The Speakers

Aaron Armston

#1 Interim Solutions Billing Manager;
#5 Top Billing Manager

Aaron Armston from The Bluestone Group specializes in the recruiting of legal professionals for the largest investment banks, hedge funds, asset managers, and energy trading companies globally. As an attorney, Aaron has a unique skill set that allows him to communicate efficiently with others in the legal community.

He believes that in order to be a successful recruiter, there must be an emphasis on developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and candidates alike. Aaron understands that those relationships can only be maintained if he provides results and consistently demonstrates the highest levels of honesty and integrity.

Fun fact: Aaron is the master of sharing the limelight with his children — he pulls them into awards ceremonies consistently.

Gus Bageanis

#1 Solo Account Executive;
#5 Top Account Executive

When Gus Bageanis from Miller Resource Group was looking for a new career path in 2013, executive search was a logical choice. He has always found great fulfillment in serving others; something he gets to do every day as a recruiter. Gus works with a team of food and beverage recruiters devoted to bringing together the brightest and most desirable talent with the most dedicated and ambitious companies around the globe.

Mike Bitar

#3 Managing Partner;
#6 Office Entity

Mike began his career as a chartered accountant for EY, but quickly realized it wasn't the life for him. While he hated crunching numbers, he learned how to effectively manage people, getting the best out of them in any situation. He left accounting and joined brands such as Nabisco and Bic in marketing and sales leadership roles, where he became a top performer.

Mike joined Protis Global in 1997, bringing with him his flawless leadership style and industry knowledge to create the highest performing team within our walls. With career cash-in exceeding $25M, Mike has been a top 10 billing owner 15 times, including the #1 ranked billing owner in 2019, #3 ranked billing owner in 2021, and Producer of the Decade for 2010–2019.

Under Mike's leadership, Protis Global has been a top 10 ranked office in the Network for the past five years, earning the Office of the Year title in 2010, 2016, and 2017. He took over day-to-day operations as Managing Director in 2019, when founder Bert Miller became President and CEO of MRINetwork.

Fun fact: Coached youth football for 15 years.

Michael Brown

#5 Interim Solutions Entity;
#5 Office Entity;
Top Office Growth $3.0+

Michael Brown is a devoted, pragmatic leader and has been with the Harrison Group (formerly MR Cedar Rapids) since 2001. After more than a decade of building and running a highly successful financial services practice, he transitioned into the role of President in 2014. In 2015, Michael became the Owner and President of Harrison Group.

While continuing to build relationships within the financial services industry, Michael has expanded his expertise to include both the commercial construction and manufacturing markets on a national level, building relationships with leaders within the industries.

Under his leadership as Owner and President, HGI has been ranked among the top 10 offices in the MRINetwork.

Fun fact: Michael rebranded his firm in honor of his grandfather, an avid boater and incredible mentor.

Dave Campeas

#1 Office Entity;
#9 Interim Solutions Entity

Dave founded PrincetonOne in 2002 after more than two decades of experience building, leading, and expanding recruiting and talent solutions firms. He first joined MRINetwork in 1986, when he became the Owner/Operator of an MRI office in New Jersey before serving as Vice President, Company Operations for MRI International from 1997 until 2002.

Today, Dave serves as President and Chief Executive Officer for PrincetonOne. Under his leadership, PrincetonOne has earned several industry accolades from such publications as Forbes and HRO Today. He was also the proud recipient of MRI’s 2016 Person of The Year award. Dave founded PrincetonOne’s P1 Cares initiative in 2016 to encourage his employees to be socially responsible citizens and has served on numerous foundation boards, including The MRINetwork Charitable Foundation.

Ryan Carfley

#6 Interim Staffing Entity

As Owner of Mackenzie Ryan, and President and CEO of out-of-Network firm Personify, Ryan is responsible for setting the companies’ visions and leading each team to success. He is tasked with keeping his firms in a steady state of innovation and product development while inspiring a diverse team of people who are not motivated just to win, but to get better at what they do every single day.

Over the last twenty years, Ryan has led the transformation of Personify from a locally owned, boutique executive search firm to an award-winning, global provider of RPO solutions. Ryan led Personify to multiple appearances on Inc.’s 5000 Fastest-growing Privately Held Companies in America and the Bakers Dozen list, which recognizes the top Recruitment Process Outsourcing solutions providers in America.

Ryan was named to Triangle Business Journal’s “Top 40 under 40” and has been a finalist for Ernst and Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year.” Ryan is a founding member Personify joining the in 2001 after a successful career in division one athletics as both a player and a coach.

