Bios
Executive Search
Andrew Georgelos
Managing Director
[email protected]
312-930-1068
Andrew Georgelos, Managing Director
Andrew Georgelos co-founded Access Search, Inc. in 1998 after enjoying a successful career in finance with Baxter International & Platinum Technology (a $1B software company). His past industry finance and accounting experience has proven invaluable in understanding the needs of his clients and in assessing financial talent. Prior to starting his current firm, Andrew started his career in Executive Search at a Chicago based boutique search firm specializing in financial and accounting placement.
His experience in Executive Financial Search spans several industries including diversified financial services, technology & software, diversified manufacturing, medical products & pharmaceuticals, consumer products, consulting and distribution. Andrew’s clients range from the Fortune 500 to private equity backed startups. He has successfully recruited and filled positions throughout the entire CFO’s organization from financial planning & strategy to SEC reporting and financial audit.
In addition, Andrew has been adept at partnering with his financial services clients in filling key roles within investment banking, asset management, equity research, and financial consulting. Andrew graduated in 1993 with a B.S. in Accounting from Michigan State University.
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His experience in Executive Financial Search spans several industries including diversified financial services, technology & software, diversified manufacturing, medical products & pharmaceuticals, consumer products, consulting and distribution. Andrew’s clients range from the Fortune 500 to private equity backed startups. He has successfully recruited and filled positions throughout the entire CFO’s organization from financial planning & strategy to SEC reporting and financial audit.
In addition, Andrew has been adept at partnering with his financial services clients in filling key roles within investment banking, asset management, equity research, and financial consulting. Andrew graduated in 1993 with a B.S. in Accounting from Michigan State University.
Brian Jannusch
Managing Director
[email protected]
312-930-1065
Brian Jannusch, Managing Director
Brian co-founded Access Search, Inc. in 1998 after successfully holding a variety of financial roles with Baxter International and Platinum Technology. His client base spans several industries, including financial services, Fortune 500 manufacturing and distribution, start-up technology and services companies, and middle market private equity backed companies. While Brian has specialized in filling roles at all levels within the CFO’s organization, he has also successfully completed searches for leadership roles within Information Technology and Human Resources
Brian graduated with Highest Honors from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Finance. He started his career with Baxter International in the Financial Development Program. While at Baxter, Brian held financial positions at the manufacturing facility level, the business unit level, and in corporate treasury. After his time at Baxter, Brian moved to Platinum Technology (a $1B software company) as a Finance Manager. At Platinum, he had full financial responsibility for two operating units and five acquisitions.
Brian’s industry experience has proven extremely valuable in helping him to understand his client’s needs and evaluate the talent level and expertise of the candidates he delivers.
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Brian graduated with Highest Honors from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Finance. He started his career with Baxter International in the Financial Development Program. While at Baxter, Brian held financial positions at the manufacturing facility level, the business unit level, and in corporate treasury. After his time at Baxter, Brian moved to Platinum Technology (a $1B software company) as a Finance Manager. At Platinum, he had full financial responsibility for two operating units and five acquisitions.
Brian’s industry experience has proven extremely valuable in helping him to understand his client’s needs and evaluate the talent level and expertise of the candidates he delivers.
Cathryn Burns
Managing Director
[email protected]
312-930-9581
Cathryn Burns, Managing Director
Cathryn Burns joined Access Search in 1999 shortly after it was formed and has been instrumental in its growth and success. With over 20 years of recruiting experience, Cathryn takes great pride in delivering the best available talent to her clients while mitigating the inherent distractions associated with any recruiting process. This approach has enabled Cathryn to maintain the highest level of client satisfaction while building long-term relationships with a broad spectrum of clients. Cathryn’s industry expertise is broad-based and extends to successful placements in a variety of industries including: asset management; real estate; insurance; professional services; pharmaceuticals; manufacturing; and software. Cathryn has earned a reputation for working passionately and urgently for her clients and has filled financial and accounting roles within all levels of the CFO’s organization. In addition, Cathryn has successfully recruited and placed candidates in investment operations, compliance, consulting and investment banking.
Cathryn graduated with High Honors from the University of Illinois, with a B.S. in Accounting and earned her CPA. Prior to joining Access Search, Cathryn gained valuable industry experience as an external auditor with KPMG and later joined a Chicago-based boutique executive search firm. Cathryn resides in Chicago with her husband and son.
