Darla Ball, Partner
Darla’s Bio
Education:
Franklin University, Columbus, OH Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Work History:
Began my career at a Big Four accounting firm as an auditor for banks, credit unions and mutual funds. During the next twenty years of employment at various banks, mutual & hedge funds and private equity firms, I rose to SVP and Controller prior to joining York & Associates.
What are your favorite hobbies?I enjoy running, yoga, cooking and spending time with my family.
Person Alive or Dead you’d most like to meet? Oprah Winfrey.
Words to live by? Life has no limitations; except the ones you make.
Dan Damico, Associate Partner
Dan’s Bio
Work History: Prior to York & Associates I was a college football coach for 11 years at Otterbein University where I served as the offensive coordinator and Quarterbacks coach.
Most Memorable Placement: Great question! They are all very memorable, and the easy answer would be my very first placement, but another one really sticks out. I reached out to a bank with a commercial lender I was working with. It did not work out with that lender, but the bank informed me they were looking to start up an LPO in the neighboring state and asked if I could help them with lenders in that market. I was able to find them two great candidates, which they hired. It was a great experience being able to help a bank move into a whole new state and market!
Favorite Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and 3 kids and doing anything sports related!
Person Alive, Dead or Fictional you’d like to meet: Knute Rockne and Maximus Decimus Meridius
Words to Live by: Play like a Champion Today
Garth DeBevoise, Executive Recruiter
Garth’s Bio
EDUCATION: BA in Business. Member of the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets Football Team
WORK EXPERIENCE: I spent 1 year in sales at BRINKS and then started my journey in recruiting in Tampa, Florida (Ybor City) in 2004 within the pharmaceutical advertising realm before transitioning to banking.
FAVORITE HOBBIES: I love spending time with my wife and twin boys. I am a big University of Michigan sports fan, especially football, basketball, and hockey. I enjoy staying fit. I love to cook but it is usually Cajun or something so spicy that nobody else will eat it. I love traveling, being gravitationally pulled toward the ocean. I sail (very well) and surf (terribly). Music of all genres, rock, metal, rap, punk, ska and reggae.
In my travels, I’ve been shipwrecked in the ocean, sailed with a crew to the Bahamas, planted taro fields in Hawaii, dipped lava from a surface flow, hitchhiked in Turks and Caicos, got pickpocketed and chased through the streets for my sneakers in Mexico.
PERSON TO MEET: If he was alive, Jimmy Buffett. Platinum artist, song writer, bestselling author, adventure seeker, pirate, poet, foodie, businessman, franchise mogul and billionaire, and a self-described “Gentleman of Leisure” also his adventures flying and sailing were legendary.
WORDS TO LIVE BY: “Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been”
Rob Dieckman, Managing Partner
Rob’s Bio
Rob Dieckman is the Managing Partner at York & Associates, a nationwide executive search firm specializing in the financial services industry. With over 20 years at York & Associates, Rob has played a key role in establishing the firm as one of the nation’s leading banking and credit union executive recruiting organizations.
Under his leadership, York & Associates has built lasting partnerships with financial institutions ranging from de novo startups to trillion-dollar organizations. The firm has earned recognition as one of the Top 5 Executive Professional Recruiting Firms in the Greater Columbus area and has been named a Top 3 “Best Place to Work” by Business First.
Rob’s passion lies in connecting talented professionals with rewarding opportunities in the financial sector — helping both candidates and institutions achieve long-term success.
Most Memorable Placement: While Rob’s first placement with Wachovia was certainly one of the most exciting of his career, his most memorable came during the depths of the Great Recession in 2008, when he successfully placed a key hire with Farmers State Bank in Bertram, Texas. That experience served as both a reminder and a turning point for him — that even in the most challenging times, strong relationships endure, and it is community banks that help keep our financial system and local economies moving forward.
