Good afternoon,

With just two weeks remaining in Q1, it’s hard to ignore how quickly the start of the year has moved. Between unpredictable weather and a steady stream of global events, the pace has felt anything but typical.

Despite that backdrop, activity has remained strong. Chesapeake Search Partners remains busy with a range of meaningful engagements, alongside ongoing momentum within Chesapeake HR Solutions.

There is a sense that, while external conditions have been noisy, organizations are staying focused internally, prioritizing the work that matters and continuing to move forward with intention.

As always, feel free to jump on my calendar at any time to discuss hiring or career transitions.

The Work.

The February employment report, finally back on schedule and released on the first Friday of the month, painted a notably different picture, reflecting a loss of 92,000 jobs and a more cautious outlook on the broader U.S. economy. For once, what we are experiencing in the market has not fully aligned with the macro narrative. 

While engagements remain highly specific and targeted, there continues to be meaningful hiring activity. Companies are still moving forward, but with intention and scrutiny. This divergence places increased attention on how Q1 will ultimately close and what that signals for the balance of 2026.

Time to hire continues to trend between 60 to 70 days, as organizations prioritize full confidence before making decisions regardless of level or function. The emphasis is clear: getting it right outweighs moving quickly.

Chesapeake HR Solutions (CHRS), led by Jason Nemoy, is continuing to see growth across a variety of engagements. Notably, we are seeing fewer outplacement mandates and increased demand for fractional HR leadership and executive coaching. There has also been a meaningful rise in the use of DISC as organizations and leaders look to better understand communication styles, team dynamics, and overall effectiveness.

Our team remains actively engaged in supporting both sides of the equation, partnering with companies to build stronger internal infrastructure while continuing to help individuals move forward with clarity and confidence when transitions do occur

Featured Searches

The following engagements represent trusted partnerships with clients who have asked us to align closely with their leadership teams on critical hires. These searches reflect strategic commitments where we are deeply embedded and fully accountable for delivering a successful experience for all parties.

Senior Vice President of Growth and Partnerships

Linthicum, MD 

Director of Personal Lines

Monkton, MD 

Staff Accountant

Towson, MD 

Digital Marketing Manager

Annapolis, MD 

Asset Manager - Real Estate Capital

Baltimore, MD 

Asset Manager

Anne Arundel County, MD

Leasing Specialist

Baltimore, MD 

Channel Partner Manager

DMV Territory 

Upcoming Events in the Market:

Quotes & The Stories Behind Them

"Handle Hard Better."

— Kara Lawson, Duke Basketball.

As March Madness starts this week, I thought I would share a basketball quote. 3 years ago, Coach Kara Lawson for the Duke Women’s Basketball Team shared this video:

Most people move through life believing that at some point, things will get easier, but that moment never comes. The challenge doesn’t shrink; it stays constant or even grows.

What changes is you.

The real advantage in life comes from developing the ability to stay steady, focused, and effective when things are hard. Instead of waiting for ease, successful people build the capacity to carry difficulty better.

The goal isn’t an easier life…
It’s becoming someone who can handle hard better.

Watch the clip…shoot me a note…tell me what it means to you.

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