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Cathryn graduated with High Honors from the University of Illinois, with a B.S. in Accounting and earned her CPA. Prior to joining Access Search, Cathryn gained valuable industry experience as an external auditor with KPMG and later joined a Chicago-based boutique executive search firm. Cathryn resides in Chicago with her husband and son.
Vijay A. Bhagavan
Managing Director
[email protected]
312-930-1154
Vijay A. Bhagavan, Managing Director
Vijay Bhagavan joined Access Search in 2003 after starting his career in audit with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Before joining Access Search, Vijay spent four years gaining valuable search experience with a national search firm. Today, he brings 20 years of blended experience to his robust and diverse client base that includes investment management firms, Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized public and private companies, family offices and technology start-up ventures. Vijay believes in developing and strengthening the relationships he has with his clients. Through these relationships, Vijay has been able to develop a deep understanding of the companies he represents and this has helped him identify candidates that fit the personality and culture of his client base. In addition to filling roles within the CFO’s organization, Vijay has been especially successful filling front office finance positions within specialty lenders, hedge funds, private equity firms, and traditional asset managers.
Vijay graduated with Honors from Indiana University with a B.S. in Accounting and passed the CPA exam in the state of Illinois. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Vijay moved to Chicago in 1997 and currently lives in Elmhurst with his wife and daughter.
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Vijay graduated with Honors from Indiana University with a B.S. in Accounting and passed the CPA exam in the state of Illinois. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Vijay moved to Chicago in 1997 and currently lives in Elmhurst with his wife and daughter.
Lee C. Black
Managing Director
[email protected]
312-930-1104
Lee C. Black, Managing Director
Lee’s executive search career started in 1998 with a boutique firm that focused on the placement of finance and accounting professionals. In 2003, Lee joined Access Search where he has developed a client base that spans a broad spectrum of industries including real estate, private equity, leveraged finance and consumer products firms. For these clients, Lee has successfully completed searches within all functional areas of a CFO’s organization including financial reporting, accounting, audit and financial planning and analysis. After graduating from Michigan State University, Lee moved to Chicago to join the audit practice of KPMG. While at KPMG, Lee focused on clients in the real estate, software and technology industries.
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Lindsey Sorensen
Managing Director
[email protected]
312-930-1076
Lindsey Sorensen, Managing Director
Lindsey Sorensen joined Access Search in February 2004. With a strong foundation in audit of investment management firms and over a decade of experience in executive search, she brings a well-rounded expertise. She has developed a robust client base across all industries and organizational sizes. Her clients include hedge funds, private equity funds, real estate investment trusts, investment banks, management consulting firms, Fortune 500 companies and high growth start-ups. She has achieved a reputation for being dedicated and persistent, even in the toughest of searches. Clients appreciate her sincere approach to recruiting and commitment to integrity.
Lindsey graduated from Michigan State University in 2002. She started her career in audit with Arthur Andersen and KPMG, where she specialized in financial services. Her clients consisted of diversified alternative asset managers, hedge funds, private equity funds and banks. Her experience in audit has been invaluable in helping her understand the needs of clients and candidates. Lindsey was born and raised in Michigan. She and her husband have made Chicago their home since college.
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Lindsey graduated from Michigan State University in 2002. She started her career in audit with Arthur Andersen and KPMG, where she specialized in financial services. Her clients consisted of diversified alternative asset managers, hedge funds, private equity funds and banks. Her experience in audit has been invaluable in helping her understand the needs of clients and candidates. Lindsey was born and raised in Michigan. She and her husband have made Chicago their home since college.
Nate Anderson
Director
[email protected]
312-993-1504
Nate Anderson, Director
Nate found his way to Chicago for college after growing up in Minnesota and Kansas City. He graduated from the liberal arts college, North Park University on the north side of the city with a dual degree in Business and Spanish. He then worked in marketing and recruiting for his alma mater for five years. Upon realizing his keen interest in people and in establishing meaningful relationships along with his passion for results-driven work, Nate decided to join the search industry with Access Search, Inc. With over a decade of financial staffing experience, Nate continues to maintain a large network of clients and candidates in the Chicagoland area.
When not at work, Nate can be found spending time with his wife, running along the lakefront path, volunteering with youth or attempting to speak street Spanish with anyone willing.
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When not at work, Nate can be found spending time with his wife, running along the lakefront path, volunteering with youth or attempting to speak street Spanish with anyone willing.
