Your Team

Karen Schmidt began her career in 2001 at Kaye/Bassman International, the largest single-site search firm in the Americas. She achieved Pacesetter status and revamped the company’s recruiting training program, later launched through Next Level Exchange. Over 3,000 search firms across 30 countries have since benefited from the program.

Since 2012, she’s assisted Sanford Rose Associates’ acquisition, guiding search firm owners as their chief architect. With her team, firms achieving $2M in production in 2020 saw over 100% increase in 2021. Karen and her team help leaders and their firms realize their full potential.

Jeff Kaye serves as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Kaye/Bassman International, Next Level Exchange, Starfish Partners, and Sanford Rose Associates International. Under his leadership, these organizations foster a culture of servant leadership, have achieved extraordinary retention rates, with a third of their 200 associates having over a decade of tenure. Jeff played a pivotal role in the growth of Next Level Exchange, now the world’s largest training and consulting firm for the search and staffing industry.

In 2012, Jeff spearheaded the acquisition of Sanford Rose Associates, leading to a remarkable 15X growth in network revenue in less than a decade. Additionally, he helped facilitate the merger of Kaye/Bassman with Direct Recruiters in 2022, forming Starfish Partners, and in 2023, he played a key role in establishing Dimensional Search, which quickly became the fastest-growing search network in the country for new startup firms.

He is one of the most respected and experienced experts and advisors in the recruiting industry and has received numerous industry awards both personally and for his organizations.

Nicholas Turner serves as the Co-Chief Executive Officer, bringing over 27 years of expertise in the search and recruiting industry with a specialized focus on operations, finance, and business management. His comprehensive role integrates responsibilities typically associated with COO, CFO, and CTO positions, emphasizing a unified and strategic approach to executive leadership.  Nick enjoys the opportunity to work with a highly skilled and talented group of specialists across all Operational and Financial duties.  

“Without my friends comprising of the most talented and tenured team in all of Search and Recruiting, I would be the most insignificant and useless individual across all of the companies we own, operate and support.” -Nick Turner

Nick’s operational oversight is crucial for the seamless functioning of the company’s business activities. He expertly supports internal processes, customer engagement, and aligns technology with business objectives. Including a critical strategic role supporting the leadership team responsible for IT infrastructure and data security and implementing technological systems that support the company’s operational and financial frameworks.

In his financial role, Nick not only authored the financial and operational models, but he also directs all aspects of the organization’s financial health, encompassing financial planning, risk management, equity management, data analysis, and record-keeping. His responsibilities afford him to work hand in hand with a group of brilliant financial minds responsible for financial reporting to senior management, crafting budgets, managing cash flows, and aligning financial strategies with the overall business goals.

Strategically, Nick is instrumental in guiding the company through growth phases, such as mergers and acquisitions, by conducting due diligence and integrating new assets to enhance the company’s market presence. He also designs and implements revenue and expense management strategies to ensure profitability and financial stability.

Beyond his operational, financial, and strategic contributions, Nick is highly regarded for his public presence in the industry. He has been a key speaker at numerous industry conferences, where his education offers unique operational insights with other business owners, earning Nick a reputation as a thought leader. His insights have been featured in prominent business publications such as the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, further cementing his status as an expert in operational and financial strategies.

Nick enjoys a rich personal life with his wife, Lauren, and their four children. His commitment to excellence and integrity is evident in every aspect of his personal and professional endeavors, making him a pillar in both his family and the business community.

As President and CEO of Direct Recruiters (DRI) and Managing Director and Board Member of Starfish Partners, Dan Charney has been a pivotal figure in elevating both organizations to new heights. Under his guidance, DRI and Starfish have burgeoned into a globally acclaimed, award-winning search firm and investment platform. Today, these entities boast a dynamic team of over 250 colleagues and manage hundreds of franchises worldwide.

With a career spanning over 25 years at Direct Recruiters, Dan’s journey through various roles within the company has equipped him with invaluable hands-on experience. This deep insight into the intricacies of executive search and talent management has been instrumental in shaping his strategic vision and operational excellence.

