Shannon Payne

Shannon Payne is a dynamic leader in executive search and talent acquisition, with a strong foundation in education, instructional leadership, and data-driven decision-making. Currently serving as Director of Executive Search at BridgeWork Partners, Shannon specializes in executive recruiting, leadership placement, and strategic talent solutions. Her expertise in human resources and recruitment allows her to drive impactful hiring strategies, helping organizations secure top-tier talent. Some of the roles Shannon has focused on include College President’s, CFO’s, Vice Chancellor’s, College Deans, Marketing Executives, HR Leaders, etc.

Since joining BridgeWork Partners in 2021, Shannon has rapidly progressed through various leadership roles, from Sourcer to Executive Recruiter & Team Lead, and now Director of Executive Search. Additionally, she became a partner in 2024 and has received Circle of Excellence awards 3 years. Her ability to identify, attract, and place high-level executives has been instrumental in the firm’s continued success. Shannon’s strategic approach to talent acquisition is informed by her background in education, where she honed skills in leadership development, performance evaluation, and personalized coaching.

Before transitioning into executive search, Shannon spent over six years in education, serving as a 5th Grade Science Teacher at Conroe ISD and a 4th Grade Teacher at Uplift Education. During this time, she excelled as a team lead, facilitating curriculum development and implementing data-driven instruction that led to measurable student success. As a Teach For America Corps Member, she worked in under-resourced schools, reinforcing her passion for mentorship, leadership development, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to grow.

Shannon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University, which provides her with a deep understanding of human behavior, motivation, and organizational dynamics. With a unique blend of education, talent strategy, and leadership development, she continues to drive excellence in executive search and human capital consulting.