Our Team

Mike has more than 20 years’ experience in providing accounting, advisory, human capital, ERP system design/integration and human capital solutions. He is a Partner at Conexus, an Interim Solutions and Executive Search firm specialized in the areas of Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, and Information Technology. Mike was a Founding Partner of Irvine based Citadel CFO. In 2020, Citadel merged with Conexus, an Executive Search firm based in Los Angeles. The merger has turned Conexus into one of the largest and fastest growing recruitment firms in Southern California. With offices in Irvine, El Segundo, and Pasadena, Conexus provides human capital solutions to clients in a multitude of industries located throughout the SoCal region.

Prior to Citadel and Conexus, Mike founded, scaled, and sold multiple professional services firms:

He founded Spinnaker Financial Resources, which provided public and private companies with interim CFO, Controller, and direct hire accounting resources. The company was acquired by Tatum LLC, a national consultancy firm, and he played a lead role in growing their California presence to include offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Next, Mike was a co-founder of Beacon Resources, which was named by the Orange County Business Journal as one of the fastest growing consulting companies in Orange County for four years in a row. Beacon was acquired by Gryphon Investors/DLC.

After Beacon was acquired, Mike co-founded Tactical Cloud, which grew to the fastest growing cloud ERP NetSuite partner in Southern California. Tactical Cloud was acquired by Eide Bailly, a top 20 CPA firm and the largest NetSuite provider in the company.

Mike is a former CPA who began his professional career in the Entrepreneurial Services Group of Ernst & Young, assisting an array of businesses from start-ups to mature public companies in audits and SEC reporting.

Mike received his BS degree with a concentration in accounting from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. He serves on the Ernst & Young alumni board of directors and is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Prior to merging with Conexus, Matt served as co-founder and partner for Citadel, helping clients and candidates find the right match for their strategic business hiring needs and career path objectives. With over 16 years of accounting and finance recruitment and business development experience, as well as long-standing relations within Orange County and surrounding communities, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and hiring expertise to his approach. Having started his career placing interim and interim-to-hire CPAs and MBAs and degreed accounting and finance professionals, Matt then shifted to placing direct hire finance and accounting professionals and passive candidates at the Manager, Controller, Director, VP, and C-Levels.

Prior to joining Citadel, Matt managed both direct hire and interim practices for large human capital companies. In addition, Matt spent the past eight years as Director of Business Development for Beacon Resources, serving as a key member in helping the company grow from a start-up to one of Orange County’s fastest-growing companies according to the Orange County Business Journal.

Matt graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication.

Sean began his career as a CPA in the Audit practice at Deloitte, working in Detroit and Moscow before moving to Los Angeles to work for the Walt Disney Company. He transitioned into Executive Recruiting in 1999, originally working for a national firm where he became the Regional Manager for Southern California, leading search practices in Los Angeles and Orange County. He spent nearly 10 years as a Founding Partner of a Los Angeles based Finance and Accounting search firm. Sean built a successful practice, trusted by clients in a multitude of industries throughout Southern California. He founded Conexus in January 2012 with the vision of building a new firm whose model is ideally suited to meet the variety of challenges faced by his clients.

Since 1999, Sean has completed more than 1,000 searches within Finance, Accounting, Audit, and Tax, as well as Executive level roles in Banking and a variety of corporate functions (such as HR, Compliance, and Legal). Fortune 500 companies, small and mid-cap public companies, private equity portfolio companies, and emerging middle-market organizations have called upon Sean to find talent ranging from experienced staff to C-level executives. Sean’s industry experience includes Asset Management, Banking, Consumer Products, Healthcare Manufacturing and Distribution, Media and Entertainment, Professional Services, Real Estate, Retail, Software and Technology, and more.

Known for his energetic work style, a passion for client service, and an ability to solve complex problems, Sean has consistently been a top producer while maintaining a reputation for quality results. As a former CPA, Sean performs a thorough assessment of each candidate’s technical and soft skills to match them to the appropriate roles and environments. As a result, nearly 100% of Sean’s clients have used him for multiple assignments.

Sean holds a B.A. in Economics and Management from Albion College. He resides in San Marino, CA with his wife and three sons.

Brian spent the first 5 years of his career at a global recruiting firm where he led their Los Angeles team and he was also one of the firm’s top producers. While partnering with a broad range of companies, from Fortune 500 to start-ups and across industries, Brian specialized in placing VP to Staff level Finance and Accounting professionals on an interim and interim-to-hire basis. Brian’s time leading a team of seven in Los Angeles has given him a strong understanding of the local accounting and finance market, as well as a strong and growing network of top tier accounting and finance professionals.

