Josie Worley is a Talent Acquisition Consultant at M3 Placement and Partnership, where she is excited to connect people with opportunities and supporting meaningful partnerships.
Before joining M3, Josie worked in higher education in enrollment management, recruiting students and helping guide them through the college admissions process. She focused on meeting enrollment goals while making sure students felt supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.
Josie earned her B.A. in Theatre Arts from Hartwick College and an MBA from Utica University.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find her spending time with her three cats Kermit, Wally, and Tubbs, meeting up with her book club, traveling, going to concerts, or enjoying time with friends.
Taylor Spires currently serves as a Talent Acquisition Associate at M3 Placement and Partnership.
Before joining M3, Taylor worked with Syracuse University and Amazon where she led project and stakeholder management efforts, enhanced workforce programming and supported community engagement. Taylor brings experience creating meaningful partnerships, managing workforce innovation initiatives, and scaling pathways – all with the goal of creating sustainable impacts.
Taylor earned her B.S in Biochemistry from Syracuse University.
Outside of work, she’s happiest knitting a new project, curled up with a good book, or spending quality time with her husband Andrew, daughter Ruby, and their dog, Wallace.
Veteran banking executive to spearhead firm’s expansion into new markets and services
Albany, N.Y. – September 19, 2025
M3 Placement and Partnership (M3), a MWBE talent acquisition advisory firm specializing in executive searches, direct placement, and high-volume recruiting, announced the appointment of Kelli Arnold as Vice President, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, effective September 29, 2025. In this newly created role, Arnold will drive M3’s expansion into existing and new markets and broaden its portfolio of executive search, outsourced recruitment, strategic HR consulting and value-added client services.
As Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Arnold will be a key member of the M3 executive team and responsible for leading the company’s ambitious growth strategy as well as cultivating the next generation of M3 leaders. Her new role will be equal parts vision and execution, planning and promotion. She’ll be the architect of M3’s expansion plan, as well as the face of it, bringing M3’s vision and message to clients, prospective partners, community leaders and industry groups.
“Over the past 14 years, we’ve built something truly special at M3—grounded in deep client relationships, a relentless commitment to excellence, and a culture that puts people first,” said Mary Malone McCarthy, M3 Founder and CEO. “As we expand our impact across the state and redefine how organizations approach executive search and talent strategy, Kelli is the perfect leader to help us move forward. Her insights, energy, authenticity, and relationship driven approach will be invaluable as M3, and our clients move into a new and exciting chapter.”
Arnold is a well-known and highly respected leader in the Capital Region and beyond. She has more than two decades of senior executive experience in the banking industry, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Pioneer Bank. She brings to M3 a wealth of business and community relationships, along with a clear sense of purpose and passion.
“The most rewarding part of my career has been helping others succeed, and joining M3 provides an incredible opportunity to make an impact on an even greater scale,” Arnold said. “After building a career rooted in strategic leadership, trusted partnerships and measurable impact, I see this as an exciting next chapter, one that aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations. I’m inspired by M3’s mission, energized by its high-growth trajectory, and eager to collaborate with an experienced team to create innovative, scalable solutions that help clients and their employees achieve lasting success.”
About M3 M3 is a boutique executive search, outsourced recruitment, and strategic HR consulting firm known for delivering high-touch, results-driven service to small to mid-size, high-growth organizations. With an expert team of 14 dedicated professionals, M3 serves clients nationwide across a range of industries, including technology, energy, manufacturing, not for profit, healthcare, and professional services.
For more information about M3, visit m3placement.com.
Media inquiries, please contact: Janna Edick, (315) 624-2210.
Making the shift from corporate life to entrepreneurship is both thrilling and challenging. Join us for an in-person panel featuring four incredible entrepreneurs in the staffing and talent development communities, Mary Malone McCarthy, Khamali Brown, Candice Hunt, M.Ed & Ryan Thomas, as they reflect on lessons learned and share their journeys of building their businesses. Join us for an insightful discussion. And yes, your ticket includes a delicious taco dinner on us!
Date: Tue, May 6, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (your local time)
Location: 1021 NY-146, Clifton Park, New York, US, 12065
INAUGURAL CENTRAL NEW YORK 40 OVER 40 AWARDS CELEBRATES EXCEPTIONAL REGIONAL LEADERS
SYRACUSE, NY – March 10, 2025 – Today marks a watershed moment for Central New York as we proudly announce the honorees of the first annual Central New York 40 Over 40 Awards, hosted by Victoria Coit, Founder of Cuse Culture Media Group and Wayne Wright, Owner of Time 2 Eat Catering Corp. This groundbreaking initiative recognizes outstanding professionals who continue to drive innovation, leadership, and community impact beyond the age of 40.
