Testimonials

The Irricana Town Council engaged the professional services of James Davies of DCG Executive Search Ltd. to assist in the recruitment of a new CAO. James was able to deliver a solid slate of qualified candidates for us to meet. As well, he was able to satisfy our tight timeframe expectations. We are very happy with the service and attention to the needs of the Council, and of the Town, that James provided throughout the process. We are excited that our new CAO and the Town of Irricana are well positioned to move forward.

Mayor Jim Bryson and Town Council - Town of Irricana

The Bowden Town Council has engaged James Davies of DCG Executive Search Services Ltd. on a couple of occasions in recent years to assist our Council in finding and securing a top-notch Chief Administrative Officer. In each instance, James was very attentive, cognizant of the needs of Council and the Town, as well as thorough in bringing forth well-qualified candidates who could have all easily fit into our community. We were pleased with the overall process that James presented, and the on-going follow up to ensure a smooth transition, and guaranteed success for the candidate, Council, and the Town.

Mayor Robb Stuart and Town Council - Town of Bowden

I have had the pleasure of working with James on two executive searches in the past year. One was in my role as a volunteer Board member seeking to recruit an Executive Director for a faith-based international non-profit organization, and the other in my role as Executive Director for a non-profit provincial level advocacy organization in Alberta. In both instances, James was able to bring forward an excellent group of candidates. He managed to find multiple candidates with the skills needed to do the job successfully, and candidates who also possessed diverse backgrounds. This actually helped us focus on the direction we needed to go in both of these recruitments. We have also been impressed with his post selection follow-up, and support for our organizations and the candidates. I would highly recommend James for any executive recruitment search.

Bill Werry, Executive Director - Alberta Post-Secondary Network (formerly the Council of Post-Secondary Presidents of Alberta)

Rocky View County Council hired James Davies of DCG Executive Search to assist in the recruitment of a new CAO. At the time there were two major hurdles that needed to be considered: (a) a new Council, and (b) communication restrictions because of Covid. James was able to facilitate the process and move it forward relatively quickly with regular communication updates to the Council. We appreciate James’s thoroughness in communicating the steps throughout the hiring process, and ensuring both parties understood what was involved. We are extremely pleased with how James screened the candidates to fit our unique municipality.

Mayor Don Kochan - Rocky View County

We really enjoyed working with James Davies during our search for, and ultimate hiring of, a new Executive Director for L.A.M.P. The whole process, starting with the selection of a search firm, and ending with the hiring of a new ED, was done during the COVID-19 pandemic, and James was extremely helpful, patient, and easy to work with. He adapted to our technology, and was very good in meetings with our search committee and ultimately with the full Board of Directors (which is represented by members based in both Canada and the USA). He kept us on track, helping to set deadlines, touch points, etc. When our new hire came to Edmonton from the USA, James was there to pick him up at the airport and help introduce him to the city. I would say that James went above and beyond what our expectations were. I am very pleased that we chose James Davies of DCG to work with us.

Arnold Follinglo, Board Chair - L.A.M.P.

Council retained the services of James Davies of Davies Consulting Group in our search for a new CAO. Our experience was definitely a positive one. James understood our needs and brought forward excellent candidates. His professionalism throughout the entire process through to follow-up after the successful hiring is commendable. I would highly recommend Davies Consulting Group.

Councillor Elaine Fossen - Village of Forestburg

We were very pleased with the search process and dedication James demonstrated during our recent recruitment of a new CAO for Kneehill County. Council is happy with how things turned out and we are optimistic about moving forward with a solid administrative team. I would highly recommend James Davies of DCG Executive Search.

Reeve Jerry Wittstock - Kneehill County

Our most recent experience recruiting a new Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Barrhead was a positive one. James Davies was the lead on the assignment and led the process with professionalism, while providing a personal touch. The timeline and service we were hoping for was provided in spades. James demonstrated a good understanding of where we were when we began, and what we expected at the finish. Council is very pleased with the process and the outcome.

Mayor Dave McKenzie - Town of Barrhead, AB

After reviewing and assessing several executive search firms, Council decided to engage James Davies of DCG Executive Search Ltd. The process that was laid out and followed was professional, thorough, and catered to the needs of our Council. We were very pleased with not only the result, but the overall process and responsiveness James demonstrated throughout. We were also impressed with the amount of follow-up from James to confirm we had achieved a good fit.

Mayor Bill Skinner - Town of Lamont, AB

Council hired James Davies of DCG to assist the Town in finding and securing a new CAO after several unsuccessful attempts. James demonstrated an unparalleled level of professionalism and really took the time to understand the needs of Council and the Town

Mayor Marcel Michaels - Town of Hinton

After undertaking the recruitment for a new CAO on our own, Council quickly realized we were unprepared for the task, and lacked the time required to do a thorough job. We engaged DCG Executive Search and were very pleased with the quality of work and time James spent with us from start to finish. Overall it was a great experience and we saw an excellent array of quality candidates.

Reeve Stan Schulmeister - County of Paintearth

James recently provided excellent recruitment services to the City of Lloydminster during our search for a new City Manager. From the first discussions through the follow up months after the successful hiring process, James was invaluable to our new City Council and myself. I would highly recommend Davies Consulting Group to any municipality or company looking for professional executive search services.

Mayor Gerald Aalbers - City of Lloydminster

Recently I used Davies Consulting Group to fill a top level management role within our organization. The process was smooth and very professional. James worked with me to understand my wants and needs, then sourced great candidates that exceeded my expectations. He supported us through the selection and hiring process and the end result after three months on the job is what I consider the best new hire of my career. I hope to use DCG for my future senior hiring needs. James’ understanding of the municipal landscape in Western Canada is unmatched and his process is comprehensive and the results are the best I have found.

Wayne Franklin, CAO - Thorhild County

We hired DCG Executive Search to recruit a new Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Smoky Lake. The search was led by James Davies and Council was impressed with the overall search process and the quality of shortlist candidates presented. The promised tight time frame to find a new Town Manager was met and James guided us through the interviews. He knows the municipal world and is a true professional.

Mayor Hank Holowaychuk - Town of Smoky Lake

I retained the professional services of DCG and James Davies to assist in a large search assignment with an international client. James spearheaded the assignment and conducted himself in a professional manner throughout the process. I have no reservations in recommending DCG and James to any company seeking high level executive search services and guaranteed results.

Brian Thompson, President - Management Consulting House Ltd.