Pete joined Almond & Associates in 1999, and currently owns and manages the Tacoma office. A Tacoma local and Stadium High School Alumni, Pete utilizes a customer-focused, relational approach to recruiting. His passion for directly recruiting top talent has been a prominent aspect of Almond & Associates’ success for almost twenty years. His recruiting specialties lie within financial and accounting roles. As the branch manager, Pete is responsible for overall branch operations and staff management as well as client development. Pete spends his free time with his family camping, and traveling to recreational destinations around the Northwest. He is also a car and boat enthusiast, and enjoys cooking and diving.
Our Team
Pete Almond
Owner
Chris Brown
Partner & Executive Recruiter
Chris is a life-long native of Washington State, and has an investment in the future here. She has worked in fast-paced environments throughout her career, delivering client satisfaction, and has provided not only superior service, but great jobs to people who will make positive impacts for them. Passionate about the “win-win” as she skillfully fits the pieces of the clients need with the candidates’ expertise, Chris has successfully provided the match for hundreds of people who go on to make a positive difference. In her spare time, Chris loves to find new wines and restaurants to enjoy, volunteers as a wedding coordinator, and travels as often as possible. She also has a great love for her family, including three children and seven grandchildren. Chris is always willing to warmly greet and enjoy a conversation with someone new!
Tina Cruz Biersack
Executive Recruiter
Tina has been a recruiter for over 20 years. She started recruiting in the tech arena back in Columbus, Ohio and after three years found herself moving west with her husband to Portland, Oregon where she worked in human resources management providing information technology professionals to clients in Vancouver and the Portland Metro area. After three years in Portland, her husband transferred north with his company and settled in Auburn. Throughout her tenure as a talent acquisition specialist, she has enjoyed that great sense of gratification when a client calls and tells her they are thrilled with their new hire or when a candidate tells her thank you for finding that perfect fit. Tina continues to offer her expertise to clients and candidates alike who look to her for that collaborative problem-solving approach in a sometimes difficult to navigate sea of options.
Zada Grant
Staffing Manager
Zada joined Almond & Associates in 2016. During her seven years in retail management, she found a passion for customer service. Her goal is to build solid relationships with our clients and candidates to ensure she can deliver an excellent experience. Zada’s experience with working in a variety of industries gives her an edge in determining her clients’ needs. Zada is a California native. After living in many states across the country, she made Washington her home in 2009. Zada has been an active volunteer in her community. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, cooking, and cheering for the Seattle Seahawks.
Karissa Valine-Plaza
Recruiting Coordinator
Karissa joined the Almond & Associates team in 2016 after graduating from Humboldt State University. During her time in college, Karissa worked as a Communication Consultant for local nonprofits. Through this experience, she discovered her passion for developing relationships and creating positive change for others within their professional lives. She is excited to continue this trend through staffing and recruiting. A California native, Karissa moved to Washington for a change of scenery. She loves the rain, mountains, and evergreen trees. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and snuggling their cats.