In a world that often celebrates youth, the CNY 40 Over 40 Awards shine a spotlight on the immense value of experience, wisdom, and sustained commitment to excellence. These 40 remarkable individuals represent diverse backgrounds, industries, and accomplishments, yet share a common thread: they are actively reshaping Central New York’s future through their significant contributions.
The event is proudly sponsored by Upstate Minority Economic Alliance, CNY Community Foundation, Gifford Foundation, Key Bank, Wegmans, MOST Syracuse, and SUNY EOC.
“These honorees demonstrate that innovation and impact have no age limit,” said Victoria Coit, Founder of Cuse Culture Media Group and co-host of the CNY 40 Over 40 Awards. “Each recipient has a compelling story of persistence, reinvention, and achievement that deserves celebration. We’re proud to establish this platform that recognizes the continued contributions of seasoned professionals who make Central New York thrive.”
“This inaugural class of honorees represents the incredible talent, wisdom, and leadership that exists right here in Central New York,” added Wayne Wright, Owner of Time 2 Eat Catering Corp. and co-host of the awards. “These individuals have not only succeeded in their respective fields but have paved the way for others and contributed significantly to the growth and development of our community. It’s time we celebrate the value that experience brings to our region.”
The event will also mark the official launch of Wright’s premier brunch artistry and offerings. “Guests will be immersed in an unforgettable culinary experience featuring extravagant food displays that are as visually stunning as they are delicious,” Wright explains. “From interactive food stations to meticulously crafted signature dishes, attendees will embark on a sensory journey that marries innovative flavors with elegant presentation. The atmosphere will blend sophistication with warmth, creating the perfect backdrop to celebrate these remarkable honorees while experiencing the future of upscale brunch dining in Central New York.”
“What we’re launching transcends a typical awards ceremony—this is the spark igniting a revolutionary movement that will forever transform how our community values achievement and impact,” declared Coit with unmistakable passion. “Central New York is about to witness the birth of something truly phenomenal—an innovative community ecosystem where experience isn’t just acknowledged but revered, where continued growth becomes the gold standard, and where the power of cross generational mentorship will create ripples of success for decades to come. The 40 Over 40 Awards is the foundation of a legacy that will redefine professional recognition and what it means to feel pride as a Central New Yorker. Together, we’re writing a new narrative about the extraordinary talent and leadership that calls this region home.”
INAUGURAL CENTRAL NEW YORK 40 OVER 40 AWARDS CELEBRATES EXCEPTIONAL REGIONAL LEADERS
The 2025 CNY 40 Over 40 Honorees:
AWARDEES FROM ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK
Aileen McNabb
Akua Goodrich
Angela Daddabbo
Azariah Yemma
Carlos Tearney
Chayna Jamison-Short
Darrell Buckingham
David Reed
Dr. Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson
Dr. Emad Rahim
Gary Williams Jr., MPA, MHA
Gwen Webber-McLeod
Hasan Stephans
Heidi Nightingale
Helen Hudson
Jackie Walters
Jamal Finch
Jamar Clarke
Jonathan Maxim
Kevin Schwab
Lauren Kochain
Lekia Hill
Mark Petrowski
Marrissa Williamson
Melody Smith Johnson
Michael Monds
Nakeia Chambers
Rev. Paris Price
Qiana Williams
Quindell Williams
Reggie Kelley
Reggie Pickard
Sheena Soloman
Simone Seward, DrPH, MPH
Stacey M. Bailey
Tamica Barnett
Dr.Tatiana Parker
Terrice Hamilton
Tracy McLeod
Former Judge Vanessa Bogan
The inaugural awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at The Treasury at the Palladian in Syracuse. Nominations for the 2026 CNY 40 Over 40 Awards will open on January 1, 2026. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities for this groundbreaking initiative should contact Lorelle Moore at Culture@CuseCulture.com.
We’re excited to share an insightful conversation between Mary Malone McCarthy, Founder & CEO of M3 Placement & Partnership, and Winthrop Thurlow, Executive Director of LifeSciencesNY. Together, they discuss how M3 can support your organization through strategic talent acquisition, executive searches, and dynamic HR solutions.
As a Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise, M3 is committed to helping businesses build exceptional teams and create workplaces where employees thrive.
