Partners in Technology - Meet Our Staff

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Meet our Staff - bios

Mike Lowe President & CEO, Partners in Technology, LLC Contact info Tel: 616-554-5929 Email: mlowe@partnersintechnology.com Partners in Technology, LLC has been serving a diverse customer base since 1998. With Mike Lowe, President and CEO at the helm, the company has continued to grow dynamically through the adherence of strict professional standards including integrity, trust and honesty. Mike started in the industry in 1984 and has worked with regional, national and international staffing organizations. This experience has given him the opportunity to evaluate different practices in human capital management and create an organization that reflects the best practices. With locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Jacksonville, Florida, as well as affiliate relations in Columbus, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina, Partners in Technology is able to support many clients throughout the country.

Shelley Crooks Managing Director, Recruiting Contact info Tel: 616-971-2106 Email: scrooks@partnersintechnology.com Shelley Crooks is the Managing Director for the direct placement team at Partners in Technology, LLC. Her team focuses on the manufacturing industry where she specializes in the office furniture arena. With her extensive knowledge and network within the furniture industry, her searches have consisted of a variety of positions ranging from senior level engineers to general management to executive vice presidents and presidents of companies. Prior to joining Partners in 2000, Shelley worked in the office furniture and automotive industries. Most recently she was Project Director for a local market research firm overseeing research projects for national and international clients in the office furniture, automotive, consumer goods and medical equipment industries. Shelley has worked as a Continuous Improvement Facilitator at Donnelly corporation, directing continuous improvement activities in manufacturing operations in the United States and Germany. She successfully trained U.S. and German employees in problem solving techniques associated with continuous improvement. Shelley also worked as an International Purchasing Agent in New Product Development for six years at Herman Miller, Inc., an international manufacturer of furniture systems. Shelley received her Bachelor’s degree in French and German Education from Hope College in Holland Michigan. Her college honors include graduating cum laude, receiving a Fulbright Scholarship and the Linda D Palmer Award.

Chris Rigan Managing Director, Corporate Administration Contact info Tel: 616-971-2108 Email: crigan@partnersintechnology.com Chris A. Rigan, a Managing Director with Partners in Technology, joined the company in 1998. His focus encompasses all facets of information technology recruiting, crossing over a variety of industries. In his role as Managing Director of Corporate Administration, Chris manages facilities administration and technology solutions. Chris continues to recruit Information Technology and Supply Chain professionals for companies across the United States. Prior to joining the firm, Chris was a Sr. Human Resource Consultant and Manager for a national and international company. During this period, Chris’s work focused on training and recruitment at the management level. Chris received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University, as well as a Masters of Science Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. Chris A. Rigan, a Managing Director with Partners in Technology, joined the company in 1998. His focus encompasses all facets of information technology recruiting, crossing over a variety of industries. In his role as Managing Director of Corporate Administration, Chris manages facilities administration and technology solutions. Recently, Chris relocated to Jacksonville Florida where he is heading up Partners’ first branch office. From there, Chris continues to recruit Information Technology professionals for companies across the United States, as well as coordinate services for the Grand Rapids office. Prior to joining the firm, Chris was a Sr. Human Resource Consultant and Manager for a national and international company. During this period, Chris’s work focused on training and recruitment at the management level. Chris received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University, as well as a Masters of Science Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Becky Evans Senior Search Consultant & Manager Contact info Tel: 616-971-2121 Email: bevans@partnersintechnology.com Becky Evans is a Senior Search Consultant & Manager with Partners in Technology. She specializes in developing relationships with clients looking to fill positions on a direct-hire basis. Becky's area of expertise is the automotive industry, working extensively with electronics and software engineering and as well as plastics manufacturing. Prior to joining Partners in 2006, Becky had extensive experience working in the automotive manufacturing industry. She has supervisory experience in both plastic injection molding and manufacturing assembly processes. Most recently she spent 8 years working as a Staffing Specialist with the automotive division of Johnson Controls, Inc. In this position, she recruited and hired employees ranging from hourly production associates to buyers to technical managers and directors. Becky’s dedication to customer service and building relationships with her clients, coupled with years of experience in candidate selection and interviewing, equip her with the ability to identify the most qualified candidates for the job.

Julie McGrath Search Consultant, Partners in Contract Staffing Contact info Tel: 616-971-2124 Email: jmcgrath@partnersintechnology.com Julie McGrath is a Search Consultant with the Contract Staffing Division of Partners in Technology. She has been with the company since 2002 however, with over 8 years in the recruiting industry; Julie brings a solid level of experience in contract staffing to Partners in Technology. Julie’s experience consists of placing individuals in automotive, office furniture, aerospace, consumer goods and the healthcare industries. Julie received an Associates Degree in Applied Science from Davenport University. Additional studies have included Lean Manufacturing, Professional Staffing 1 and 2 and numerous manufacturing safety training courses.

