Nikia Williams is a seasoned management professional with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries including law enforcement, higher education, non-profit, manufacturing, and construction. Over the past five years, she has specialized in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, successfully recruiting more than 5,000 candidates for roles ranging from C-suite executives to healthcare professionals, union craft workers, and temporary staff.
Her expertise includes strategic workforce planning, union collaboration, and high-volume recruiting for complex projects. Nikia has worked closely with multiple labor unions to source and place skilled tradespeople, ensuring compliance and alignment with project goals.
Prior to her focus in HR, Nikia served as Director of Career Services and Director of Alumni Relations at two universities, where she led professional development initiatives including workshops on elevator pitches, professional attire, resume writing, and interview techniques. Her commitment to empowering individuals and building strong teams continues to drive her success in talent strategy and organizational development.
Ryan is a U.S. Army veteran and accomplished operations leader with over 25 years of management experience spanning industrial packaging and government contracting. He is recognized for his ability to lead cross-functional teams, expand business territories, and implement policies that drive operational excellence.
Throughout his career, Ryan has demonstrated a consistent ability to navigate complex organizational structures, foster collaboration, and deliver results. His leadership has contributed to the development and refinement of internal procedures, ensuring efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
Ryan’s military background instills a disciplined, mission-driven approach to management, making him a valuable asset in both private sector and government environments. His proven track record in business growth and policy innovation reflects his commitment to continuous improvement and impactful leadership.
Work with us, and you get your own executive search team that understands the importance of goals, vision, needs, fit, and all the intangibles that go into a GREAT executive search match. Executives, gain exclusive access to top companies. Employers and search committees, experience our collaborative approach to discovering exactly the kind of person you’re seeking. That way, Patrice & Associates Pros can effectively identify, recruit and vet the right candidates.
We can’t wait to talk with you! Let our connections be your connections in your area and across North America. Job seekers, Patrice & Associates can find you your next great career move even if you want to move to another city or state.
Employers, let us find you your next great hire! Even if your search is for multiple positions, in multiple cities. One call to this local office and you’re on your way. All without the hassle of managing multiple recruiters or territory restrictions.
Why wait? Get the resources of our national network when you call your local office. We’re ready! Are you?
Michael P. says working with Ryan Shanklin was an amazing experience!I wanted to thank Patrice and Associates and particularly Ryan Shanklin for giving me
absolute professional assistance in getting hired at my new job as a manager for Applebee’s. I
will give you the long story of the difference P&A and Ryan made and feel free to edit it down
However, you would like for your marketing materials. I was living in Fredericksburg, VA., taking
care of my elderly parents and had applied online and driven to the Applebee’s in
Fredericksburg for an unscheduled interview. As it turned out, the GM was there and was willing
to speak with me. At the conclusion of the interview, the GM decided not to hire me because I
had recently completed courses in cybersecurity and he felt that as soon as a cyber firm
contacted me I would leave for that position. After applying for a different location with
Applebee’s I was contacted by Ryan. I explained the situation and my recent experience. He
and I worked together and through his resume coaching, I was able to get a sit-down interview
with the Area Manager for the Alexandria location. The AM and I hit it off and I was hired.
Ironically, the Applebee’s location that I have been training at for the last 7 weeks is under the
area manager that is also the AM for the Fredericksburg location that I had interviewed with and
was not hired. Ryan has maintained contact with me to see how things are going and have been
a friendly voice through the training process. Years ago, I worked in telecommunications and
went through many years of being headhunted by some recruiters. During that period of time, I
never experienced the professionalism and friendly interaction that I have had with Ryan and
Patrice and Associates. It has been an amazing experience and frankly, at a time when it was
truly needed. Thank you for all you have done and I would definitely recommend qualified
individuals partner with Patrice and Associates to reach their employment goals.
Thank You,
Michael P.
I wanted to thank Patrice and Associates and particularly Ryan Shanklin for giving me
absolute professional assistance in getting hired at my new job as a manager for Applebee’s. I
will give you the long story of the difference P&A and Ryan made and feel free to edit it down
However, you would like for your marketing materials. I was living in Fredericksburg, VA., taking
care of my elderly parents and had applied online and driven to the Applebee’s in
Fredericksburg for an unscheduled interview. As it turned out, the GM was there and was willing
to speak with me. At the conclusion of the interview, the GM decided not to hire me because I
had recently completed courses in cybersecurity and he felt that as soon as a cyber firm
contacted me I would leave for that position. After applying for a different location with
Applebee’s I was contacted by Ryan. I explained the situation and my recent experience. He
and I worked together and through his resume coaching, I was able to get a sit-down interview
with the Area Manager for the Alexandria location. The AM and I hit it off and I was hired.
Ironically, the Applebee’s location that I have been training at for the last 7 weeks is under the
area manager that is also the AM for the Fredericksburg location that I had interviewed with and
was not hired. Ryan has maintained contact with me to see how things are going and have been
a friendly voice through the training process. Years ago, I worked in telecommunications and
went through many years of being headhunted by some recruiters. During that period of time, I
never experienced the professionalism and friendly interaction that I have had with Ryan and
Patrice and Associates. It has been an amazing experience and frankly, at a time when it was
truly needed. Thank you for all you have done and I would definitely recommend qualified
individuals partner with Patrice and Associates to reach their employment goals.
Thank You,
Michael P.
Remzi Yilmaz“Patricia’s approach to searching for candidates allows her to find top notch prospects each and every time. She has the ability to know exactly what qualifications we are looking for when a vacancy becomes available. I appreciate Patricia’s enthusiasm, tailored approach, consistent communication and follow up when recruiting for our company. She is truly a wonderful partner!”
