Meet Our Team
Our people are our greatest asset.
Get to know the experts behind your success.
LEADERSHIP
Ryan Festerling
President & Chief Executive Officer
Division: Leadership
Hired in June 2019, Ryan serves as President & Chief Executive Officer for QPS and Accelerate. Ryan has over 20 years of experience from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin-based Kohl’s Department Store where he held various leadership roles rising to the position of executive vice president and head of human resources. Ryan has a track record of utilizing technology to enhance the candidate experience while improving overall efficiencies. He has a drive for building cohesive teams and individuals that are passionate about the work they do.
Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. He also serves on the board of directors at Wisconsin Lutheran High School as well as the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.
Ryan lives in Pewaukee, Wisconsin with his wife, two daughters and a yellow lab named "Lucy" that only listens sometimes. He enjoys doing just about anything outside as well as being a proud "dance dad."
Scott Zorn
Senior Vice President, Professional
Division: Leadership
Scott has worked in the staffing industry for more than 22 years, with 18 of those leading specialty staffing service teams in Engineering, Information Technology, and Professional recruiting. Scott has held positions ranging from recruiter, account manager, senior account executive, branch manager, onsite manager, area director, regional vice president, senior vice president and executive vice president in the workforce solutions and staffing industry. In previous roles, he has focused on building strategic programs for Fortune 500 clients, as well as customized retention programs for various organizations. Additional staffing industry experience includes branch operations, regional management, BPO, outsourcing, and national & international account management.
Scott has maintained accountability for sales, delivery, and operations for full spectrum information technology and engineering services, including staff augmentation, direct hire, retained search, recruitment process outsourcing, statement of work, managed services, outsourcing (co-location, near-shore and off-shore), and business process outsourcing.
Scott holds a baccalaureate degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Wisconsin. He has deep industry knowledge and is always looking for ways to use his vision and creativity to solve business and talent problems to create value for both candidates and clients. Scott is a Wisconsin native and resides in New Berlin, WI with his family.
Chad Schreiber, CSP, CPC
Director of Professional Recruiting
Division: Leadership
Chad specializes in recruiting for Engineering, Operations and Executive Positions. He’s consistently among the company’s top producers, and credits much of his success to the work habits he developed while growing up on his family’s dairy farm. Prior to QPS, Chad was a successful college volleyball coach who won two National Championships and was inducted into the Wisconsin Volleyball Conference Hall of Fame.
In his free time, Chad likes to spend time with his family at the lake and other outdoor recreational activities. He is active in his church and spends his remaining time searching for records to add to his vinyl collection.
Samantha Kuhl, CPC
Recruitment Delivery Manager
Division: Leadership
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in Communications, Samantha Kuhl worked as an Inside Sales Executive and then migrated to the Hospitality Industry. She has been with QPS since 2014, in both recruiting and leadership capacities. Samantha brings to QPS Employment Group a great passion for relationship building and an unwavering commitment to customer service. Samantha is a hands on leader within our engineering and operations division, providing clients with top notch recruiting services.
In her free time, you will find Samantha watching both of her kids as they participate in sports year round or curled up with a good book. She is a huge Wisconsin sports fan, lover of live music, as well as an avid runner.
Dana Metzger, CSP, CPC
Recruitment Delivery Manager
Division: Leadership
Dana Metzger began her recruitment and staffing career in Chicago 20 years ago, and has been with QPS for the last 16 years. As an expert in recruiting for Accounting, Finance and HR leadership, Dana has demonstrated success in locating mission-critical talent who have proven to be key additions for her clients. Dana’s success is driven by her determination, dependability, and the high value she places on partnership with both clients and candidates. Dana is a high touch leader; whose professional satisfaction and validation comes from the success of her team.
In her free time, you'll find Dana at the baseball diamond, basketball court, or football field watching her two boys compete. One of her favorite activities is going to a beach or park with her husband, two boys, and a metal-detector. Dana loves Wisconsin Sports and dutifully supports the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, and UW-Wisconsin, Get'em Bucky!!!!
