732.223.7114 info@commonagenda.com

Common Agenda has been serving the technology industry and non-profit association space since 1997. Whether a growing startup, Fortune 500 company, or technical society working towards a better tomorrow, Common Agenda is a trusted advisor and partner to organizations looking to recruit transformational leaders.

Client Centric

When partnering with Common Agenda, clients receive dedicated service from veteran search professionals with decades of technology experience.  Our consultants are experts at looking beyond the job description, understanding our client’s unique culture and business challenges, and only presenting candidates who will best increase organizational effectiveness.

Intelligent Research

Common Agenda dedicates a team of researchers to each search assignment. Our Rival Research approach begins with a comprehensive market analysis to identify target companies  employing individuals with the skills our clients covet. Through direct sourcing, organizational chart building and white paper reviews, we build an expansive list of qualified candidates.

Technology

Common Agenda utilizes innovative technology to propel our search process for exceptional candidates. Our web applications and proprietary database enable us to adhere to strict project timelines, delivering rapid candidate identification.

Engagement Strategy

Common Agenda’s Engagement Strategy overcomes recruiting objections to properly share career possibilities. With in-depth knowledge of the technology markets we serve, our consultants convey compelling opportunities to highly sought-after candidates. We only present our clients with world-class talent coached on the company’s philosophy and eager to bring their leadership to the role.

Beyond the Placement

Common Agenda’s personal engagement doesn’t end with a start date.  We forge long-lasting relationships with each candidate and client we serve, remaining a trusted partner and consultant in the world of evolving technology.

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR CLIENTS AND CANDIDATES HAVE TO SAY


At two companies I’ve worked for since the late 1990’s, I have requested Common Agenda’s assistance on numerous searches ranging from Individual Contributor to Vice President level roles.  From day one, Matthew and the team at Common Agenda acted as though they were part of my team working endlessly to recruit the best talent and facing me with the difficult decision of choosing from a pool of exceptional candidates.

Tito Sharma
Chief Financial Officer - VPI Systems
former Chief Financial Officer - Lemur Networks

Common Agenda
2023-11-21T12:37:57-05:00

Tito Sharma
Chief Financial Officer - VPI Systems
former Chief Financial Officer - Lemur Networks

At two companies I’ve worked for since the late 1990’s, I have requested Common Agenda’s assistance on numerous searches ranging from Individual Contributor to Vice President level roles.  From day one, Matthew and the team at Common Agenda acted as though they were part of my team working endlessly to recruit the best talent and facing me with the difficult decision of choosing from a pool of exceptional candidates.


As a Common Agenda customer, I find that they are able to work with me to find the right person for the job, whether it is an Engineering Program Manager, a Society Executive Director, or a Marketing Director. The Common Agenda team asks the right questions to identify our core needs so that we hire the right person for the job.  Each time, Matthew’s group has provided us with a good slate of candidates and our final selections have proven to be assets to the organization. During our interactions, Common Agenda has partnered well with HR, the hiring managers, and other stakeholders within the organization. They have provided clear and timely communication throughout the search. They target the right skill sets and do a great job of vetting candidates to produce an excellent slate of candidates.

Mary Ward-Callan, MSEE, CAE
Managing Director Technical Activities - 
IEEE

Common Agenda
2020-08-24T09:59:58-04:00

Mary Ward-Callan, MSEE, CAE
Managing Director Technical Activities - 
IEEE

As a Common Agenda customer, I find that they are able to work with me to find the right person for the job, whether it is an Engineering Program Manager, a Society Executive Director, or a Marketing Director.


During 2007, Matthew Reaves was recommended to me by a trusted colleague who had recruited dozens of principal staff and leaders through him at an ITC startup a few years earlier.  I engaged Matthew to recruit a Director of Contracts and interviewed an excellent slate of candidates. We were successful in filling that position thanks to Common Agenda. In my current role, as Vice President of North America for a global service provider, I have retained Common Agenda to recruit several key positions on my leadership team. Common Agenda has taken care to understand our culture and how to attract top talent. Their slates of candidates have exceeded my requirements and my hires have been outstanding.  It’s important to note that they have partnered very well with each of the Human Resources and Talent Acquisition teams that have supported my efforts. I have recommended them many times and will continue to call on them as I build leadership teams.

