Leadership

John Luke Spitler
chief executive offICer
John Luke Spitler is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive, speaker, and best-selling author with over 25 years of experience helping organizations across nearly every sector optimize their people and technology strategies.
As the Founder and CEO of The Encompass Group, John Luke is known as a “story collector”—deeply passionate about understanding the background and history of the leaders and organizations he works with to help them positively shape their future. His ability to blend strategy with storytelling creates a unique and collaborative experience for his clients. In 2023, he shared his expertise by authoring The ART of Talent, a guide to building thriving organizations.
John Luke believes that organizational transformation isn’t just about business—it’s about positively shaping the future of work. He is dedicated to helping leaders build purpose-driven companies while designing complementary technology solutions that enhance operational performance and employee engagement.
A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, John Luke has also pursued postgraduate studies at MIT, focusing on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Beyond his work at The Encompass Group, he is committed to philanthropy and community impact, serving on multiple nonprofit boards. In his personal time, John Luke enjoys traveling the world and creating new experiences with his wife, Courtney, and their family.

Terry Ackermann
chief financial officer
Terry leverages his expertise in finance to provide executive oversight on the financial health of the business, focusing on strategic initiatives and operational decision-making. With 13 years of prior experience in finance roles including FP&A, treasury, and investor relations, he joined The Encompass Group in 2014. A graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in Finance, Terry holds FPAC and CTP certifications and actively participates in CFOLC, FEI, and AFP organizations. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his Little Brother, whom he met through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in 2022. Terry and his wife derive immense joy from parenthood, cherishing their son who brightens their lives every day.

Dr. Tony Bridwell, MBA
Chief talent officer
Dr. Tony Bridwell is an organizational behaviorist with 25-plus years of experience working with global organizations related to employee experience and culture. As Chief Talent Officer for The Encompass Group, a people optimization company, he leads the Firm’s organizational consulting practice and serves as Practice Leader of the E3 Leadership Academy. Most recently, Dr. Bridwell led the award-winning People Group function of the global tax and technology firm Ryan, LLC as their Chief People Officer. Before his role at Ryan, he was the Chief People Officer for Brinker International and a Senior Partner with the global culture consultancy Culture Partners.
Tony is an accomplished author of seven books, an international speaker, having presented in 44 countries, and a sought-after consultant and advisor specializing in purpose and culture. Dr. Bridwell was selected as the 2015 HR Executive of the Year by Dallas HR (the local SHRM affiliate), won the 2015 Strategic Leadership Award from Strategic Excellence HR, and was most recently recognized as a 2022 top 50 HR Professional by OnCon Icon Awards.
Dr. Bridwell’s academic journey is as diverse as his professional one, with studies in architecture, theology, and business culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Business, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, and a Doctorate in Organizational Intelligence. His commitment to education extends to his role as an adjunct professor at SMU in Dallas, where he teaches MBA students Executive Leadership. Beyond academia, he is deeply involved in various organizations, including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the board of directors for Southwest Transplant Alliance. His personal commitment to organ donation, as a living organ donor, is a testament to his belief in the power of purpose and the potential to save lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Andi Terrell
Vice president, technology
Andi leads Technology Solutions, driving innovative projects and implementations that enhance efficiency and elevate organizations’ strategic focus. Since joining The Encompass Group in 2015, she has been instrumental in optimizing technology solutions that streamline processes and empower teams.
With a degree in International Business and HR Administration from Johnson & Wales University, Andi’s career spans leadership in talent acquisition, structuring recruiting frameworks, and international experience in the hospitality industry. She also holds a PMP certification, bringing a project management mindset to every initiative.
Outside of work, Andi enjoys watching football and spending time with her husband and two sons. Go Pack Go!

Robert Rich, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Vice president, transformational consulting
Robert is an award-winning HR executive known for driving transformative workforce strategies, particularly in the areas of workforce planning and M&A integration. Over his 15-year career, he has guided companies across diverse industries—such as finance and tech—through complex organizational changes, ensuring transformational agility and designing thriving, people-centric cultures. As a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, Robert frequently shares his expertise on emerging trends in human capital management, workforce planning, and organizational leadership.
Robert obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas and completed graduate studies in Organizational Leadership at the University of Oklahoma. As a quad-designation holder, he currently maintains the SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, and SPHR certifications.
A proud Texas native, Robert currently resides in Dallas with his wife, Bailey, and their two boys, Dallas and Lawson. In his free time, he enjoys coaching youth sports and volunteering his time to community outreach programs. Robert continues to champion cutting-edge human capital solutions that empower organizations and individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Joshua Hernandez
Vice president, business development
Joshua Hernandez is an accomplished business leader with a passion for building authentic relationships and delivering innovative workforce solutions. As the Director of Business Development, Joshua oversees the Talent Acquisition department and leads sales for the division, driving growth across the organization.
With over a decade of industry experience, Joshua has held key roles including Senior Technical Recruiter, Account Manager, and Director of Business Development. His deep understanding of human capital management allows him to collaborate with clients to implement tailored, results-driven strategies.
Joshua graduated from Midwestern State University with a degree in Biology and had the unique privilege of serving as a missionary across 14 different countries, where he developed a global perspective and a heart for serving others. He is committed to fostering long-term partnerships with clients seeking transformative solutions to optimize their workforce and achieve sustainable success.