Outside of work: Rob brings the same focus and endurance to his personal pursuits. He has completed over 25 triathlons, including two sub–11-hour Ironman races and seven Half Ironman events. Rob is married and the proud father of three children — a daughter, 24, and two sons, 16 and 13. He enjoys traveling with his family, mountain climbing, and exploring nature. A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, Rob eagerly awaits the day his team finally brings home the Lombardi Trophy.
Person Alive, Dead he’d like to meet: Rob would most like to meet Billy Mills, the only American ever to win the Olympic gold medal in the 10,000-meter run. As an athlete himself, Rob admires Mills’ perseverance, humility, and the underdog spirit that led to one of the most inspiring moments in Olympic history.
Word to live by: It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.
“I have worked with Rob Dieckman on a number of high level recruitment challenges. Rob has proven to be highly professional and effective. Where others may have merely set up the applicant’s appointments, Rob actually travelled to the interview location and ensured a smooth interview experience.” – Ed, HR Director, Regional Bank, Georgia
Zac Henderson, Executive Recruiter, Partner/Assistant GM
Zac’s Bio
Education: BA in English as well as speech communication from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors. MDiv from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio.
Work History: I worked with a general contractor as well as participating in pastoral leadership for a church while working my way through seminary. I continued that work after graduation until I started at York & Associates.
What are your favorite hobbies?Reading, writing, running, watching movies, playing games, and spending time with my wife and two Saint Bernards.
Person Alive or Dead you’d most like to meet? Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Words to live by? “Seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.”- Deuteronomy 4:29
Debbie James, Partner
Debbie’s Bio
Education: BS in Communications, cum laude, from Ohio University, Athens, OH.
Work History: The first 6 years of my career were with the State of Ohio as a Telecommunications Manager, after which I spent 6 years with the photography division of Fortune 500 Company. I’ve been with York & Associates since 2007.
Most Memorable Placement: Placing a President in Minnesota with a 1.5 billion dollar community bank. What made it memorable; we were able to attract a very successful President of a 3 billion dollar bank that had no intention of leaving, but he made the switch, grew the bank and the move has been a game changer for not only the bank, but for his family’s financial future as well.
Favorite Hobbies: Spending time with my seven grandchildren, antiquing, playing Bunko, and trips to the beach.
Person Alive, Dead or Fictional you’d like to meet: Ronald Reagan.
Words to live by: Life’s too short to drink cheap wine!
“I have had the privilege to work with Debbie to fill several keys positions. I greatly appreciate her efforts and insights which far exceed simply matching credentials on a resume to requirements on a job description. She works hard to understand personalities, corporate cultures, etc. That is why I make time to listen when Debbie says she has a candidate for me.” -Rob, Community President, Atlanta
Teresa Jean, Partner
Teresa’s Bio
Education: Spent 2 years at the University of Nebraska, then continue my education at Southeast Vocational Tech, where I graduated with a BS in Marketing.
Work History: Accomplished, result oriented, dependable professional with 20 plus years of sales and marketing experience. Strong points include developing and closing new accounts through cold calling, physically canvassing businesses, research, referrals, planning ahead, customer service and communication. Prior to joining York & Associates, I spent 15 years as a Healthcare Recruiter.
What are your favorite hobbies? I enjoy working on DIY projects around the house and spending time with my family.
Person Alive or Dead you’d most like to meet? 3rd Great Grandparents, would enjoy the opportunity to learn more about my family
Words to live by? It’s a good day to have a good day
Paul Long, Executive Recruiter, Partner
Paul’s Bio
Work History: Before joining York & Associates I spent 25 years in the radio broadcasting industry, 15 of those years in the Columbus, Ohio market as a Morning Show Host, Program Director and Operations Manager. I was nominated for Program Director of the year in a medium market in 2005. I spear headed The Nationwide Children’s Hospital “Cure Kids Cancer” Radiothon for 8 years, where over $450,000 was raised for pediatric cancer research.