Don’t miss this engaging discussion—watch the full conversation here:
Albany, N.Y. – November 19, 2024 – M3 Placement and Partnership (M3), a talent acquisition advisory firm specializing in executive searches, direct placement, and high-volume recruiting, is proud to announce its official certification as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). This prestigious certification solidifies M3’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion while enhancing its ability to partner with organizations throughout the PANYNJ network.
Since its founding in 1921, the PANYNJ has been a driving force in managing critical transportation infrastructure, including airports, bridges, tunnels, and seaports, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic growth. As PANYNJ leads efforts in advancing major infrastructure projects, this certification allows M3 to contribute meaningfully to these initiatives.
With the WBE certification, M3 is positioned to expand its reach by providing executive recruitment and consulting services to a broader network within the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This accomplishment reinforces our dedication to cultivating diverse leadership teams and supporting organizations in achieving success through inclusive hiring practices across the region.
“We are honored to receive the official WBE certification from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,” said Jackie Walters, Vice President of Strategy and Operations at M3. “This achievement reflects our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in every facet of our work. We are excited to build meaningful partnerships, enhance our impact, and contribute to the continued growth and innovation of our region and beyond.”
M3 is proud to be a certified small and women-owned business, recognized by New York State, the SBA, WBENC, New York City, and now PANYNJ.
M3 has over 12 years of experience delivering comprehensive solutions for recruiting and retaining top talent. Serving a wide range of industries, M3 offers services including outsourced recruitment (RPO), direct placement, executive search, HR consulting, and career transition support. For more information about M3, visit m3placement.com.
When embarking on the mission to hire a new Executive Director for the Rome Chamber of Commerce, we knew we had to get it right. Utilizing M3 for this crucial hiring was an easy decision. They simplified the process for us and took care of all the screenings and foundational work so that we as a board could focus on interviewing the final handful of candidates and make our decision. They also lent best practices for purposes of crafting our offer and helped us right through the entire process. They were professional, responsive and attentive at all times and a true partner to us during this job search. We recommend their services without reservation.
Albany, N.Y. – October 16, 2024 – M3 Placement and Partnership (M3), a talent acquisition firm specializing in executive searches, direct placement, and high-volume recruiting, is proud to announce the launch of its Career Transition Services, a new service designed to support individuals through one of the most challenging aspects of the employee life cycle—career transitions. Whether due to layoffs, voluntary departures, or organizational restructuring, exits can be difficult for employees and organizations alike, requiring personalized guidance and care. M3 is proud to be a certified small and women-owned business recognized by New York State, Small Business Administration and WBENC.
With M3’s Career Transition Program, individuals receive one-on-one coaching to assess their current situation, identify future goals, and develop a customized action plan that helps them move forward with confidence.
“At M3, we believe that supporting organizations and talent at every phase of their journey is critically important. Career transitions associated with organizations restructure or layoffs can be a challenging time for all involved. Rather than an off the shelf, box program, M3 focuses on a high touch and skills focused program to exit employees with care and a high level of support,” says Mary Malone McCarthy, Founder and CEO of M3.
The program begins with a complimentary consultation with an experienced M3 career coach to address immediate questions and concerns. From there, a tailored coaching plan is developed to meet the individual’s specific needs.
Key components of M3’s Career Transition Services include:
Crafting a proactive transition statement to help individuals focus on the future when responding to questions from friends, family, and business associates.
Career exploration to identify roles that are the best fit based on individual strengths and interests.
Resume and LinkedIn profile development to ensure strategic alignment with career goals.
Interview preparation including coaching and mock interviews to build confidence.
Networking guidance to expand professional connections and tap into hidden opportunities.
Review of offers and negotiation coaching to ensure individuals make informed decisions.
Personal branding and career management techniques to enhance long-term career success.
Job search strategy coaching that leverages modern tactics, including the use of social media.
M3’s Career Transition Services is delivered through ongoing virtual sessions, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for participants regardless of their location. The personalized coaching approach ensures that each individual receives the focused attention they need at every stage of their transition journey.
By offering comprehensive, supportive, and expert-led coaching, M3 is committed to helping individuals take the next step in their careers with confidence.
For more information about M3’s Career Transition Services, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us at hello@m3placement.com or visit m3placement.com.
About M3 Placement and Partnership
M3 has been in business for over 12 years providing an end-to-end approach for recruiting and retaining top talent. M3 serves a variety of industries providing outsourced recruitment (RPO), direct placement, executive search, HR consulting, and career transition support services. For more information on M3, visit m3placement.com.
