LARKO - Key Persons


Amy Larko Falanga

Job Titles:
  • Director of People & Staffing
Amy graduated from The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 2016, earning a degree in Management, Marketing, and Psychology. After graduating, Amy worked for 2 years as a consultant at a boutique consulting firm in Chicago. This experience allowed her to gain expertise in client interaction, data analytics, and, most importantly, helped Amy discover that her passions lie within people interaction surrounded in a fast-paced environment. Amy had always hoped to enter the Recruiting industry after growing up surrounded by family members in the Recruiting business. When Amy is not at the office, she enjoys discovering new music, trying different workout classes, and exploring local food spots around town.

Andrea Newman

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Operations and Client Relationships
Andrea graduated from the University of Iowa in 2004 and worked in sales at CareerBuilder for three years before approaching The Larko Group for help with her job search. Andrea's gift for organization and efficiency was immediately recognized and in 2007, she was offered the opportunity to support TLG's President, Russ Larko. Andrea also manages office operations and liaises with TLG's diverse clientele on a daily basis. In her spare time, Andrea loves being with her husband and three young girls, going to Chicago Bears and Blackhawks games, traveling around Europe, or just enjoying a great day on the beach. When she gets a night away, she loves checking out the hottest new bars, rooftops, and restaurants downtown. Ask Andrea about any current sports stat and, chances are, she'll know it!

Brianna (Forth) Gault

Job Titles:
  • Recruiter, Temporary Division

Caitlin Dromm

Job Titles:
  • Recruiting Consultant

Ellie Olszewski

Job Titles:
  • Client & Recruiting Coordinator
Ellie is a vibrant spirit with a taste for adventure and a degree from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, where she immersed herself in the world of Hospitality. Eager to join the energy of Chicago, Ellie's professional journey took her through the intricacies of logistics coordination and the dynamic world of a Consumer-Packaged Goods company. Yet, what truly fueled her enthusiasm was the art of building connections, a skill she honed and cherished in each role. This passion became the guiding light that led her to the doorstep of The Larko Group. TLG wasn't just a career move for Ellie; it was a beckoning to passionate and energetic vibes she sensed even before joining the team. Here, she discovered a team that shared her values-a commitment to leaving a positive impact on others. In Ellie's eyes, work isn't just about tasks; it's about positivity and collaboration. Ellie's adventurous spirit spills into her free time. She's on a quest to savor every flavor the city has to offer, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops with an insatiable curiosity. As the Lakefront trail calls, she laces up her running shoes, preparing for races that mirror the pace and rhythm of her dynamic life. Ask Ellie about the latest book she's reading in her Book Club!

Emilie Browell

Job Titles:
  • Recruiting & Client Coordinator
Born in Michigan, but grew up in New York, Emilie is a Midwesterner at heart! It's a place that feels like home and where she returned to receive her degree in Economics from Michigan State University. After graduation, and much deliberation, Emilie was drawn to Chicago because of the incredible neighborhoods, culture, and good old Midwestern values with friendly people. Upon arriving in the city, Emilie landed a sales position in the logistics industry prior to joining a large, tech-driven, recruiting firm. Happy to learn the ropes of being a successful recruiter, she felt there was more out there for her but wasn't sure if it was time to make a change. Through serendipitous events, Emilie ended up rooming with two people who have strong ties to The Larko Group. The more she heard about TLG, the more she felt it was the right fit; a company that offered a tight-knit team and a culture that feels like family. Some call it fate, we call it lucky!

Emily Cullen

Job Titles:
  • Principal Consultant
A graduate of Ball State University, Emily found her footing with a then-startup sports network, The Big Ten Network, and it was there she realized she thrives best in a self-start, fast-paced, no-two-days-the-same work environment. Nearly four years later, she happily found her career home with The Larko Group as a Recruiting Consultant, and to this day she can't imagine doing anything else. The best part of her job, she says, is making new connections, building relationships, and helping people on their career path. In her spare time, Emily enjoys being active outdoors, cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers, and nightly dance parties with her musician husband and their son. Ask Emily who she thinks is the greatest singer of all time.