Dan’s thought leadership is frequently sought after by top-tier Human Capital and business journals. He is regarded as a go-to expert on topics such as succession planning, the impact of technology and AI on leadership, and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition and management.

In 2013, Dan was rightfully recognized as a part of the prestigious “Forty Under Forty” by Crain’s Cleveland Business Magazine, celebrating his significant contributions to the business community in Cleveland. His expertise is not only recognized in publications but also valued in professional circles where he is often invited to share his knowledge and strategies with other executive search firms nationwide, helping to elevate industry standards.

Dan holds a Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, reflecting his strong academic grounding which has supported his professional endeavors. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he is actively involved in the community, serving on several nonprofit boards. This commitment underscores his dedication not just to business success but also to societal betterment.

Dan Charney remains a formidable leader in the executive search industry, continuously driving innovation and excellence. His leadership not only propels Direct Recruiters and Starfish Partners forward but also makes a significant impact on the broader industry and community. As the business landscape evolves, Dan’s foresight and adaptability position him, and the organizations he leads, at the forefront of change.

Ryan Lange began working at Direct Recruiters in 2009 as a Recruiter. In 2016, Ryan was named as a Managing Partner. Over his time at DRI, Ryan has been a vital contributor to the placement of exceptional talent for client companies. In addition, his outstanding leadership qualities have resulted in the expansion of the GovTech, EdTech, CyberTech & Unified Communications practice areas. His emphasis on investing in people and culture allowed him to build a talented and successful team of top-performing recruiters. Ryan Lange is a valuable and resourceful government technology (GovTech) recruiter, education technology (EdTech) recruiter, electronic security recruiter, IT security recruiter, and traffic and transportation technology recruiter.

Ryan is energetic, dedicated, and driven to succeed which is evident by his distinguished title as the winningest wrestler in Purdue University’s history. His athletic accomplishments include two-time Big Ten Champion and two-time NCAA Division 1 All-American. In addition, he served 3 years as a Division 1, NCAA wrestling coach.

Ryan is an avid Cleveland and Purdue Boilermaker sports fan, enjoys working out and spending time with his wife (Amanda), daughter (Emma) and son (Caleb).

In his role as Network Advisor with Starfish Partners, Jon is uniquely qualified to connect with partners looking to monetize some of the value of their firms, take on strategic advisors, and receive capital to ignite their business growth. With the combination of cash for the owner, investment capital in the business, and equity in the overall enterprise of Starfish Partners, this is a rare opportunity designed to transform our industry for those who are capable, successful, eager, willing, and hungry to grow. As a quintessential serial entrepreneur, Jon is a thought leader, trainer, speaker, and consultant on all aspects of Entrepreneurship, Human Capital, Talent Management and Performance Management.

Jon founded Jonathan Scott International in 1998 after a successful 14-year career in the Supply Chain Technology Sector. As part of the Management Recruiters International Network, JSI quickly achieved industry-leading success as one of an elite group of executive recruiters who billed over $1 million annually while building a multi-million dollar Top 10 Office. Jon sold his recruiting firm in 2012 to a large healthcare consulting firm, and after a three-year stint as President, he founded Global People in 2015. Specializing in mutually committed search and contract staffing, GPS has 7 offices in 5 different countries, focusing on Warehouse Automation and Supply Chain technologies.

In 2008, Jon built the leading performance analytics tool for the recruiting industry: Revenue Performance Management. The RPM Dashboard is an Analytics and Developmental tool that focuses on taking staffing and recruiting professionals on a path to achieving their performance potential.

People focused on performance hitting their potential and vision. That has been Jon’s life work.

Michelle is Partner – Business Development for Sanford Rose Associates International and Next Level Exchange.  Michelle oversees all the business development and sales of Sanford Rose Associates through bringing in new members to the network along with heading up sales for the consulting, training, coaching and hiring with Next Level Exchange.  She is responsible for serving search firm owners and recruiters as they seek avenues for professional growth and continuous improvement.  Michelle leads the Sanford Rose Associates referral program to help cultivate future relationships through our continuously growing network and also runs our Next Level Hiring division, a team dedicated to identifying future legends in the search industry for our Next Level clients. Michelle’s background in Sales, Public Relations, Marketing and Recruiting have helped fuel her success and passion for helping search firm owners achieve their goals of growth. Her passion for cultivating relationships and knowledge of the search industry is part of what makes her such a valued consultant to both Sanford Rose offices and Next Level Exchange clients. Michelle received her BFA from Stephen F. Austin State University and attended the University of Central Oklahoma for her Masters in Writing.

