Skip to content DeeAnn Palin engages with CEOs and Boards of privately held companies to help them accelerate growth and prepare for strategic transitions. Her superpowers are Business Coaching and delivering Fractional Human Resource Strategies. She’s been called “the CEO Whisperer”.
DeeAnn is the Founder and CEO of ONPOINT Business Solutions, where she partners with executives at growth-focused organizations—typically those with 20+ employees and $10M+ in annual revenue—to solve complex HR and organizational challenges during times of transformation. With 20 years of corporate executive experience and more than a decade as a business owner and coach, DeeAnn brings a rare combination of strategic insight and operational know-how to every engagement. She’s often called in at pivotal moments—mergers, acquisitions, turnarounds, or high-growth phases—to help companies navigate inflection points with confidence.
Her approach blends disciplined expert operations savvy with people-centered strategy to drive measurable, sustainable growth. DeeAnn’s industry experience spans technology, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, retail, construction, and sports entertainment, in both corporate and nonprofit environments. A certified Project and Change Management Professional, she holds a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication from Northern Arizona University. Notably, she served as SVP of Operations and Strategy for the Phoenix Suns and has led several successful business transformations. Known to many as the “CEO Whisperer,” DeeAnn excels at helping leaders uncover their biggest challenges—and move decisively toward solutions. Among her notable achievements, DeeAnn served as the Senior Vice President of Operations and Strategy for the Phoenix Suns, where she spearheaded corporate strategy and business planning while overseeing multi-million-dollar projects, and orchestrated transformation of the organization’s technology infrastructure, Human Resources function, and various critical operations. Additionally, she has restructured, privatized, and aligned several businesses, achieving significant growth through innovative solutions.
DeeAnn is highly regarded for her coaching prowess, which extends to both businesses and executives. She excels in elevating leaders’ self-awareness, enhancing their performance, cultivating stronger professional relationships, and driving exceptional business and operational outcomes. She’s a Culture Index and Metronomics Certified Coach.
Beyond her professional life, DeeAnn serves on multiple Arizona executive boards and is a proud mom to two young adult daughters who, in her words, are “the gas in her tank.” Outside of work, you’ll find her walking her dog, playing pickleball, hiking, traveling abroad, or curled up with a good historical fiction novel.
With over 20 years of corporate executive experience, coupled with 12 years of business ownership and consulting, DeeAnn is a seasoned expert in guiding businesses through sustainable growth, scalability, and transformation.
DeeAnn has two young adult daughters, Ava and Clare. She enjoys pickleball, hiking, thrill seeking adventure, and world travel.
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MaryAnn Strum, HR Practice Leader
MaryAnn leads ONPOINT’s HR practice and transformation initiatives, including M&A strategy and integration. She brings over 25 years of experience as a Human Resources executive, business leader, and consultant across corporate, nonprofit, and startup environments. Her expertise spans Total Rewards, leadership development, and organization design—all grounded in real-world results.
MaryAnn has advised boards and executive teams on strategic compensation, designed long-term incentive plans, and led transitions from legacy benefits to modern retirement offerings. She’s valued for her strategic mindset, steady leadership, and ability to align people strategies with business priorities.
She earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix. When she’s not working, she’s spending time with family and delighting in the joys of being a grandma.
Adam Arkells, Head of HR Operations
Adam has more than 30 years of HR leadership experience across industries including manufacturing, aviation, commercial real estate, and insurance.
With 15 years in executive roles, he’s known for blending strategy with hands-on execution—building HR systems, processes, and cultures that help organizations grow stronger and smarter. Adam has led HR M&A due diligence for more than 15 acquisitions and has partnered with leading private equity firms including Carlyle, Apollo, I Squared, KKR and Platinum, guiding companies through complex integrations and transformational growth. Passionate about fueling organizational success, he was drawn to ONPOINT’s mission to help businesses scale with both strategy and heart. A trusted advisor to leaders navigating change, Adam thrives on creating alignment between people, performance, and purpose.
Adam earned dual undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Speech
Communications from Loyola Marymount University and a dual Master’s in
Public and Business Administration from California State University – Los
Angeles. He’s certified in behavioral assessments through Predictive Index,
leadership and workforce planning through DDI, and Coaching & Leadership
Training through Babson College. Outside of work, Adam enjoys fly fishing,
photography, travel, baking bread, and hiking with his two golden retrievers.
Brigitta Wiegand, Client Operations Consultant
Brigitta supports ONPOINT’s growth-stage clients through executive coaching and operational transformation. With more than 25 years of leadership, team development, and operational experience across corporate, startup, and founder-led organizations, she blends strategic insight with real-world application. Known for her ability to challenge with respect and bring structure to ambiguity, she helps leaders think differently—and act decisively.
Her approach is equal parts practical and empowering: stretching perspectives, offering tools that work, and guiding clients toward measurable outcomes. Brigitta was drawn to ONPOINT’s bold, client-centered mission, which mirrors her own passion for operational excellence and continuous growth.
She holds a BBA with a focus in Human Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her golfing, traveling with her husband, or recharging her creativity with causes she cares about.
Susan Green, Sr. HR Consultant
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications from Colorado State University and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She’s also a Certified Facilitator in multiple leadership tools, including MBTI, FIRO-B, DDI, and StrengthsFinder.
Outside of work, she’s busy making memories with her children and grandchildren, cheering from the sidelines at dirt bike tracks and softball games, or diving into her latest audiobook.
Cathy Schwartz, Senior HR Consultant
Cathy brings more than 20 years of HR leadership experience to ONPOINT, helping clients transform their people strategies into measurable business results. She partners with leadership teams to design scalable HR frameworks that strengthen culture, enhance engagement, ensure compliance, and improve overall workforce performance.