Brian’s colleagues, clients, and consultants know him as a trusted business partner who puts relationships and people first. He takes a hardworking and solutions-oriented approach, which has resulted in his clients and consultants choosing to partner with him on multiple engagements.

Brian graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Brian was a member of the Fresno State football team and started at Quarterback in 2014.

Becky has dedicated her career of 20+ years to developing effective solutions for Talent Development and Recruiting. She served as a strategic business partner in Corporate Talent Acquisition roles in the entertainment industry, as well as gaining valuable experience across multiple industries with a national staffing firm. Her passion lies with ensuring that people find the right role to make the most meaningful impact on their organization.

Prior to joining Conexus, Becky spent 11 years running DreamWorks Animation’s Corporate Recruiting team, where she was regarded as a consultative partner offering a customer focused approach to bringing top-tier talent to her clients. Her largest client groups included Human Resources, Business Affairs, Facilities, Finance, Accounting, and Marketing. During her tenure at DreamWorks Animation, she gained experience developing systems, reporting, and analytics to build best practices and support business success and growth. She worked closely with her HR Business Partners, Compensation, HRIS and Benefits teams, building a strong understanding of the power of a well-defined Human Resources Organization.

Becky’s experience at DreamWorks coupled with 10 years in the contingent staffing industry fueled her desire to build the Human Resources Practice with Conexus.

Becky holds a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Meredith has over 14 years’ experience in Information Technology specializing in providing customized IT talent development and recruiting solutions for medium-to-Fortune 500 companies. As a strategic business partner that truly knows her clients, Meredith specializes in placing executive level IT leaders as well as consultants in the areas of: Data Engineering, Cloud Applications, Application Programming, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Security, Cloud Services, and Information Security.

Meredith’s process provides value to her clients by first discovering their goals/needs and then, leveraging her extensive network and relationships, to deliver the individuals that are both a technical and cultural fit to their organizations. Her clients always know that she will be fair and transparent in her support of their initiatives and will bring all resources to bear to ensure they have the talent they need.

Prior to joining Conexus, Meredith spent most of her career at a global IT recruiting firm where she led their Orange County, CA team and was consistently within the firms top 5% producers, year over year. While being a leader in both production and team development, she earned numerous awards and recognitions including the company’s Top Sales Producers and Resiliency Award.  It was during her time there that she learned that relationships are based on trust and follow-through, that listening and understanding the client’s objectives are paramount, and how to utilize market data analytics to proactively help solve her client’s needs.

Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from The University of Arizona and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with emphasis in Conflict Dispute Resolution & Negotiation.

After beginning his career in Audit and Consulting with Deloitte’s Minneapolis and Orange County offices, Mike entered the Executive Recruiting industry in 2000. Prior to joining Conexus, he worked for more than 10 years in one of Los Angeles’ leading Executive Search firms. As a Director, Mike focused on both retained and contingent search. Mike’s industry experience includes Media and Entertainment, Technology, Retail, Manufacturing, Consumer Products, Real Estate, and Financial Services. Mike has successfully completed hundreds of searches that commonly include: SVP and VP Finance, Controller, Assistant Controller, Finance Director, Finance Manager, Accounting Manager, Senior Financial Analyst, Senior Accountant, and leadership roles in Human Resources and other corporate functions.

Known as a trusted business partner for companies from mature start-up to Fortune 500, Mike brings a common sense approach and insightful business acumen. Mike has an exceptional ability to assess client hiring needs and then identify and attract relevant candidates. His reputation for dedicated effort and high ethical standards has earned him a loyal following from both clients and candidates.

Mike holds a B.S. in Business with a concentration in Finance from the University of Minnesota. He resides in South Pasadena, CA with his wife and two children.

Priya oversees the Accounting, Finance & HR department at Conexus. She has 12 years of experience in Accounting and Finance, beginning her career in the Assurance Practice at Ernst & Young.
From there, she has spent her career as Controller in the Technology, Consumer Packaged Goods, and Professional Services Industries. She has built the Accounting and Finance teams from the ground up for start-ups, early-stage, and $200M+ companies. Priya has supported several start-up companies as a Fractional CFO. She has been involved in Seed and Series fundraising, Acquisitions, and Post-Acquisition transitions.
Priya holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance and a Master of Science in Accounting from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University - Bloomington. She's an inactive Certified Public Accountant. Priya is also the Founder & CEO of You Again, a Superfood products company sold nationally online and in retail stores.

