Our Team


David Gomez
President & CEO
A steadfast visionary leader, David Gomez has been serving the Executive Search Industry as a leader of leaders since founding Gomez Partners in 1978. A first-generation Mexican immigrant, David comes from humble beginnings, fueling the ambition that catapulted him to business success. Overcoming racial and financial barriers that debilitated his progress, David learned his strengths and ways to navigate the way to reaching his dreams.
Graduating from St. Xavier University on a baseball scholarship, David pursued his love for music, majoring in classical music education. Distinguishing himself as a young student leader, David led his team to state championship history, serving as the head coach of St. Xavier’s women’s football team while still enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student.
Upon graduation, David married his college sweetheart and started his family and career as a music educator for high school students. Working with students allowed David the opportunity to hone his skill for cultivating talent in individuals at any level. Many years later, David was invited back into the education field as an appointee to serve on the Board of Directors for the Illinois State Board of Education by the governor of Illinois, lending his years of professional experience.
Establishing Gomez Partners in 1978, David began to make his mark in the Talent Search industry. Perfecting his business craft, David’s skill in diversity consulting has earned him a consistent and prominent presence in the pages of national media and trade publications including The Wall Street Journal, Latino Leaders, and Dinero Magazine. His passion for diversity and inclusion has coined him The King of Diversity, establishing him as a relentless diversity and inclusion advocate coupled with grit.
David’s long list of awards and accolades for his significant contributions to the professional landscape includes recognition for distinguished community service by St. Augustine College, where he was honored with the El Puente Award for his community efforts by partnering with The Chicago Black Hawks to establish a youth training program teaching the fundamentals of hockey. David is also a recipient of the Entrepreneurial Award, bestowed by Minorities in Business Magazine, and given the Corporate Elite distinction by Hispanic Business Magazine. Gomez Partners has also been named in INC. 500 for the fastest growing company in the Midwest.
An inspiring and highly sought-after public speaker, David has been featured as a guest and keynote speaker, sharing his expertise as a mentor to business professionals from organizations that include the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and the National Black MBA Association.
A proven leader in the Executive Search industry, David served on the Executive Committee of The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, was charged with the responsibility of recruiting new board members and accomplished 5 years of steady, unprecedented growth within the organization. During his tenure, David created the Hispano Job Board for Latino professionals seeking new career opportunities.
Over the years, David has served as a vital catalyst to the development of valuable organizations, alliances, and professional development programs that seek to advance the professional opportunities available to executives of color. David played an integral role in the development of The New American Alliance (NAA), is the co-founder of The United Community Bank of Lisle and assisted Harvard University’s Business School to establish a professional certificate program that caters to the unique needs of Latino professionals. David went the extra mile of professionalism by completing the program he helped develop with Harvard University, earning his professional certificate from Harvard Business School and presented by the Hispanic Association of Harvard University, focusing on Corporate Responsibility & Best Corporate Practices in Governance.
Focused on serving as a well-rounded executive leader, David enrolled himself in the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business Executive Development, completing his professional certificate in the 1st Board of Director’s Certificate of Professional Candidacy and Responsibility, presented by The New American Alliance Hispanic Association on Corporate Alliances.
David’s skill for Executive Search garnered the attention of New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, calling on Gomez Partners to assist in the transition of the Metropolitan Transportation Association’s (MTA) senior leadership to diversity and inclusion when selecting executive team stakeholders.
Today, David Gomez continues to serve as the fearless visionary leader of the Gomez Partners enterprise, continuing to disrupt the executive professional industry by instituting effective diversity strategies that nurture diverse and inclusive corporate environments for today’s future executive professionals.
“Trusting in God to bring forth the best version of myself."
“Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there.
-Zig Ziglar

Richard Gomez
Director of Finance & Operations
Driven with a passion for small business management and entrepreneurship, Richard Gomez serves as the Director of Finance & Operations for Gomez Partners. Completing his higher education credentials at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Richard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science in Accounting.
A humble servant-leader, Richard leads the day-to-day operations of Gomez Partners with a strong focus on investing in his team, using professional development as the catalyst. With more than 15 years of experience in recruiting and business finance, Richard specializes in optimizing operational performances, financial budget management, identifying and mitigating risks, and diverse portfolio management.
He is an active member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Illinois CPA Society, and seeks to complete the process of becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst.
An advocate for diversity, Richard came to Gomez Partners in 2018 with the hope of making a bigger impact for disenfranchised professionals searching for career advancement opportunities.
Committed to personal growth and self-investment, Richard is an avid reader, challenging himself to improve daily. A dedicated husband and father of 7 children, Richard invests his free time into raising his family and mentoring the next generation of leaders through his passion for teaching and coaching hockey.
Applying both grit and grace to his leadership approach, Richard believes the key to success is taking the time to embrace the delicate balance between our professional and personal lives.
“No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
– Robin Williams

