Alison Waters is a Project Manager at BarkerGilmore, where she plays a key role in the executive search process from its earliest stages. By collaborating closely with clients, Alison gains a deep understanding of their unique needs and ideal candidate profiles, ensuring a personalized, strategic approach to every search. She excels in leveraging diverse research platforms to identify high-quality candidates who not only meet but exceed client expectations.

Prior to joining BarkerGilmore, Alison built a distinguished 20+ year career in the legal field, specializing in corporate and transactional law. She has extensive experience working as a senior-level paralegal in both in-house and law firm environments. Alison’s most recent role was at a leading fintech company, where she was pivotal in managing the company’s real estate matters. Before this, she held in-house roles at several distinguished for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, including a large Division I private research university, a resort and casino enterprise, and a dynamic and rapidly growing major sporting goods retailer. Alison has a strong corporate and transactional law background, including real estate, leasing and development, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property law expertise. Alison’s depth of legal experience, combined with her strong research and project management skills, makes her highly effective in sourcing top-tier talent quickly and efficiently.

Alison earned her American Bar Association-accredited Certification in Paralegal Studies from Syracuse University and holds two associate degrees. She is a member of and has been a two-time guest speaker for the Paralegal Section of the Onondaga County Bar Association.

Beyond her professional work, Alison is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She volunteers with The Friends of Clark Reservation and is an active member of the Clark Reservation Citizen Scientist Team, partnering with the New York Department of Parks on natural resource management efforts. Alison also serves as a dedicated mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, where she has been a “Big Sister” for over a decade. Additionally, she volunteers as a coach for Fleet Feet’s No Boundaries running program, helping athletes achieve their fitness goals.