Our Leadership
Andrew Georgelos, Managing Director
Andrew Georgelos co-founded Access Search, Inc. in 1998 after enjoying a successful career in Fortune 500 finance with Baxter International & High Tech. finance with Platinum Technology. His past industry finance and accounting experience has proven invaluable in understanding his client’s needs and in screening finance 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 extensive expertise 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 several of 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. Mr. Georgelos graduated in 1993 with a B.S. in Accounting from Michigan State University.
Cathryn Burns, CPA, Managing Director
Cathryn Burns brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to her work at Access Search, Inc. She has been an Executive Financial Search professional for over fifteen years after starting her career as an auditor with KPMG. She has earned a reputation for working passionately and urgently for her clients. After starting her career and gaining valuable industry experience at KPMG, Cathryn joined a Chicago-based boutique executive search firm. She quickly became a leader within the accounting and finance practice and had great success in finding the right talent for her clients expeditiously.Cathryn then joined Access Search shortly after it was formed and has been instrumental in its growth and success. Cathryn consistently goes the extra mile to deliver the best available talent to her clients while mitigating the inherent distractions associated with any recruiting process. This approach has enabled Cathryn over time to maintain the highest level of client satisfaction and build long-term relationships with a broad spectrum of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to private equity-backed start-ups. Cathryn’s industry expertise is broad based and extends to successful placements in a variety of industries including financial services, professional services, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, software, and high technology.
An Illinois native, Cathryn graduated with High Honors from the University of Illinois, with a B.S. in Accounting and earned her CPA.
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 ResourcesBrian 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.
Vijay A. Bhagavan, Managing Director
Vijay started his career in executive search in May 1999 with a boutique search firm that focused on finance and accounting. He joined Access Search Inc. in October 2003. Vijay has been instrumental in managing and developing client relationships across many different industries focusing on finance and accounting positions. In addition to filling roles within the CFO’s organization, Vijay has been especially successful filling front office finance positions within investment banks, hedge funds, diversified investment companies, and traditional asset managers. Vijay has shown the ability to work with companies of all sizes from the established Fortune 100 manufacturer to the early stage entrepreneurial technology start-up.Vijay graduated from Indiana University in 1997 and immediately joined the audit practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Vijay’s client base consisted of publicly traded fortune 1000 manufacturing companies in the Chicagoland area. While at PWC, Vijay also passed the CPA exam. Vijay’s experience in public accounting has been invaluable in understanding the needs of our clients and the candidates we represent. Vijay was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana and makes his home in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago with his wife Sarah and daughter Samantha.
Lee C. Black, Director
Lee started in executive search in 1998 and has focused on the placement of finance accounting professionals. During his tenure with Access Search, which began in the fall of 2003, Lee has developed a client base that spans a broad spectrum of industries and organizational sizes. Mr. Black also has extensive experience filling financial roles within the entire CFO’s organization as well as finance roles within private equity, financial consulting & real estate.After graduating from Michigan State University in 1993, Lee joined the audit practice of KPMG in Chicago. His audit experience while at KPMG has been invaluable in helping assess talent and understand his client's needs.
