Two well-known professionals in the human capital industry mark important career transitions this month.
Liesl Forve joins Navigate Forward as Senior Vice President of Strategic Relationships & Business Expansion. Forve brings more than two decades of experience in executive search and outplacement, having held sales leadership positions with Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Versique, Williams Executive Search and Boyden.
Forve will replace Diane Kozlak, Executive Vice President of Sales, who leaves her role to begin her encore chapter on April 1, 2021. The two will work side-by-side during March to ensure a seamless transition.
“Diane’s contributions to our firm, our clients and the industry have been considerable; she will be missed,” said Anne Sample, CEO of Navigate Forward. “At the same time, we are thrilled to add a talented resource like Liesl to our team. Our clients will remain in good hands.”
Looking Forward with Diane Kozlak
Kozlak joined Navigate Forward in January 2018 and helped grow the firm significantly through new strategic accounts, support of new service offerings and launch of virtual service delivery.
Her work with Navigate Forward serves as the capstone to a successful career in business development. Kozlak previously held sales leadership positions with Lee Hecht Harrison, Mentium, Modern Survey and Capella.
“Diane leaves big shoes to fill with her deep knowledge and long-term relationships,” Sample said. “She has been instrumental in the growth of our flagship Executive Transition Services and the development of our brand in this market. I look forward to seeing the ways she brings her talents to life in her encore chapter.”
It’s been a privilege to walk beside people during the important transitions in their lives
Reflecting on her tenure with Navigate Forward, Kozlak is proud of her track record helping both HR leaders and executives in transition.
“It’s been a privilege to walk beside people during the important transitions in their lives,” she said. “The mission and impact of our work is so meaningful.”
She added, “My super power is opening corporate relationships. Over 20 years I have developed deep, trusted relationships with HR leaders and I will miss them; they are my community.”
As she steps back from day-to-day duties, Kozlak looks forward to spending more time with her two young grandchildren, going dancing and attending the performing arts with her husband, and traveling once COVID-19 restrictions ease. She is considering opportunities to consult. She will also continue her commitment to community service as a board member for the non-profit Common Hope and through additional volunteer opportunities.
Meet Liesl Forve
In her new role, Forve will lead sales strategy and business development efforts, manage key accounts and help onboard new clients.
“Liesl emulates our core values in all that she does,” Sample said. “I’ve known her since I was a CHRO and find her very effective at building lasting relationships that lead to success in business.”
I’m looking forward to supporting such a well-established brand, maintaining Navigate Forward’s commitment to client service and to expanding our geographic reach
Sample added, “She is a true partner who brings great perspective to this work both as an outplacement expert and a former search professional.”
Forve will leverage her industry experience and broad connections across the Twin Cities and the U.S. to add value for employers and senior leaders.
“I’m looking forward to supporting such a well-established brand, maintaining Navigate Forward’s commitment to client service and to expanding our geographic reach,” she said.
She sees great potential in Navigate Forward’s services, particularly in the current virtual environment.
“Executive job searches in the 21st century require a sophisticated approach. There is simply no substitute for one-on-one career transition services. The individual attention that Navigate Forward provides results in a more rapid and successful outcome.”