FINANCE, ACCOUNTING, AND HUMAN RESOURCES
JoAnn Klavekoske, CSP
Lead Professional Recruiter
Division: Finance, Accounting, Human Resources
Prior to joining QPS in 2010, JoAnn spent 20 years as a Corporate Recruiter. In this role she staffed a wide range of positions for her employer. This experience has given her a solid understanding of what hiring managers are looking for in a candidate, and has allowed her to maintain a consistently impressive fill rate. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s School of Business with a BBA in Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management. JoAnn specializes in recruiting for HR, Finance and Marketing.
When not working, she enjoys family time with her two sons and husband. She is an avid WI sports fan and loves cheering on the Brewers, Packers, Bucks, and Badgers, as well as going to concerts.
Jackie Iaquinta
Professional Recruiter
Division: Finance, Accounting, Human Resources
Jackie Iaquinta graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an emphasis in Healthcare Administration. She has experience working in Healthcare as a Campus Administrator and decided to make a career change after having her daughter in April of 2022. Jackie is no stranger to QPS Employment Group as she has held a variety of roles throughout high school and college with QPS. Jackie is thrilled to join the Accelerate team as a Professional Recruiter specializing in Accounting & Finance and Human Resources.
Outside of the office, Jackie loves spending time with her husband and their daughter! She enjoys drawing and painting and has had a lot of fun including her daughter in her art projects with her footprints and handprints. Jackie comes from a very close family and is often found supporting her brothers by attending their basketball games or guitar gigs, shopping with her sister, going out to eat, and spending time outside with them.
Katherine Lynch
Professional Sourcing Specialist
Division: Finance, Accounting, Human Resources
Katherine recently graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in History and English Literature and Language. She started her career as a Sourcing Specialist with Accelerate Talent Group summer of 2021. Katherine sources candidates for the recruiters in Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
In her free time, Katherine likes to bake a variety of sweets for her family, specifically pies and cookies. Katherine loves reading all sorts of books and enjoys writing stories as well. She also loves spending time playing board games with her family on the weekends.
Matt Dodge
Senior Sales Executive
Division: Finance, Accounting, Human Resources
Matt is a Senior Account Executive with the Finance & Accounting and Human Resources team. He is dedicated to helping top accounting and finance professionals accelerate their careers, and fueling companies' growth. Previously, Matt worked for 15 years in sales and management roles in the wholesale industry.
Matt has a BS in Marketing from Bradley University. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his wife and chasing around his three little girls. Matt is passionate about supporting individuals with Down syndrome, running and personal finance.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Chad Czarnecki
Senior Professional Recruiter
Division: Information Technology
Chad joins Accelerate as a Senior Recruiter after a 20+ year career with Ricoh USA as an Enterprise Account Manager focused on IT positions. He brings a unique background and knowledge base of many clients in the industry.
In his free time, Chad loves to spend time with his family and niece and nephews. You can usually find him on a sand volleyball court during the Spring & Summer around the Milwaukee Area.
Casey Garza
Sales Executive
Division: Information Technology
While Casey has been in staffing under a year, he has been in the professional sales realm for 18+ years. This includes time spent within outside sales, inside sales, sales management, sales process generation and implementation, and sales training. Casey holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing from Herzing University. He has been involved in selling a variety of products and services, from corrugated boxes to highly technical remote sensing data and many services and products in-between.
Outside of spending time with his wife and little boy, Casey enjoys Muay Thai Kickboxing and physical fitness in general. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. He enjoys video games, reading (mostly fiction), riding his sport bike, anime, and anything Star Wars related.
MANUFACTURING, OPERATIONS, AND ENGINEERING
Jeff Nicholas
Professional Performance Coordinator
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Jeff is an experienced team builder, leader, and educator. Before becoming a Professional Recruiter, he spent 15 years coaching basketball and teaching math. Jeff continues to coach, lead, and build meaningful relationships, but now does so to improve candidates’ lives, help client companies, and improve his teammates and the workplace. Jeff works with all facets of manufacturing, but specializes in recruiting for Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and EH&S.
