About Us
The Right Leadership Transforms Organizations.
Discover the Difference of Essence Search Firm.
For over 15 years, Essence has led executive searches with a strong emphasis on not-for-profit organizations across Canada. We understand that these roles demand more than credentials. They require awareness of governance, stakeholder sensitivity, funding realities, and deep alignment with the mission.
This is not corporate hiring with softer language. It is complex, high-accountability leadership recruitment, and we treat it that way.
At the same time, our executive search expertise extends beyond the not-for-profit sector. We support private companies, founder-led organizations, and growth-focused teams seeking strong, values-aligned leadership. The common denominator is not sector; it is leadership impact.
What Makes Essence Different?
We get it. It’s not just about experience; it’s about the human.
We go beyond simply providing people; we deliver leaders who fit your culture, excel in their skills, and are committed to leading your organization long-term.
We are purposeful in our approach, keeping your organization’s unique needs in mind and aligning with your vision and goals. No cookie-cutter solutions; we are your strategic partners, ensuring best practices and exceptional results through expert support at every step.
Whether we are recruiting an Executive Director, CEO, Vice President, or Senior Operational leader, our process is structured, strategic, and transparent. We guide compensation conversations. We challenge assumptions. We protect long-term fit.
This isn’t about filling a vacancy.
It’s about building leadership that sustains organizations.
Have questions about our process, who we serve, and what makes us different. Check out our Q&A Page.
All-inclusive tailored services
Our commitment is to understand your unique needs. That is why we tailor the entire executive search process, from planning and candidate search to hiring and onboarding, to your spedific requirements.
Expertise
Finding the Perfect Fit
Community-Minded
We are deeply rooted in our communities and believe in giving back. Our support for local causes, partnerships, and volunteering with various foundations and cultural groups demonstrates our commitment to social responsibility.
Tracy Arno, ICD.D
CEO/Founder
Meet Tracy, the dynamic force behind Essence Recruitment, one of Western Canada’s top boutique search firms.
Melanie Mack
Recruitment Consultant
Introducing, Melanie, who brings energy, empathy, and a people-first approach to every step. …
Kendra Parfitt
Office Assistant
Kendra Parfitt is your go-to administrative guru with a Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma and over 16 years of experience. ….
Ashley Britz, B.Ed.
Professional Recruitment Coordinator
Get to know Ashley, the go- to person at Essence for introducing candidates to our exciting opportunities. …
Haley Olynuk, B.Sc.
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Haley, the driving force behind our company’s marketing strategies and social media presence. …
Matthew Cennon
Recruitment Consultant
Introducing Matt, an experienced recruitment professional who brings authenticity, strategy, and people-centered approach to every search. …
Tracy Arno, ICD.D
CEO/Founder
Meet Tracy, the dynamic force behind Essence Recruitment, one of Western Canada’s top boutique search firms. She’s a business leader passionate about values, community, and making a difference through recruitment and training.
Tracy is deeply involved in her community, serving on several boards and volunteering countless hours. Her current roles include board member for Sask Water and Affinity Credit Union and representing the province on the Saskatchewan Provincial Court Judicial Council. She’s also a past president of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, NSBA, and Prairieland Park.
In 2022, she earned her ICD.D designation and has enjoyed mentoring through the Raj Manek program and supporting various community initiatives. Most importantly, Tracy treasures her time with her husband and two children, proving she’s a business leader and a devoted family person.
Get in touch with Tracy tracy@essencerecruitment.ca.
Melanie Mack
Recruitment Consultant
Introducing, Melanie who brings energy, empathy, and a people-first approach to every step. Originally from Southern Saskatchewan, Melanie spent over a decade in Calgary before settling in Saskatoon, which she’s proudly called home for more than 10 years with her son.
With a background in hospitality and a wealth of experience in sales and event planning, Melanie excels at connecting with people and building meaningful relationships. She is an avid networker who thrives in community engagement and has served on numerous committees across Saskatoon. Currently, she sits on the Board of Directors for both SKAL Saskatoon and Service Hospitality, where she continues to support and strengthen Saskatchewan’s business and service industries.
