Laying the Groundwork: Evaluating Leadership Talent in Your ESOP

Todd Johnson is a Principal & Recruiting Practice Lead at Strategic Talent Partners, where he directs the firm’s internal recruiting team, refines core delivery processes, and nurtures key client and partner relationships. Since joining CorTalent in 2014 and guiding its 2024 merger with KeyStone Executive Search to form Strategic Talent Partners, Todd has helped shape a recruiting practice that aligns exceptional leadership talent with ESOPs, EOS®-run companies, and other growth-oriented private businesses. 

Leveraging an early career in corporate HR, Todd excels at building consultative partnerships with entrepreneurs and leadership teams. He invests deeply in coaching STP staff—prioritizing personal development, accountability, and operational excellence—while ensuring clients’ business needs translate into hires that accelerate value creation for employee-owners. 

Tara Kuckkan is the Human Resources Manager at HM Cragg, a 100% employee-owned company based in Minneapolis-St. Paul, where she leads strategic HR initiatives that foster a people-first, purpose-driven culture. Since joining in 2021, Tara has played a central role in advancing the company’s workforce development, compliance, and wellness strategies - demonstrating a deep commitment to the values of employee ownership.

She brings a strong background in HR operations and employment law compliance, with particular expertise in benefits management, multi-state payroll, and employee engagement. Tara leads the company’s Veterans Hiring & Support Initiative, oversees its mental wellness program, and drives leadership development efforts through manager training and coaching. Her collaborative approach with organizational leaders helps reinforce growth, inclusion, and accountability - strengthening HM Cragg’s ESOP culture and long-term employee value