Judith (Yoo) Murzyn
Director
[email protected]
312-930-1109
Judith (Yoo) Murzyn, Director
Judith graduated from Villanova University in 2011 with degrees in Accounting and International Business. Originally from New Jersey, Judith moved to Chicago and joined the Assurance Practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. After several years at PwC, Judith joined Access Search in 2014 as a recruiter. Judith is passionate about creating and maintaining long lasting relationships, which has been a key to her success.
Outside of work, Judith loves to explore the Chicago restaurant scene, but isn’t afraid to experiment in her kitchen. An avid runner, Judith has completed several half marathons as well as the Chicago Marathon in 2015. Judith also enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her husband and two dogs.
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Outside of work, Judith loves to explore the Chicago restaurant scene, but isn’t afraid to experiment in her kitchen. An avid runner, Judith has completed several half marathons as well as the Chicago Marathon in 2015. Judith also enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her husband and two dogs.
Sonia Golden
Director
[email protected]
312-930-1071
Sonia Golden, Director
Sonia brings over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, finance and accounting experience concentrated in the real estate and banking industries. Prior to joining Access Search, she served as a Fractional CFO handling clients in a variety of industries and managing a team of CFO suite consultants. Sonia also spent several years leading her family’s real estate business including the redevelopment of a 12,000 square foot historic Church into a luxury multifamily and retail mixed use development. Much of her earlier career was spent leading or working on corporate finance teams at Equity Office Properties, Inland American, and JPM Chase. Sonia enjoys building strong relationships with people which, coupled with her deep accounting and finance experience, enables her to work well with clients and candidates alike to help create successful placements.
Sonia holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business and a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from Indiana University.
She lives in Clarendon Hills with her husband and two children. She enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.
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Sonia holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business and a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from Indiana University.
She lives in Clarendon Hills with her husband and two children. She enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.
Jeremy Friedman
Vice President
[email protected]
312-930-1074
Jeremy Friedman, Vice President
Jeremy graduated from the University of Missouri in 2016 with his Bachelor’s & Master’s in Accounting with an emphasis in Tax. Originally from St. Louis, Jeremy moved to Chicago after graduating and joined Deloitte Tax as a Tax Consultant. After passing the CPA and spending a couple years in taxation working on a wide array of clients and industries, Jeremy joined Access Search in the spring of 2018 as an executive recruiter. Jeremy’s passion for creating and maintaining relationships, in addition to his strong accounting knowledge allow him to work well with his candidates and assist them in finding their ideal role.
Outside of work, Jeremy loves playing all sports, especially basketball and is a huge LeBron James fan. Jeremy also enjoys travel, spending time with friends, music, and Broadway musicals.
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Outside of work, Jeremy loves playing all sports, especially basketball and is a huge LeBron James fan. Jeremy also enjoys travel, spending time with friends, music, and Broadway musicals.
Angela Rubinstein
Consultant
[email protected]
312-930-1078
Angela Rubinstein, Consultant
Angela graduated from Northern Illinois University in May 2016 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. She started her career as an Auditor with Plante Moran, where she assisted in executing audits for clients in a wide range of industries, including financial institutions, manufacturing and distribution, and nonprofit. After a year in public accounting, Angela left to join Access Search as a Recruiting Consultant, utilizing her strong accounting knowledge and passion for building relationships to successfully match quality candidates to their ideal roles.
Angela currently resides in the Wicker Park neighborhood with her boyfriend and two adorable bunnies. She loves practicing yoga, running on the 606 trail, whipping up vegetarian recipes at home, and exploring the Chicago food scene.
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Angela currently resides in the Wicker Park neighborhood with her boyfriend and two adorable bunnies. She loves practicing yoga, running on the 606 trail, whipping up vegetarian recipes at home, and exploring the Chicago food scene.
Diana Zych
Consultant
[email protected]
312-930-1069
Diana Zych, Consultant
Diana Zych joined Access Search in 2013 after spending six years with a Chicago-based boutique executive search firm. Upon graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Accountancy, Diana began her career in the audit practice at Ernst & Young in Chicago. In addition to her time in public accounting, she spent five years in various internal audit and corporate finance roles for well-known Chicago companies. Her extensive experience in various accounting and finance roles gives her valuable insight related to her candidate’s interests and career goals.
While Diana brings over 14 years of meaningful recruiting and industry experience to the exceptional Access Search team, she also believes in the importance of work/life balance. When she’s not recruiting candidates, you can find her on the golf course perfecting her drive or at the pool watching her daughter master the butterfly stroke. Originally from the southwest suburbs, Diana and her daughter Kendall currently reside in Barrington.
