Locally Rooted, Nationally Connected
A Higher Standard of Talent Acquisition
Established in 2010, Walrath Recruiting, Inc. is a New York State Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise dedicated to connecting top talent with leading employers.
Based in Albany, NY, with a satellite office in Saratoga Springs, we provide comprehensive recruiting services to businesses in the Capital Region and nationwide. Our expert recruiters are committed to delivering tailored hiring solutions to secure a perfect match between employers and candidates.
Driven by results, powered by people
Employers looking for top talent or professionals seeking their next career move trust in us. Walrath Recruiting offers tailored staffing solutions designed to meet your unique needs. Our team is dedicated to sourcing highly qualified candidates for a myriad of industries, ensuring the right fit for companies and job seekers alike.
Renee Walrath
President & CEO, Walrath Recruiting, Inc.
Empowering Growth | Creating Opportunity | Grounded in Integrity
Renee Walrath brings vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her role as President and CEO of Walrath Recruiting, Inc. Since founding the firm in 2010, she has transformed it from a one-room office into one of the Capital Region’s most respected executive search, recruiting and staffing agencies, now operating across two offices with a dynamic team of nine professionals.
Her journey is a testament to grit and determination. While raising her sons as a single mother, Renee earned her B.B.A. in Accounting from Siena College, laying the foundation for a business that thrives across a wide range of industries. Her strong ethical compass, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless work ethic have earned her deep respect and admiration in the business community.
A people-first leader, Renee is deeply invested in the success of her clients, candidates, and team members. Her approach goes beyond recruitment; it’s about building long-term relationships and delivering career solutions that create lasting impact. As a two-time Albany Business Review Power 50 honoree (2022, 2024) and leader of a New York State Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), she continues to break barriers and set new standards in executive search.
Community Leadership
Rooted in the Capital Region, Renee is passionate about giving back to the communities that shaped her. A Niskayuna native and Saratoga Springs resident, she actively supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations, both locally and nationally.
One of her most enduring commitments is to Double H Ranch in the Adirondacks, which supports children with life-threatening illnesses. Since 2013, she has sponsored multiple children to experience the healing power of summer camp. Her philanthropic reach also extends to Shelters of Saratoga, the American Cancer Society, Consumer Directed Choices, and Saratoga Seniors, reflecting her broad and compassionate support for community causes.
Champion for Women in Business
Renee is a dedicated advocate for women’s advancement in the workplace. For more than a decade, she has served as a mentor with the Albany Business Review’s Mentoring Monday program, offering guidance on leadership, networking, and professional growth.
Her support also extends to the next generation of women leaders. Since 2020, she has provided scholarship funding to female students, reinforcing her conviction in the transformative power of education to unlock opportunities and drive systemic change.
Recognition & Achievements
Community Member, Consumer Directed Choices – 2025
Advisory Board, The Bank of Greene County – 2025
School of Business Advisory Council (SoBAC), Siena College – 2024
Power 50 Awardee, Albany Business Review – 2022, 2024
Business Wall of Fame Inductee, Stack Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Siena College – 2017
Women Who Mean Business Awardee, Albany Business Review – 2016
Christopher Walrath
Head of Innovation & Go-to-Market
Elevating Potential | Building Belonging | Leading with Intention
Chris is a dedicated recruitment business partner with over a decade of experience designing and executing innovative, data-driven talent acquisition strategies tailored to today’s evolving workforce.
A 2025 Albany Business Review 40 Under 40 honoree, Chris has a proven track record of delivering transformative hiring solutions. He brings a strategic perspective to every stage of the recruitment cycle, from identifying and engaging top-tier candidates to optimizing processes and improving retention outcomes. His expertise spans talent acquisition, organizational effectiveness, strategy and operations, and learning and development.
