Her Story
About Martha
Martha Montgomery serves as Director of Talent Acquisition at Hixson, a nationally recognized Architecture, Engineering, and Interior Design (A/E/I) firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. She began her career in executive search and recruiting in 1998 after earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Otterbein College and a Master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Xavier University.
Over the past 15+ years at Hixson, Martha has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm's talent strategy and growth. As the sole talent acquisition professional supporting a company of more than 130 associates, she reports directly to the CEO and partners closely with senior leadership to attract, assess, and hire top talent. Working across 20 technical disciplines, she is responsible for identifying candidates who not only possess the required technical expertise but also align with Hixson's values-driven culture. During her tenure, she has successfully recruited over 200 professionals, helping build and strengthen teams across the organization.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Martha has remained actively engaged in her community and profession. She served on the Board of Directors for the National Human Resources Association in the early 2000s and remains a member of the Cincinnati chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She has also chaired the Wyoming City Schools Citizens Advisory Council and dedicated more than 20 years of volunteer service to The Cure Starts Now, a pediatric brain cancer research foundation, helping raise both awareness and critical funding for the cause. What started as a hometown grassroots effort has grown to over sixty chapters including over 1000 families and has collectively raised nearly $40 million for pediatric brain cancer research.
Martha attributes her success to maintaining perspective, approaching challenges with calm confidence, and relying on the strength of collaboration. Guided by words of wisdom passed along to her that, “we don't have problems, we have decisions to make," she focuses on solutions, embraces change, and trusts that great outcomes are achieved when people work together toward a common goal.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Martha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've learned that success isn't about having all the answers. It's about staying calm, keeping challenges in perspective, and trusting the people around you. I don't spend much energy sweating the small stuff because I believe that, together, we can navigate whatever comes our way. One of the most impactful pieces of wisdom I've received is: "We don't have problems, we have decisions to make." That simple shift in perspective has guided me throughout my career, helping me focus on solutions, make thoughtful decisions, and move forward with confidence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Two pieces of advice have stayed with me throughout my life and career. The first is to make your bed every day. It's a reminder that success often starts with the small things and that accomplishing one task can create momentum for everything that follows.
The second is to always be in a position to support yourself and stand on your own because life doesn't come with guarantees. That advice taught me the importance of independence, preparedness, and believing in my own abilities. It has given me the confidence to embrace opportunities, navigate challenges, and build a career on my own terms.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be shy about tapping into your network. Reach out to people, ask questions, and be willing to learn from those who have walked the path before you. Building relationships and gaining insight into your industry can open doors you never expected. One thing I've found throughout my career is that people genuinely want to help. Many of us benefited from the guidance of others along the way, and we're eager to pay that forward. Take advantage of those opportunities and don't be afraid to make the first connection.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Recruiting has always been about connecting great people with great opportunities, but that has become increasingly challenging in today's market. In the Architecture, Engineering, and Interior Design industry, the talent pool is limited, and competition for experienced professionals is intense. Finding candidates with 10 to 15-plus years of experience often comes down to being in the right place at the right time in their career journey. Technology has also changed the way candidates and employers interact. While automated systems have streamlined many aspects of recruiting, they can sometimes create obstacles in the process. As a result, building relationships, maintaining strong networks, and creating a positive candidate experience have become more important than ever.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are respect, integrity, and trust. I strive to treat others with the same kindness and consideration that I hope to receive in return. I firmly believe that taking care of relationships and investing in people has lasting value. Whether working with colleagues, candidates, clients, or friends, those connections often become one of the most rewarding parts of both professional and personal life. The relationships we build today can have a positive impact for years to come.
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