
Your Partner for Actuarial Recruitment
With more than 40 years’ combined experience in matching skilled actuarial talent with top companies, Ezra Penland is the unparalleled actuarial recruiting firm dedicated to your success. Our deep industry knowledge and longevity in this field set us apart from the competition. Whether you’re looking for a new opportunity as an actuarial professional or your organization needs to find and hire the very best people for open roles, you’ve come to the right place.
Our Core Values

Accountability
We hold ourselves to the same high standards that our clients and candidates do, and we deliver.

Relationships
Our business is all about people, and relationships come first.

Integrity
Our Team
Sally Ezra
Partner
Sally has spent over two decades recruiting actuaries. She has developed strong professional relationships and a vast network of clientele. They value her commitment, resourcefulness, her personal attention, and her high level of professional ethics. Sally can be reached at sally@ezrapenland.com or (773)-598-4756.
Kevin Elliott
Director
Kevin has a proven business development, sales and leadership background in finance and technology. He can be reached at kevin@ezrapenland.com or (773) 598-4753.
Lauren Scalzo
Recruiter, Manager
Lauren has a long history of hiring experience in various industries and has been a recruiter with Ezra Penland since 2014. She is detail-oriented and thoughtful in her work and enjoys forming long-term relationships with her candidates and clients. In this way, she develops an understanding of the motivations and interests of candidates and clients alike and strives to find the best mutual fit for all involved. Reach Lauren at lauren@ezrapenland.com or (773) 598-4717.
Liz Ritchie
Actuarial Recruiter
Liz listens to candidates and helps them navigate career goals by making thoughtful and pragmatic connections. She uses her background in human resources, management and customer service to build relationships with both candidates and clients. Liz can be reached at liz@ezrapenland.com or (773) 598-4752.
Bailey Collins
Recruitment, Training & Engagement Coordinator
Bailey has been with Ezra Penland since 2015, where she started as an Actuarial Recruiter. After earning her Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, her role has expanded to also include training & development and employee engagement. She enjoys helping people reach their full potential, and is always rooting for the success of her candidates, clients, and colleagues. Reach Bailey at bailey@ezrapenland.com or (773) 598-4747.
Jennifer Retford
Partner
Jennifer is a Partner with a focus on Retained Engagements and Executive Searches in the Insurance Industry. Her team creates opportunities for experienced Actuarial and Analytics professionals in C-Suite and Senior-Level roles across Actuarial, Underwriting, Broking & Claims, Product, Marketing, and Finance. Over 18 years of recruiting experience in the Actuarial and Analytics profession with a deep understanding of the industry and its dynamics. She has placed numerous actuarial professionals with top employers in North America and globally and is known for her proactive approach of staying engaged with both clients and candidates, regardless of whether they are actively searching. Jennifer can be reached at jennifer@ezrapenland.com or 773-598-4751
Brea Davis
Assistant Recruiter
Brea joined Ezra Penland in December 2024. Brea has completed two master's degrees—an MBA and a degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. During this time, she developed a passion for recruitment and talent acquisition. She also has gained valuable experience as an HR Advisor and will be using these skills to support Jennifer Retford. Brea can be reached at Brea@ezrapenland.com or 773-598-4758.
Quentin Smith
Actuarial Recruiter
Quentin is an experienced recruiter with a strong background in talent acquisition. He specializes in identifying top talent and matching candidates with organizations that align with their goals. Known for a strategic and people-focused approach, Quentin is dedicated to helping build strong, successful teams. Quentin can be reached at quentin@ezrapenland.com or 773-598-4716
Lauren McKee
Assistant Recruiter
Lauren joined Ezra Penland in May 2025, bringing over a decade of experience in client and public relations. A graduate of Carthage College with a degree in Performing Arts, Lauren has built a career on strong communication, relationship-building, and a commitment to exceptional client service. She will be using these skills to support Sally Ezra and help connect top actuarial talent with leading employers.
Leia Ziomek
Data Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist
