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Leadership

We are led by proven senior executives with 100+ years of combined Energy, Environmental, Manufacturing, and Technology industry experience.
We are led by proven senior executives with 100+ years of combined Energy, Built Environment, Manufacturing, and Technology industry experience.

Tim Simmerly - TPG - headshot
Chief Executive Officer

Tim Simmerly

marni helfand
Chief HR Officer And General Counsel

Marni Helfand

professional headshot of John Wiley
Chief Technology Officer

Jon Whiley

Philip Monti CFO The Planet Group
Chief Financial Officer

Phil Monti

Russ Whitman
Chief Strategy Officer

Russ Whitman

professional headshot of Jim Pagliero
President, Planet Forward

Jim Pagliero

Mike Lazarz
Vice President of Sales

Mike Lazarz

Michelle Marion
Vice President of Recruiting

Michelle Marion

joey anderson
Vice President of Sales

Joey Anderson

Jenny Murino Schultz
Vice President of Sales

Jenny Murino-Schultz

We are led by proven senior executives with 100+ years of combined Energy, Environmental, Manufacturing, and Technology industry experience.
We are led by proven senior executives with 100+ years of combined Energy, Built Environment, Manufacturing, and Technology industry experience.

Tim Simmerly - TPG - headshot
Chief Executive Officer

Tim Simmerly

marni helfand
Chief HR Officer And General Counsel

Marni Helfand

professional headshot of John Wiley
Chief Technology Officer

Jon Whiley

Philip Monti CFO The Planet Group
Chief Financial Officer

Phil Monti

Russ Whitman
Chief Strategy Officer

Russ Whitman

professional headshot of Jim Pagliero
President, Planet Forward

Jim Pagliero

Jenny Murino Schultz

Jenny Murino-Schultz

Vice President of Sales
Mike Lazarz
Vice President of Sales

Mike Lazarz

joey anderson
Vice President of Sales

Joey Anderson

Michelle Marion
Vice President of Recruiting

Michelle Marion

Jim Pagliero

President, Planet Forward

Jim Pagliero has 20+ years of experience in the staffing industry. As company President, he oversees Planet Forward's strategy and operations, and leads a team of nearly 50 staffing professionals. Prior to joining the firm, he was the Regional Vice President of a leading provider of digital transformation services including technical and engineering staffing.

A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he has also held general manager and executive sales roles at other well-known staffing and consulting companies.

Russ Whitman

Chief Strategy Officer

A champion of the now and next, Chief Strategy Officer Russ Whitman leads the go-to-market strategy for Planet and its global consulting and staffing divisions. He has over 25 years of experience in digital product development, business and marketing and has successfully grown several AI, SaaS and cloud-based technology companies from startups to multi-million-dollar entities.

 
Before joining The Planet Group, he led strategy for Launch Consulting, an AI-first digital transformation firm that Planet acquired in June of 2022. Previously, he held various senior positions with technology leaders and global consulting companies. His passion for people and technology along with his ability to accelerate business aligned to industry trends have played a pivotal role in his success.

Jeff Dillenburg

Chief Operating Officer

Jeff Dillenburg brings over 20 years of experience in operations within the human capital consulting and staffing world to his role as Chief Operating Officer of The Planet Group and has a strong track record of success everywhere he has been. He was one of the first employees at both Inforte and Slalom Consulting and played an integral role in executing their high growth strategy as Managing Director.

Along with his Planet COO responsibilities, Jeff concurrently serves in the same capacity with Strive Consulting which The Planet Group acquired in December of 2021. Jeff has been with Strive since 2015 and has been instrumental in helping drive the strategy to restructure the organization from a staffing firm to a consulting firm.

Jeff brings a tremendous track record of success and hard work and is a thought leader that has used many innovative approaches to help construct some of the best delivery platforms in the business.