Fun Fact: Ryan is known to fly to South Florida for dinner at his favorite Italian restaurant. He recently did this three nights in a row!

Denise Chludzinski

2019 CSAM of the Year

Denise Chludzinski brings over 15 years of experience in Sales and Recruiting; assisting companies to grow their world class team. She focuses on Food and Beverage Manufacturers and Private Equity firms (who have F&B in their portfolios).

She is a perennial Pacesetter and is the recipient of the 2019 CSAM of the Year. She is an Active CSAM member regularly attending CSAM Networking events where you can see her throw down her mad Trivia Skills. She prides herself in coaching and helping mentor others while maintaining her own desk. Her clients benefit from an extensive network obtained over years in the industry, F&B specific trade shows and networking events attended. Denise is a part of Miller Resource Group out of Lombard IL, which just celebrated their 50th Anniversary.

Fun fact: Grew up a boater and loves water and snow ski. Her boating life is why she always waves hello.

Vern Davis

#2 Billing Manager;
#6 Office Entity

With over sixteen years of experience building brands with Diageo and Beecham, there isn’t a single thing about the food and drink world that Vern doesn’t know. He’s traveled across six states, moved home seven times and managed over twenty different brands.

Once upon a time Vern used to employ Protis Global to find him great talent, but after years of collaboration, a wonderful relationship, and a burning ambition, he became part of the Protis family and is now a partner. As a result, Vern knows everything about the people he recruits for — he used to be one of them.

Fun fact: He met his wife in university thirty-five years ago, and he’s still as starry-eyed as a newlywed.

ALEX deGOLIA

2020 CSAM of the Year;
#10 Top Account Executive;
#3 Top Solo Account Executive

Alex joined Management Recruiters of Coeur d'Alene after spending nine years managing, coordinating and overseeing financial aid, scholarships, and tuition activities for North Idaho College. Alex is currently the Vice President of Management Recruiters of Coeur d’Alene where he recruits in Banking and oversees four other Account Executives.

He’s been with MR Cd’A for nearly 6 years having achieved Pacesetter 3 Times (’17,’19, & ’20), was Ranked the #3 Solo AE for his 2020 production, and was recently selected as 2020 CSAM of the Year. Alex has been featured on MRINetwork’s Influencer Series – Relentless Incrementalism, NextGen Group, and has participated in various conference panels.

He earned an MBA from the University of Idaho, and is now an expert in search, career advancement, and staffing in the financial and banking industry.

Fun fact: Alex is a rapper.

Alden Galvanek

President of The Chatham Group

As President, Alden is responsible for all business operations, human resources-related functions, vendor management, marketing initiatives, and vision casting for the future of the organization. Alden joined The Chatham Group in 2004, and has worked in every role within the organization.

Hadley Gayles

President of Govig & Associates

Hadley Gayles is the President of Govig & Associates, a nationwide retained executive search firm. Hadley possesses 17+ years of experience in team leadership and customer relations management. Since beginning his career at Govig in June of 2008, he has been involved in 300+ successful placements, many at the Vice President and C-level.

Todd Govig

#2 Office Entity;
#1 Office Growth

Todd Govig is CEO of a second generation family owned business that was founded in 1978. Govig & Associates is a retained search firm and works nationally in the areas of biopharma, healthcare (senior care), building products, and the southwest market.

Audese Green

Support Services Manager at Management Recruiters of Nashville

Audese made the transition from journalist to administrative professional early in the 2000s, and he has excelled ever since, supporting a variety of businesses that range from global real estate companies to bioinformatics research teams. His career-path began in Cleveland, OH and has continued through Atlanta and finally to Nashville.

After two successful years as senior administrative support for Cushman & Wakefield of Atlanta, he relocated to his native Nashville, where he supported a team of some of the country’s leading viral researchers at Meharry Medical College’s CAHDR department.

Audese prides himself on his solid technical skills and “can do” attitude. His motto is “When plan A doesn’t work, be prepared with a plan B and, sometimes, a plan C.” His role as Support Services Manager at Management Recruiters of Nashville, Inc. is a welcome progression in his career, which will not only require the administrative skills that he’s relied on for 15+ years, but will present new challenges that will make him a vital, long-term asset to our organization.

Fun Fact: Audese once interviewed one of the Elvis Presley Memphis Mafia's and Joes Esposito was the head of all that./p>

Chris Heinz

#1 Growth - Mid-Sized Office

As a Managing Partner of Westport One, Chris leads recruiting practices in senior living, information technology, and financial services. Chris has been with Westport One for more than 23 years and has held many positions with the organization. Over the years, he has had the privilege of presenting at many regional meetings, United conferences, and now virtual events and he hasn't been booed off stage yet.