A purpose-led leader who believes in authentic connection, Chris works to maximize impact and ROI through inclusive, high-engagement environments. He embeds experiential learning principles into his work, fostering diverse talent pipelines and championing equitable workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Outside the office, Chris serves as Co-Chair of the Campus Connect Steering Committee through the Capital Region Chamber’s Young Professionals Network, helping bridge students, local universities, and businesses in creating opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders.
Karolina Severova, SHRM-CP
Principal Recruiter
Candidate’s Advocate | Confidence Catalyst | Bilingual Bridge Builder
Karolina Severova brings a sharp eye for talent and a deep commitment to empowering job seekers. Since joining Walrath Recruiting in 2019, Karolina has grown from a Recruiter Assistant to a trusted Principal Recruiter, guiding candidates with clarity, empathy, and confidence.
Originally from Prague, Czech Republic, Karolina bridges cultures and perspectives, helping candidates navigate the job search with personalized support. Known for her thoughtful, people-first approach, she listens deeply, motivates sincerely, and delivers real results for both job seekers and employers alike. Her bilingual skills enhance her ability to connect with diverse talent.
Karolina also serves on the Board of The Capital Region Recruiters’ Network (CRRN) as Social Media Chair, keeping the community connected and engaged with events, opportunities, and insights. She’s grown a LinkedIn following of over 115,000 professionals and continues to foster a strong, supportive recruitment network.
Emma Gebauer
Recruiter
Coffee-Fueled Connector | Talent Strategist | Hiring Puzzle Solver
Emma Gebauer joined Walrath Recruiting Inc. in February 2024 and hit the ground running, quickly earning the title of 2024 Rookie of the Year. A recent Siena College graduate with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Resources, Emma brings both heart and hustle to every search she leads.
She’s your go-to recruiter for all things creative and complex, thriving on navigating challenging searches and solving our clients’ hiring puzzles! Emma pairs strategic insight with an approachable vibe, helping candidates find their career path and clients find their perfect match.
Matthew Costello
Marketing Assistant
Visual Storyteller | Resident Cartoonist | Pixel Perfectionist
Matthew Costello joined Walrath Recruiting in March 2025, bringing a trained cartoonist’s eye to every pixel, post, and platform. With a strong foundation in cartoon and graphic art, he brings Walrath’s brand to life through compelling visuals and thoughtful storytelling.
A true creative at heart, Matthew draws inspiration from immersive video games, cinematic moments, and the pages of his favorite sci-fi novels. When he’s not designing graphics or curating content, he’s exploring new worlds; both fictional and visual.
Haley Francis
Recruiter Assistant/ Intern
Rising Star | Workflow Wizard | Positivity Promoter
Haley Francis joined Walrath Recruiting as a Recruiter Assistant while finishing up her Bachelor of Science in Management at Siena College, where she’s concentrating in Human Resources Management with a minor in Psychology. Set to graduate in January 2026, Haley is already applying her academic knowledge in real-world recruiting settings.
Organized, enthusiastic, and people-focused, Haley supports the recruiting team behind the scenes by keeping processes on track and communication flowing. Her passion for HR and talent development shows up in the details, whether she’s coordinating interviews or conducting candidate research.
Keri Willis
Resume Writer
Resume Maven | Application Alchemist | Career Consultant
Keri Willis has been a trusted partner to Walrath Recruiting for over 10 years, providing expert professional document writing services including resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and more. With over 16 years of experience in career services, Keri specializes in career counseling, employer relations, recruitment, and education policy.
Keri is passionate about working with clients from all walks of life, whether they’re entering the workforce, making a career transition, or aiming for advancement. She meets each client where they are, tailoring documents to reflect their unique background and career goals, ensuring a competitive edge in today’s job market.
Banx Walrath
Security Officer
Good Boy | Bone Eater | Vicious Protector
Banx Walrath joined Walrath Recruiting as a Recruiter Assistant and quickly rose in the ranks to become our Security Officer.
He is proficient at taking naps, barking at unexpected company, and sneaking up to Walrath employees to say hello.