Robert began his recruiting career in 2014 after a career as an audio engineer for music, film & TV. In his first role at a global staffing firm, Robert built out a startup accounting & finance division from scratch, growing the practice across Los Angeles. He later joined a regional accounting & finance recruiting firm, where he was the top producer in Los Angeles for consulting, more than tripling his output year-over-year.

Supporting middle-market to Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries, Robert has built a reputation for identifying elite talent at a moment’s notice. His clients depend on him for critical projects, including financial reporting, software implementations, staff augmentation, mergers & acquisitions support, employee leaves of absence, resignation backfills, and more. His consultant network spans from CFOs to Senior and Management-level accounting & finance professionals, ensuring he has a resource with the right technical expertise and soft skills to suit any hiring need. Robert’s detail-oriented approach has resulted in hundreds of successful placements, with many consultants converting to permanent employees at the conclusion of their projects.

Robert holds a B.S. in Recording Arts from the Jacobs School of Music and a Certificate in Business Foundations from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He and his wife reside in Los Angeles, CA.

David has more than eight years of accounting & finance focused search experience in the Greater Los Angeles market. In addition to his success in executive search, David possesses extensive experience in recruiting candidates for Interim Solutions and Consulting projects. His keen ability to identify skilled financial talent, coupled with his extensive network of accounting & finance professionals, have benefited his clients who range from startups to Fortune 500 companies across a multitude of industries in Southern California.

David started his accounting and finance recruiting career with one of the largest privately-held staffing firms in the nation. He left there as the most tenured Southern California team member to launch the Los Angeles division of the successful boutique firm, Beacon Resources. David partnered with clients for both interim and permanent placements and led his division in consulting-generated revenue for four consecutive years. His efforts grew the Los Angeles office to become the highest producing operation at Beacon Resources, and he was selected to open their 2nd Los Angeles office in early 2018. David’s contributions greatly bolstered the organization’s market presence, resulting in its sale to Addison Group in 2019.

David graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He and his wife recently welcomed their second child in Fall of 2020.

Kristy has spent the past 18+ years providing IT Talent Solutions to her clients across Southern California.  She has worked closely with Executives and CIO’s to help attract and retain top IT Talent.  Previously at the largest IT Staffing Provider, she brings a solid history of expertise to help lead the Information Technology Team at Conexus, now one of the fastest growing recruitment teams in Southern CA. 

Kristy is an accomplished IT Recruiting Leader with a history of driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and delivering exceptional customer experiences across a variety of industries. A Transformational Leader with a background in Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, Data Analytics and Application Development with a proven reputation for helping customers build high performance teams.  She is an innovator with expertise in all sales disciplines, including strategic planning, C-level selling, product/service development, and sales enablement. She is characterized as a relationship builder who establishes rapport with C-Suite clients, works cross-functionally to achieve results, and influences at all levels. She is a dynamic leader who guides teams empathetically, builds employee capabilities, and creates high-performance cultures.

Kristy received her BA degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles.  She holds an active AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification.  She resides in South Orange County. 

Gemma began her recruiting career at the start of 2022 following her graduation from Tulane University where she obtained a B.S in Psychology. Before joining Conexus, she developed her passion for connecting with others working in the Psychology field. This has proven to be instrumental in her ability to connect with others and provide a people-focused approach to her work. It is also reflected in her extensive network across various fields and industries.

By employing a thoughtful and nuanced approach, Gemma effectively assesses candidates' suitability for various roles and ensures a strong alignment between individuals and organizational culture. Her unique skill set empowers her to connect with candidates on a deeper level, resulting in more meaningful and successful placements for the company. With a diverse background in recruiting, Gemma has successfully contributed to both Accounting and Finance recruitment as well as Human Resources recruitment. Her track record of accomplishments in both fields highlights her keen understanding of the specific requirements and intricacies of various roles, ensuring optimal candidate-organizational alignment. Gemma's commitment to excellence, coupled with her strong interpersonal skills, ensures that she consistently delivers exceptional results in her role at Conexus.

As a Los Angeles native, Gemma possesses an innate understanding of Southern California’s diverse culture and professional landscape, enabling her to effectively connect with candidates and navigate the unique dynamics of the local job markets.

Vanessa is an exceptional professional who brings a perfect blend of warmth and expertise to her work. With a diverse background in Fitness and Recruiting, she possesses a deep passion for what she does. Before joining Conexus, Vanessa dedicated five years to the Fitness Industry, where she thrived as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Manager.