Tim Schermerhorn
Vice President North America - Intelsat

Common Agenda
2023-12-19T10:53:26-05:00

Tim Schermerhorn
Vice President North America - Intelsat

During 2007, Matthew Reaves was recommended to me by a trusted colleague who had recruited dozens of principal staff and leaders through him at an ITC startup a few years earlier.  I engaged Matthew to recruit a Director of Contracts and interviewed an excellent slate of candidates. We were successful in filling that position thanks to Common Agenda. In my current role, as Vice President of North America for a global service provider, I have retained Common Agenda to recruit several key positions on my leadership team. Common Agenda has taken care to understand our culture and how to attract top talent. Their slates of candidates have exceeded my requirements and my hires have been outstanding.  It’s important to note that they have partnered very well with each of the Human Resources and Talent Acquisition teams that have supported my efforts. I have recommended them many times and will continue to call on them as I build leadership teams.


As both a candidate successfully placed and now as a commissioning executive running a global technology business, I have the utmost respect for ways that Common Agenda has truly partnered with me. They may be smaller than the big name executive search firms, but in my experience the information they provide to me is more real. They are much more attentive, flexible, personable, and tenacious! They have really impressed me with industry knowledge, research capabilities, and their attention to detail. They take the time to know their candidates – not only their professional skills and aspirations, but also their life and family values. For that reason, their matches are excellent. Most importantly, they deliver qualified candidates on time – even for my toughest searches.

Maik Lankau
former VP, Sales - JDSU

Common Agenda
2020-08-20T15:52:47-04:00

Maik Lankau
former VP, Sales - JDSU

They take the time to know their candidates – not only their professional skills and aspirations, but also their life and family values.


One of the things that impressed me the most about Julia Bocage of Common Agenda was her deep understanding of what her client needed. This was well-articulated to me and was represented both directly and indirectly during my interview process. Having worked with other recruiters in the past, this was unique to Julia at Common Agenda. While the other recruiters knew their client had a position to fill, Julia made it clear that it was the resume and personal attributes that would ultimately contribute to the organization's culture and success. Similarly, Julia was transparent about the challenges of the existing culture and took into account my feedback to confirm if I was a fit for the role.

All in all, I had a wonderful experience with Julia at Common Agenda as I took the position. It was such a great experience, I have referred others to them for opportunities as I know Common Agenda is looking out for all involved.

Trish Jaraicie
Director of Marketing and Membership - IEEE Communications Society

Common Agenda
2020-09-29T15:09:43-04:00

Trish Jaraicie
Director of Marketing and Membership - IEEE Communications Society

One of the things that impressed me the most about Julia Bocage of Common Agenda was her deep understanding of what her client needed. This was well-articulated to me and was represented both directly and indirectly during my interview process. Having worked with other recruiters in the past, this was unique to Julia at Common Agenda. While the other recruiters knew their client had a position to fill, Julia made it clear that it was the resume and personal attributes that would ultimately contribute to the organization's culture and success. Similarly, Julia was transparent about the challenges of the existing culture and took into account my feedback to confirm if I was a fit for the role. All in all, I had a wonderful experience with Julia at Common Agenda as I took the position. It was such a great experience, I have referred others to them for opportunities as I know Common Agenda is looking out for all involved.


Common Agenda recruited my VP of Marketing at Pedestal Networks. They were direct, honest, and really worked as though they were members of our team. This is exactly what I needed because not only did I not have an HR department, but I had a high-powered Board of Directors, some of the top VC’s in Silicon Valley known for having extremely high expectations. Common Agenda’s team was diligent and professional, meeting the needs of the Executive team and the Board of Directors. Ultimately, Pedestal Networks was able to recruit and retain one of the most recognized Marketing names in our industry.