Hunter Judson, Jr.

#4 Billing Manager;
#3 Mid-Sized Office

Hunter Judson Jr. founded and leads the Wealth Management Search Practice. His team primarily works with RIAs, trust companies, SFO/MFOs, and banks across the country to find top talent for critical roles. Prior to Judson Group, Hunter worked with UHNW families as part of an advisory team at Bessemer Trust in Chicago, Illinois where he obtained Series 7/63 licenses along with his Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation.

Christian Knox

#1 Rookie Account Executive

Christian Knox joined Harrison Group (formerly MR Cedar Rapids) in 2019 as a member of the construction team and made an immediate impact. Christian has dedicated himself to understanding the industry, developing his skills as a recruiter under the guidance of the experienced team.

Christian takes pride in knowing that his job allows him to facilitate connections between candidates looking to advance in their careers with clients needing to fill crucial roles to ensure their future success. Recognizing the impact he has on the lives of those he works with is what motivates him every day.

Fun fact: Christian, graduated from Mount Mercy University, and was a part of their baseball program while also serving in the Iowa National Guard. He is still very involved with sports and loves spending his extra time with his wife and 3 year old daughter.

Cristina Leach

Head of Experience at The Mullings Group

As Head of Experience for The Mullings Group, Cristina is responsible for the creation and delivery of seamless experiences and programs for TMG’s external customers and internal employees. Since joining TMG four years ago, Cristina has had the opportunity to wear many hats within the organization including recruiter, project manager, and trainer.

Thavi Louanlavong

#1 Managing Partner;
#1 Interim Solutions Office Entity;
#1 Small Office Team;
#9 Office Entity;
#1 Office Growth;
#1 Interim Solutions Managing Partner;
ARS Lifetime Achievement Award

Thavi Louanlavong is the President/CEO of Siter-Neubauer & Associates, whose mission is to provide project leadership over staffing and recruitment services to both private and federal organizations. She forms partnerships with organizations to solve human resource recruitment demands and control staffing costs while dealing with the dynamics of today’s economy.

She started her career in Human Resources at Texas Health Resources, one of the largest non-profit healthcare organizations which operates a network of hospitals and related health facilities throughout North Texas. This experience opened the doorway to her career in both talent management and healthcare. As a generalist in talent acquisition and recruitment, she has specialized in a variety of industries including banking, construction, engineering, healthcare, and medical devices. She has sourced, qualified, and placed top professionals and talent for various government agencies.

With 20 years in the industry, her experience in recruitment operations, federal government contracting, and procurement processes have catapulted Siter-Neubauer & Associates to achieve many high-ranking awards.

Fun fact: Lived on the border of Holland and Belgium while working remotely for Siter-Neubauer for a period of time. It was fun to enjoy two countries regularly.

Clay Malinovsky

#1 Interim Solutions Account Executive;
#9 Account Executive

Clay has been an essential part of Magee Resource Group since 2012. His expertise in locating, qualifying, and presenting top IT talent has earned him several accolades. Clay works with both clients and candidates to mediate mutual agreements and has helped staff many companies throughout his career.

His unwavering methodology on finding the right candidate for each client has saved many clients time and effort in the hiring process. He has provided prompt and efficient assistance in augmenting many IT teams to help meet their implementation and production goals.

Fun fact: Is the father of 2 girls with a boy on the way. He also loves jamming out to Disney Princess songs while driving his golf cart with his daughters.

Skye Miller

#6 Top Office Entity

Attending school at the University of Louisville, Skye spent four years playing division one softball while studying exercise science. The sweat, competition, drive, 6am workouts and grueling training program sculpted her into a machine of determination and efficiency.

She then took all her drive and competition, and ploughed it into the world of sales across a host of industries from retail to marketing. Being used to playing with the best, Skye came to Protis Global to challenge her skills, and in turn, challenge them to be better.

For the last 10 years, she has continued to push Protis Global to their peak, and past boundaries. Now as a partner, she keeps them all efficient, makes their processes better and constantly lifts them up. Unless you’re prepared to run around the field for hours, don’t ask her about training programs.

Fun fact: Played division one softball at the University of Louisville.

Travis Miller

#8 Office Entity

Travis is the VP of Operations at Miller Resource Group where he ensures everyone on the team has access to the tools, training, coaching, resources, and support they need to be as successful as possible. Travis grew up in the recruiting world, first visiting the MRG office with his father Gary, who founded the firm.

