SOUTH BAY SEARCH - Key Persons


Christy Guziak - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President
Christy is a graduate of the University of Arizona in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Christy worked at Barney & Barney (Marsh) as an Employee Benefits Account Manager prior to leaving the industry to pursue her Masters Degree in Fashion. Christy is an AVP Account Executive in Talent Evaluation where her focus is primarily working on business in the Northeast territory of the United States. She has been the candidate in the past and knows what it is like to sit in your shoes. She prides herself on genuine human connection and making sure your next opportunity or hire is the perfect match.

James Berry

Job Titles:
  • Account Executive / Talent Acquisition
James Berry was born and raised in South Orange County and attended the University of Southern California where he played baseball. After college he pursued a career in Education where he found a passion for coaching high school Football & Baseball. He has many graduates that have made it to the NFL & MLB. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys volunteering with his favorite organization O.U.R. (operation underground railroad). James biggest passion is spending time with his wife Meghan & baby girl Isla Palmer!

John Guziak - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President
John is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a B.A. in Business Management/Marketing. After a successful career as a buyer and store management for a major department store chain, John joined South Bay Search to help further expand South Bay Search's branding and growth, especially throughout the Western U.S. John has been with South Bay Search since 1999 and is currently our EVP for the Western Region. He is an integral part in mentoring our recruiters and working with key clients and candidates to enhance their growth. John is married with 2 daughters and enjoys the outdoors; golfing and spending time at his cabin in So. Utah.

Karin Tidwell

Job Titles:
  • Senior Account Executive
Karin graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a BA in Fashion Merchandising. She spent several years in retail as a Buyer and Regional Merchandise Manager in both department and boutique stores. Karin then transitioned into executive recruiting with South Bay Search where she was handling the San Francisco territory. Karin took a break from recruiting to raise her three daughters while running office management for the family business. She recently returned to South Bay Search as a Research Associate where she works with candidates in all territories. Karin loves spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, and cooking.

Kellie Watkins - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice President

Lindsay Lee - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President
Lindsay graduated from California State University, Chico in 2000 and earned her BA in Business Management. Following graduation, Lindsay moved to Southern California and was a Territory Manager with Shaw Industries, a Berkshire Hathaway company, for 10 years. She managed the Orange County area and has a rich background in sales. Lindsay chose to close her sales career after the birth of her children and spent almost 5 years at home enjoying quality time with them. She joined South Bay Search in 2013 as her family has a strong recruitment background which has always interested her. She loves traveling, camping, and cooking. She spends her free time enjoying these activities along with spending time with her son and daughter.

Liz Perry

Job Titles:
  • Research Associate
Liz was born and raised in Arizona. She received an undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in Psychology, then went on to recieve a Masters in Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She then provided psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. When Liz is not working you can find her in nature hiking, kayaking, and snowboarding. She also enjoys live music, traveling, and creating art.

Maddie Guziak

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President
Maddie graduated from the University of Arizona in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After college she worked as an RN and specialized in neurosciences. She grew up in Orange County, CA and now resides in New York City. Currently, she is working the Northeast territory and is our boots on the ground in New York. In her free time, she loves to travel and explore all NYC has to offer!

Paul Guziak - CEO, Founder

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Founder
Our founder and CEO Paul is a native of Wisconsin and remains an avid Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Paul moved to Southern California and shortly after, founded South Bay Search with the commitment to integrity and visibility on behalf of the Insurance Industry. With pride, he has helped grow South Bay Search from a regionalized "boutique" search firm to an organization that is prominent on a national basis throughout the United States. Even after 32 years in the business, Paul is committed to staying up on all things insurance related and finding new and creative ways to service our clients. When not working, Paul enjoys spending his time with his wife Barbie and his two children Christy and Maddie. He also enjoys golf, skiing and traveling to new places.

Robert Caton - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President
Robert graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2000 with a BS in Business Administration/Marketing. Following graduation, Robert pursued a professional golf career and after 8 years of competitive amateur and professional golf, Robert met Paul and decided to pursue his professional career as a commercial insurance recruiter. His competitive nature, work ethic and genuine interest in helping people translated well for a career in recruiting. Robert is currently Executive Vice President, responsible for business development, growth and talent acquisitions in the Northeast territory. Now living in Murrieta, CA, Robert enjoys golfing, surfing, coaching baseball for his sons Owen and Bodhi and spending time with his wife, Heather.

Stacy Kerwin

Job Titles:
  • Office Manager
Stacy was born and raised in San Clemente, CA falling in love with the ocean near by. She spends her spare time by the water; snorkling, swimming, fishing or floating. Having worked as Veterinary Techincan for many years, she always keeps animals close by and often hikes with her dog Barley. A lover of life she is always awaiting the next adventure.