Carrie Ann Dickson
Managing Director
Born and raised in Texas, Carrie Ann Dickson migrated to Illinois to pursue higher education and professional growth. Attending Lake Forest College, Carrie Ann maximized her college experience by earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a double minor in English Literature and Theatre, making history in her family as the first to graduate from college.
Possessing a variated professional background, Carrie Ann’s experience gives her an original perspective and approach to the recruitment services she provides.
An experienced performance professional, Carrie daily applies her unique theatrical skill set and sense of humor, giving her a great advantage when assisting candidates with appearance presentation and interview preparation techniques.
Possessing 15 years of experience in recruiting and acquiring accounts for high-growth organizations, Carrie has successfully developed and implemented recruiting and business development plans to maximize revenue and penetrate the market.
Her savvy business acumen provides her recruiting team guidance, leading every project to success. A dedicated, lifetime learner, Carrie Ann possesses a gift for writing and research, causing her to thoroughly examine every detailed need of her clients and candidates.
Serving as the Managing Director of Client Services for Gomez Partners, Carrie Ann is a passionate team leader seeking to mitigate injustices vicariously through her work.
As an advocate for diversity inclusion, Carrie Ann strives to mitigate gender and racial discrimination in the workplace by diligently seeking diverse minority executives and negotiating with employers to close the pay gaps between genders and racial groups.
As an advocate for diversity, Carrie Ann strives to utilize her education, work experience, and life experiences by creating opportunities for both her clients and candidates throughout the U.S.
“I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”
-Michael Jordan

Charlie Sandoval
Director of Client Services
A Chicago native and first-generation of Mexican immigrant descent, Charlie Sandoval is a proud graduate of DePaul University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance and minoring in Spanish. A self-starter, Charlie paid his way through college, balancing work, family life, and school full-time.
Becoming the first person in his family’s history to graduate from college, Charlie credits his success to the relentless support of his family, where he learned the value of hard work, dedication, and time management.
Serving as the Director of Client Services, Charlie brings his 20+ years of experience in finance leadership which includes a professional background in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Beginning his career in the not-for-profit sector, Charlie managed financial assets for some of Chicago’s most notable not-for-profit organizations.
His experience in working closely with key organization stakeholders and facilitating a golden standard of two-way communication has proven him to be a driven, consistent leader who values ethics, results, and the quality of candidates and employers he works with daily.
A dedicated father, Charlie commits his time away from the office by strengthening his bonds with family, improving his personal growth, and contributing to the overall success of Gomez Partners.
“Managers share strategies. Leaders share stories. Moguls share BOTH.”
-Michelle O’Kennard, MHS

Michelle O'Kennard
Director of Marketing & Business Development
Michelle O’Kennard serves as the Director of Marketing & Business Development for Gomez Partners. An established marketing and branding expert, Michelle brings 10+ years of entrepreneurship and business consultant experience to the DGP Team.
As the lead marketer for Gomez Partners, Michelle is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day marketing activities of Gomez Partners, ensuring every marketing opportunity is maximized for every project taken on.
A Chicago native, she is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), earning her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and later earning her master’s degree from Governors State University with a focus on Addiction Studies. An award-winning businesswoman and established marketing and branding expert, Michelle brings her years of business consulting experience to every client served.
As an experienced entrepreneur, serving as a masterful Brand Manager, she specializes in developing successful, digital marketing campaigns worldwide, expanding the influence of her clients under the guides of her creative tutelage.
A relentless content development specialist, Michelle offers our candidates executive image guidance and employer partners with strategic marketing plans to fill roles quickly and with ease. Michelle is a proud member of the media community and a competent public speaker, specializing in the topics of entrepreneurship, women in leadership, branding, digital marketing, and domestic violence prevention.
Serving as a member of The Black Women’s Professional League, an organization dedicated to supporting young black women between the ages of 18-24, Michelle was honored as a 40 Under 40 Honoree, highlighting her entrepreneurial efforts and work. Michelle is also a Phenomenal Woman Awardee, bestowed by The Black Women’s Expo, highlighting her career and commitment to the community. Past Phenomenal Woman Awardees include media maven Oprah Winfrey, the prolific poet Dr. Maya Angelou, and iconic actress Cicely Tyson.