Known for combining big-picture vision with practical solutions, Cathy leverages training, development, and data-driven insights to optimize talent and support organizational growth. She is passionate about empowering companies through their people and building sustainable, high-performing teams.
Cathy earned her bachelor’s degree in Business and Communication from Arizona State University and a master’s in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. Outside of work, she enjoys watching sports and traveling with her family.
Johnny Zelaya, HR Client Manager
As ONPOINT’s HR Client Manager, Johnny helps clients solve complex HR challenges with practical, people-first strategies. His focus areas include compliance, employee relations, performance management, and workplace culture. With experience across industries like healthcare, tech, nonprofits, and professional services, he quickly adapts to each client’s needs and delivers tailored, effective solutions.
Johnny was drawn to ONPOINT’s commitment to personalized service and lasting impact—values that align with his own approach to HR. He has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from Arizona State University and is SHRM-CP certified.
When he’s not working, you’ll find him on the golf course or spending time with his daughter and family.
Michele Morrison – Executive Recruiter and Client Services
Michele specializes in talent acquisition and executive search. She has over 15 years of executive recruitment experience, with deep expertise in talent acquisition for rapidly scaling and emerging organizations. This has uniquely equipped her to design creative solutions for the most complex hiring challenges. Her process is hands-on and highly tailored, always focused on aligning candidates not just with role requirements, but with culture, leadership style, and long-term goals.
Michele is energized by ONPOINT’s values—Never Settle, Fuel Growth at Every Level, and Stay Sharp—which mirror her own commitment to high-impact service, tenacity, and innovative thinking. She appreciates that every engagement is unique and approaches each one with fresh perspective and resourceful problem-solving.
Michele holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences from the University of Arizona. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family and friends, supports local entrepreneurship, and volunteers in community governance.
Diana Vowels, Senior Operations Coach
Diana has spent her career helping organizations grow stronger, from the inside out. Known for building high-performing teams and coaching leaders through transformation and scale, she brings deep expertise in operations, compliance, acquisition integration, and strategic alignment. Diana’s cross-industry experience gives her a unique perspective on how to connect people, performance, and purpose to achieve lasting success.
Drawn to ONPOINT’s mission to fuel growth at every level, Diana is passionate about helping leadership teams turn strategy into action and vision into measurable results.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in Advertising from the University of Missouri and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Outside of work, Diana serves on the boards of Venture Madness and Boys & Girls Clubs, enjoys traveling the world, and never turns down a good game of pickleball with her family.
Mellissa Gilbert, HR Operations Specialist
Mellissa keeps ONPOINT’s internal operations humming while supporting client recruitment and HR coordination. With a background in benefits, project support, and marketing, she brings a well-rounded, detail-savvy approach to her work—particularly valuable during high-pressure moments.
She was drawn to ONPOINT’s mission to transform HR from a compliance function into a strategic driver of trust and performance. Mellissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana – Western, is certified in Crucial Conversations, and is preparing to pursue SHRM certification.
Off the clock, she’s a full-time wife, mom, and dog mom—keeping up with two young kids and two energetic pups.
Jack Staples, AI and Data Strategy Consultant
Jack leads ONPOINT’s AI transformation initiatives, building GIS, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions that help clients unlock growth and operational efficiency. He
specializes in finding unique data sets, creating dashboards, and spatial data analysis.
Jack’s background spans disaster response, international development, and enterprise data strategy. He served as a Data Specialist at Samaritan’s Purse (2024–2026), a $1.5B international disaster relief organization, where he led data analysis, reporting, and strategic coordination for emergency response teams in the US and overseas. He has helped organizations unlock millions of dollars in growth, aligning with one of ONPOINT’s values to Fuel Growth at Every Level.
He’s a Virginia Tech graduate with a degree in Spanish and a minor in GIS. In his free time, he loves trail running, mountaineering, and leading Bible studies for college students.
Cindy Jones, Sr. HR Consultant
Cindy Jones is an award-winning HR executive, leadership advisor, and
executive coach with more than 30 years of experience. Cindy partners with
executives to strengthen leadership effectiveness, build high-performing
teams, and align people strategy with business objectives.
A trusted advisor to leaders across diverse industries, Cindy brings a unique
combination of executive coaching expertise and real-world business
experience. Having led human capital strategy for organizations of all sizes, including multiple mergers and acquisitions, she understands firsthand the pressures leaders face during periods of growth, transformation, and uncertainty.
Cindy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and is credentialed as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst (CPBA), and trained mediator. When Cindy logs off, she’s spending time with the family at the beach, skiing or traveling.
Tyler Despain, Director of Information Technology
Tyler leads ONPOINT’s IT operations, ensuring the team has the systems and support needed to deliver seamless client experiences. With over a decade in IT and cybersecurity—ranging from helpdesk support to systems administration—he brings a rare combination of tech savvy, problem-solving, and proactive service.
He was inspired by ONPOINT’s client-focused mission and joined the team to help build the tech infrastructure that supports that vision. Tyler holds a Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) credential from ISC2.
In his downtime, Tyler is out hiking, paddleboarding, practicing archery, or playing board games with his wife.
Nicole Bamba, Client Services Coordinator
Nicole keeps the ONPOINT engine running behind the scenes. From client onboarding to process improvement, she ensures that clients and team members have what they need to succeed. Her background in client services, operations, and administration gives her a sixth sense for details, priorities, and making the complex feel simple. She values ONPOINT’s commitment to thoughtful work and honest communication.
Nicole holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Mindanao. When she’s not coordinating logistics, she’s recharging with her family, visiting beaches, or enjoying a peaceful bike ride through nature.
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