Leia is a dedicated researcher and leader who supports the recruiting team with her thoroughness and excellent attention to detail. She leads the Ezra Penland Data Team, maintains our website and social media position listings, and conducts market research to keep things running smoothly. Leia can be reached at leia@ezrapenland.com.
Thrishna Samaroo
Actuarial Recruiter
Thrishna joined Ezra Penland in May 2025. Prior to joining the firm, she received a Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University in Cognitive Science/Human Resource Management and was employed as a Healthcare Recruiter. Thrishna brings a personalized and attentive approach to recruitment, making her a great resource for candidates and clients. She can be reached at Thrishna@ezrapenland.com or 732-309-4033.
Diane Vanik
Office Manager
Diane has extensive experience in office administration and operations. She consistently works to maintain strong support for Ezra Penland’s recruiting team as well as our clients and candidates. You can reach Diane at diane@ezrapenland.com or (773) 598-4750.
Gigi Castro
Data Entry Analyst
Gigi Castro is a student at Roosevelt University in Chicago studying Data Analytics. She enjoys learning about databases, systems and how data interacts. Gigi is excited to discover the ways she can apply her degree in different industries. In her spare time she enjoys discussing pop culture themes in film and television.
Justin Phung
Data Entry Analyst
Justin is a computer science major with a minor in data science who enjoys working with numbers as he considers himself a logical person, preferring logic over sentiment. He believes that in regard to all kinds of data, the more we understand based on knowledge or analytical methods, the more we can take advantage of it. Outside of academics, Justin likes to play pool since he can also apply his mathematical and statistical skills using geometry to estimate the error percentage in each shot! He is also a treasurer of DePauw's Billiard Club and won their most recent tournament!
David Mokaya
Data Entry Analyst
David Mokaya is a student at the University of Michigan, pursuing a degree in Actuarial Mathematics with a minor in Data Science. He is on track to graduate in May 2027 and is currently preparing for Exam P. Proficient in R, C++, Python, and Java, David enjoys the rigor and analytical depth of the actuarial field. Outside the classroom, he combines his technical skills with some of his personal interests like poker and sports analytics. David has a passion for learning and is excited to gain more experience to positively contribute to the actuarial profession.
What It’s Like to Work With Us
I wanted to thank you for your incredible support during my job search. I’ve really appreciated your thoughtful approach in presenting opportunities that align with both my experience and career goals, and how you’ve consistently taken my input into account throughout the process. Your help in gathering feedback, navigating conversations, and reviewing offers has been invaluable. I appreciate your genuine investment in helping me make the best decision for my career.
Jennifer is one of the most professional and pleasant people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Her attention to detail, responsiveness and easy accessibility make her one of the best in the business. I have tremendous trust in her ability to do the right thing for her clients at all times.
Our new hire hit the ground running and has already began to make a material impact on our organization. EP is an extraordinary team. It has been a real pleasure to collaborate with you all
I have nothing but good things to say about working with Bailey. She is professional, responsive, and she is always truthful about the situation. Bailey contacted me about a job with a company she was recruiting for and the entire process was well organized and seamless. She kept me well updated through every step. Thanks to Bailey I have a job where I hope to work for years to come.
Bailey did an excellent job throughout the entire recruiting process. Contrary to other recruiters I’ve worked with, it was apparent that Bailey actually cared about my career and genuinely wanted to help me succeed. Additionally, she was extremely on top of managing her time and I knew I found out information the minute she received it. I would highly recommend Bailey to any of my colleagues.
I super appreciate all the work you did for me along the way, I know it wasn’t an easy process but I do think we found the right fit. Thanks again for all you’ve done for me, both this time and during my previous search.
Working with Ezra Penland has been a very positive experience for me, and I am so excited to be starting at Mutual Benefit Group in the coming weeks. I will be sure to recommend Ezra Penland to any of my actuarial colleagues who are looking for new opportunities.
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity.