- Tom Szmanda and Tom Ackley Lead The Symicor Group with Years of Experience and Effective Management

Tom Szmanda – Principal

Tom is a former Bank President and CEO with over 27 years of experience in banking and human resource management. As a former educator, Tom enjoys the benefit of learning essential communication skills and gleaning a deep understanding of how to effectively motivate and develop employees.

Tom is skilled at identifying the best available talent through a disciplined interviewing process known as behavior-based interviewing. This process allows The Symicor Group to effectively provide the best available talent to our client firms. Our proven process also ensures that job candidates are offered positions that best match their desires, talents, and skills.

Tom has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

Jeanie Johnson – Director of Marketing

jeaniej@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Jeanie is a seasoned business professional with over 15 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur managing all facets of the business including Marketing, Finance, Sales, and Human Resources. She has been responsible for driving revenue growth while managing cost containment – yielding sustainable profit growth.

Jeanie enjoys many years of human resource management experience offering keen and savvy insight to Symicor Group clients and candidates. Jeanie is a graduate of Brigham Young University.

Bob Rud – Senior Recruiter – Independent Contractor

bobr@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Bob brings with him a 40-year career in the banking industry. Bob started his career in teller operations while in school and finished as President & CEO of a community bank in the Chicagoland area.

Bob has extensive experience in both large and small community banks. Bob also organized and started two De Novo banks. As a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer of community banks, he has an extensive background in operations, financial and regulatory reporting, lending, auditing, investments, leadership, and management.

Bob also has over 30 years of human resource management experience. His area of human resource expertise includes behavior-based interviewing, hiring and training – all within the banking field.

Tina Damron – Recruiter – Independent Contractor

tinad@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Tina is a senior professional with over 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry and more recently over 15 years of national recruiting experience.

She has full life cycle recruiting experience sourcing and interviewing candidates at all levels for technical and commercial roles for a wide range of global industries. A goal-oriented professional working in high-volume, time-sensitive environments, with a strong customer service orientation.

Tina sources passive candidates through personal networks and social media and is skilled in evaluating individuals to find the right organizational fit.

Roz Taylor – Senior Recruiter

rosalindt@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Roz has over fifteen years of experience as an Executive Bank Recruiter. During her career, she has earned the distinct honor of being a “Top Achiever” in the bank recruiting industry. Prior to becoming a recruiter she held executive bank positions such as Vice President of Cash Management, Operations, Branch, and Financial Services with two of the largest banking institutions in the country. Her success has been achieved through great partnerships and collaborative teamwork. Roz holds a Bachelors Degree from Texas Wesleyan University and is a SWGSBE (Southwest Graduate School of Banking) graduate from Southern Methodist University.

Jaime Schwartz – Marketing Associate

jaimes@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Jaime has served in various social services, administrative, and communications roles over the last seven years. As someone who strives to serve others and see needs met, she is motivated about placing candidates where their unique strengths will be most celebrated and appreciated. She joined The Symicor Group because she is convinced that the staff’s professional banking experience gives them advantageous insight and empathy toward clients, resulting in unparalleled, outstanding service.

Lee Szmanda – Associate Recruiter

lees@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Lee has seven years of customer service/relation experience in various industries. He is dedicated to exceeding the expectations of each client we serve. Lee enjoys strong organizational and leadership skills. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University Of Wisconsin – Parkside. Lee graduated in the top 35% of his class and was selected by faculty and scholars to be a part of the National Communication Honor Society.

Fran Mason – Recruiter – Independent Contractor

franm@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Fran enjoys over 20 years of human resources, sales, marketing experience. She has worked primarily in the financial services sectors and has over a decade of working in the banking space. She has worked heavily in the bank lending arena. Fran has assisted numerous banking candidates to secure a position that complements their long-term objectives.

Mike Storey – Recruiter – Independent Contractor

mikes@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Mike is an accomplished professional with 40 years of experience in Business and Product Development working with both Fortune 500 companies and Entrepreneurial Business Owners. In addition, Mike has an extensive background in Corporate Management, Commercial Finance, Loan Portfolio Management, and Capital Acquisition.

Mike has served as a senior member of several national trade associations in the Financial Services sector. He has also been an educational speaker at business and industry events as well as being published in business journals.

Jasmine Maher – Data Analyst

jasminem@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Jasmine has several years of experience in customer service management. She is adept at behavior-based interviewing, talent assessment and development, and human resources duties. She is an effective sales manager specializing in building relationships with clientele while ensuring a successful, unique, and genuine experience.

Tom Ackley – Special Projects Coordinator

toma@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Over the last 20 years, Tom has served in various operational, sales, and human resource leadership roles with various organizations throughout the nation. During his career, Tom has developed and managed company operations while streamlining processes yielding more efficient and productive organizations.

Emily Guzman – Marketing Associate

emily@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Emily has her bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in public relations. She also holds a master’s degree in education. Emily has worked in marketing and public relations. She has also previously worked as an educator for more than fifteen years. Emily has worked for a variety of companies, including in the customer service industry, as well as nonprofit organizations.

Angela Stewart – Marketing Associate

angelas@symi corgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Angela has 26 years of experience in customer service, management, sales, marketing, education and training. She has a focused and creative marketing acumen that enhances content delivery to her target group. With both strong verbal and written communication skills, Angela is a strong complement to our marketing team. Angela has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Washington-Seattle with a pre-medical background.

Jen Wells – Marketing Associate

jenw@symicorgroup.com (847) 325-5457

Jen offers 20 years of experience in customer service, management, and sales. Her diverse portfolio includes two published novels, numerous guest blogs, and several technical how-to manuals, showcasing her versatility and keen understanding of client needs.