Bridget Oakes Senior Search Consultant Contact info Tel: 616-971-2132 Email: boakes@partnersintechnology.com Bridget Oakes is a Senior Search Consultant with Partners in Technology, LLC. She has been with the company since 2002, and with over ten years in the recruiting industry, Bridget brings a wealth of experience to Partners in Technology. Her tenacity and dedication have made her one of Partners in Technology’s top search consultants. Bridget digs deep whether she is researching or interviewing. Her ability to probe and determine a candidate’s motivation gives her an edge when it comes to recruiting top talent. Bridget has filled positions from president and operations management executives to engineering professionals, from sales and marketing professionals to procurement positions. She works mainly in the office furniture arena, but has been equally successful in the automotive and information technology industries. In addition to her technical skills, what makes Bridget stand out amongst her peers is her enthusiasm for the job. Bridget truly enjoys working with people and assisting both candidates and clients in finding that perfect match.

Theresa Conroy Search Consultant Contact info Tel: 904-657-7270 Email: tconroy@partnersintechnology.com Theresa Conroy is a Search Consultant with Partners in Technology, LLC. She specializes in recruiting top performers in engineering, manufacturing and management positions primarily in the automotive industry. She is enthusiastic and devoted to building long-term relationships with her clients and candidates. Theresa’s extensive contacts in the industry and her networking with professional organizations and universities allow her locate hidden talent. Her prior sales experience in multiple industries gives her the ability work effectively with all levels of an organization. Theresa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations from Grand Valley State University.

Dunne’ Sanborn Search Consultant Contact info Tel: 616-971-2105 Email: dsanborn@partnersintechnology.com Dunne’ Sanborn is a Search Consultant with Partners in Technology. She possesses more than three years of experience in marketing within the healthcare industry and has transitioned her experience to successfully identify, assess and recruit top talent for national, regional and local clients. Specializing in IT, her placement focus is at all levels and functions within various industries. She is a customer results and relationship oriented professional dedicated to meeting difficult client requirements and assisting in the career management of top candidates.

April Vander Plas Search Consultant, Partners in Contract Staffing Contact info Tel: 616-971-2109 Email: aprilv@partnersintechnology.com April comes to Partners after a successful career in retail sales. She is now dedicated to recruiting top talent for Partners in Technology. She holds her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from Grand Valley State University. April loves building relationships with her candidates and consulting them through the interview process. She looks forward to a long career with Partners in Technology.

Denise Hamill Senior Search Consultant & Manager Contact info Phone: 616-971-2126 Email: dhamill@partnersintechnology.com Denise Hamill recently joined Partners in Technology as a Senior Search Consultant/Manager. Denise previously worked with Partners in Technology from 1999 to 2002 working on IT, Engineering and Accounting positions. This time around, Denise will be focusing primarily on IT positions and she is looking forward to leading a team of recruiters for the IT discipline. Denise is passionate in connecting companies with top talent that will help their organization be more profitable, productive and an over all success. Denise has an Associate’s in Accounting and Finance from Baker College and proceeded with Business at Grand Valley State University. She is also involved in the Chamber of Commerce.

Kris Witters Contact info Tel: 616-971-2149 Email: krisw@partnersintechnology.com Kris Witters is the HR and Accounting Manager with Partners in Technology. She assists our team with internal payroll and human resources and provides administrative support.

Tracy Doran Project Manager, Recruiting Contact info Tel: 616-971-2123 Email: tdoran@partnersintechnology.com Tracy Doran has been with the Partners in Technology team since January of 2008. Tracy relocated to Grand Rapids from Cleveland, Ohio and comes to us from a varied background of experience including work in the commercial fire alarm and security field to working in financial planning. Tracy has more than 10 years of experience in Executive Assistant roles, and provides administrative support to Managing Director, Shelley Crooks. In addition, Tracy’s skills in organization, planning and research are put to use helping our recruiters work more effectively. Tracy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Cleveland State University.

Chere Mann Market Research Contact info Phone: 616-971-2112 Email: cmann@partnersintechnology.com Chere Mann is a recent addition to the Partners in Technology team. Chere recently relocated to Grand Rapids from Houston, Texas and comes to us from a varied background of experience including work in the broadcasting field and event planning. Chere has more than 5 years of experience in Administrative Assistant roles, and provides market research to Senior Search Consultant & Manager, Becky Evans. Her marketing background and excellent customer service skills also supplies great support for the entire team. Chere holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies from Grand Valley State University with an emphasis in Advertising and Public Relations.