Meet Our Team
MANAGING PRINCIPAL & CEO
Carolyn Thompson
Carolyn Thompson is a US-based entrepreneurial business leader and founder of The Merito Group. With over twenty years of experience in talent acquisition and executive coaching, she is an industry thought leader and a published subject matter expert.
Hobby or outside volunteer interests?
I am on several boards which keeps me busy, but I walk my dogs a lot and love to ride my bike and electric scooter.
Fun fact about yourself that few people know?
Running several companies requires that I wear many hats every day. I started my first business when I was 14 which was making unique custom cakes for people.
Hobby or outside volunteer interests?
I am on several boards which keeps me busy, but I walk my dogs a lot and love to ride my bike and electric scooter.
Fun fact about yourself that few people know?
Running several companies requires that I wear many hats every day. I started my first business when I was 14 which was making unique custom cakes for people.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Todd Prouty, MBA
Todd is an accomplished accounting and finance executive with a track record of success in strategic corporate finance. He serves as Merito Group’s CFO overseeing FP&A, accounting, payroll operations, contracts, vendor management, and billing.
Best vacation you’ve had and what made it special?
Trip to Holland, France, and Germany to play soccer with my club team. We competed against great competition and experienced different cultures.
Favorite thing about your work?
Being able to work on multiple deliverables
Best vacation you’ve had and what made it special?
Trip to Holland, France, and Germany to play soccer with my club team. We competed against great competition and experienced different cultures.
Favorite thing about your work?
Being able to work on multiple deliverables
DIRECTOR OF RPO AND SOURCING SERVICES
Jake Hanson
Jake leads Merito Group’s Recruitment Process Outsourcing team with a customer-focused and results driven approach. He specializes in high-volume projects supporting Government Contractors as well as temporary and direct-hire searches across industries.
Best vacation you’ve had and what made it special?
When I went to the Virgin Islands for my 40th Birthday. The house I rented was awesome and we swam with sea turtles.
Favorite thing about your work?
I like helping people who are really unhappy get a new job that changes their lives.
Best vacation you’ve had and what made it special?
When I went to the Virgin Islands for my 40th Birthday. The house I rented was awesome and we swam with sea turtles.
Favorite thing about your work?
I like helping people who are really unhappy get a new job that changes their lives.
EXECUTIVE ASSOCIATE
Anna Politi, MBA
Anna is a Sr. Executive Associate at Merito Group and has a track record of success placing candidates for roles at various levels. As a key account recruiter on multiple national programs, she is well versed in meeting client and candidate needs on a contract, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and retained search basis.
Hobby or outside volunteer interests?
I regularly run half-marathons, marathons and relay’s
Best vacation you’ve had and what made it special?
I traveled around the entire west side of Cuba for 3 weeks right before I started College
Hobby or outside volunteer interests?
I regularly run half-marathons, marathons and relay’s
Best vacation you’ve had and what made it special?
I traveled around the entire west side of Cuba for 3 weeks right before I started College
TALENT ACQUISITION SPECIALIST
Kourtney Richards
Kourtney Richards is a Talent Acquisition Specialist. She works closely with our clients to understand their hiring needs and finds the best candidates to fill the job, all while providing excellent customer service along the way. She enjoys building lasting relationship and helping professionals find their next opportunity. In her spare time, Kourtney enjoys going on long walks with her dog, going to the beach, and spending time with her loved ones.
Person you admire and why?
I admire my friends and family that have overcome hardship and are still living successful, happy lives.
Hobby or outside volunteer interests?
I’m obsessed with my dog, Phillipa. I also love singing and musical theater. I enjoy watching true crime documentaries.
Person you admire and why?
I admire my friends and family that have overcome hardship and are still living successful, happy lives.
Hobby or outside volunteer interests?
I’m obsessed with my dog, Phillipa. I also love singing and musical theater. I enjoy watching true crime documentaries.
TALENT ACQUISITION SPECIALIST
Diane Tesalona, MSA
My name is Diane Tesalona, many refer to me as “Di”. I’m a Talent Acquisition Specialist with the Merito Group. I enjoy getting to know our candidates and working to understand their needs, goals, and aspirations to create a mutually benefitting relationship between them and our clients. On my spare time, I enjoy travelling and exploring new cities and countries.
Favorite lunch or breakfast order?
Breakfast: Tapsilog (Filipino Dish – Garlic Fried-Rice, Marinated Beef, & an over-easy egg, YUM)
Lunch: Spaghetti
Best vacation you’ve had and what made it special?
Tulum, Mexico (2019). I celebrated my birthday with my best friend before he moved overseas and snorkeled with sting rays & tortoises!
Favorite lunch or breakfast order?
Breakfast: Tapsilog (Filipino Dish – Garlic Fried-Rice, Marinated Beef, & an over-easy egg, YUM)
Lunch: Spaghetti
Best vacation you’ve had and what made it special?
Tulum, Mexico (2019). I celebrated my birthday with my best friend before he moved overseas and snorkeled with sting rays & tortoises!
OFFICE MANAGER
Megan Walston
Megan Walston is Merito Group’s Office Manager and Firm Administrator. She works with the team to assist in projects, onboarding, and organization. She enjoys assisting candidates and clients to ensure all needs are meet. In her spare time, she can be found traveling, crafting, or spending time with family.
Person you admire and why?
My parents. They have been together for 35 years and are still going strong. They are the example I hold myself to.
Hobby or outside volunteer interests?
I am a huge crafter. I love cross stitch, watercolor, and calligraphy.
Person you admire and why?
My parents. They have been together for 35 years and are still going strong. They are the example I hold myself to.
Hobby or outside volunteer interests?
I am a huge crafter. I love cross stitch, watercolor, and calligraphy.
RECRUITING COORDINATOR
Anna Polkinghorn
Annie Polkinghorn is the recruiting coordinator at Merito Group. She assists the team with various requisitions by helping source candidates, meeting with clients, and preparing marketing materials for candidates & clients.
Best Vacation you've had and what made it special?
After I graduated HS, I went to Korea with my immediate family and my grandparents came, too. We explored a lot of Korean culture by taking cooking classes, visiting temples, and going to Karaoke bars.
Favorite Lunch or breakfast order?
1) A cup of coffee 2) An omelet with all the toppings and fruit salad on the side
Best Vacation you've had and what made it special?
After I graduated HS, I went to Korea with my immediate family and my grandparents came, too. We explored a lot of Korean culture by taking cooking classes, visiting temples, and going to Karaoke bars.
Favorite Lunch or breakfast order?
1) A cup of coffee 2) An omelet with all the toppings and fruit salad on the side