As we head into the close of 2025, our team is taking a moment to reflect on and celebrate the many positive milestones we’ve experienced throughout the year.
In the spirit of the season, we’ve asked team members across Empirical to share what they’re most grateful for – from professional achievements to personal moments that made this year special.
Wishing you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving from everyone at Empirical!
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate within the Empirical ecosystem—a remarkable community of world-class clients, talented professionals, and strategic partners. Working alongside such inspiring individuals has been both fulfilling and deeply rewarding, reinforcing the importance of pursuing work that aligns with your passion and purpose.
I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my wife and children. Their unwavering love and support make everything possible, and I’m endlessly thankful for the strength they give me every day.
Chris Lee, Managing Partner
This year has had its share of ups and downs, but what stands out most is how our team pulled together. Every challenge brought out creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to keep moving forward. I’m genuinely thankful to be part of such a talented, resilient group of people who not only rise to the occasion but make the journey enjoyable along the way. Here’s to the progress we’ve made—and the opportunities ahead.
Bill Morrow, Managing Partner
This year, I’m thankful for my kids as they transition into young adulthood, becoming more independent, resourceful, and responsible!
Jason Fisher, Managing Partner
I am very grateful that 2025 has been a wonderful year both professionally and personally. The Empirical team continues to grow and is a great collection of extremely talented individuals who all bring experience, talent, and a results-oriented focus for our clients and partners.
Personally, it has been a wonderful year with my very supportive wife, Tina, and our four awesome young adults who are growing into their next chapters in very different directions. There is amazing intrinsic value in seeing and helping others achieve success … our clients, our families, and the organizations we serve.
Jonathan Peters, Senior Partner
I’m thankful for an incredible consulting firm that allows me to use my HR skills, nonprofit work that fuels my passion for serving others, and the flexibility to be present at my kids’ schools and activities. Above all, I’m deeply grateful for my family, who fill my heart with joy, love, and purpose. (Laurie’s family is pictured at right.)
Laurie Beasley, Human Resources Director
I’m thankful my family and friends, the incredible Empirical team, and our amazing clients who trust us to help tell their stories. It’s a gift to do work that challenges and fulfills me alongside such genuine, talented people.
Erin Dalton, Marketing Director
As we are getting into the holiday season, warmth comes over me, feeling blessed for the healing of family members and continued healthy guidance. In this environment of unknown and turmoil, it is time to sit back and reflect on all the small things not to be taken granted of.
Jerri Lynn Cech, Talent Acquisition Director
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the constants that make life meaningful. Family, friends, good health for all of us, my critter kids, and the gift of doing what I love for a living. This year, I’m especially thankful for the unexpected joy of training for a 25K trail run with my 13-year-old niece the week before the holiday. Sharing that journey together has been one of the year’s greatest blessings.
Michelle Cheney, Marketing Director
I’m thankful that both my aging parents are doing well, that I get to live in beautiful San Diego, and of course that I work with the awesome Empirical team!
Simon Dukes, Web Development Associate
I am thankful for our amazing clients who allow us to be on their talent journey. Your continued collaboration and growing companies keep us on our toes. I’m grateful for the candidates who also keep us on our toes too with their creative resumes, interview stories and personalities that remind us why love the world of talent acquisition. Lastly, I’m thankful for my foundation-my family-who inspire, challenge and support me.
Laura Schlessinger, Talent Acquisition Partner
This year has flown by – and what a wonderful year it’s been. I’m grateful for time with family in Denmark, celebrating my daughter, Chloe’s early graduation from the University of Arkansas and her new job, fun times with great friends, and all the adventures 2025 has brought.
As the year winds down, I’m reflecting on the people, experiences, and small moments that make life meaningful. Wishing everyone a joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and time to appreciate it all.
Penni Barton, Marketing Director
I am thankful to continue learning, growing, and contributing to so many incredible projects for clients who are working to make the world a better place. On a personal level, I appreciate the opportunities I have had to travel this past year and expand my horizons. I am also grateful for my family and friends, who complete my life and encourage me to pursue my passions. (A highlight of Laurel’s trip to Italy is pictured left.)
Laurel Cavalluzzo, Marketing Partner
I am thankful to ECS for the opportunity to help more clients achieve their full potential. Grateful to my wife and kids for encouraging me to start my own consulting business. Blessed to have my parents nearby to spend time with and help them age in place.
Scott Magee, Operational Excellence Director
I am truly grateful, thankful, and blessed.
I am thankful for my family — for those who are here with me and for those who have gone on to their glory. I’m especially thankful for my sweet daughter, who has grown into such an amazing young woman.
I’m grateful for my friends — those I see often and those I don’t get to see as much, but who are always close to my heart.
I’m thankful for my loving partner, who continues to love me, keep me uplifted, and believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself — and for his sweet young daughter, who adds so much joy and light to my life.
I’m thankful for the gift of life and good health.
And I’m truly thankful for my job and for the new opportunity to grow and work with Empirical.
Natachia Laurendine, Marketing Associate
I’m especially thankful for my family. As we’ve gotten older, life has started to take us in different directions, but I’m grateful that we’ve managed to stay so close and connected; that’s something I never take for granted. And of course, I’m thankful for the newest addition to the family, our fox red lab, Duke. He just turned one and has brought plenty of energy (and just enough chaos), serving as a great reminder to slow down and appreciate the small things.
Zach Lee, Director of Business Development
