J. Alvin Wakefield (Al) is the President of Wakefield Talabisco International (Vermont), Inc. Along with his founding partner, Barbara Talabisco, Al established WTI in 1993. For over eight years, Al served as a partner with two top executive search firms, Korn/Ferry International and Gilbert Tweed Associates, before forming his own company. Al brings to the retained search business significant general management and human resources experience, having spent fifteen years in progressively responsible human resource management positions with Fortune 500 firms including Avon Products, The Singer Company, Celanese and Mobil Oil Corporation. Al holds a B.S. degree in English Literature from New York University and has completed all studies (sans the thesis) for an MBA degree at Pace University Graduate School of Business.

Al has successfully completed searches for a wide range of consumer companies in the direct selling industry as well as direct marketing, service, industrial, financial services and not-for-profit organizations. He has experience in working with large, well established organizations as well as smaller, entrepreneurial ones, including start ups. His functional skills are in general management, marketing, sales, finance, human resources and operations. He has demonstrated particular sensitivity and success in filling searches with candidates of diverse backgrounds.

Al has been included in John Sibbald's book, The Career Makers, North America's Top 100 Recruiters. In each edition, Al has been particularly cited as a leading recruiter in direct selling and marketing, not-for-profit and diversity searches.

Al has been active in several professional organizations including the Direct Selling Association, the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors (Vermont), the Vermont Community Foundation and the Vermont Business Roundtable. He has been cited by the Direct Selling Association as the recipient of its Partnership Award, the industry's highest award given to supplier firms for quality service.

Relaxation is achieved through snowboarding, tennis, classical and jazz flute and tenor saxophone and sports car driving activities. He has also held leadership positions in several community service organizations including the New England Board of Higher Education, The Paramount Theater and Crossroads Arts Council (Board Chairman), Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International and of Vermont Public Radio (Board Vice Chairman).

Don Hunt joined Al in the Vermont office of Wakefield Talabisco International in 1995. As Vice President, Don has completed executive searches for a wide range of clients including leading direct selling, financial service, not-for-profit, industrial and consumer package goods organizations. 

Don’s over 23 years of search experience include his association with the firms of Gilbert Tweed, Boyden International and Arthur Young. In addition, he brings to his role the insight of an experienced human resources executive, having worked in this capacity for twelve years in a variety of settings, including Fortune 500, state government, and human services organizations. Don holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Brown University.

An avid skier and tennis player, Don has enjoyed living in the Green Mountain State since 1989.

Gale Noel, previously Gale Levatino, retired several years ago from The Central Vermont Public Service Corporation where she held the position of Administrative Assistant to the Corporate Secretary. Although our style is to answer our own phones, Gale’s is the friendly voice that provides caring assistance to both clients and candidates. Her key role is to handle the day-to-day administrative responsibilities for our Vermont office.

Barbara Talabisco, a founding partner and accomplished executive search professional, heads up the New York Office of Wakefield Talabisco International. Barbara has built her expertise and practice around consumer products, marketing, fashion, cosmetics and retail businesses.

Identified as one of the top 25 women in executive recruitment, Barbara has built one of the industry’s most enviable databases in general management, finance and marketing leadership. Barbara has been noted both by clients and candidates for her unique ability to identify, develop, measure and recruit candidates, and for her keen sense of urgency in bringing searches to a successful close.

Contact the NY Office: 

Wakefield Talabisco International ~ New York
11 East 44th Street
New York, NY  10173
212-661-8600 (voice)
212-661-8832 (fax)

Barbara@wtali.com