HARMER - Key Persons


Brad Nykiel

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Partner
As a Partner in Harmer's Consultants technology division, Brad excels in recruiting top-tier candidates for all technology roles. Balancing his time between recruiting and serving clients' specific requirements, Brad firmly believes in the power of talent as the driving force behind every successful company. His transparent approach to recruitment ensures both candidates and clients are fully informed throughout the process, aided by his vast network in the technology field.

Ieva Burnham

With an outstanding 10-year track record as an Executive Recruiter, Ieva uses her strong business acumen and natural ability to connect when providing her clients with direct hire talent in the Denver area. A graduate of Metropolitan State University in Denver with a BS in Accounting. Ieva leverages her relationship-building skills to stay in touch with current and longtime clients while continuously building new ones through personal connections with candidates. Outside of work, Ieva enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, enjoying all the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer like hiking, camping, and snowboarding as well as traveling overseas.

Jeff Lubert

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Partner
  • Accounting & Finance / Partner
  • Partner at Harmer Associates
As a partner at Harmer Associates, Jeff possesses a remarkable talent for discovering and recruiting rare accounting and finance professionals from diverse industries. His approach is characterized by honesty, attention to detail, and a commitment to client service, which has earned him a reputation for fostering enduring relationships. Jeff's expertise lies in comprehending the unique needs of each client and candidate, ensuring perfect matches and long-lasting placements. Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff's love for adventure and an active lifestyle come to life as he indulges in traveling, swimming, and skiing.

Jim Viola

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Senior Partner
  • Accounting & Finance / Senior Partner
As Senior Partner of Harmer's Accounting and Finance division, Jim plays an integral role in Harmer's daily operations. Whether he is facilitating client interactions, guiding his team, or supporting Harmer's many moving parts, Jim performs his role with a positive outlook that translates into meaningful professional relationships. Having joined in 1988 as the firm's third employee, Jim's lengthy tenure has been integral to Harmer's growth and success. In his spare time Jim enjoys exploring and reading about spiritual consciousness.

John McNeil - President

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • President
As the President of Harmer Consultants and Senior Partner of the technology division, John's wealth of experience has cultivated a vast network of well-established contacts, contributing significantly to Harmer's sterling reputation. John's zest for life transforms each day into an adventure, and he carries this enthusiasm into his work. His passion lies in helping people discover fulfilling careers with top-tier employers, making a positive impact on their professional lives.

Kelly Littlejohn

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Senior Partner
A testament to her dedication, Kelly joined the team in 1996, a few years after being placed by Harmer at a client. Today Kelly leads Harmer's Technology division where she executes high-profile recruiting assignments with professionalism and integrity. Coupled with her proactive cultivation of lasting partnerships, Kelly's no-nonsense approach to recruitment sets her apart in her field and enhances Harmer's distinguished reputation. When she isn't recruiting, Kelly enjoys working out, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Lauren Berkstresser

Lauren is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Marketing. With 15 years of experience in the executive recruiting landscape, Lauren leverages her prowess in business development and recruiting to forge strategic alliances with enterprises seeking top-tier accounting and finance expertise. Finding exceptional talent to fulfill a company's open need while helping candidates find the right opportunity is what inspires Lauren to continue to excel in her profession. Beyond her professional pursuits, Lauren finds solace in quality moments spent with her two children. Whether skiing down powdery slopes, perfecting her golf swing, or exploring new horizons with her husband, her zest for life is palpable.

Matt Jones

Job Titles:
  • Partner
As the face of Harmer Consultants, Matt has an incisive understanding of the operational and interpersonal dynamics that support successful professional relationships. His ability to develop swift rapport and earn the trust of clients and candidates alike endows him with a unique skill in placing best-fit technology talent where it thrives. Having been in the IT Staffing Industry since 2004, Matt joined Harmer in 2010 and earned his partnership in 2015. When he isn't working, Matt can be found spending time with his wife and two daughters or participating in his role on the Board of Directors of the Society of Talent Acquisition and Recruitment (STAR) Chicago. He also enjoys playing basketball and has never seen a jump shot he didn't like.

Michael Gallagher

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Senior Partner
As partner of Harmer's technology division, Michael recruits talent at every career stage from top-tier developers to CTOs. Having joined Harmer in 2003, Michael's experience provides a keen understanding of clients' needs-a skill he has nourished through attentive long term professional relationships. Michael has deep expertise in both Chicago's fast growing Product and Start Up space and the highly competitive Trading/Financial Services industry. Michael performs his role with integrity and deep expertise that enables him to deliver exceptional talent that exceeds expectations. Michael's in depth knowledge of Chicago's fast growing technology market, coupled with deep relationships with Chicago's top technology leaders enables him to deliver top talent that fits your culture and technical needs. In his free time, Michael enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and kids and planning fundraising events.

