Meet The Newest Team Members of Retained

Retained is proud to announce the addition of three team members to our growing team. As we continue to expand our executive search capabilities and deepen our client partnerships, these new hires bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and strategic insight that aligns seamlessly with our mission to deliver tailored, client-centric executive search solutions.

 

Patti Dismukes Joins Retained as Senior Advisor

Patti Dismukes career reflects a strong track record of leading large-scale transformational initiatives and optimizing financial management processes. She has held leadership roles at several regional, national, and global companies, where she launched new service offerings, maximized resources to meet client goals, and led enterprise-wide initiatives focused on evolving business models to adapt to changing market conditions and disruptive forces.

Patti’s dedication to improving the lives of young women and girls has guided her involvement with organizations such as Women in Technology (WIT), TechBridge, and Year Up. She served six years on the WIT Board, including as Board President from 2020 to 2023, where she led organizational changes and supported the creation of innovative programs, including the WIT Single Mothers Program, Board Readiness, and WIT Career ConneXions. From 2023 to 2025, she also served on the Board of Advisors for 3Ci, helping expand their service offerings.

In recognition of her contributions, Patti received the Ann Cramer Volunteer Award and the TAG Sales Leadership Community Award in 2019.

Beginning in 2026, Patti will serve as Senior Advisor to Retained, supporting the firm’s mission to provide strategic, tailored, and client-centric executive search solutions. In this role, she will leverage her experience to assist with strategic growth plans, implement best practices, and lead executive search opportunities

 

Anthony Angelo Joins Retained as Director of Business Development

Anthony Angelo brings over 15 years of experience in business staffing solutions to his role as Director of Business Development at Retained. Known for his consultative approach and commitment to building lasting partnerships, Anthony works closely with executive leadership to deliver high-impact executive search strategies tailored to each organization’s unique needs.

Throughout his career, Anthony has supported companies of all sizes, from nimble startups to Fortune 500 enterprises, across industries like healthcare and IT. His track record of success in highly complex, fast-moving environments is rooted in his deep understanding of compliance, precision, and speed. Whether navigating nuanced talent challenges or scaling leadership teams, Anthony approaches every engagement with a thoughtful, white-glove touch.

A three-time Presidents Club honoree (2017–2020) and part of a team recognized with a Best of Staffing award in 2022, Anthony is no stranger to delivering excellence. He was drawn to Retained by its culture of commitment, to clients, to candidates, and to each other, and is energized by the firm’s long-term, partnership-first approach to executive staffing.

Outside of work, you’ll find Anthony cheering on the Atlanta Braves, relaxing in Aruba, or spending time with his family and his dog. His superpower? Empathy, a trait that serves him well in both business and life.

 

Melisa Huskic Joins Retained as Marketing Associate

Melisa Huskic serves as a part-time Marketing Associate at Retained, bringing creativity, curiosity, and a strong desire to learn to the marketing team. She supports the execution of digital marketing initiatives across platforms including LinkedIn, YouTube, email, and the website, working closely with the Marketing Communications Manager on content development, campaign support, and site updates.

Prior to joining Retained, Melisa contributed to the Marketing Committee at Georgia Gwinnett College’s Kaufman Library, where she supported efforts to strengthen brand awareness through data-informed outreach, strategic messaging, and engaging social content. Known for her thoughtful and adaptable approach, Melisa helps keep Retained’s marketing efforts both organized, and audience focused.

 

Looking Ahead

With the addition of Patti, Anthony, and Melisa, Retained continues to build a strong team rooted in expertise, collaboration, and a shared commitment to client success. Retained’s new team members further our mission to empower companies to thrive by connecting them with exceptional, diverse executive talent, and reinforce our commitment to putting people first in every search.