Maria Stayer is the Managing Director of Project Management at BarkerGilmore, where she oversees the project management function supporting the firm’s legal and compliance executive searches.

Working closely with BarkerGilmore’s consultants and clients, Maria helps shape search strategy from the outset, translating each client’s needs into a focused approach to identifying and engaging exceptional talent. She also provides mentorship and guidance to the Project Management team, establishes best practices, and helps ensure a consistently high standard of execution across the firm’s engagements.

Before joining BarkerGilmore, Maria served as the lead paralegal at a prominent civil and commercial litigation defense firm, where she managed complex legal matters and supported high-stakes litigation. This experience sharpened her ability to manage competing priorities, conduct in-depth research, and navigate complex projects with precision and sound judgment.

Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in history from New York University. Known for her approachable and collaborative leadership style, she is a trusted partner to clients and colleagues and is passionate about developing her team and contributing to BarkerGilmore’s continued growth. Outside of work, Maria enjoys boating, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their two Goldendoodles.