Jeff participates in a variety of recreational sports, including his first love, basketball. He is currently an Assistant Coach with the local high school team. He also treasures spending time with his two young daughters and grilling in his backyard. He has perfected the art of grilling beef, pork, and vegetables, even when the wind chill dips below zero.
Shawn Voelz
Professional Operations Lead
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
After graduating with his MBA from Lakeland College, Shawn joined QPS and has helped the Professional and Skilled Teams with their growth trajectory over the past 8 years. He has proven success with building and leading teams, training and mentoring colleagues, and building relationships with candidates. Shawn is currently the Professional Operations Lead for QPS and he specializes in working with and helping Engineering and Operations professionals finding their next career opportunity within manufacturing.
Outside of work you can find Shawn spending time with his wife, Jessica, and two sons, Brayden and Logan. Shawn is an active member in his community and church. He is a little league manager, runs his church's Vacation Bible School, and organizes other small groups within his community.
Jeremy Berg
Professional Recruiting Supervisor
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Jeremy started off his staffing career working as a Resume Sourcer while attending college at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jeremy decided to continue down the staffing industry path and specialize in the recruitment of engineering professionals. Jeremy now has over 10 years of experience as a seasoned Professional Engineering Recruiter for nearly all types of engineering positions and industries.
In Jeremy's free time, his hobbies include golfing, fishing, and running. He's also an avid Wisconsin sports fan and enjoys rooting for the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers.
Angela Karel, CSP, CPC
Lead Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Angela has been in recruiting and staffing for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2010 with a Bachelor's degree in Business HR Management. Angela is experienced in sourcing, recruiting, negotiations, talent management, career development, counter offer strategy, and talent acquisition. She also holds certifications as a Certified Staffing Professional and Certified Personnel Consultant.
In Angela's free time she enjoys being outdoors with her husband, two children and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog. She has a passion for helping others and being involved in the community.
Patty Tomlin, CSP
Lead Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Patty has worked in the staffing industry for almost 15 years. In addition to her management experience in the staffing industry, Patty’s résumé includes stints as a high school teacher and volleyball coach, an Economic Development liaison for Northwest Arkansas, and a Marketing and Sales professional for several respected magazines in Kansas City. Her well-rounded career path gives her a unique insight into what makes for success in today’s fragmented employment economy. She holds a BS in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Patty specializes in recruiting for Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
Patty enjoys spending time with her husband, three girls, grandchildren, and extended family. She is a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes.
Noelle Heffner, CSP, CPC
Lead Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Noelle has over a decade of recruiting experience, and has been placing Manufacturing Management, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Maintenance, Engineering, and Human Resources professionals—just to name a few—for QPS since 2011. She is both a Certified Personnel Consultant and a Certified Staffing Professional.
Noelle enjoys her time at their Lake house with the family making memories. But also loves traveling the world to experience different cultures. She's equally adventurous in the kitchen and gets a kick out of using her family and friends as "guinea pigs" for her new dishes. Noelle loves spending quality time with her daughter and puggle, Zoey, checking out new play grounds and farmers markets.
Erin Daniels, CSP, CPC
Lead Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Erin Daniels has been a Professional Recruiter with QPS Employment Group since April of 2011. She is both a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and a Certified Staffing Professional (CSP). She has proven success placing candidates into Manufacturing Management, Quality, Procurement, Engineering, and Human Resources positions, just to name a few. She finds her work very gratifying, and is passionate about matching the right candidate with the right position.
Erin enjoys cooking for friends and family, and traveling to warm destinations as often as possible. When she's not at work, she enjoys going to concerts and local events with her husband and two boys.
JR Lindsay
Senior Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
JR is a Senior Professional Recruiter, and joined QPS Employment Group in the fall of 2022. JR comes to QPS with 10 years of experience with Kohler Company in Marketing/Product Management roles followed by 10 years as a Youth Pastor. Outside of work, JR lives in Oostburg with his wife Amber and his two kids. They are actively involved in their church, and love spending time together as a family either playing games, being outside, spending time with friends and extended family, or watching movies on the couch.