As Senior Advisor of Client Success, Erin Bent leads new office development for the entirety of Sanford Rose Associates. Erin began her career in search as a recruiter in the Consumer Products industry and served her clients and candidates for well over a decade before transitioning to a leadership role within the organization. Erin’s experience in search created a natural pathway for her to mentor and train new recruiters entering the industry, as well as tenured recruiters desirous of elevating their competencies and capabilities. Due to Erin’s depth of experience, prospective as well as new SRA owners rely heavily on her insights and guidance as they enter this next phase of their professional careers. Erin brings with her not just her own best practices from running a successful search practice, but the best practices gathered from coaching and consulting recruiters and owners around the globe.

Erin graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Communications. Erin resides in Plano, Texas with her husband Brian and their two children, Madison and Griffin.

Laura Burgess serves as Senior Advisor, Client Success, for our family of companies. She brings a robust background in executive search including two decades of award-winning excellence as a leadership coach, sales performance consultant and global speaker. Her expertise is enabling business owners and recruiting professionals to surpass their targets by applying an empowering mindset, laser focused action plans and data-driven accountability.

Her passion for changing lives and strengthening businesses drives her to guide others in exceeding their wildest goals while navigating the complexities of recruitment, as well as experiencing joy while on the journey. She has diligently led the launch, significant growth and scaling of hundreds of talent solutions firms worldwide.

Previously, as Vice President of Shepherd Search Group, her strategic input was crucial in doubling their size and achieving an 89% team retention rate, thus securing recognition on Inc. Magazine’s list of America’s fastest-growing companies. Additionally, her commitment to client success and new business development was integral in realizing year-over-year sales increases, including a 50% surge in new business.

Earlier in her career, she served as Senior Director of Global Learning & Talent Development for MRINetwork where she received the President’s Club Award for leadership, collaboration and cross-functional partnerships. In addition to leading a world class team committed to timeless and trending best practices, she led the revamp of new franchise owner training and onboarding, thus increasing the experiences of success versus survival.

For over 25 years, Greg Doersching has been recognized as one of the most innovative voices in the recruiting industry, having mentored and trained thousands of recruiters and hundreds of search firm owners with a thorough style and step-by-step training approach that is hard to beat. Greg has a rare combination of the in-the-trenches tactical ability to teach and mentor everyone from the newest recruiters to the more experienced emerging leaders all the way up to being able to credibly consult with the most veteran owners in the industry.

The coaching Greg provides for our Sanford Rose organizations is designed to fill an ever-increasing need in our industry for individualized consulting at both a desk and an owner level. Throughout his career, Greg has been on the leading edge of constantly developing new strategies, tactics and training that incorporate the latest in technologies with current market realities so search firms can become even more productive using the latest best practices in today’s ever-changing market. Greg has presented hundreds of workshops and keynote addresses for organizations such as the National Association of Personnel Services, American Staffing Association and the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services, Fordyce Forum and numerous Regional, State, and Local groups.

He is consistently rated as one of the top presenters for each conference and is the recipient of the NAPS Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Recruiting Industry.

Seasoned coach, trainer, and producer Christine Geiger brings over thirty years of expertise to our family of companies, and often shares that her career in professional search began at age six (wink wink). Christine joined Next Level Exchange in 2016 while continuing to excel at delivering Director to C-level professionals to her clients in life sciences. In 2018, she transitioned her practice to her best hire, a present-day one-million-dollar-plus annual producer. As Senior Director of Training, Christine has trained and guided over one thousand new and experienced recruiters in foundational and advanced search essentials.