Greg Daily
Board Member - Envision
former President - Alvarion

Common Agenda
2023-11-21T12:46:54-05:00

Greg Daily
Board Member - Envision
former President - Alvarion

Common Agenda recruited my VP of Marketing at Pedestal Networks. They were direct, honest, and really worked as though they were members of our team. This is exactly what I needed because not only did I not have an HR department, but I had a high-powered Board of Directors, some of the top VC’s in Silicon Valley known for having extremely high expectations. Common Agenda’s team was diligent and professional, meeting the needs of the Executive team and the Board of Directors. Ultimately, Pedestal Networks was able to recruit and retain one of the most recognized Marketing names in our industry.


In January 2013 I joined Tata Communications as America’s Recruitment Lead. The company was investing heavily in US growth so I reached out one of our vendors, Common Agenda. I met with their founder, Matthew Reaves who had a long list of placements with us dating back to 2007. Matthew had satisfied customers in many groups and knew the company quite well, so partnering was a natural step.  From 2013 through my departure in 2018, I engaged his team on a wide range of searches in support of my engineering, marketing, service delivery, and sales organizations.

Matthew and I worked as partners. He often educated the managers to the realistic market conditions which improved their ability to hire top candidates. Common Agenda provided me and my hiring managers with detailed communication from the beginning to the end of each search. They know the right places to find the right candidates and as a result, they filled numerous searches during my tenure. Without hesitation I would recommend Common Agenda as an excellent recruiting partner.

Lokesh Mehta
former America's Recruiting Lead - Tata Communications

Common Agenda
2020-09-24T09:49:04-04:00

Lokesh Mehta
former America's Recruiting Lead - Tata Communications

In January 2013 I joined Tata Communications as America’s Recruitment Lead. The company was investing heavily in US growth so I reached out one of our vendors, Common Agenda. I met with their founder, Matthew Reaves who had a long list of placements with us dating back to 2007. Matthew had satisfied customers in many groups and knew the company quite well, so partnering was a natural step.  From 2013 through my departure in 2018, I engaged his team on a wide range of searches in support of my engineering, marketing, service delivery, and sales organizations. Matthew and I worked as partners. He often educated the managers to the realistic market conditions which improved their ability to hire top candidates. Common Agenda provided me and my hiring managers with detailed communication from the beginning to the end of each search. They know the right places to find the right candidates and as a result, they filled numerous searches during my tenure. Without hesitation I would recommend Common Agenda as an excellent recruiting partner.


Over the past two decades, I have held Vice Presidential positions in both large companies and in VC funded startup organizations and have hired many individuals.  Over this period, I have worked with many recruiters and my most recent experience working with Common Agenda was second to none.  They took the initiative to truly understand my hiring needs and presented to me, a number of candidates that were all potential great hires.  As a result, I was able to select the “best of the best” for my open positions.  They did the work of finding, preparing, and presenting to me the right candidates and the cycle time to hire was fast and simple.  In the end, all I care about is results – filling my open position with not only the right person, but the best person.  Common Agenda delivered – Mission Accomplished!

Doug Smidl
Vice President of Sales - Accedian
former Vice President, Worldwide Sales - ADC

Common Agenda
2020-09-18T15:44:32-04:00

Doug Smidl
Vice President of Sales - Accedian
former Vice President, Worldwide Sales - ADC

Over the past two decades, I have held Vice Presidential positions in both large companies and in VC funded startup organizations and have hired many individuals.  Over this period, I have worked with many recruiters and my most recent experience working with Common Agenda was second to none.  They took the initiative to truly understand my hiring needs and presented to me, a number of candidates that were all potential great hires.  As a result, I was able to select the “best of the best” for my open positions.  They did the work of finding, preparing, and presenting to me the right candidates and the cycle time to hire was fast and simple.  In the end, all I care about is results – filling my open position with not only the right person, but the best person.  Common Agenda delivered – Mission Accomplished!