What are your favorite hobbies? I love playing golf and fishing, but most importantly spending as much time as possible with my four daughters and loved ones.
Person Alive or Dead you’d most like to meet? Abraham Lincoln
Words to live by? “Never, ever give up!
Bryant McKnight, Executive Recruiter
Bryan’s Bio
Work History: Was a graduate assistant football coach at Otterbein University for 2 years. I worked with the wider receivers. I enjoyed being able to help the student athletes work hard to achieve their academic and athletic goals. It was incredible to be able to work with the next generation and help them prepare for life after college. After graduating with my graduate degree in Exercise Physiology I accepted a position as an exercise physiologist with OhioHealth. I worked in a fitness center at their corporate headquarters. I was a personal trainer as well as a group exercise instructor. It was incredible to be able to help people understand the process and what it takes to become physically fit.
Most Memorable Placement: I placed a lender with a bank that was looking to expand into a new market. My candidate really wanted to get back to the feeling of being a community bank after years at a larger corporation. She really wanted to be able to build something that she could look back on with pride. The bank set her up with an LPO in her area and it was the perfect match.
Favorite Hobbies: As an eagle scout, I love the outdoors from camping and hiking to yard work and gardening. I love being able to get up to my parent’s boat and take that out on the lake. During the fall my hobby becomes college football, especially for Ohio State. I am an avid sports fan and can find any sport enjoyable from soccer to football.
Person Alive, Dead or Fictional you’d like to meet: Abraham Lincoln, aside from his accolades as President, his life in politics was filled with failure after failure and he never gave up.
Words to live by: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Robert Rhodes, Office Manager
Robert’s Bio
Work History: Before starting with York & Associates, I was an elite trainer to various college and pro athletes with some years spent as personal trainer at a private country club. Then pursued real estate for several years and represented homeowners and banks with their real estate inventory.
Education: Graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Exercise Physiology. After taking a break of several years went back to Ohio State and COTC to complete credits for an Alternative Licensure program.
Hobbies: Enjoy the outdoors including hiking, cycling and road trips to Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Person alive or dead to meet: (Dead) My Great uncle – To hear more stories of his time in WW2, he was around a lot of famous people. (Alive) Bear Grylls – He’s fearless.
Rick Stickles, Associate Partner
Rick’s Bio
EDUCATION: I grew up in Southeast MA. near Cape Cod, went to Tabor Academy. I then went to Univ of New Hampshire, got my BS in Economics. After I moved to CT for my first job, I worked and went to school at Univ. of New Haven getting my MBA in Business / Marketing.
WORK EXPERIENCE: I started my career in advertising / marketing, about 25 years in outside business to business sales and a short stint as a sales manager, at SBC/AT&T and Yellowbook/HIBU.
I spent 3 years as a Corporate Sales Trainer and Recruiter for Yellowbook. Since 2014, I have been an Executive Recruiter, working in the Life Sciences, Insurance and Financial Services industries. I have recently moved to SW Florida and joined York, enjoying my piece of ‘paradise’.
FAVORITE HOBBIES: I have been a HS Lacrosse official, starting my 20th season this year. I will also be entering my 5th year as an NCAA Lax official. I was an 18 year veteran of HS Football in CT but I have recently decided to ‘retire’. I enjoy spending time working on our new home, landscaping, bird & animal watching, going to the beach and any other outdoor activities.
PERSON TO MEET: DEAD – Ronald Reagan, ALIVE – Tom Brady.
WORDS TO LIVE BY: “ Act like the whole world is watching you “ – Do the right thing !
Mike Terry, Partner
Mike’s Bio
Education: BA University of Western Ontario Human Kinetics, BA Althouse College Secondary Education.
Work History: Prior to joining York & Associates, I have spent my career in coaching collegiate basketball. I was the Assistant Basketball Coach with University of New Mexico and Kent State; Associate Head Coach with University of Vermont; and Assistant Coach with Wake Forest University.