Michelle Parker

Job Titles:
  • Executive
As an Executive Headhunter and strategic hiring advisor with over 17 years of experience, Michelle stands at the forefront of successful executive recruitment. Her expertise lies in pinpointing exceptional leaders for Middle Market Private Equity Investors and Operating Company leadership positions. A graduate of the University of Mary with a BS in Business Administration, Michelle's hands-on, consultative approach has been the cornerstone of her impressive placement success. She is driven by a commitment to aligning leaders with organizational strategies and elevating shareholder value - qualities that truly distinguish her. Michelle specializes in C-Suite placements across diverse industries, leveraging her professionalism, industry insights, and transparent style to ensure sustained success in leadership roles.

Mike Sims

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Senior Partner
  • Accounting & Finance / Senior Partner
The development of strong, personal relationships with both candidates and clients has been a focus for Mike since he joined Harmer Associates in 2000. These relationships have significantly contributed to the overall growth of the firm's accounting and finance practice. Mike has been described by many as a true professional; he quickly sets himself apart from others with his depth of knowledge and ability to deliver high quality talent. Mike partners not only with accounting and finance leaders, but also with the HR professionals, who see him as a trusted advisor. Mike has become an extension of many recruiting teams in the Chicago market. Mike is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in accounting and a CPA. When not acting as an extensional recruiting arm, Mike enjoys spending time with his growing family, traveling and coaching little league.

Mindy Diaz

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Partner
  • Accounting & Finance / Partner
Since 2009, Mindy has been instrumental in growing Harmer's Accounting and Finance practice through lasting relationships and top-notch service. Her high-integrity leadership emphasizes actions over words and her personable approach guides candidates gracefully through the decision-making process, securing the highest quality talent for clients. Mindy relishes her role as a mother to two. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, playing golf, and exploring new places.

Randy Harmer - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Founding Partner
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Accounting & Finance / Founding Partner / Chairman
Randy founded the Firm three decades ago with a singular focus to recruit for Chicago's top employers. He has attracted a team of industry professionals with a passion for search and an interest in long-term growth with the firm. In recent years, he has been instrumental in the successful launch of our growing Executive Search Practice. Randy graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS Degree in Accounting and worked in Public Accounting with Arthur Andersen before founding the firm. He is additionally active on several local Boards and spends his free time with his family enjoying their active pursuits.

Scott Ruoti

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Senior Partner
  • Accounting & Finance / Senior Partner
Having founded the Consulting and Accounting & Finance Divisions at Harmer, Scott has been a veritable force in helping to achieve the firm's premier standing in the industry. With a keen understanding and telling influence on the recruitment space, Scott invokes a best-practice methodology guided by personal and professional attentiveness. He cultivates long term relationships and networks that produce loyal candidates and clients who stand by the Harmer brand. "The significance of lasting relationships cannot be overstated. Watching careers take root and witnessing their successful evolution is empowering. Relationships become multi-faceted, and candidate relationships evolve into client relationships. Our strength is the power of our network, and keeping in touch is a trademark that we live by." As a husband and father of two boys, Scott spends his free time coaching and catering to his family's activities together.

Tanya Sexton

Driven by her passion for connecting with people and building long-standing relationships, Tanya brings with her 20 years of experience as an Executive Recruiter, offering excellent service and adding value with every interaction. A graduate of Southern Illinois University with a BS in Accounting, Tanya's empathetic and collaborative approach has been the cornerstone of her success in partnering with best-in-class companies and top talent in the Denver market that has resulted in many successful placements over the years. Outside of work, Tanya enjoys spending time with her husband and son. You will either find her on the golf course or at an ice rink watching her son play hockey.

Tim Latva - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner
As a founding member and 20-year veteran of RGP, Tim curated an acute expertise in the field of intellectual capital on demand. Tim brought his skillset to Harmer in 2015 when he founded Harmer's Financial Solutions Division. Having proven market success worldwide, Tim now uses his talents to help Harmer's clients solve complex business problems through his masterful approach to consulting and recruiting. In his free time, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife and kids in addition to being an avid open-water sailboat racer.

Todd Kuna - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner
As the driving force behind Harmer Consultants, Todd plays a crucial role in the firm's expansion, driven by his unwavering determination and collaborative nature. Todd is focused on fostering high-performing and enthusiastic teams, building extensive professional networks, and providing superior service for both clients and candidates. Since launching Harmer Consultants, Inc. in 2006, Todd has grown the company exponentially, is consistently seated as a top producer and has mentored his entire sales and recruiting team in achieving their own success. Todd continues to be inspired by the relationships he builds and the lives he affects every day. Beyond his professional achievements, Todd spends his time coaching travel softball, baseball and football for his kids' community and enjoys outdoor activities, traveling and sporting events with his family.

Victor Palumbo

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • Partner
  • Accounting & Finance / Partner
As our newest partner at Harmer, Victor brings a wealth of experience, spanning 25 years, in cultivating and fortifying meaningful relationships with candidates, clients, and fellow professionals by building trust with individuals across diverse industries. Victor's comprehensive understanding of financial and business intricacies equips him to offer insightful advice and strategic solutions to meet clients' unique needs and challenges. Outside of work, he finds joy in spending quality time with his two daughters and catching up on the latest in Chicago sports.