Our Team

Mr. Michael A. Cook

Chief Employment Officer

At QuickHire™, we don’t have a Chief Executive Officer — we have a Chief Employment Officer. Why? Because connecting people to work isn’t just a business strategy, it’s our mission.

A Chicagoland native, Michael brings a unique blend of leadership, service, and experience to his role as Chief Employment Officer. A graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science & History, Michael built a foundation in understanding systems, people, and problem-solving.

Before leading QuickHire™, Michael proudly served in the Indiana Army National Guard as an Intelligence Analyst. During his service, he supported Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Warp Speed, and Operation Allies Welcome, contributing to both national defense and humanitarian missions. His dedication was recognized with multiple honors, and he is a recipient of the following awards, ribbons, & service medals: National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.

His career journey reflects resilience and versatility — from serving our country in the Indiana Army National Guard, to roles in manufacturing, hospitality, and public service. Michael has worked as a Metal Worker for Dynatect Manufacturing, a SpaceX partner, and one of the largest government contractors in the United States. Michael has also worked as an Assistant Manager for Choice Hotels International & Marriott, and has worked as a Security Officer for Federal Protection Agency. Michael’s background has equipped him with a deep respect for hard work at every level, and a keen eye for matching the right person to the right opportunity.

Michael has also served in the federal civil service as an Enumerator with the United States Census Bureau, earned recognition for his TED presentation at TEDx Ball State University, and dedicated years to volunteer work — from supporting special needs athletes with the Special Olympics to providing pro bono legal aid for low-income communities.

At QuickHire™, Michael leads with the belief that staffing isn’t about filling positions; it’s about building careers, strengthening businesses, and supporting communities. His diverse background, military discipline, and commitment to service give him a leadership style rooted in integrity and action.

Fun Fact: When Michael isn’t connecting employers with top talent, you’ll likely find him volunteering, coaching, or logging some flight hours in a Cessna 172.

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Ms. Kelly Chen

Chief People Officer

At QuickHire™, we know that people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why our Chief People Officer, Kelly Chen, leads with both compassion and precision — ensuring our culture, teams, and talent strategies reflect the best of who we are.

Originally from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Kelly grew up with a love of hospitality, service, and community. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and launched her career at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, including the Waldorf Astoria, Four Seasons, and Grand Hyatt in New York City. Her early career taught her what excellence in service truly means — lessons she now applies to building people-first workplace strategies at QuickHire™.

Kelly went on to pursue her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, combining her hospitality background with a sharp business acumen. She has since held leadership roles at Campbell’s Soup Company and Carnival Cruise Lines, where she honed her expertise in talent development, organizational growth, and employee engagement across diverse industries.

At QuickHire™, Kelly ensures that both our internal team and the thousands of candidates we support thrive in environments where people matter most. She is passionate about developing inclusive, empowering workplaces and about aligning people strategy with business success.

Outside of work, Kelly lives in Chicago with her husband, Ken, a professional scuba diver and surfer, and their two beloved Burmese cats, Simon & Oliver. She is a proud patron of the arts and supports the Art Institute of Chicago, and is a donor to the Museum of Science & Industry, where her curiosity and commitment to learning continue to grow. Whether she’s mentoring future leaders, exploring new cultures, or catching waves with Ken, Kelly embodies the spirit of balance, growth, and joy that she brings to QuickHire™ every day.

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Mr. Donald Erickson

Chief Operating Officer

At QuickHire™, operational excellence is the engine that drives everything we do — and at the helm of that engine is Donald Erickson, our Chief Operating Officer.

Born in Danbury, Connecticut in 1988, Donald grew up with a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and tradition. He attended the prestigious Kent School, where he was both a student leader and an athlete, before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Boston College in 2010.

Donald began his career as an Account Manager with Burlington Coat Factory in New Jersey, where he developed a deep understanding of business operations, logistics, and large-scale team management. His ability to balance strategy with execution made him a natural fit for leadership, eventually bringing him to QuickHire™, where those skills now guide our daily operations.