Known for her cheerful personality and approachable style, Melanie is dedicated to creating positive experiences for both clients and candidates. Whether she’s helping organizations find the right fit or cheering someone on in their career journey, she brings warmth, dedication, and a touch of fun to everything she does.
When she’s not working or volunteering, you will often find Melanie travelling, supporting local events and restaurants, or being a ‘personal assistant’ to her son’s many activities.
Connect with Melanie at melanie@essencerecruitment.ca
Ashley Britz, B.Ed.
Professional Recruitment Coordinator
Get to know Ashley, the go-to person at Essence for introducing candidates to our exciting opportunities. She joined Essence with a diverse background in recruitment, education, and project management. Her experience in hiring and training new employees and her passion for helping people reach their career goals mean she’s a pro at finding the perfect match for both companies and candidates.
Ashley’s approach is all about open communication, an organized and thorough process, and a deep understanding of her clients’ needs. Think of her as the matchmaker of the professional world—minus the romantic dinners.
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Ashley earned her bachelor’s in Education from the University of Saskatchewan. Outside work, she volunteers with the Saskatoon Street Cat Rescue (SCAT), a role that suits her perfectly as a passionate animal lover.
Connect with Ashley ashley@essencerecruitment.ca
Kendra Parfitt
Office Assistant
Kendra Parfitt is your go-to administrative guru with a Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma and over 16 years of experience. She juggles executive tasks, project administration, donor relations, community engagement, and event management. If there’s a plate to keep spinning, Kendra’s probably already covered it.
Her mission? To make life easier for everyone around her by streamlining processes, tackling the admin mountain, and freeing up the team to focus on what really matters—delivering key outcomes and keeping clients and candidates happy.
When she’s not busy being the office savior, Kendra can be found on a farm in Holdfast, Saskatchewan, with her fiancé and children. In her spare time, she enjoys taking family trips, baking treats that never last long, and keeping her garden in check.
Contact Kendra at kendra@essencerecruitment.ca
Haley Olynuk, B.Sc.
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Get to know Haley, the driving force behind our company’s marketing strategies and social media presence embodying our values of community, transparency, and authenticity in every campaign. In addition to her marketing expertise, she also helps introduce candidates to our exciting opportunities and helps support the Essence team.
Born and raised in small-town Saskatchewan, Haley received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Studies from the University of Saskatchewan. Outside of work, you can find her at the lake or planning her next trip as she is an avid traveler.
Reach out to Haley at haley@essencerecruitment.ca
Matthew Cennon
Recruitment Consultant
Introducing, Matthew Cennon—an experienced recruitment professional who brings authenticity, strategy, and a people-centered approach to every search. Originally from Saskatoon, Matthew now calls Edmonton home, where he lives with his wife Emily and their golden retriever Abby.
With over 15 years of experience across agency, corporate, and consulting environments, Matthew has helped organizations across Canada find and retain exceptional talent. His recruitment journey began in Saskatoon, where none other than Tracy Arno—Essence Recruitment’s founder—first hired him into the industry. Since then, Matthew has developed a reputation for building long-term partnerships by understanding not just the roles to be filled, but the cultures and missions that drive organizations forward.
Known for his thoughtful insights and candid communication style, Matthew brings a strong executive search background to his work—having led senior-level recruitment projects across sectors across the country. Specializing in C-suite and senior leadership placements, he partners closely with boards and executive teams to identify leaders whose experience, values, and strategic vision align with each organization’s culture and long-term goals.
When he’s not working, you’ll find Matthew exploring Edmonton’s local coffee spots, hitting the golf course, or out on adventures with Emily and Abby. At Essence Recruitment, Matthew is excited to bring his curiosity, care, and commitment full circle—joining Tracy once again to deliver exceptional recruitment experiences.
Reach out to Matthew at matthew@essencerecruitment.ca