As a Senior Advisor Client Success for Sanford Rose Associates and Dimensional Search, Christine deploys her robust expertise to drive progress and growth for the Owners and firms she coaches. Always high-energy, her passion is to pay it forward and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Her in-depth and direct approach to consulting is always wrapped with genuine care for those fortunate to work with her.

A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Christine has two grown children and resides with her husband and favorite pooch in greater Atlanta.

Lil started her tenured recruiting career by joining a Management Recruiters International (MRI) franchise office in the late 70s in a sales role, then was quickly promoted and assumed the role GM over a 4 (46 desks) business units. Lil then joined MRI corporate leading design and launch of many of the Training and Development programs (the basis of the training still used today across the industry), and she ultimately assumed the role of corporate sponsor for the Top 50 Office program (the largest and most successful offices across the network) worldwide. Prior to her retirement in 2014, Lil developed a consulting model used with top customers to evaluate their business structure, process and talent for accelerated growth and enhanced performance in the network’s top performing operations. After retirement, Lil launched a consulting practice for a select group of firms that she is partnering with focused on scaling their businesses and organization design. She continues to be a frequent speaker at business forums, industry events and global meetings. Lil received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration with Post Graduate Work in Political Futures from the University of Texas and University of Houston. She is married and currently resides in Dallas, Texas.

As Managing Director and Partner at Starfish Partners and Kaye/Bassman International, Jeff Wittenberg has built a 27-year career advising organizations on developing and executing effective strategies across talent management, organizational development, leadership development, and strategic planning.

Jeff began his executive search career in 1998 with Kaye/Bassman’s Construction Practice, where he played a pivotal role in growing the firm into one of the largest and most respected search practices serving the construction and real estate industries. In addition to his client work, Jeff contributed to firmwide leadership through his involvement in talent acquisition, training and development, and overall governance.

Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of North Texas G. Brint Ryan College of Business, where he has also served on the Advisory Board for the Construction Engineering Technology Program and the Professional Leadership Program. He is actively involved in community and philanthropic efforts through Kaye/Bassman’s Charitable Foundation, Attitudes & Attire, and Dress for Success Dallas. Outside of his professional endeavors, Jeff has coached two nationally ranked select soccer programs and previously competed in semiprofessional soccer.

As a member of the Talent Acquisition team for Sanford Rose Associates International, Danielle manages productive partnerships with executive search firm owners by conducting the internal hiring process among the individual organizations. Danielle identifies future talent for those owners through an extensive process of sourcing, screening, recruiting, and interviewing candidates. She focuses on maintaining relationships with quality candidates & discovering key players in the active market to join the teams of our Sanford Rose offices. Danielle attended University of North Texas & graduated with a Bachelors in Marketing & Sales; her passion is helping search firm owners achieve their goals of growth.

As a member of the Talent Acquisition team for Sanford Rose Associates International, Ashlee cultivates and manages dynamic partnerships with executive search firm owners and their prospective team members to ensure a match that leads to revenue driving results for both. Ashlee identifies future talent for those owners through an extensive process of sourcing, screening, interviewing and recruiting candidates. She focuses on fostering relationships with quality candidates & discovering superstars in an active market to join the teams of our Sanford Rose offices. Ashlee attended UTSA and graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology & Sociology. She has a passion for both personal growth and assisting others in their own professional goals.

As a member of the Talent Acquisition team for Sanford Rose Associates and Next Level Exchange, Breanna utilizes her communication skills to build and maintain relationships with independent executive search firm owners. She delivers top-quality talent by sourcing, screening, and interviewing candidates. She has a passion for enriching the quality of life of individuals around her and promoting positivity to anyone she has the pleasure of speaking with. Her goal is to ensure that her client’s expectations are always met by connecting them with the best candidates.