He loves talking with people and hearing their stories about where they’ve been, where they want to go, and how they plan to get there. He takes pride in helping companies achieve great things by bringing tremendously talented individuals to their organizations.

Fun fact: Travis completed the 2019 Chicago Marathon on behalf of The MRINetwork Charitable Foundation and Shriners Hospital for Children raising over $6,000.00 and is planning to do it again in 2022 (with a goal of $10,000 this time). If you’d like to get ahead of the game and make a contribution to The MRINetwork Charitable Foundation now, you can visit our website to contribute here: https://mricharitablefoundation.com.

Another fun fact: Travis met Zig Ziglar when he was seven years old and he still has a signed letter Zig sent to him afterwards. Travis is still trying to see him at the top.

Ashley Minelli

Director of Marketing & Social Media at The Newell Group

Ashley took on the role of Director of Marketing and Social Media at The Newell Group after nearly a decade spent in front of the camera as a local television news reporter and anchor. She is an award-winning and two-time Emmy nominated journalist. Ashley brings her storytelling skills and love for connecting people on a human level to The Newell Group’s marketing team.

She is tasked with creating the content sent out on behalf of the company through all media channels. When she’s not in the office, you’ll find Ashley and her husband Matt chasing after their teenager Carsyn, exploring the beautiful city they live in – Greenville, SC.

Fun fact: Ashley served as her sorority’s Vice President of Recruiting for two years in college; she never thought she’d work alongside recruiters later in her career.

Michael Muczyk

Managing Partner at Connor | Caitlin Talent Solutions

As Managing Partner of the practice Connor | Caitlin Talent Solutions, Michael brings over twenty years of experience in Operations, Supply-Chain Management and Human Resource Leadership within the Specialty Coatings, Banking and Consumer Goods Arena’s. Michael, an MBA has led the HR Teams, including staffing and talent management for some of the most complex regulated industry giants in today’s marketplace.

Nick Pokoluk

Director of Service Delivery at Personify

Nick joined Personify in 2002, and began by recruiting sales and marketing professionals. He eventually broadened his expertise to include clinical operations, medical affairs, and drug safety. One of Nick’s early accomplishments was establishing the firm’s first Pharmaceutical recruitment practice.

In 2009, Nick played an essential role in the launch of Personify’s RPO offering, managing its first enterprise-wide RPO relationship. In 2011, Personify’s RPO business expanded into Europe, and Nick became responsible for international RPO partnerships and global operations. Nick is a seven-time Pacesetter winner, and was promoted to Partner in 2013. He currently oversees global delivery and client partnerships.

Fun fact: I like animals more than people (10+ rescues in our family over the years).

Mike Reeves

President & CEO at hireneXus

Mike’s father, Ron Reeves, started their company in 1976 with a goal of creating an organization where hard work and success could be balanced with family. He grew up with having his father as his coach in several sports and he never missed a big moment in his life due to work. He wanted the same for himself and his kids.

Kristen Reid

#7 Project Coordinator

Kristen’s role as Director of Recruitment at Reid & Associates is a pivotal part of our Interim recruitment team. Kristen possesses critical industry knowledge and a shares a unique connection with candidates that allows her to build lasting, multidimensional relationships. Reid & Associates recognizes not only the clinical requirement and skillset that is necessary to do the job as an Interim, but also identifying the right “fit” for these critical roles.

Reid & Associates only recruits from the top-tier of candidates as Interim leaders to support hospitals through these significant changes with complete professionalism and confidentiality. Kristen joined their team in 2011, after working for more than 15 years in the wine industry. Kristen says “the best part of the day is talking to and learning from nurses like her mom.”

Fun fact: Kristen drove herself to the hospital while in labor with one of her two beautiful baby girls.

Amanda Sell-Sande

#1 Growth - Small Office

Amanda is a passionate recruiter and the owner of Julison Sell Search, a firm that specializes in banking, finance, and cannabis. Amanda first joined MRI in 2008, and hit the ground running, earning Rookie of the Year status for the western United States and ranking 4th globally. She’s built her team around the values of transparency, teamwork, and generosity.

Steven Spinner

#3 Project Coordinator

Steven joined Stascom Technologies in April 2016 as a recruiter (PC) after graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a BS Business Administration. He specializes in IT contract staffing on the candidate side working closely with Eric Balis, the firm’s contract staffing manager.

