marielle gallagher - founder & Principal Consultant

people focused.

impact driven.

your hr partner.

Marielle founded Crunch HR in 2024 because she recognized most small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)and startups lack internal HR Resources and the ability to address emerging HR needs.

After building a strong background as in-house head of HR for SMBs and startups herself, she decided to leverage her experience to provide flexible HR solutions to clients.

That’s where Crunch HR comes in. We provide customized a la carte HR when companies aren’t ready to staff their HR function, or when their HR staff needs assistance with emergency or other HR issues beyond their capability or capacity.

We’re the solution to an age-old HR staffing problem and have a zero-commitment model that allows our clients to end engagements at any time.

Having worked in startups, Marielle understands the volatility and unpredictability and the need for flexible, time-sensitive and cost-effective HR solutions. Addressing these needs is one of the cornerstones of our operating strategy.

quick Resume Facts

Background in journalism & communications

Marielle holds a degree in English from Wells College and brings six years’ experience working in a daily newspaper. Her ability to listen attentively, ask insightful questions, and craft clear written communications equips her with a unique skill set for understanding client needs and delivering well-crafted content and internal comms.

experience working in myriad industies

Marielle has worked in privately held, publicly traded and VC funded startups that provided exposure to the following industries:

  • Manufacturing

  • Agriculture

  • Science

  • SaaS Tech Startup

  • Drone Startup

  • Aircraft Development

  • Publishing

  • Media

  • Broadband and Fiber Technology

  • Data Center Operations

  • Communications & Broadcasting

built hr from zero in private cos & startups

She has overseen building an HR department at Series B and C stage startups during periods of rapid company growth and acquisition and at a privately-held global agriculture company.

With a focus on small and medium sized firms who lack HR depth, she leverages her experience to help businesses develop HR policies and infrastructure that facilitates organizational stability and creates effective teams that drive growth and scalability.

Global hr experience

With extensive HR leadership across diverse industries, she brings working with field sales, 24/7 manufacturing, and global employee populations, including in Europe, Africa, Poland, the Philippines, North America and South America.

Downsizing (RIF) & Acquisition Experience

Working in startups during boom and bust times mean she’s been responsible for overseeing major RIFs (Reduction in Force) at times of economic contraction as well as overseeing 100% employee growth in a year and acquisitions.

corporate & executive recruiting experience

With extensive recruiting experience in Fortune 1000 companies, scaling startups, manufacturing ops, sciences and SaaS companies she’s developed a thorough process and excels at sourcing top talent for a broad spectrum of roles, from Executive C-suite positions to individual contributors. Prior placements include Director of Marketing, Director of Analytical Chemistry, VP of Sales, Engineering Manager, Product Manager, Director of HR, Recruiter, Software Engineer, Data Scientist.

workplace investigations Experience

Marielle has performed hundreds of hours of internal workplace investigations. Her listening skills and tact have been key to handling difficult conversations and navigating tough situations to facilitate positive outcomes.

executive strategy work

Experienced at working with strong personalities Marielle strikes the balance of bringing data and context when advising executives in high change environments on human capital matters and plans (strategy, measurement, business results). Clients find this refreshing when working with her as a Fractional CHRO for their organization.