Jake Akehurst
Executive Director
UMKC TalentLink
We’re a small but mighty team at TalentLink based in Kansas City at UMKC’s Innovation Center. We’re friendly, focused, fun, innovative, and, you guessed it, talented. Meet the people who connect you to high-quality training and development that can help you achieve your professional goals.
Jake received his bachelor degree in public relations from Northwest Missouri State University and a master’s degree in counselor education, student personnel services, from Emporia State University. His career spans 20 years of higher education experience including advising, student life, and continuing education program development. He is an extrovert who networks, serves others, tells lots of stories, and thinks he is funny. Jake and his wife Cindy enjoy supporting their two kids’ activities, exploring Kansas City, and a good road trip.
Executive Director
Candice is a globetrotter who now calls Kansas City her home. Originally from Southern California, she received her bachelor degree in financial services from San Diego State University, MBA from UMUC Europe while living in Germany, and her master of human performance improvement from Grantham University in Kansas City, MO. Her business development career began within the real estate and financial services industries. She transitioned into higher education while working with Army soldiers and their families in Germany. A member of SHRM-KC, Candice is a consummate networker who is passionate about people and creating lasting relationships within her community. Unlike Jake, she is funny.
Business Development Director
Alexa received bachelor degrees in both Organizational Communication and Relational Communication from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. Prior to her role at UMKC TalentLink, she worked at the University Libraries coordinating community events and curating exhibits highlighting local history and faculty and student artists. When she’s not binging the newest Netflix or HBO series, Alexa enjoys hunting for collectible books at local antique malls.
Operations Coordinator
Pete earned a bachelor degree in marketing from the University of Central Missouri and a master of fine arts degree in writing and publishing from Emerson College in Boston, MA. A Kansas City native and member of NAAAP-KC, Pete has 20 years of experience in marketing and communications and working as a writer. He has published four books, and enjoys cooking and traveling in the U.S. and Thailand.
Marketing Coordinator