Julie Monti

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President, Talent Development
  • TLG Employee
Julie is a boomerang TLG employee and is thrilled to be back with the team. From her first job as a staffing consultant recruiting legal admins to management consulting to her most recent role as a clinical recruiter, Julie embraces everything that recruiting is about and loves helping individuals reach their goals and find their dream jobs. Working with administrative professionals is at the core of her experience and what she loves doing more than anything. She recently became a Certified Professional Coach and plans on taking additional master classes with a focus in career management. When not working, Julie is a creative wannabe and is constantly honing her writing skills, creating stories that maybe, someday, will be shared with others. An at-home Scrabble champion, a pretend Top Chef contestant and a doting new fur mom to two cats round out her life!

Maddy Parke

Job Titles:
  • Recruiting Coordinator
Meet Maddy, a Detroit native with a zest for life and a passion for connecting people. Armed with a degree in Communications from the University of Dayton, she packed her bags and left the bustling streets of the Motor City to make the Windy City her home. Shortly after settling in, she stepped into the dynamic world of recruitment as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. Ultimately, Maddy's career and interests landed her at The Larko Group where she found not just a job but a thriving community and her role as a Recruiting Coordinator. A position that combines her genuine love of hard work, camaraderie, and helping candidates discover their next big adventure. Maddy loves the energy of the city's rich history, charming neighborhoods and exploring every nook and cranny with her friends. When she's not hard at work, you'll find Maddy twisting into yoga poses at Studio Three and finding balance amid urban chaos and adventure.

Megan Freeman

Job Titles:
  • Director of Recruiting
Megan is a native of the Chicago area - she grew up in Wilmette, where she played competitive sports and participated in musical theatre. In 2011, Megan graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English. After a brief stint in New York City working as an Executive Assistant, she returned home and started a career in the staffing industry. Russ Larko recognized Megan's "gift for gab" and her innate ability to connect with people. What she enjoys most about working at TLG is making matches between administrative talent and blue-chip clientele in addition to mentoring junior staff members. When she is not networking with candidates and clients, Megan enjoys spending time with her French bulldog, Boo Radley, finding the best Cosmopolitans in the city, and working out at CorePower Yoga.

Russ Larko - President

Job Titles:
  • Owner
  • President
  • Certified Personnel Consultant
Russ earned a BS in Marketing and Management from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and has been working in the Recruiting and Staffing industry for more than 25 years. He spent several years at a large Chicago-area employment firm, and rose from top sales consultant to Director of Operations at their loop headquarters. Russ founded The Larko Group in 1993, and remains actively involved in the day-to-day operations. Russ is a huge Chicago Bulls fan and an avid golfer, racquetball player and paddle tennis player.

Siobhan Sullivan

Job Titles:
  • Senior Manager, Temporary Division
Siobhan's passion for sales and service began with a part-time position at Nordstrom while she was earning her degree at the University of Minnesota. After graduation, she grew her part-time job into a budding career - spanning eleven years, three relocations, and managing the largest and most notorious department in the company. In 2018, she packed her bags and headed to Chicago, seeking new experiences and opportunities. She stepped into the world of wealth management and technology software systems, where she continued to develop successful teams, while her desire for mentoring and guiding people continued to grow. Wishing to further widen her horizons, she came to The Larko Group. She quickly realized that TLG was exactly what she was looking for -a positive and supportive culture with an emphasis on aligning goals for both companies and candidates. It was a perfect match for both of us! Siobhan still considers herself a newcomer to Chicago and enjoys exploring the city when she's not involved in one of her many hobbies. World traveler, amateur chef, arts/crafts aficionado, movie buff and being a fur mom to her golden retriever, Deaglen, are just a few of the things on her ever-expanding list! Ask Siobhan where she gets all of her secret recipes!