Top Workplace Investigations Experts 2025

Kathie Allen is a California licensed Private Investigator (PI #27033) and the founder of Allen Morris Investigations, a women-owned investigative firm based in Orange County. With extensive experience conducting neutral workplace investigations, she is trusted by employers, schools, and public agencies to handle complex and sensitive matters involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and Title IX compliance. Her investigative practice is grounded in discretion, objectivity, and integrity. Kathie brings a strong background in compliance and over two decades of experience in higher education, giving her a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and employment issues. She is Title IX certified, SHRM-SCP credentialed, and frequently engaged as an independent fact-finder in matters requiring impartial evaluation. Through Allen Morris Investigations, Kathie delivers confidential, results-focused investigations that meet legal and regulatory standards while helping organizations resolve workplace challenges with clarity and confidence.

Dedicated Human Resources Professional bringing dependable expertise in employment law compliance, developing DEIB strategies, managing employee complaints, conducting internal investigations, corrective action, performance counseling, and reasonable accommodations. Works diligently to build, strengthen, and maintain employee and management relationships.

Warren Pulley brings 40 years of threat assessment and crisis management expertise across military, law enforcement, diplomatic, corporate, and educational environments. As founder of CrisisWire, he provides professional threat assessment services to organizations throughout Hawaii, Nationally and Internationally. Credentials: BTAM (Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management) trained - University of Hawaii West Oahu 20+ FEMA certifications (IS-906, IS-907, IS-915, complete ICS/NIMS) Former LAPD Veteran Police Officer (12 years) 6+ years U.S. Embassy Baghdad security operations (zero incidents under daily threat) Former Director of Campus Safety, Chaminade University Former California Private Investigator 7 years U.S. Air Force (nuclear security & paralegal) Published Authority: Author of five books on threat assessment: The Prepared Leader, Threat Assessment Handbook, Campus Under Siege, Locked Down: The Access Control Playbook, and Uniformed Silence. Published researcher with 9+ peer-reviewed papers on threat assessment, workplace violence, and crisis management. Media-Ready Expertise: Available for expert commentary on threat assessment, school safety, workplace violence prevention, crisis management, executive protection, insider threats, and emergency preparedness. Find CrisisWire online at https://rypulmedia.wixsite.com/crisiswire

Dr. Catherine Shaffer is a scientist and researcher whose work focuses on violence risk assessment and management, dating and intimate partner violence, and adolescent offenders. With experience spanning both research and applied contexts, she brings an evidence-based perspective to understanding risk, offending behavior, and prevention. She has authored (or co-authored) over 130 articles, book chapters, reports, assessment tools, and presentations related to crime and violence. In 2021, she was awarded the Christopher Webster Early Career Award by the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services for significant early-career contributions to the forensic mental health field.

William K. Phillips is a leading plaintiff-side employment lawyer who represents employees in high-stakes sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation cases against some of the most powerful individuals and organizations in the workplace. As Founder and Managing Partner of Phillips & Associates, he focuses on cases involving executives, business owners, partners, and senior leadership, where power imbalances and institutional risk are highest. He represents individuals across all levels of the workforce, with a particular focus on women, executive and personal assistants, hospitality professionals, legal staff, and other employees navigating misconduct by supervisors and decision-makers. His practice centers on coercion, retaliation, and abuse of authority, including situations that are often mischaracterized as “consensual” workplace relationships. Phillips has built one of the most active employment litigation practices in the region, with over 8,000 matters handled, nearly 2,000 cases litigated, and more than $300 million recovered for clients. His approach is defined by disciplined case valuation, leverage development, and trial readiness, which consistently drives strong pre-suit and litigation outcomes. He is also the founder of HarassmentHelp.org, a national platform providing confidential guidance to employees navigating workplace harassment and retaliation, and the creator of the National Plaintiffs’ Summit on Sexual Harassment and Employment Discrimination, which convenes leading plaintiff attorneys to advance litigation strategy, valuation, and accountability. A recognized voice on workplace power dynamics, Phillips regularly provides commentary on coercion, retaliation, executive misconduct, and emerging risks in modern workplaces. He is available to offer direct, practical insight for media covering employment law, workplace culture, and accountability.