Common Agenda was familiar to me because they were members and active volunteers of The Optical Society where I was Chief Meetings and Industry Officer. My career developed, in large part, due to deep engagement with the leaders of the global communications industry where Common Agenda was a well known executive search firm. So, when Matthew Reaves called and presented what sounded like a fantastic career opportunity - one that would leverage my background and provide a challenge but also enable me to grow and expand into new industries, I took it seriously. The timing coincided with the OSA's largest trade show (OFC - The Optical Fiber Conference) so we met and immediately hit it off. It impressed me that he genuinely knew the organization, it's leaders, the challenges, the potential... He interviewed me with his client's needs in mind but didn't just try to sell. He listened and got to know me. The process took some time but his staff kept me informed and handled every aspect with professionalism. I was shortlisted and ultimately accepted the position as Society Executive Director of the IEEE Computer Society. It was a great experience!

After having such a positive experience being a candidate, Common Agenda was my first call when I found myself needing to build my staff. They have recruited a few of my key managerial team and I couldn't be happier. I have developed a long-lasting relationship with Common Agenda - not only with Matthew but the entire team. They are knowledgeable, efficient, and personable and their engagement delivers an exceptional experience. They are an asset to our organization and continue to provide exceptional service as our partner in recruiting.

Melissa Russell
Executive Director - IEEE Computer Society

Common Agenda
2021-09-28T11:39:54-04:00

Melissa Russell
Executive Director - IEEE Computer Society

Common Agenda was familiar to me because they were members and active volunteers of The Optical Society where I was Chief Meetings and Industry Officer. My career developed, in large part, due to deep engagement with the leaders of the global communications industry where Common Agenda was a well known executive search firm. So, when Matthew Reaves called and presented what sounded like a fantastic career opportunity - one that would leverage my background and provide a challenge but also enable me to grow and expand into new industries, I took it seriously. The timing coincided with the OSA's largest trade show (OFC - The Optical Fiber Conference) so we met and immediately hit it off. It impressed me that he genuinely knew the organization, it's leaders, the challenges, the potential... He interviewed me with his client's needs in mind but didn't just try to sell. He listened and got to know me. The process took some time but his staff kept me informed and handled every aspect with professionalism. I was shortlisted and ultimately accepted the position as Society Executive Director of the IEEE Computer Society. It was a great experience! After having such a positive experience being a candidate, Common Agenda was my first call when I found myself needing to build my staff. They have recruited a few of my key managerial team and I couldn't be happier. I have developed a long-lasting relationship with Common Agenda - not only with Matthew but the entire team. They are knowledgeable, efficient, and personable and their engagement delivers an exceptional experience. They are an asset to our organization and continue to provide exceptional service as our partner in recruiting.


Julia’s expertise, direct approach, and open communication matched me to this role, where I am able to leverage my talent and experience. She made it easy to navigate the entire process, from introduction to interviewing, and transitioning gracefully from my previous position. Thank you, Common Agenda!

Cindy Tiritilli
Membership Manager - IEEE Communications Society

Common Agenda
2020-08-27T09:35:21-04:00

Cindy Tiritilli
Membership Manager - IEEE Communications Society

Julia’s expertise, direct approach, and open communication matched me to this role, where I am able to leverage my talent and experience. She made it easy to navigate the entire process, from introduction to interviewing, and transitioning gracefully from my previous position. Thank you, Common Agenda!


By chance, our HR Department referred me to Common Agenda in 1997. Matthew Reaves answered the phone and listened as I explained I had been assigned a new territory and had tremendous responsibilities and the need to acquire a team of highly specialized systems engineering and testing professionals immediately. This engagement was tough, to say the least, and I needed local expertise and people who were familiar with my top account. The team at Common Agenda acted as a partner with me and went the extra mile to fill these positions with top-level talent. They have gone on to staff many key roles in Sales, Marketing, and Business Development for me, both domestically and internationally, over the years.

Katie Felts
VP Strategic Sales - Ciena

Common Agenda
2020-09-18T15:45:19-04:00

Katie Felts
VP Strategic Sales - Ciena

By chance, our HR Department referred me to Common Agenda in 1997. Matthew Reaves answered the phone and listened as I explained I had been assigned a new territory and had tremendous responsibilities and the need to acquire a team of highly specialized systems engineering and testing professionals immediately. This engagement was tough, to say the least, and I needed local expertise and people who were familiar with my top account. The team at Common Agenda acted as a partner with me and went the extra mile to fill these positions with top-level talent. They have gone on to staff many key roles in Sales, Marketing, and Business Development for me, both domestically and internationally, over the years.