Breanna attended the University of North Texas and graduated with a Bachelors in Consumer Experience Management. Outside of work, she enjoys being active outside, traveling, and reading a good book

As a talent acquisition team member for Next Level Exchange and Sanford Rose Associates International, Llauren manages progressive partnerships with executive search firm owners to ensure she delivers the most qualified and motivated individuals. Llauren identifies future top talent by sourcing, screening, recruiting, and interviewing utilizing numerous platforms. Her goal is to build and maintain client relationships, and is exhilarated when she can enhance the lives of others. Llauren began her professional career in the hospitality industry, where she cultivated her passion for meeting and working with new people. Her nine years of experience in hospitality gave way to a smooth transition to the mortgage industry – another relationship-driven industry. Llauren’s ability to connect with people and help them navigate complex situations led her to pursue a career in talent acquisition. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her son Hendrix, traveling to any beach, and shopping!

Darren McDougal is the CMO of Sanford Rose Associates International in addition to serving as Managing Partner of Kaye/Bassman International and Managing Director of Next Level Exchange. Darren’s role is the overall direction of the Sanford Rose Associates brand and marketing communications strategies. His corporate marketing career began in 1988 in a Fortune 500 retail firm. In 1993, Darren founded the MCD Group, providing broadcast media production and consulting, web development and IT solutions to the financial services, entertainment, technology and recruiting/staffing industries. Darren has designed and delivered scalable online solutions including corporate Intranet and training systems, online training programs (and their monetization), corporate websites, social media strategies, mobile websites and brand management programs. Darren is an industry resource for marketing communication strategies and has been featured online and in print including The Fordyce Letter, The Dallas Morning News, Dallas Business Journal, NBC, Mix Magazine, Marquee Magazine, Adweek, B2B Magazine, Incentive Magazine and Odwyers PR Daily. Darren resides in Frisco, Texas with his wife Trenda and several rescued pets. His family is active in community and charitable organizations. He enjoys his family, golf, mixed martial arts, music, movies and vintage automobiles.

As Director of Client Services in Digital Marketing for Sanford Rose Associates International, Aysha’s role is to lead the marketing team in developing, supporting and maintaining cutting-edge marketing communication solutions. Aysha joined Kaye/Bassman in 2008 as a Project Consultant specializing in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry focusing her efforts primarily in a recruiting role. During her tenure on the Pharmaceutical team, she was quickly promoted to Project Manager, increasing her responsibility in assisting candidates through the search process as well as qualifying for Pacesetter status within the organization.

Aysha graduated from San Jose State University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. She also serves as the Director of Client Services in Digital Marketing for Kaye/Bassman International as well as Next Level Exchange. Her creative contribution is at the core of the road map to SRAI’s future brand. From possible design enhancement, website upgrades and fresh new ideas, Aysha is a catalyst in implementation. Her previous work experience and business oriented background has equipped her with great work ethic and a firm foundation in the executive search world.

Scott brings over 20 years of graphic and web design experience to the SRA team. He has spent most of his career helping small businesses with their branding for both print and digital advertising and marketing. Prior to moving to the United States, Scott spent 5 years working freelance for several design and multi-media clients on projects for international energy companies, national television networks, recruitment agencies, and a variety of small businesses. Scott graduated from Griffith University in Australia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Design. Scott was born in New Zealand, and spent 20 years living in Australia.

As a Digital Marketing Communications Specialist, Amber Dugan works side by side with the MarCom team to collaborate and assist on all marketing related projects for Sanford Rose Associates International and each of our SRA offices. Recognizing that SRA owners have a vested interest in retaining and growing their individual brand equity, Amber specializes in global branding and support, enabling each of our offices to leverage her efforts in taking their brand to their own next level. Amber graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Management and Marketing with a certification in Management Information Systems. She is originally from West Texas and in her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Andrew Miller is the Digital Marketing Specialist for Sanford Rose Associates where he develops websites and designs various types of marketing material. He was born and raised in Connecticut and after graduating high school, Andrew moved to Texas to attend Southern Methodist University, where he earned a degree in Creative Advertising and Anthropology. Over the past several years, he has worked in many aspects of marketing including graphic and web design. He also owned an art studio for 5 years and hand worked as an independent videographer, where he eventually won 3 awards for his creative work. In his free time, he loves pursuing film and photography projects, as well as, attending the opera, cooking and playing video games. He and his wife, an Esthetician that runs her own business, live in McKinney, TX with their daughter and two dogs: a Pushon and a Pitbull.