JR loves watching sports, and is a die-hard Bears and Cubs fan. He loves to fish with his son - even though his son knows way more about fishing, have coffee drinks with his daughter on daddy daughter dates, and travel with his wife.
Melissa Marschke
Senior Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a degree in Communications, Melissa Marschke started her career with QPS Employment Group in 2011. Melissa brings a passion for helping people and building relationships, specializing in Engineering and Maintenance.
When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, golfing and running. Melissa is a huge sports fan cheering on the Brewers, Bucks, Packers and Badgers.
Andrea Weber
Senior Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Andrea has been in recruiting specializing in manufacturing for over 6 years, but has been in a hiring capacity for over 15 years in her retail management career as a Store and District Manager. She is experienced in sourcing, recruiting, negotiations, talent management, career development, counter offer strategy, and talent acquisition and focuses primarily on Manufacturing Management and Maintenance. She consistently receives testimonials from the candidates she works with as she is driven to make the right match for them! During the day, you'll find her at her desk with her Starbucks and Werthers.
Andrea lives in Wisconsin with her husband and 2 young boys. She cherishes time spent with them and getting to their 'happy place' in Door County a few times a year. Her boys are full of energy and just getting into t-ball, soccer, basketball, swimming…bring on all the activities!
Ryan Hurst, CSP
Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
After graduating from St. Norbert College with a degree in sociology, Ryan spent a decade in the education field working directly with students. With over half of this time spent as a school counselor, Ryan developed a knack for listening to people’s needs, addressing those needs, and building and maintaining strong relationships based on trust, things which he now enjoys doing with candidates and companies as a recruiter. He also spent a year as the General Manager of a new business that included a golf course, bar, and restaurant, and as a result is very familiar with the joys and challenges both candidates and employers face when going through a search or hiring process. Ryan also earned a master's degree in human resources, further sharpening his knowledge of the world of employment.
In his free time, Ryan tries to spend as much time as possible with his wife, two sons, and dog. He is one of the most avid fans of the Packers, Bucks, and Brewers one can find and he loves listening to local sports talk radio talk about his teams whenever he can. Ryan also enjoys live music, trying new restaurants, and the many festivals that the Milwaukee area has to offer.
Andy Ziarnik
Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Andy graduated from Fox Valley Technical College with a degree in Marketing. Since graduation he has spent the last 10 years in an account management role for various companies, including, Seventh Generation, Imperial Blades, and Milwaukee Tool. He has extensive experience in relationship building and enjoys making connections with people.
Andy currently resides in Lake Mills, WI with his wife Kendra and two children, Hunter (3) and Maverick (1). When not working Andy enjoys hunting, playing golf, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Missie Braaten-Krueger
Professional Recruiter
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Missie embarked on a new career as a professional recruiter after twenty-some years in manufacturing operations. Recruiting is not new to Missie. She began her professional career with a staffing service filling light industrial roles for Milwaukee-area companies. She left to work for a client in a multifunctional office role handling purchasing, customer service and human resources. Eventually she became a plant manager desiring a career change. She is thrilled to land at Accelerate and bring her knowledge of manufacturing to her direct hire placements.
When not at work, Missie can typically be found outside or kickboxing. She thinks life is best when surrounded by dogs. Missie enjoys walking, shooting sports, soccer, and gardening.
Missie comes from a small, close-knit family and was raised in the family businesses including a hair salon and gun shop. When time permits, she ventures up north to Marinette County to fish, shoot, trail ride on ATV’s and pick mushrooms.
Lisa Heard
Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Division: Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering
Lisa has been with QPS for over 15 years. She was originally hired as a Recruiter for the Office Division and since then has held roles such as Division Manager, Corporate Recruiter, Sourcing Specialist and Talent Acquisition Coordinator.
In her spare time, you will find Lisa spending time with her husband and children, cheering at a volleyball or basketball court, or walking her energetic dog.