As Chief Operating Officer, Donald ensures that every placement, client partnership, and internal process runs smoothly. From recruiter coordination to compliance oversight, his leadership helps QuickHire™ scale efficiently while maintaining the high standards our clients and candidates expect.

Outside the office, Donald is a devoted husband to his wife Emily and a proud father of two. On weekends, you can find him sailing, fishing, or playing football and baseball with his son. These passions mirror his approach to work: balance, precision, and a love for building strong teams both on and off the field.

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Mr. David Rollins

Chief Marketing Officer

At QuickHire™, connecting great talent with great companies isn’t just about relationships — it’s about telling the right story. Leading that effort is David Rollins, our Chief Marketing Officer.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, David earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Wayne State University before launching his career in the marketing department at Whirlpool Corporation as an intern in 1998. He went on to work in the marketing department at the Bunn-O-Matic Corporation in 2002 where he developed a reputation for blending data-driven insights with creative strategy.

In 2007, David took his ambitions overseas, earning a Master of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics (2007–2009) before joining the Cadbury marketing team in London, where he played a key role in shaping international campaigns and learning the nuances of global brand strategy.

Today, as Chief Marketing Officer at QuickHire™, David draws on more than two decades of experience to build our brand, strengthen our client relationships, and attract the talent that powers businesses. His leadership ensures QuickHire™’s message is as clear as our mission: matching opportunity with excellence.

Outside the office, David is a devoted family man, married to his beloved wife Amy, with whom he is blessed to have raised two twin daughters, Abby and Emma. Whether crafting a marketing strategy or coaching his daughters’ soccer team, David brings the same focus, creativity, and commitment to everything he does.

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Mr. Alex Ramirez

Chief Financial Officer

When it comes to numbers, compliance, and financial integrity, we count on Alex Ramirez — the man who makes sure QuickHire™ stays balanced.

Originally from San Luis Obispo, California, Alex grew up with strong family values and a love of America’s pastime - baseball. He’s a proud brother to his sister Maria, a dedicated husband to his wife Anna, and an LA Dodgers fan through and through.

Alex earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from California Polytechnic State University (2003–2007) before pursuing his MBA at Stanford University (2012–2014). His career path has been as versatile as it is impressive: from software development and business analysis to serving as a Comptroller for Graphic Packaging Holding Company and an IT Manager for Therapeutic Mobility, a health-tech startup. Along the way, Alex built a reputation for pairing sharp analytical skills with a people-first approach to financial management.

At QuickHire™, Alex oversees our accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. His experience ensures that we remain fiscally sound and transparent as we connect businesses with talent at the speed of need.

When Alex isn’t keeping QuickHire™ in financial shape, you’ll find him spending time with Anna and their two children, Diego & Lupe, coaching Little League, or debating Dodgers trades. His love of baseball reflects the same qualities he brings to his work — strategy, teamwork, and consistency.

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Mr. Alex Wu

Chief Technology Officer

At QuickHire™, technology is more than a tool — it’s the backbone that keeps our talent moving at the speed of business. Leading that mission is Alex Wu, our Chief Technology Officer.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Alex graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science. His technical foundation and cross-disciplinary expertise gave him a unique perspective on how data and people intersect — a perspective he brings to QuickHire™ every day.

Alex began his career as an IT Engineer with Amgen Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he developed secure systems that supported critical healthcare research. In 2021, he advanced to Senior IT Engineer with Associated Security Corporation in East Hartford, Connecticut, managing infrastructure and ensuring data integrity for high-security operations. His experience across both biotech and security sectors prepared him to lead technology innovation at QuickHire™, where reliability and scalability are essential.

At QuickHire™, Alex oversees the development, security, and optimization of our technology platforms, ensuring both clients and candidates benefit from a seamless, secure, and efficient experience. From applicant tracking systems to data-driven staffing insights, Alex drives the innovation that keeps QuickHire™ ahead of the curve.

Outside the office, Alex is a Chicago Blackhawks fan who rarely misses a game, and in his downtime, he embraces adventure through skydiving — a hobby that reflects his bold, forward-thinking approach to technology and leadership.

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