About Us
At Blast Talent, we believe the right hire in Sales, BD, or Capture can transform a company’s growth trajectory. We specialize exclusively in these roles across the Aerospace, Defense, and Government Contracting sectors, bringing decades of industry relationships, unique media reach, and a shared risk approach to every search. Headquartered in Charleston, SC.
Core Values
Act with Integrity
Respect People
Own Outcomes
Our Team
Carrie Orozco
COO
Carrie Hegenderfer brings decades of dynamic talent acquisition expertise to her role as COO of Blast Talent. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in driving success for high-growth organizations, directly supporting notable industry leaders including a global aerospace/defense corporation, a major U.S. airline, and the largest American telecom conglomerate.
Leveraging a deep understanding of the intricacies of talent acquisition and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt designation, Carrie brings a data-driven and results-oriented approach to her recruiting endeavors. In every role, her mission is clear: to match the right talent with the right opportunities, fostering success for individuals and contributing to the growth of organizations.
With a strategic mindset, a commitment to innovation, and a passion for connecting exceptional talent with dynamic opportunities, Carrie continues to ignite growth and redefine the future of recruiting at Blast Talent.
As a former collegiate soccer player, Carrie continues to enjoy everything outdoors, including hiking excursions with her husband and pets, and also enjoys dancing and music.
Emily Benjamin
CRO
Emily Benjamin brings a results-driven approach to talent acquisition and candidate engagement, with direct experience identifying and converting high- value professionals in the aerospace, defense, and government contracting space. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in building and managing large-scale outreach pipelines and coordinating communications throughout the defense industry.
Leveraging her background in business development and strategic partnerships at SOFX Media, the world's largest media platform covering the global defense and security market, Emily brings a unique sourcing advantage to Blast Talent, direct access to and credibility within the defense and security professional community that the firm serves.
In every role, her mission is clear: to connect the right talent with the right opportunities, supporting the growth of high-performing aerospace, defense, and government contracting organizations.
Emily traded in her Boston routes for the Charleston waterfront, and can usually be found on a rooftop if the sun is out.
Sam Havelock
Chairman
Sam Havelock is an American venture developer with deep expertise in the aerospace, defense, and government contracting sectors. He has been involved in the founding, restructuring, and sale of a number of technology and defense-focused companies, and brings over two decades of experience building organizations at the intersection of national security and private enterprise.
Sam's portfolio of companies includes SOFX Media, publisher of the world's largest daily newsletter, The SOFX Report, covering global special operations, conflict, and defense technology.
As a former United States Marine and Naval Officer, Sam has over two decades of experience in leading people and building Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities in the Department of Defense and the United States Special Operations community. His firsthand experience operating at the senior levels of the defense and intelligence community gives Blast Talent unmatched credibility and access within the aerospace, defense, and government contracting talent market.
Sam holds an MBA from Duke University and lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife and children.