Top Outsourced CHROs & Fractional CHRO Agencies in the USA

Best Virtual, Outsourced, & Fractional CHRO Services in the United States

As the world of work continues to shift—toward distributed teams, hybrid organizations, and increasingly complex compliance environments—companies of all sizes are rethinking how they access senior HR leadership. Enter the Fractional CHRO: a modern solution for modern organizations.

Fractional and outsourced Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) provide strategic HR leadership to growing companies that don’t need (or aren’t ready for) a full-time executive. Whether it’s scaling culture during growth, navigating regulatory challenges, designing compensation frameworks, or handling M&A transitions, a fractional CHRO brings the executive brainpower—without the full-time commitment.

At Digital Reference, we’ve studied the evolving talent ecosystem closely. Our mission is to help make work more human, efficient, and transparent—and that means spotlighting the leaders and firms that are reshaping the executive services landscape.

In this guide, we’re sharing a curated list of top outsourced CHRO agencies in the United States. These are firms we’ve evaluated based on:

• Depth of HR and executive experience
• Range of services offered
• Thought leadership and credibility
• Regional presence and client testimonials

Meet the Best Fractional CHRO Firms & Outsourced CHRO Agencies

The Christopher Group

Website: https://www.tcgco.com/fractional-chief-human-resource-officers/

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The Christopher Group is one of the most respected names in HR executive search, and their Fractional CHRO service brings that same quality to companies in need of part-time HR leadership. With decades of experience across industries, they offer both tactical and strategic support.

Why we like them:

• Established pedigree in HR executive search
• Deep bench of HR leaders across sectors
• Clear focus on leadership and transformation

Best for: Mid-sized companies scaling quickly or in transition.

Nathaniel Schiffer, CEO

Nathaniel Schiffer leads The Christopher Group with deep expertise in executive search and human capital strategy, shaped by more than a decade and a half inside the firm. His leadership is grounded in a clear commitment to Speed, Quality, & Service, guiding TCG’s work across executive search, HR, and operational recruiting. Nathaniel is known for building trusted partnerships, delivering exceptional client and candidate experiences, and advancing world-class HR leadership across industries.

Peak Advisory Consulting

Website: https://www.peakadvisoryconsulting.com/fractional-chro

Peak Advisory blends fractional CHRO services with broader organizational strategy. Their advisors are experienced in executive coaching, leadership development, DEI strategy, and culture-building initiatives.

Why we like them:

• Strong emphasis on leadership and alignment
• Modern approach to people, culture, and analytics
• Transparent pricing and engagement models

Best for: Founders and executive teams seeking high-touch, advisory-first HR support.

Nate Rahmeier, Founder & Managing Partner

Nate Rahmeier brings over 15 years of experience advising Fortune 500 organizations on organizational and People/HR strategy. As Founder of Peak Advisory Consulting, his leadership blends rigorous strategic thinking with a passion for wellness, performance, and execution. Nate is known for helping organizations translate people strategy into measurable results through process improvement, technology optimization, and thoughtful change leadership.

The CEO's Right Hand

Website: https://theceosrighthand.co/services/fractional-human-resources-services/

As the name suggests, The CEO’s Right Hand offers executive support for growth-stage companies, with a heavy emphasis on finance and HR leadership. Their CHRO offering is tailored to founders who need strong people operations but can’t yet invest in a full-time head of HR.

Why we like them:

• Integrated approach to finance and HR
• Start-up and scale-up expertise
• Great fit for Series A/B companies

Best for: Startups in hyper-growth mode or preparing for funding.

William Lieberman, Founder & Managing Partner

William Lieberman brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial and executive leadership experience helping growing businesses solve complex financial and human capital challenges. As Founder of The CEO’s Right Hand, he provides strategic CFO, HR, and operational guidance to companies navigating growth, scale, and liquidity events. William is known for his hands-on leadership, practical insight, and ability to position businesses for sustainable, exponential growth.

HR Soul

Website: https://hrsoul.com/fractional-chro-cpo-consulting-firm/

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HR Soul brings a mission-driven, values-based approach to fractional HR leadership. Their Fractional CHRO and CPO (Chief People Officer) services are anchored in aligning people strategy to business performance.

Why we like them:

• Human-centered approach to culture and people
• Deep roots in DEI, engagement, and organizational design
• Strong cultural diagnostics and planning tools

Best for: Companies prioritizing culture-building and leadership alignment.

Paul Cortissoz, Founder & CEO

Paul Cortissoz is on a mission to change the world one workplace at a time. As Founder of HR Soul Consulting, he helps organizations elevate engagement, leadership, and culture by aligning talent strategies with business goals. Paul is known for purpose-driven leadership and for building workplaces with “soul,” where people performance and business results grow together.

Andrea Cortissoz, Founder & Managing Partner

Andrea Cortissoz is a Founder of HR Soul Consulting and a trusted advisor in organizational culture and leadership development. With over a decade of experience across diverse industries, she brings a thoughtful balance of strategic insight and hands-on execution. Andrea is known for helping leaders create inclusive, high-performing cultures where talent thrives and organizations stay true to their purpose.

aspen HR

Website: https://aspenhr.com/fractional-chro-solutions/

Aspen HR is a full-service HR firm that includes fractional CHRO solutions as part of its offering. Their consultants have experience in compensation strategy, performance systems, and talent acquisition infrastructure.

Why we like them:

• Seamless integration of payroll, benefits, and HR strategy
• Nationwide footprint
• Scalable solutions for startups and mid-market firms

Best for: Venture-backed companies looking for robust back-office and strategic support.