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While Diana brings over 14 years of meaningful recruiting and industry experience to the exceptional Access Search team, she also believes in the importance of work/life balance. When she’s not recruiting candidates, you can find her on the golf course perfecting her drive or at the pool watching her daughter master the butterfly stroke. Originally from the southwest suburbs, Diana and her daughter Kendall currently reside in Barrington.
Danny Moore
Consultant
[email protected]
312-930-1064
Danny Moore, Consultant
Danny graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2019 with his Bachelor’s in Accounting. Originally from the northwest side of Chicago, he moved back to the city following graduation and began his career at Deloitte within their Audit practice. Primarily, Danny worked with clients in real estate, investment management, and manufacturing. After spending two years with Deloitte, Danny joined Access Search in the spring of 2021 as an Executive Recruiter. His motivation for helping professionals find the next best step in their careers is what drives him on a daily basis.
In his spare time, Danny is a marathon runner and an overall sports enthusiast. He will participate in any sport he can find time to participate in, including beach volleyball, basketball, 16” softball, golf, and even bowling. He is a huge Chicago sports fan and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.
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In his spare time, Danny is a marathon runner and an overall sports enthusiast. He will participate in any sport he can find time to participate in, including beach volleyball, basketball, 16” softball, golf, and even bowling. He is a huge Chicago sports fan and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.
Celina Green
Consultant
[email protected]
312-930-1077
Celina Green, Consultant
Celina graduated from Northern Illinois University with her Bachelor’s & Master’s in Accounting. A native to the western suburbs of Chicago, after school she started her career in the Audit practice at Grant Thornton. As part of Celina’s growth and development, she decided to gain accounting experience in the pharmaceutical and marketing industries as well. Celina was drawn to recruiting because it was an opportunity to combine her knowledge of accounting with her passion for developing long-term relationships and helping people. That combination of skills has allowed Celina to help candidates find careers that are fulfilling and that allow them to achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Celina enjoys the outdoor activities that allow her to embrace mother nature’s beauty (biking, hiking, & kayaking), along with traveling the world. Celina also loves baking vegan treats and spending time with family and friends.
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Outside of work, Celina enjoys the outdoor activities that allow her to embrace mother nature’s beauty (biking, hiking, & kayaking), along with traveling the world. Celina also loves baking vegan treats and spending time with family and friends.
Shannon O’Brien
Consultant
[email protected]
312-930-1121
Shannon O’Brien, Consultant
Shannon graduated from The Ohio State University in 2017 with a degree in Accounting. While originally from North Carolina, she moved to Chicago in 2018 to work in Deloitte’s Audit Practice where she earned her CPA. She held the position of Audit Senior and primarily served Industrial and Consumer Product manufacturing clients. Shannon joined Access Search because she finds joy in building relationships and helping people find their true passions in life.
In her free time, Shannon loves running on the lake front trail, playing tennis with friends, and participating in acting classes at Green Shirt Studio. Shannon has an adventurous spirit and loves to explore new places in her favorite city, Chicago.
Brian Felton
Consultant
[email protected]
312-930-1067
Brian Felton, Consultant
Brian graduated from The Ohio State University in 2017 with a degree in Accounting. While originally from West Virginia, he moved to Chicago upon graduation in 2017 to work in Deloitte’s Audit Practice where he spent two years serving numerous clients across multiple industries. Brian then spent two years at GCM Grosvenor with their Fund Finance team before transitioning to Investor Relations with Harrison Street Real Estate Capital. Brian joined Access Search in May of 2022, where he is able to leverage his prior working experience to connect with candidates and help guide them in their next career endeavors.
In his free time, Brian enjoys all things Ohio State & Lake Michigan, and is always on the hunt for the best Bloody Mary and dessert in the city.
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In his free time, Brian enjoys all things Ohio State & Lake Michigan, and is always on the hunt for the best Bloody Mary and dessert in the city.
Consulting and Staff Augmentation
Bridget Doherty
Director
[email protected]
312-930-1095
Bridget Doherty, Director
Bridget Doherty, born in Chicago, proudly belongs to an elite group of “Double Eagles” who graduate from Boston College with two degrees, having earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, and a Master’s degree in Accounting from BC in in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Her career began at PricewaterhouseCoopers on the Private Client Service Audit team, working closely with PwC’s small to mid-size client portfolio and private-equity backed, high-growth companies.