Julius Gray is the Digital Marketing Coordinator for Sanford Rose Associates. He researches current marketing trends and develops marketing strategies and designs based on his findings. Julius was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; he later moved to Texas and attended The University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing and Management. Over the past several years, he has worked in many aspects of the design world, including marketing, fine arts, and digital design. He also owns a fine art company and has had his creative work purchased, awarded, and acknowledged by various global businesses. In his free time, he loves working on exemplary art projects, advocating for fitness, attending sporting events, playing video games and spending quality time with his friends, family and especially his dog, Karmella Rose.

As Content Marketing Manager for Sanford Rose Associates International, Asad manages the blog and newsletter content for several SRA offices. His role can be summed up in three words – creating superior content.

Asad views content as a way for offices to provide value and build connections with their target audience. He has helped recruiting offices in several industries including the healthcare, construction, technology, and finance industries foster their credibility through content such as blog articles, web content, case studies, and e-books. His marketing campaigns have helped multiple offices land in the top 5 rankings on Google searches and and increased overall website traffic.

Asad has always enjoyed reading and writing and has a BA in English from the University of California in Santa Barbara and a Master of Education from the University College of London. He lives in Dallas and when not working, he enjoys going to new restaurants with his wife and playing sports with his friends. He also likes parks, hiking, and just about anything outdoors.

Brian Denton brings over fifteen years of experience in Information Technology to the network of Sanford Rose Associates International and is acutely aware of how technology has dramatically changed the way search firm owners plan, manage, measure and accomplish their organizational objectives. His expertise includes both commercial and residential markets and he is adept in numerous technology solutions to streamline production workflow. He provides network infrastructure support including assistance and troubleshooting for both hardware and software issues, as well as expertise for recruiting tools support and maintenance, new hire configuration and applicant tracking software systems. Brian believes that technology, when implemented and managed properly, allows the SRA Network to maintain focus on their business and, more importantly their clients businesses. His experience spans from being the IT Administrator for a $12 million search firm to a prior life as a recruiter searching for IT professionals in various markets. Brian enjoys watching almost any sport, with baseball and hockey being his favorites. He is also an avid aviation enthusiast.

Kelly Siebert is the Sr. Director of Operations of Sanford Rose Associates International and Next Level Exchange as well as Owner with Kaye/Bassman International. Kelly oversees all internal operational systems, roles and functions, and serves as a liaison to the new franchise office owners during the entire onboarding process into the SRA Network. She also handles all event, conference and incentive trip logistics for Sanford Rose Associates International, Next Level Exchange, and Kaye/Bassman International. Kelly started at Kaye/Bassman in 2002, specializing in the continued enhancement of the finance and operations team of Kaye/Bassman. Over the years she has become a core component in the growth and development of the operational finance models, systems and structures throughout all three companies – SRAI, NLE and KBIC. Her leadership, loyalty and work ethic are at the center of SRAI’s success in the operational finance sector of the network. Kelly graduated from The Art Institute of Dallas, Texas with a degree in Applied Arts. Kelly resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband Keith and their son Gavin and fur-baby Calypso. And although their physical residence is in Dallas, their hearts are always in the mountains!

Trey Matthews is the Business and Operations Analyst of Sanford Rose Associates International, Next Level Exchange and Kaye/Bassman International. Trey specializes in the business practice of identifying, analyzing and improving existing business processes to optimize performance, meet best practice standards or simply improve quality and the user experience for customers and end-users. Trey is also a certified power user in Excel, Google Sheets, and Smartsheet.

Trey started at Kaye/Bassman in 2019, specializing in the continued enhancement of the finance and operations team of Kaye/Bassman. In a brief time, Trey has become a core component in the growth and development of the operational finance models, systems and structures throughout all three companies – SRAI, NLE and KBIC. His passion, work ethic and creative problem solving are at the center of SRAI’s success in the operational finance sector of the network.

Trey graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Science & Administration. Trey lives in McKinney, Texas with his wife Ashley and fur-baby Axel.