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Your Talent Advantage
How the Right Hiring Decisions Separate Winners from Everyone Else
Join industry leaders for an evening of insights, networking, and practical strategies to transform your approach to talent acquisition.
Event Details:
Thursday, November 6, 2025
6-8 p.m. ET
Club 135
135 W 50th st, 2nd floor
New York, NY
Meet the Panel
Learn from leaders who combine deep alternative investment expertise with proven talent acquisition methodologies.
Tiffany James–Francis
Vice President, Talent Acquisition / Palm Tree LLC
Tiffany James-Francis is the Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Palm Tree, a M&A advisor that integrates investment banking and financial consulting services for private equity sponsors, business owners, and management teams. She manages the firm’s Executive Search and Talent Strategy function, aligning top-tier talent with Palm Tree’s growth objectives across its nationwide offices.
With over two decades of experience in financial services recruiting, Tiffany has held leadership roles at BNY Mellon, Antares Capital, BlackRock, and AllianceBernstein. Before joining Palm Tree, she founded Inclusivity Talent Solutions, a boutique consultancy focused on attracting diverse, high-performing professionals and implementing best-in-class recruiting practices.
Alex Salas
SHRM-SCP President, New York City SHRM
Alex Salas is a transformational HR executive with over 20 years of experience spanning Fortune 100 companies and public-sector organizations. As President of NYC SHRM, SHRM’s first and one of its largest chapters, he has spearheaded innovative programming and strategic partnerships that serve thousands of HR professionals since taking the helm in 2024. In recognition of his volunteer leadership, he was honored as 2025 Volunteer Leader of the Year by the SHRM New York State Council.
Currently serving as Assistant Chief People Officer for the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (NJSEA), Alex orchestrates HR operations across high-profile venues and regional assets. Previously, as AVP for the Federal Farm Credit Bank, he delivered enterprise wide HR system implementations, redesigned performance management frameworks, and championed compensation equity initiatives. His diverse career foundation includes strategic HR roles at UNITE HERE, Audemars Piguet, and AXA Equitable.
Recognized for HR excellence (including the NYC SHRM Award for HR Excellence), with media features and frequent guest lectures in the NYC area, he holds certifications including SHRM-SCP, the SHRM Executive Network certificate, and a Business Communication Certificate from Cornell University. Known for leading with empathy and authenticity, Alex remains deeply committed to elevating both the HR profession and the community in the greater NYC area.
Chris Lillis
Director of Talent Acquisition, Arootah
Chris brings institutional-grade talent acquisition expertise to the alternative investment industry. His background includes leadership roles where he built and scaled high-performing teams using rigorous, analytical methodologies.
Why Your Talent Strategy Matters More Than Ever
Apply Now to Secure Your Spot!
Why Your Talent Strategy Matters More Than Ever
Hiring isn’t just about filling roles—Learn how to apply investment-grade rigor to every hiring decision.
Minimize Hiring Risks
Learn proven tools and methodologies to reduce turnover, align hires with company culture, and build high-performing teams with confidence.
Strategic Flexibility
Understand when and how to leverage fractional talent versus full-time hires for maximum impact.
Technology Integration
Leverage AI and proprietary tools to reduce bias and improve candidate evaluation accuracy.
Build a Competitive Team
Master strategic hiring frameworks that give your organization a crucial advantage in attracting and retaining top talent in the alternative investment industry.
Apply Now to Secure Your Spot!
Limited seating. Fill out the form to express your interest! You will receive an email when your registration is confirmed.
Your Evening Includes
Expert Panel Discussion
40 minutes of insights from industry leaders, followed by audience Q&A to address your specific challenges.
Premium Networking
Connect with CHROs, COOs, and talent leaders from leading alternative investment firms during our cocktail reception.
Exclusive Resources
Access to Arootah’s Talent Acquisition Newsletter and complimentary exploration call with our team of experts.
Light Refreshments + Bites
Enjoy cocktails and a buffet while building relationships with peers facing similar talent challenges.
Tool Demonstrations
See demonstrations of the Arootah Candidate Scoring Tool.
Actionable Frameworks
Leave with concrete methodologies you can implement immediately to improve your hiring outcomes.
First 10 attendees receive a complimentary signed copy
Additional copies available for purchase at the event.
Introducing latest edition of The Talent Principles Volume I: Acquisition
A comprehensive playbook for optimizing your approach to attracting, hiring, and onboarding exceptional talent. This book translates decades of alternative investment expertise into actionable talent acquisition strategies.
What’s Inside:
- Human Capital Decision Matrix — Apply investment-grade analytical rigor to evaluate full-time vs. fractional vs. outsourced talent decisions
- Analytical Hiring Methodology — Remove bias and emotion from hiring with structured, data-driven evaluation frameworks
- Strategic Planning Tools — Align talent acquisition with long-term business objectives
- Prioritization Frameworks — Focus resources on high-impact hiring decisions
- Accountability Systems — Execute hiring goals with precision and measure outcomes
First 10 attendees receive a complimentary signed copy
Additional copies available for purchase at the event.
Streamlining Your Talent Acquisition Process
Arootah combines proprietary tools with proven methodologies to deliver measurable results. At this event, you’ll see how our integrated platform supports every stage of your talent journey.
Our custom Applicant Tracking System goes beyond traditional ATS platforms by integrating advanced candidate evaluation that weighs both technical competencies and interpersonal skills. This dual-assessment approach facilitates fair, unbiased recruitment while ensuring cultural fit. See how our evaluation matrix helps you identify high-potential candidates others might overlook.
What People Say About Our Workshops
Rich clearly put deep thought into this workshop. This thoughtful process makes it easy to apply the principles he is teaching. Practical application is a hallmark of his process, and it is clear that Rich’s strategies from years of experience in the industry are being shared in a way that makes them accessible to us all.
Chris H
Head of Prime Brokerage
Investment Bank
I’m amazed by what I was able to accomplish in a night! I enjoyed both the philosophy behind the topics and the practical breakout room workshops with his coaches. The prioritization process was especially valuable. Looking forward to taking this “blueprint” and executing it. Using some of the accountability strategies he taught me as well!
Maria D
Chief Operating Office
Hedge and Private Equity Fund
Setting goals and creating plans to achieve them with Rich really inspired me to take advantage of more opportunities than I had realized. Execution is the even harder part, and it’s been great to have Rich and his team by my side every step of the way. Thanks!
Peter B
Portfolio Manager
Hedge Fund