Today, Bridget is an integral part of the ASI team, serving both clients and candidates. Bridget delivers a high level of service, leveraging her accounting knowledge, natural relationship-building skills and ability to thoughtfully pair candidates with roles. Bridget’s focus at the firm includes Contract Services and Consulting Resources as well as Finance/Accounting Operations and Administrative Talent.
Bridget enjoys theatre, cooking and teaching her old dog new tricks. Bridget is very active in her community, including working to launch a Community Garden and serving on the Economic Development Commission of her village’s government.
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Today, Bridget is an integral part of the ASI team, serving both clients and candidates. Bridget delivers a high level of service, leveraging her accounting knowledge, natural relationship-building skills and ability to thoughtfully pair candidates with roles. Bridget’s focus at the firm includes Contract Services and Consulting Resources as well as Finance/Accounting Operations and Administrative Talent.
Bridget enjoys theatre, cooking and teaching her old dog new tricks. Bridget is very active in her community, including working to launch a Community Garden and serving on the Economic Development Commission of her village’s government.
Michelle Taylor
Director
[email protected]
312-930-1063
Michelle Taylor, Director
As a leader within Access Search Contract Services, Michelle serves as a reliable partner for clients and as a trusted advisor to candidates. Michelle has specialized in Accounting and Finance recruiting since 2012 and brings a unique perspective to recruiting; her experience includes formal Finance education and work in Options Trading, as well as internal recruiting, having built her sales team at Groupon from 7 to 50 individuals. She is passionate about boutique agency recruiting as she thoroughly enjoys building relationships and becoming a “go to” partner to her clients.
Michelle’s focus at the firm includes Contract Services and Consulting Resources as well as Finance/Accounting Operations and Administrative Talent. Her recruiting approach is firmly rooted in delivering consistent, efficient results to make well-matched placements. She is committed to results and is dedicated to delivering for her clients; Michelle’s industry knowledge and ability to think strategically and creatively set her apart from her competition time and time again.
Michelle loves exploring the city and trying new restaurants; she also enjoys cooking, traveling and reading.
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Michelle’s focus at the firm includes Contract Services and Consulting Resources as well as Finance/Accounting Operations and Administrative Talent. Her recruiting approach is firmly rooted in delivering consistent, efficient results to make well-matched placements. She is committed to results and is dedicated to delivering for her clients; Michelle’s industry knowledge and ability to think strategically and creatively set her apart from her competition time and time again.
Michelle loves exploring the city and trying new restaurants; she also enjoys cooking, traveling and reading.
Olivia Centeno
Consultant
[email protected]
312-930-1124
Olivia Centeno, Consultant
Olivia graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor’s in Accounting. Following graduation, she moved to Chicago to begin her career as a Tax Associate with Plante Moran. After working in public accounting, she gained industry experience through a Financial Analyst role at Walgreens. Combining her strong knowledge of the accounting and finance functions and her passion for meeting new people allow her to be a great recruiter.
Outside of work Olivia enjoys hiking, pop culture, country music, traveling, reading, while also enjoying all that Chicago has to offer including the lakefront, sports, bars and restaurants.
Ben Kemper
Consultant
[email protected]
312-930-1490
Ben Kemper, Consultant
Ben graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s in Accounting. Upon graduation, he began his career in Chicago with Plante Moran’s audit practice. After spending some time in public accounting, Ben wanted to make his career more people-focused while still being able to utilize his education and experience. Since starting with Access Search as a Recruitment Consultant, Ben has enjoyed helping people figure out the next step in their career.
Ben enjoys playing basketball, pool, exercising, traveling, and exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, restaurants, and lakefront.
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Ben enjoys playing basketball, pool, exercising, traveling, and exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, restaurants, and lakefront.
Laurie Baumgart
Operations Manager
[email protected]
312-930-1099
Laurie Baumgart, Operations Manager
Laurie was raised in Chicago’s northwest suburbs and graduated from Illinois State University. She brings over 10 years of experience in office administration, bookkeeping and executive support to her role as Operations Manager of Access Search. Laurie also supports all Contract Services’ consultants, serving as the primary resource for consultant on boarding and payroll services. Laurie’s role also leverages her team-oriented, collaborative nature as she directly supports the firm’s Partners, Directors and provides assistance to all members of the team at Access Search.
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