I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Expert and 5x Certified Career Coach dedicated to helping professionals find purpose and direction in their careers. With a background in HR and a deep commitment to empowering others, I’ve guided hundreds of professionals to uncover fulfilling and impactful career paths. My work is more than just career coaching; I’m a clarity strategist, known for using my unique insights and proven methods to unlock the potential within my clients. Through my proprietary Career Clarity Formula, I deliver rapid, transformative results for clients who are tired of feeling stuck and uncertain about their professional futures. My approach combines practical tools, like the Sparketype® Assessment, with research-backed techniques to help people uncover their true strengths and aspirations. These “aha moments” are the core of my work, and they’re what allow my clients to move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Through y program, I've transformed career coaching into a results-driven journey that brings clarity and purpose, while reducing the time traditionally spent on finding direction. This approach has empowered my clients to find careers they love, often with improvements in income, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction. As a leading voice in career clarity and career change, my work has been recognized by clients and industry leaders alike. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effect that career clarity can have, especially for professionals in corporate roles who feel disconnected from their work. Helping them achieve a renewed sense of purpose and motivation has become a central focus of my work, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. If you’re a journalist covering career development, employee engagement, or women’s professional empowerment, my perspective might be of interest to your audience. I’m passionate about reshaping the field of career coaching with actionable, purpose-driven strategies that tap into people’s potential. Through my programs, speaking engagements, and client success stories, I’m redefining career clarity as a pathway to true fulfillment, purpose, and long-lasting success. I would be honored to share my insights and success stories with your audience, offering a fresh take on how people can achieve meaningful, sustainable career change.

I am a recognized expert in process safety and occupational health, safety, and environmental management with extensive U.S. and international experience across the oil and gas (upstream and downstream), marine, paper and pulp, chemical, heavy manufacturing, and EPC industries. I have led high-profile, high-value incident investigations involving process-related explosions and fires, combustible dust events, occupational injuries and fatalities, equipment failures, human factors, and engineering breakdowns. A significant portion of my work focuses on litigation support in cases involving loss of life, major industrial incidents, and severe injury. I have directed multiple “mega-loss” investigations involving significant asset damage and intense regulatory and public scrutiny, managing multidisciplinary teams across engineering and business functions. My work includes oversight of complex demolition and evidence recovery efforts, consistently delivering timely, clear, and defensible findings with strong stakeholder alignment. My experience spans onshore and offshore energy operations, refining and petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, syngas operations, and advanced risk and safety management systems, including fire and explosion analysis, process safety management, and gas systems handling and transportation, including LNG.

Jennifer Doherty, MIRHR, is CEO of ProvenHR, where she helps organizations align people strategy with business goals. With over two decades of HR leadership across legal, media, IT, and regulatory sectors, Jennifer brings a pragmatic, business-focused approach to complex workplace challenges. She developed the HR Excellence Matrix, a framework that helps founders and executives manage people-related risk and results with the same rigour as financial metrics.

With a passion for advocating outstanding workplace environments, I co-founded Amazing Workplaces , an integrated HR platform dedicated to enhancing, enriching, and endorsing the best practices that form the foundation of successful organizations. As a Culture & Best-Practices Evangelist, I specialize in guiding companies to strengthen their employer brand through our 9-pillar framework, which includes Culture, Leadership, DEI, and more.My journey in the HR space has been driven by a commitment to transparency, innovation, and the belief that every organization can create an inspiring and supportive work culture. From launching certification programs to conducting employee satisfaction surveys, my work is focused on building and celebrating Amazing Workplaces around the globe.Connect with me to discuss how we can collaboratively enhance your organization's people management strategies, creating a more engaging and inclusive workplace for you and your people while elevating your employer brand.

Mr. Tyler Vose is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in law enforcement, military intelligence, and private sector consulting. Currently, Mr. Vose is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Denali Defense Solutions and Veridian Strategies in Wasilla, Alaska. Mr. Vose and his team of former law enforcement agents/officers, military, and intelligence community personnel provide criminal and civil defense consulting, services to help businesses, and public entities protect themselves from fraud, corruption, and foreign malign influence while ensuring compliance with regulations. Mr. Vose served as a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent for over 12 years, focusing on public corruption and white-collar criminal matters, and Army Criminal Investigative Division for just shy of one-year. His investigative work led to numerous high-profile convictions, including one of the largest public corruption cases in Michigan history and a major fraud case in Alaska's oil and gas industry. Moreover, Mr. Vose served as a public corruption subject matter expert in support of the FBI’s adjunct faculty program. Mr. Vose's law enforcement career was preceded by his service in the US Army as a Human Intelligence Collector. During his military tenure, he led intelligence collection efforts in combat operations, developing extensive human intelligence networks. His efforts produced information of intelligence value that led to the capture or elimination of high-value targets, seizures of weapons caches, and locations of emplaced improvised explosive devices. Academically, Mr. Vose holds a Master of Arts (MA) degree in international relations from the University of Essex, United Kingdom. He also possesses a bachelor’s degree in political science and American Studies from Mary Washington College as well as graduate certificates in National Security Studies, Terrorism Studies, and Management and Leadership. Throughout his career, Mr. Vose has received numerous accolades, including the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska Award, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan Award, nominated for the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for investigative excellence, and the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service, among many others. Mr. Vose has been cleared for Top Secret access with Sensitive Compartmented Information in the past.