I first met Matthew Reaves in 1999 through my boss, who was President of Nortel's Optical & Internet Solutions Unit at the time. As Vice President & GM, my goals necessitated recruiting the best senior level specialized optical engineering and product people from a hyper competitive market.  Matthew’s team was very familiar with recruiting in this space and immediately filled several key positions.


As President & CEO of small and mid-sized private and public tech companies, I have retained Matthew to partner with my leaders in targeted headhunting to meet our requirements. Common Agenda excelled in sourcing and vetting candidates and consistently presenting impressive slates of candidates. In each search, they demonstrated an understanding of the requirements as they tap into their vast network and extend into related industries. They excel at pinpointing individuals with the right combination of skills and cultural fit. Their search results have consistently met my expectations and I have recommended them on many occasions.  We built our rapport quickly and it carries on to today.

Dan Mondor
Former President & Board Chair - Inseego, Concurrent
Former Vice President - Nortel

Common Agenda
2023-11-30T13:47:40-05:00

Dan Mondor
Former President & Board Chair - Inseego, Concurrent
Former Vice President - Nortel

I first met Matthew Reaves in 1999 through my boss, who was President of Nortel's Optical & Internet Solutions Unit at the time. As Vice President & GM, my goals necessitated recruiting the best senior level specialized optical engineering and product people from a hyper competitive market.  Matthew’s team was very familiar with recruiting in this space and immediately filled several key positions. As President & CEO of small and mid-sized private and public tech companies, I have retained Matthew to partner with my leaders in targeted headhunting to meet our requirements. Common Agenda excelled in sourcing and vetting candidates and consistently presenting impressive slates of candidates. In each search, they demonstrated an understanding of the requirements as they tap into their vast network and extend into related industries. They excel at pinpointing individuals with the right combination of skills and cultural fit. Their search results have consistently met my expectations and I have recommended them on many occasions.  We built our rapport quickly and it carries on to today.


Honestly, I was fortunate to be short listed on two sales leadership opportunities and was next to accepting one of them when Julia Bocage of Common Agenda reached out and pitched what sounded like an excellent leadership opportunity in an emerging space. Julia outlined the opportunity with both detail and insight. She explained where they were in the search process then sent me off to do my own investigation. Their team set a call with Common Agenda's principal, Matthew Reaves who painted the reality of the company, culture, people, and market, and got answers to all of my questions. When they learned of my late stage with the other companies, they were able to fast track me with their client. The rest is history. It is a pleasure to recommend Common Agenda for doing a great job of shepherding me from beginning to end.

Jeff Horton
Managing Sales Director, Networks - Intelsat

Common Agenda
2021-09-28T12:21:07-04:00

Jeff Horton
Managing Sales Director, Networks - Intelsat

Honestly, I was fortunate to be short listed on two sales leadership opportunities and was next to accepting one of them when Julia Bocage of Common Agenda reached out and pitched what sounded like an excellent leadership opportunity in an emerging space. Julia outlined the opportunity with both detail and insight. She explained where they were in the search process then sent me off to do my own investigation. Their team set a call with Common Agenda's principal, Matthew Reaves who painted the reality of the company, culture, people, and market, and got answers to all of my questions. When they learned of my late stage with the other companies, they were able to fast track me with their client. The rest is history. It is a pleasure to recommend Common Agenda for doing a great job of shepherding me from beginning to end.
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Common Agenda

Start your Search Today

We are always on the hunt for exceptional talent and start every new search by connecting with candidates who are already known to us. If you’d like to be one of our first calls when a new role hits our desks, please submit a copy of your resume.

Our consultants will only contact you about searches that match your background and career aspirations. Rest assured that your profile will be kept completely confidential.

To discuss how Common Agenda can help your oganization meet the challenges of tomorrow, please contact a Consultant.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP & ADVISORS

Matthew Reaves

Matthew Reaves

Founder & Managing Director

Julia Bocage

Senior Client Partner,
Executive Search Consultant

Laurel Iamundo

Director of Operations