as a company, we authentically reflect these values in our work. Salmela takes pride in our commitment to serving our community, telling their stories, and partnering with some of the most exciting and transformational companies in the world.
JEDI
Salmela believes there is a place for everyone and ensures that Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are considered when making hiring decisions, charting a growth strategy, and in talent retention practices. Salmela is committed to advancing representation and belonging.
statement
Salmela is deeply committed to collaborating with organizations that prioritize Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in their core values and objectives. To further this commitment, Salmela has established a dedicated business division focused on empowering these companies to engage world-class talent for their world-changing work in areas such as Social Change, Environmental Policy and Justice, Non-Profit Leadership, Al and Emerging Technology, as well as Health, Gender, and Racial Equity initiatives.
Salmela warmly invites all partners who share these fundamental principles to work with us. Whether working with Fortune 100 corporations, B-Corps, non-profits, or healthcare communications, Salmela steadfastly promotes adopting JEDI-centered talent strategies for all the companies it serves.
Our Team
Cory spends his day advising senior leaders on talent acquisition strategy. He is happiest on his bike, skis, or helping his daughters rehearse lines. He began his career as a National Team Coach for the U.S. Ski Biathlon Team, followed by experience in pharma sales. In 2005, he founded Salmela. Today, Salmela places leaders across the healthcare industry. Salmela is the go-to vendor across marcomm disciplines in healthcare and beyond.
Chief Financial Officer, Olympian, and Health Coach, what can't she do? When Kara is not managing the Salmela Financials, she spends her days educating and supporting people as a health coach. If that wasn't cool enough, she also competed as an American biathlete at the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics.
Megan focuses on individual career wellness and team development for the healthcare advertising industry. As a natural networker, and with a career background in health/wellness and international corporate project management, Megan has the experience necessary to understand your needs. She enjoys being outside with her family, volunteering in the community, trail running and practicing yoga.
Kate joins Salmela after a decade of non-profit arts leadership, where she shared her passion for building community, education, inclusiveness, and arts access. Her superpower is helping professionals identify their strengths and set them on a course for greater success. After work, she can be found reading Shakespeare, doing yoga, or prepping the next generation of theatre stars for college.
Meghan brings her previous advertising agency experience to Salmela. She is a natural-born conversationalist and delights in every interaction with candidates and clients alike. Meghan can find something in common or a shared interest with just about anyone. (No really, it's AMAZING.) She is also a foodie, loves cooking, and is always looking for the next opportunity to try an adventurous recipe.
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Madison is a marketing maven with a mastery of magnificent messaging. She brightens every room with her positive attitude and joins Salmela to explore the digital corners on every search. If you're having a first conversation with one of us, Madison is probably the reason why!
Ciera Rae Dastoor is a born-and-raised Duluthian who recently graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh. When she isn't sourcing or sending emails, she doubles as an actress! With over 15 years of acting experience, she brings her creative artistry and understanding of people to her work at Salmela.