​Kris Cooper is an Employee Relations Specialist and the author of Leading With Clarity. With over 15 years of experience overseeing high-volume operations and multi-unit teams, Kris specializes in workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and performance management. Recently Google AI certified, they leverage emerging technology to improve documentation quality and support data-informed decision-making in complex, regulated environments.

I’m an attorney focused on federal sector employment law and military service employment protections. I represent federal employees and applicants in EEO matters (discrimination, retaliation, harassment), Rehabilitation Act reasonable accommodation, MSPB adverse action/performance appeals, OSC whistleblower cases, and USERRA (Guard/Reserve) rights. Reporters use me for clear, on-record explanations that turn dense rules into plain English, with practical examples and cites you can verify. I’m available for quick quotes, deeper background, or walking through timelines and decision trees. I also have 6+ years experience litigating employment defense on behalf of the U.S. Government through three presidential administrations. I also track government-wide workforce policy from OPM and OMB—telework/RTO directives, performance management (PIPs), suitability/fitness, locality pay/duty station questions, RIF/realignments, and hiring authorities—so I can connect individual cases to system level changes. On the aviation side, I help pilots and operators navigate FAA and NTSB issues, aircraft purchase/sale pitfalls, and certificate or enforcement matters. Selected story angles I can speak to: - Federal EEO 101 (and what most sources miss): counseling vs. complaint, acceptance/dismissal, investigations, and remedies—plus how deadlines quietly decide outcomes. - Reasonable accommodation in mission critical roles: light duty, telework, medical documentation, “undue hardship,” and how to avoid retaliatory optics. - MSPB after the backlog era: appeal rights, probationary myths, settlement dynamics, and fee-shifting realities. - Whistleblower cases & PPPs: what counts as protected disclosure, typical retaliation patterns, and OSC vs. agency IG pathways. - USERRA: reemployment after orders, seniority/benefits accrual, scheduling drill/AT, and common agency missteps. - Telework/RTO as a legal and policy question: duty station, locality pay, reasonable accommodation intersections, and how agencies document “business need.” - Managing out via PIPs: when a PIP is pretext, how performance elements are written, and the evidence agencies actually need. - Suitability/fitness and (separately) security clearance issues: the boundary with EEO rights and what employees should document from day one. - Remedies and real timelines: back pay, comp damages caps, attorney fees, and why “day in court” usually means ADR or settlement.

Stepan Kazaryan is a Business Management Consultant focused on digital presence, professional evaluation, and how public information shapes decision-making in modern business environments. His work centers on helping organizations and professionals understand how they are perceived before direct interaction occurs. In search-driven systems, evaluation often happens silently and quickly. Stepan advises clients on building structured digital foundations that support credibility over time. His approach emphasizes clarity, consistency, and responsible positioning rather than short-term visibility tactics. He works with executives, founders, and professional service providers who recognize that digital footprints influence trust, partnerships, and opportunity flow. By aligning websites, public profiles, and third-party references, Stepan helps create stable professional narratives that reduce uncertainty during evaluation. Rather than focusing on reactive measures, his advisory framework prioritizes preparation. This includes analyzing how search results present a name, how information connects across platforms, and how inconsistencies affect perception. The goal is to strengthen long-term positioning in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Stepan frequently writes and speaks about digital identity, credibility signals, and the structural factors that influence professional trust in online environments. His perspective reflects a broader shift in how professionals are assessed in the age of search and public information accessibility. Through disciplined strategy and steady execution, Stepan Kazaryan helps clients maintain clarity in environments where perception often forms before conversation begins.

