Betsy Berhemer Credaire announces 15th Anniversary of her Successful Executive Search Firm.

Angeles Retained Executive Search Firm

Celebrates 15 Years in Business 1994-2009


Los Angeles, CA (Jan 21, 2009)—Berkhemer Clayton Inc. marks its 15th Year in Business this month. The retained executive search firm handles national searches for client organizations with major operations in the west, by recruiting headquarters executives at the $150K-level and above in corporate communications, public relations, marketing, finance, operations, and human resources management.

Veteran entrepreneurs Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, president, and Fred Clayton, chief executive officer, launched the firm in January 1994, after both had successful business careers in public relations and finance, respectively.

“Our key to success for 15 years has been the ability to find the needle in the haystack—the top performer who would also be a good cultural fit for the client organization,” says Clayton. “And then we successfully recruit that executive to our client company. We are proud to have played a role in how business is done in the west and in our community.”

“As a retained firm, we work directly for client organizations who engage us to proactively seek out, attract and recruit experienced executives for specific positions,” adds Berkhemer-Credaire. “But the most gratifying thing about being in the retained search business is knowing we have made a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Berkhemer Clayton’s client corporations include Toyota, Mattel, Nike, Amgen, Edison, The Capital Group, Oaktree Capital Management, Edwards Lifesciences, Hilton, The Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, and more. Higher education clients include the University of Southern California, Caltech, UC Irvine and University of Redlands.

Non-profit clients include the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Kaiser Permanente, City of Hope, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, MALDEF, Ability First, Crystal Stairs, Connections for Children, and The California Endowment.

“In this tough economy today, it’s even more important for organizations to seek out top executives who bring critical expertise in communications, marketing and finance,” notes Clayton, who specializes in headquarters positions including finance, operations, and HR. “These functions are essential to the operation and reputation management of every business, especially during a recession.”

Berkhemer Clayton has also developed an industry-leading track record in diversity: 44% of all executives placed have been women; and 36% have been men and women of color. “We incorporate diversity strategies into every search we handle, with proactive efforts to present an inclusive panel of finalists,” explains Clayton.

Throughout these 15 years, the principals of Berkhemer Clayton have been active as volunteer board members for community and non-profit organizations. Clayton has continuously served on the boards of INROADS, which establishes college internships for students of color, and The Paralysis Project of America, which raises funds for spinal cord research.

Berkhemer-Credaire is currently the statewide president of the National Association of Women Business Owners in California; serves on the board of Southern California Leadership Network (SCLN); co-chairs the Women Corporate Directors of Southern California Chapter; and is a member of the California Utilities Diversity Council.

She previously owned one of the largest independent public relations agencies in Los Angeles, which was acquired by Golin/Harris, a global communications firm. Fred Clayton is a former partner at Ward Howell retained executive search, and before that, led the executive search practice for Price Waterhouse in Los Angeles.



Complete information about Berkhemer Clayton is online at www.berkhemerclayton.com