Steven and Eric have built out contract staffing services from scratch under owner Harvey Bass’s leadership. Together the team helps their clients fill technical positions from software engineers to solutions architects, and everything in between nationally.

In addition to contract staffing, Steven works with other account executives on permanent positions including pre-sales, sales, and engineering roles in the IT industry.

Fun Fact: People say he looks like Nicholas Cage.

Alexander Steele

#1 IOR Split Award

Alexander is a passionate Executive Search Specialist and Managing Partner with over 17 years of expertise in Medical Devices and Analytical Instrument in Europe. Alexander has learned search from its basics starting as a Researcher and Project Coordinator before growing into a Search Consultant. In his first year as a Consultant he was awarded the MRI “International Rookie of the Year” award for his strong performance.

During his 17 years in executive search he has specialised for the EMEA region in Analytical Instruments (Measurement Equipment for Production, Scientific Instruments such as Atomic Force Microscopes, Chromatography, Spectroscopy, etc) and the medical devices sector (Orthopaedics, Biomaterials / Orthobiologics, Spine, Dental, Surgical Instruments, Endoscopy, Medical Equipment in general) and he has now taken over MRI Manserv from its founder John Steele.

Will Sumba

#2 Interim Solutions Account Executive

With 18 years+ of targeted experience leading the Banking Compliance, Risk Management, and Trading Operations Practice at the Bluestone Group, Will Sumba is an innovative, highly experienced executive recruiter. He has a sincere passion for building and cultivating relationships to deliver strong candidates aligned to his clients’ needs at all levels on Wall Street.

Eric Szubinski

Director of Research at Judson Group

Eric leads all Judson Group research efforts and this is no easy feat. He uses his talents to ensure the team is current with industry developments and trends and he oversees the identification and sourcing of top talent using a variety of resources, technology tools, and research methods.

With training in Boolean logic and years of extensive online management and research techniques, he understands the riches that social media and other digital outlets hold. The thrill of the hunt keeps him going, but his focused, organized, and streamlined approach guarantees his success. Through discovering the variety of skills candidates are applying in their current roles, Eric introduces even greater opportunities that propel them toward achieving their professional goals.

Fun fact: Eric is an avid arts supporter and has performed in and directed productions across Michigan.

Masanori Tasaki

#1 Billing Manager;
#2 Midsize Team Office;
#2 Top Office Growth $1.0-$3.0M

In 2007, Mr. Tasaki joined MRI Japan, Inc. as a consultant and manager. Prior to this he had a very successful career in sales and management in various roles. Since joining MRI Japan, Inc. has has gained over 14 years of experience in the professional services sector. His in-depth industry knowledge, negotiation skills, and search skills have been a major strength in developing his business.

He receives many job orders for both exclusive and executive search services from the major consulting firms, and in response to those needs, he has earned the trust of clients and has created strong relationship. He also recognizes that it is important not only to build strong relationships with clients, but also to share the future vision of the candidate. He has a strong desire to grow his relationships with both his current clients and new companies as well as develop his candidate’s careers.

Fun fact: Masanori likes to play tennis at weekend and watches Prime video - currently at season 8 of Suits.

Krista Whiting

Director of Healthcare Recruitment for Parkwood International

Krista Whiting is the Director of Healthcare Recruitment for Parkwood International, where she’s been since August 2015. Her DIG specialization is interim and permanent placements of clinical nurse leadership in the southern market. In 2019 and 2020, she was in the top 50 of all account executives within MRINetwork.

Rick Zuroweste

#2 Rookie Account Executive

Rick brings 30+ years of progressive marketing and general management experience to The Jacob Group, where he recruits for key consumer packaged goods segments with a particular emphasis on food and beverage.

Prior to joining The Jacob Group, Rick rose through the ranks of Fortune 500 companies, from Marketing Assistant to the C-Suite as Chief Marketing Officer with a range of small, medium, and large revenue brands. Through these companies, Rick’s breadth of category experience includes marketing and general management roles at Purina, Hasbro Toys, Sara Lee/Hillshire Brands, The Coca-Cola Company, Dean Foods, and Post Holdings. The depth of his functional knowledge gives Rick a unique ability to quickly understand his clients’ business strategies and talent needs, and successfully recruit, qualify, and motivate top candidates.

Rick also has board experience, having served as Vice Chairman of the Milk Processors Education Program, the fluid milk trade association responsible for the iconic “Got Milk?” marketing campaign. Rick earned his master’s degree in Advertising from Northwestern University and his Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising from The University of Kansas.

Fun fact: Married his high school sweetheart.