Mark Sinatra, Co-Founder & CEO

Mark Sinatra is an 8x Inc. 5000 CEO and Founder of Aspen HR, where he leads with a sharp focus on value creation, culture, and scalable growth. With deep experience in B2B sales, marketing, talent development, and M&A, Mark is known for building high-performing organizations and delivering white-glove PEO solutions to private equity, venture capital, and search fund-backed companies.

Jenny (Souksavath) Thear, Co-Founder & COO

Jenny (Souksavath) Thear is a Founder of Aspen HR and serves as its Chief Operating Officer, bringing deep expertise in accounting, operations, and employment management for alternative investment firms. With a background spanning audit, GAAP, and business development, Jenny is known for operational excellence and for building the infrastructure that enables Aspen HR to deliver exceptional service and long-term client partnerships.

Zak Human Solutions

Website: https://zakhumansolutions.com/services/fractional-chro/

Zak Human Solutions offers personalized fractional CHRO support with a focus on diversity, transformation, and HR modernization. Their team is known for helping companies future-proof their people operations.

Why we like them:

• Expertise in inclusive leadership and culture transformation
• Flexible engagements tailored to client size and goals
• Proven success with early-stage and mature companies

Best for: Mission-driven teams and orgs undergoing change.

Nadian Zak, Founder & CEO

‍Nadian Zak is the Founder and CEO of Zak Human Solutions, where she helps founders and CEOs scale people systems and leadership teams with clarity and confidence. With nearly two decades of experience in HR and executive leadership, she is known for aligning HR infrastructure, culture, and executive talent to support sustainable growth. Nadian’s work has earned national recognition, including Nashville Business Journal’s Best in Business and Women of Influence honors.

Kacie Scott, Founder & COO

‍Kacie Scott is a Founder of Zak Human Solutions and serves as Chief Operating Officer, bringing over a decade of experience in recruitment and people strategy. Known for her ability to match vision with talent, she has played a key role in scaling organizations rapidly while preserving culture and engagement. Kacie is recognized for her heart-led approach to HR and her focus on building teams that drive meaningful, long-term growth.

Sproutwise

Website: https://www.sproutwise.com/how-we-partner

Sproutwise is a strategic HR partner for scaling organizations. Their fractional CHROs focus on building foundational systems, aligning leadership, and preparing companies for sustainable growth.

Why we like them:

• Strong focus on people systems and leadership enablement
• Great for early-stage tech and impact-driven companies
• Thoughtful, consultative process

Best for: Growing teams that need strategic HR infrastructure and cultural alignment.

Abby Gates, Founder & Principal

‍Abby Gates is the Founder of Sproutwise, where she partners with growing companies in the moments that matter most — the “messy middle” of scale. A trusted people operations leader and startup advisor, Abby is known for her people-first judgment, deep care for community, and ability to help teams grow without losing what makes their work meaningful. She brings a grounded, human approach to building organizations that are resilient, values-driven, and built to last.

Slone Partners

Website: https://www.slonepartners.com/fractional/

Slone Partners brings a healthcare and life sciences focus to the fractional C-suite. Their fractional CTO offering helps biotech and medtech companies navigate complex regulatory, compliance, and innovation needs.

Why They Stand Out:

• Strong network of industry-specific tech leaders
• Experience in FDA-regulated environments
• Embedded within broader executive search capabilities

Adam Slone, Founder & Chairman

‍Adam Slone is the Founder and Chairman of Slone Partners, a premier national executive recruitment firm serving the life sciences, diagnostics, and biotech industries. With over two decades of industry experience, Adam is known for his deep market expertise, expansive talent network, and commitment to helping innovative organizations secure leadership that drives impact and growth.

What Sets These Virtual Chief People Officers and Fractional CHRO Agencies Apart

As the workplace evolves, the most successful companies will be those that treat people strategy as seriously as business strategy. The firms listed above understand this, and they’ve designed their services to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

What makes them stand out:

• Flexibility: Fractional engagements mean companies get top-tier leadership without full-time costs.
• Specialization: These firms aren’t general consultants. They live and breathe people ops.
• Impact-first: They focus on outcomes, not just process.

Why Digital Reference Is Paying Attention to Fractional CHRO Services

At Digital Reference, we’re building tools for professionals across the talent ecosystem to showcase their work, verify their impact, and navigate opportunities with transparency.

Fractional CHROs, HR Consultants, and the agencies that support them represent the next chapter in human capital strategy. These leaders aren’t just building better org charts—they’re shaping the future of how we work.

Whether you’re a founder, a people leader, or an HR pro considering the fractional path, this list is a powerful starting point.

What to Look for in a Fractional CHRO Partner

Not every company is ready for a full-time HR executive. But most companies reach an inflection point where HR complexity grows faster than capacity.

Here are signs it’s time to bring in a fractional CHRO:

• Rapid team growth (especially post-funding)
• Leadership misalignment or turnover
• M&A integration or restructuring
• Lack of performance or compensation systems
• Cultural challenges or low engagement

When evaluating potential partners, consider:

• Experience: Have they led at your size/stage before?
• Specialty: Do they focus on areas where you need the most help?
• Style: Will they mesh with your leadership team?
• Structure: Are their engagements clear, flexible, and tailored?

Explore More:

• Create Your Digital Reference Profile
• View Our Full HR Professionals Insights Series

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Conclusion - Finding the Right Fractional CPO or Fractional CHRO for your needs

Fractional CHROs are not just a trend. They’re a strategic advantage for organizations navigating complexity and growth. The firms we’ve featured here offer best-in-class support across every major region of the U.S.

As always, at Digital Reference, we’re here to help the talent ecosystem operate with greater trust, transparency, and efficiency.

Stay tuned as we continue building the most comprehensive directories for fractional talent, and if you’re a fractional CHRO looking to stand out, consider creating your Digital Reference profile today.