Driven by her desire to empower others, Vanessa made the decision to pursue a Master's in Organizational Leadership, paving the way for a transition into the dynamic field of Human Resources. Since joining Conexus in 2021, Vanessa has been an invaluable asset to the Human Resources Practice, focusing her efforts on recruiting top-tier HR and TA talent in Southern California. Vanessa's unique combination of Fitness expertise and educational background equips her with the remarkable ability to motivate and coach her candidates. She understands the importance of guiding individuals towards making the right career decisions. In her interactions, Vanessa upholds values such as transparency, honesty, and kindness, as she genuinely aims to make a positive impact on the lives of her candidates.

Sara Madden is a dynamic individual who has been an integral part of our Conexus team for three years, contributing her profound expertise in Accounting, Finance, and Executive Search. She is a cherished member of our workforce and a significant driving force behind our success.

Sara's responsibilities at Conexus extend beyond the usual realm, encompassing both identifying and recruiting unique talent as well as spearheading business development initiatives to secure new clientele. She has a remarkable ability to spot exceptional Accounting and Finance professionals, a skill that has resulted in successful placements in Managerial positions and higher across a wide range of industries. Her performance consistently surpasses our client's expectations.

Before her journey with Conexus, Sara served at Moss Adams, a well-respected public accounting firm, where she acquired valuable knowledge and insights. As part of the Business Risk department, Sara honed her auditing skills, focusing on internal audits and compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) for a varied clientele, both public and private.

Sara is a proud alumna of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting. This robust academic background has equipped her with a thorough understanding of the domain and a deep knowledge of accounting principles.

Hope is a driven and accomplished professional with a diverse background in audit, recruiting, and finance. She kick-started her career in the Audit practice at EY in Irvine, CA, where she honed her skills and obtained her CPA license in December 2021, which she actively maintains. With a focus on the Real Estate and Healthcare industries, Hope's time in public accounting equipped her with valuable expertise and a keen eye for detail.
Throughout her tenure as a member of various audit teams, Hope had the privilege of collaborating with top executives, conducting meticulous financial analysis, and ensuring strict compliance with accounting standards. Her commitment to excellence led her to continuously study and stay up-to-date with industry trends, embracing new accounting and finance policies. This hands-on experience proved invaluable as she transitioned into her role as a Recruiter for Accounting and Finance Professionals at Conexus in 2022.
Hope's dedication to her craft extends beyond her professional pursuits. Armed with a Bachelor of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance from The University of San Diego, she possesses a strong academic foundation. Her qualifications, combined with her passion for forging meaningful connections between talented professionals and their ideal career opportunities, make her a true asset to both individuals and organizations within the finance and accounting sector.
With Hope's expertise and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, she is eager to facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships that drive success and growth in the finance and accounting industry.

Megan is an accomplished professional with a proven track record in accounting and finance recruitment, business development, and strategic hiring solutions. With over 9 years of experience in the field, Megan brings extensive expertise to every client and candidate interaction.

Megan's journey in the world of recruiting began in 2014, following her return home from studying abroad in Australia. During the first seven years of her career, she excelled at a global recruiting firm, where she took charge of the Orange County Finance and Accounting team, establishing herself as one of the firm's top producers. As a finance and accounting recruiter, Megan consistently showcased her talent for identifying top-notch professionals and forging successful connections between candidates and organizations. Her exceptional track record in recruitment, complemented by her strong interpersonal skills, laid a solid foundation for her ongoing success in client services.

Driven by her commitment to professional growth and continuous learning, Megan has always kept herself updated with industry trends and best practices. By staying abreast of the latest knowledge and insights, she ensures she is equipped to provide strategic value to her clients. Megan's dedication to excellence and her passion for delivering exceptional client experiences have earned her the reputation of a trusted advisor and a valuable asset to the Conexus team. Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from California State University, Fullerton. Currently residing in Orange County with her husband and two children, she finds joy and fulfillment in both her personal and professional pursuits

Danny began his career in public accounting at EY, initially in the Johannesburg office for 3 years, followed by 6 years in the Los Angeles office, where he reached the rank of Audit Manager. In 2018, Danny moved to a CPG company to be the Controller, building out the accounting department from the ground up. He remained in that position for 4 years before joining Conexus in 2022.

Danny brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience in accounting, giving him an excellent understanding of clients’ and candidates’ needs. In his time at Conexus, Danny has leveraged his technical expertise and unique perspective to become a highly trusted resource.

Danny holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science as well as a Higher Diploma in Accounting from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a Chartered Accountant in South Africa and an active CPA in California.