What are your favorite hobbies? Fishing, cooking, home improvements and water sports.
Person Alive or Dead you’d most like to meet? Warren Buffett
Words to live by? “The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love. Chained by his certitude, he is a slave; he has forfeited his freedom. Only the person who risks is truly free.”
Harlow Whiting, Partner
Harlow’s Bio
Education: BBA Degree in Marketing from Kent State University, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, summers spent as a caricature artist at Sea World of Ohio.
Work History: I started as an Account Executive for Industry Week Magazine. I began recruiting in 1998 in a manufacturing niche industry and have been with York & Associates since 2002, specializing in banking and credit union placements.
Most Memorable Placement? I had the pleasure of working over 10 years with a community bank president at two of his Georgia banks. I helped him recruit most of his C-Level executives. During the downturn he needed my assistance to help him find a C-Level position. I was able to find a home for him with a struggling community bank that, after 3 years of losing 14 ½ million dollars with a capital to asset ratio of 3.8, is now profitable with a capital to asset ratio of 9.9.
What are your favorite hobbies? CrossFit, running, cycling, playing golf with my coworkers.
Person Alive or Dead you’d most like to meet? Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
Words to live by? Put Faith and family first. As a recruiter I never want to leave a stone unturned or to leave anything to chance.
“Harlow is a pleasure to work with. He is professional, responsive and most importantly, he listens to what we say about the type of candidate we are seeking. His pre-qualifying process saves me time and insures I will only be considering qualified candidates.” – Ken, Chief Lending Officer, Nashville
Steve Yakubik, Managing Partner
Steve’s Bio
Education: BS Degree in Business Administration from Mount Union College, Member of Varsity Golf Team at Mount Union, Salutatorian of High School Class.
Work History: I’ve been with York & Associates since 2004, working in all levels and specializations of community, regional and money center banks and larger credit unions. I relocated to Florida with the firm in 2017 to help start up and lead a new office for us here.
Most Memorable Placement: Placing 5 Regional Presidents/Commercial Banking Managers over a 2 year period with a small regional bank client in the Midwest
What are your favorite hobbies? Golf, hiking, board games and watching my daughter’s competitive dance
Person Alive or Dead you’d most like to meet? Warren Buffett.
Words to live by? Excuses are the nails that build a house of failure.
“The level of expertise Steve Yakubik brings is nothing short of excellence. Tremendous due diligence, strong work ethic and consistent collaboration are just a few traits that come to mind when working with Steve Yakubik.” -Scott, Regional Manager, Chicago
Carrie York, President
Carrie’s Bio
Education: BS Degree in Marketing from Miami University, Oxford, OH; President of Pi Sigma Epsilon; Advisory Board Member for Miami University School of Business.
Work History: I’ve had 3 jobs. My early career was in advertising with JWT in Atlanta, GA. My second career was financial and physician recruiting with MSI International and my third and final career is as president of York & Associates.
Most Memorable Placement: My first placement. I placed a very junior branch manager in Toccoa, Georgia with 1st Franklin Savings and Loan. My hiring authority was Carol Clark, the COO who became a wonderful mentor for me throughout my career.
What are your favorite hobbies? Road biking through rural Ohio and golfing with the York & Associates gang!
Person Alive or Dead you’d most like to meet? Teddy Roosevelt.
Words to live by? Action not taken is opportunity lost.
“Carrie, Thank you for your diligence, impressive self confidence and delivery. Indeed, it is rare today to have a business relationship with someone capable of delivering all the above. ” -Mike, Chief Credit Officer, Atlanta
“I have worked with Carrie York and other members of the York & Associates team for fifteen years now. I have always found them to be honest, responsive and easy to work with. All the members of their team seem to take the time to understand my business and what I am particularly looking for in a candidate. They seem to be quite remarkable at getting qualified candidates that are viable for our open positions.”
Charles – Chief Lending Officer, Atlanta