Jeff Dillenburg brings over 20 years of experience in operations within the human capital consulting and staffing world to his role as Chief Operating Officer of The Planet Group and has a strong track record of success everywhere he has been. He was one of the first employees at both Inforte and Slalom Consulting and played an integral role in executing their high growth strategy as Managing Director.

Along with his Planet COO responsibilities, Jeff concurrently serves in the same capacity with Strive Consulting which The Planet Group acquired in December of 2021. Jeff has been with Strive since 2015 and has been instrumental in helping drive the strategy to restructure the organisation from a staffing firm to a consulting firm.

Jeff brings a tremendous track record of success and hard work and is a thought leader that has used many innovative approaches to help construct some of the best delivery platforms in the business.

Tim Bauwens

Chief Financial Officer

Tim Bauwens is the CFO of The Planet Group of Companies and is responsible for accounting and reporting, financial planning, cash management, human resources, and risk management. He has over 25 years of corporate accounting and finance experience, having spent the early part of his career focused on mergers & acquisitions, mostly in the service and utilities sectors. Tim has spent the last ten years in the professional services and construction industries working with publicly traded and privately held companies with an emphasis on accelerated topline growth, improved cashflow, and maximizing return on investment. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Augustana College and holds a Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

Tim Bauwens is the CFO of The Planet Group of Companies and is responsible for accounting and reporting, financial planning, cash management, human resources, and risk management. He has over 25 years of corporate accounting and finance experience, having spent the early part of his career focused on mergers & acquisitions, mostly in the service and utilities sectors. Tim has spent the last ten years in the professional services and construction industries working with publicly traded and privately held companies with an emphasis on accelerated topline growth, improved cashflow, and maximising return on investment. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Augustana College and holds a Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

Tim Simmerly

Chief Executive Officer, The Planet Group

Tim Simmerly is the CEO of Planet Forward's parent company, The Planet Group, and drives the growth and innovation of our global consulting and staffing companies.

With more than twenty years of experience in talent and human capital services, Tim has been an integral part of The Planet Group since our inception in 2009, serving in multiple leadership roles and leading the launch of several of Planet's brands. He became CEO in September 2024 after serving as President for several years.

Tim's deep industry knowledge and visionary approach along with his leadership ability and operational excellence are key to his role in expanding The Planet Group into new market segments worldwide while ensuring our position at the forefront of human capital consulting and professional staffing.

Tim Simmerly is the CEO of Planet Forward's parent company, The Planet Group, and drives the growth and innovation of our global consulting and staffing companies.

With more than twenty years of experience in talent and human capital services, Tim has been an integral part of The Planet Group since our inception in 2009, serving in multiple leadership roles and leading the launch of several of Planet's brands. He became CEO in September 2024 after serving as President for several years.

Tim's deep industry knowledge and visionary approach along with his leadership ability and operational excellence are key to his role in expanding The Planet Group into new market segments worldwide while ensuring our position at the forefront of human capital consulting and professional staffing.

Andrew Streiter

President

Andrew is an accomplished leader in the recruitment industry with over 25 years of experience in sales strategy and management. Prior to joining Planet Forward, he served as CareerBuilder’s Senior Vice President of Staffing and Recruiting, which served nearly 98% of the top 150 staffing firms in the country and had more than 3,000 customers. In the role, Andrew led the sales strategy and product vision for one of the most critical segments in the world of recruitment, the staffing industry. He also served as Senior Vice President of their Managed Services division while running numerous regions as Vice President of Sales responsible for developing human capital strategies for a variety of organizations ranging from Fortune 1000 companies to mid-sized businesses. Andrew holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business and an undergraduate degree from West Virginia University.

Andrew is an accomplished leader in the recruitment industry with over 25 years of experience in sales strategy and management. Prior to joining Planet Forward, he served as CareerBuilder’s Senior Vice President of Staffing and Recruiting, which served nearly 98% of the top 150 staffing firms in the country and had more than 3,000 customers. In the role, Andrew led the sales strategy and product vision for one of the most critical segments in the world of recruitment, the staffing industry. He also served as Senior Vice President of their Managed Services division while running numerous regions as Vice President of Sales responsible for developing human capital strategies for a variety of organisations ranging from Fortune 1000 companies to mid-sized businesses. Andrew holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business and an undergraduate degree from West Virginia University.