Mike Podesto is a Career and Job Search Expert and the Founder & CEO of Find My Profession, a leading reverse recruiting firm that manages full job searches for professionals and executives. As a pioneer of reverse recruiting, Mike has helped thousands of candidates navigate competitive hiring markets by combining targeted job sourcing, direct outreach to decision-makers, and data-driven job search strategies. His team works across industries including technology, engineering, marketing, and executive leadership, supporting clients from mid-level professionals to C-suite executives. Mike’s expertise spans job search strategy, resume and LinkedIn optimization, networking, recruiting, and hiring trends. He is known for his practical, results-oriented approach to the job search process, with a focus on helping candidates stand out in crowded applicant pools and secure interviews faster. Under his leadership, Find My Profession has earned over 1,000 five-star reviews and has been recognized for its innovative approach to job search management. The company’s model is built on real-world recruiting experience and has helped place candidates in roles ranging from $100K to $1M+ compensation packages. Mike regularly advises on topics including job market trends, hiring practices, interview strategy, and how candidates can position themselves effectively in today’s evolving employment landscape. His insights are especially relevant for professionals navigating career transitions, layoffs, or competitive executive-level searches.

Dr. JeVona Maniex is an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist with over 13 years of progressive Human Resources and organizational leadership experience, including service at the CHRO level. She specializes in workplace behavioral dynamics, employee relations, leadership effectiveness, trauma-informed organizational practices, and navigating complex Title VII and Title IX matters. Dr. Maniex has led and supported organizations through high-risk employee relations issues, workplace investigations, culture breakdowns, and post-incident recovery following organizational and workplace trauma. Her work integrates evidence-based I-O psychology, systems thinking, and practical HR strategy to help organizations address conflict, reduce harm, and restore trust. Known for her ability to translate psychological insight into actionable solutions, Dr. Maniex partners with leaders to strengthen communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, and ethical decision-making across teams. She is also the founder of The Workplace Whisperer: HR & Behavioral Dynamics, L.L.C., where she consults, trains, and advises organizations seeking sustainable, people-centered workplace solutions.

Dr. Robinson is an executive coach and organizational consultant that focuses on transformational culture change to build thriving workplaces and institutions. During her tenure at Gallup, she consulted with and coached managers, leaders, and chief executives across industries, including Fortune 500, Big Tech, nonprofit, entertainment and media, FedGov, defense, healthcare, higher education, and biotech. She cohosted 3 seasons of Gallup’s “CliftonStrengths Podcast” on the topics of workplace wellbeing, leadership, engagement, and strengths-based development. She was most recently a guest on the “Unstoppable Mindset” podcast and the “Mental Selling” podcast, among others. Dr. Robinson is a member and contributor of Forbes Coaches Council and was a contributing editor to Gallup’s Wallstreet Journal Bestseller, “Wellbeing at Work: How to Build Thriving and Resilient Teams.” She has been featured in MSN as one of ten trailblazing women revolutionizing their fields. She received a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, a master’s degree in criminology, law and society from the University of California - Irvine, and a doctorate degree in international psychology with an emphasis in organizations and systems from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is PCC certified with the International Coaching Federation, CliftonStrengths certified with Gallup, Inc., Builder Profile 10 trained with Gallup, Inc., and Hogan Assessments certified through Pixonality.

Catherine Mattice is founder and CEO of Civility Partners, an HR consulting firm focused specifically on helping organizations create respectful and positive workplace cultures.Civility Partners love to partner with organizations who see issues in their culture - toxic behavior, disengagement, absenteeism, etc. We are dedicated to creating work environments where employees thrive, and are experts at turning around toxic cultures. Clients range from Fortune 500's to government, to nonprofit, to small business in a wide range of industries.Catherine is an HR disrupter and have had the pleasure of being cited in USA Today, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, CNN, NPR, and many other national news outlets as an expert. She has 50+ courses reaching global audiences on LinkedIn Learning.She's also an award-winning speaker, blogger, and book author. Catherine’s award-winning book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, was hailed by international leadership-guru, Ken Blanchard, as, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.”

Human Resources professional with a strong emphasis in employee relations, learning development, corporate communication, and strategic development. Effective manager and project leader, skilled in developing collaborative working relationships with internal and external teams. Record of leadership in developing training and development department, recruiting top tier candidates, and implementing strategies to reduce turnover rates within departments. Ability to communicate effectively amongst all levels of management and employee population. Problem solver and adaptable team player. Eager for new challenges in a dynamic business environment. Specialties: Strategic Development, Employee Relations, Recruitment, Learning Development

B2B HR content writer and strategist with experience across the full spectrum of strategic Human Resources disciplines.Author of the Kindle Short Read, "Recruiting During Tough Times: A Practical Guide to Attracting Talent Amid The Great Resignation"Visit https://www.melaniehaniph.com/.