Mike Lazarz

Vice President of Sales

Mike brings nearly 25 years of experience in sales and recruitment within the A&E, Environmental, Energy, and Construction Management industries. Mike is responsible for leading new national business development and developing staffing strategies to support our client’s project based needs. Mike joined the organization as Director of Sales in 2016 and served in that role until he was promoted in 2017 to his current position.

Mike brings nearly 25 years of experience in sales and recruitment within the A&E, Built Environment, Energy, and Construction Management industries. Mike is responsible for leading new national business development and developing staffing strategies to support our client’s project based needs. Mike joined the organisation as Director of Sales in 2016 and served in that role until he was promoted in 2017 to his current position.

Mike Lazarz

Vice President of Sales

Mike brings nearly 25 years of experience in sales and recruitment within the A&E, Environmental, Energy, and Construction Management industries. Mike is responsible for leading new national business development and developing staffing strategies to support our client’s project based needs. Mike joined the organization as Director of Sales in 2016 and served in that role until he was promoted in 2017 to his current position.

Mike brings nearly 25 years of experience in sales and recruitment within the A&E, Built Environment, Energy, and Construction Management industries. Mike is responsible for leading new national business development and developing staffing strategies to support our client’s project based needs. Mike joined the organisation as Director of Sales in 2016 and served in that role until he was promoted in 2017 to his current position.

Sam Craciun

Director of Recruitment

Sam has over seven years of technical staffing experience within the energy and environmental industries. Sam joined Planet Forward in 2012 as a recruiter and was involved in the start-up and development of the Oil & Gas division. He has held positions such as Business Development Manager and Recruiting Manager. In his current role, Sam is responsible for the overall growth, development, and delivery of the national recruitment team. Sam holds a Bachelors of Arts with an emphasis in communications from Malone University.

Sam has over seven years of technical staffing experience within the energy and built environment industries. Sam joined Planet Forward in 2012 as a recruiter and was involved in the start-up and development of the Oil & Gas division. He has held positions such as Business Development Manager and Recruiting Manager. In his current role, Sam is responsible for the overall growth, development, and delivery of the national recruitment team. Sam holds a Bachelors of Arts with an emphasis in communications from Malone University.

Joey Anderson

Vice President of Sales

Joey has over eight years of experience leading technical staffing within the Oil & Gas and energy industries. He joined Planet Forward in 2014 and has previously worked as a Business Development Manager and Director of Sales before being promoted to his current position, Vice President of Sales. Joey is a multi-faceted leader, responsible for the overall growth and management of key client relationships. He has an outstanding reputation with his proven ability to connect with clients and ensure all needs are met. Joey holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interpersonal Communication from Wheaton College. 

Joey has over eight years of experience leading technical staffing within the Oil & Gas and energy industries. He joined Planet Forward in 2014 and has previously worked as a Business Development Manager and Director of Sales before being promoted to his current position, Vice President of Sales. Joey is a multi-faceted leader, responsible for the overall growth and management of key client relationships. He has an outstanding reputation with his proven ability to connect with clients and ensure all needs are met. Joey holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interpersonal Communication from Wheaton College. 

Brandon Fobert

Vice President of Sales

Brandon has over ten years of business development and management experience within the Manufacturing and Technology industry, he has been an integral component of growing the Manufacturing division at Planet Forward. Through-out Brandon’s career, he has taken great pride in assisting his client’s growth by strategically partnering with each and taking the time to fully comprehend their needs. Brandon joined Planet Forward in 2015 as a Business Development Manager and was recently promoted to VP of Sales.

Brandon has over ten years of business development and management experience within the Manufacturing and Technology industry, he has been an integral component of growing the Manufacturing division at Planet Forward. Through-out Brandon’s career, he has taken great pride in assisting his client’s growth by strategically partnering with each and taking the time to fully comprehend their needs. Brandon joined Planet Forward in 2015 as a Business Development Manager and was recently promoted to VP of Sales.

Jenny Murino-Schultz

Vice President of Sales

As Vice President of Sales, Jenny Murino-Schultz brings a unique blend of business development and recruitment experience to the Planet Forward team. With over 12 years of industry experience, Jenny is a trusted client advisor offering innovative staffing solutions that allow her clients to identify and onboard top talent. Her energetic and positive approach to solving problems aids in creating valuable, long-term client relationships.

In addition to her role at Planet Forward, Jenny is active in her community by helping people get back into the workforce. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from John Carroll University.

As Senior Director of Sales, Jenny Murino-Schultz brings a unique blend of business development and recruitment experience to the Planet Forward team. With over 12 years of industry experience, Jenny is a trusted client advisor offering innovative staffing solutions that allow her clients to identify and onboard top talent. Her energetic and positive approach to solving problems aids in creating valuable, long-term client relationships.

In addition to her role at Planet Forward, Jenny is active in her community by helping people get back into the workforce. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from John Carroll University.

Marni Helfand

Chief HR Officer And General Counsel

Marni Helfand is the Chief HR Officer and General Counsel for The Planet Group. Marni oversees all legal and HR functions including providing training, advising on all areas of compliance, negotiating client agreements, managing litigation, and protecting the company's intellectual property. After leaving private practice with the law firm of Littler Mendelson, most of her career has been spent in the staffing and consulting industries. Prior to beginning her career, Marni received her Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations form Cornell University, and attained her JD Law Degree from Northwestern University's School of Law.

Jon Whiley 

Chief Technology Officer 

Jon Whiley is the CTO of The Planet Group of companies and is responsible for leading the firm's innovative technology strategy, including network infrastructure, system integrations, process improvements, new technology implementations, and IT support.

Jon has over 20 years of progressive tech and operations experience delivering transformative solutions that drive immediate business impact and continuous improvements across enterprises. During his career, he has designed competitive tools and adopted technology to optimize workflows and strengthen service delivery across multisite operations.

Prior to joining The Planet Group, Jon was Executive Vice President and CTO of Majestic Steel USA. A veteran of the US Marine Corps and graduate of Ohio University, he serves as a Governing Body Member of Evanta’s Midwest CIO group and is also involved with the Northeast Ohio chapter of SIM.

Phil Monti 

Chief Financial Officer 

Philip Monti is the CFO of The Planet Group and is responsible for driving the firm’s profitability as well as providing financial discipline and capital direction. With over two decades of senior financial leadership and a deep understanding of the global consulting and staffing industries, Phil excels at overseeing complex financial systems that serve enterprise-level organizations with thousands of employees.

He is a valued business partner with a strong record of balancing the interests of executive leadership and the board while also being a financial voice for the organization; navigating debt and equity capital transactions; and negotiating, closing and communicating M&A transactions in private equity and public company environments.

Prior to joining The Planet Group, Phil was Chief Financial Officer of DISYS where he helped guide the firm as a global staffing leader. Previously, he served in a variety of similar executive-level corporate finance roles with Signature Consultants and Acosta Sales & Marketing. A certified public accountant, Phil received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his Master’s in Accounting from the University of North Florida.

Michelle Marion

Vice President of Recruiting 
Michelle Marion brings more than two decades of specialized recruiting experience in the power generation and energy sectors to Planet Forward. As Vice President of Recruiting, she draws on a proven track record leading high-performing teams at top staffing and consulting organizations to oversee a growing group of more than 25 recruiters across the United States. 
 
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University and is committed to driving forward-thinking talent strategies that support Planet Forward’s continued growth and success.