• Our Staff

    Administrative Team 


    Deidra Lytle, Employment Specialist 

    Deidra joined Express in 2005, and is an unstoppable force on our administrative team. She has a degree in Business Administration and is well skilled in matching candidates with any company's clerical or customer service staffing needs. She specializes in recruiting candidates for banks, insurance companies, veterinary clinics, medical offices and much more! Not only has Deidra served as an onsite coordinator for one of our largest clients, but she has also managed properties for a subsidiary company owned by the Britton's for several years. One of her largest clients has said, "Deidra makes every need for my department, her need. She recruits the appropriate background necessary, no matter how heavy the lift. She communicates honestly and timely. She just does not stop until she makes sure we are all taken care of always. She is kind and understanding with all Express employees and us as a business partner. A true asset for Express. We are grateful for the care she shows daily". Deidra enjoys her pug, pop culture, TV shows, movies and spending time with her family.   

    Taylor Kuenstler, Employment Specialist




    Industrial Team


    Lea Jackson, Industrial Team Lead
    Lea helps managers and business owners find qualified candidates for temporary and direct hire positions.  She works with a variety of companies to fill positions including, but not limited to, welders, factory laborers, banquet servers, restoration technicians, and many other industrial jobs. Lea started at Express in January 2009 with over four years of staffing industry experience from her previous background. In 2019 Lea moved into a leadership role within the Industrial Team at Express, where she can now coach others to greatness with her sense of urgency, master ability to multi-task, and knowledge of our business. In her spare time she enjoys being with her four kids and her grand baby, riding the Harley, and any new adventures that come her way.

    Brian Brown, Employment Specialist

    Gavin Gardner, Employment Specialist

    Larry Hemmerle, Employment Specialist

    Madison Fox, Employment Specialist

    Chris Gregg, Employment Specialist


    Account Advisers  


    Kayla Edwards, Managing Partner
    Kayla has been a valuable addition to Express since 1994, and has held nearly every position within our company. She currently serves as Director of Client Services, holds the designation of a Certified Staffing Professional, and oversees the Springfield, Bloomington and Jacksonville locations. Kayla specializes in helping organizations create highly productive teams of people while controlling their cost of labor, and she has lead her Springfield team to be one of the best in client retention. Her memberships include: Business Education Partnership Committee, Business Connections Committee, Community Connection Point Board and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Committee. She is a former Rotary International member and has also served as a United Way Loaned Executive. Prior to being recognized as a leader in the staffing industry, Kayla earned a Bachelor's degree in accounting from Southern Illinois University. Now, Kayla's "hands-on" experience and successes have made her a sought after speaker, trainer and consultant. Kayla's hard work has been proven in being the second person company-wide at Express to achieve the $1,000,000 producer award. 

    Don Adams, Sales Manager 
    Don joined Express office as an Area Manager in 2012 with 15 years of outside sales and management experience in the areas of telecommunications and advertising. In 2015 he took on the role of Sales Manager. As a previous small business owner, Don understands the importance of attracting, developing and retaining talent.   He was born and raised in the Springfield community and he’s highly committed to its success.  He earned a Bachelor's degree in Education specializing in Exercise Physiology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

    Michael Thomas, Business Relationship Manager 
    A Southern Illinois native; Michael's background in sales, marketing, and leadership all began in the retail industry. Helping companies develop a stronger workforce is now his passion. Serving on the board with the Central Illinois Customer Service Association and Salvation Army has afforded him the opportunity to develop deep and meaningful relationships within his community. Michael volunteers with the Red Cross, Central Illinois Food Bank and other local agencies when he discovers an opportunity. His ability to connect with both people and companies has earned him national recognition as a Top 50 Sales Representative for Express in 2019. Michael is a proud father, husband and man of faith and his commitment to the community and helping others is apparent in the way he serves.


    Specialized Recruiting 


    Kirk Considine, Director-Professional Staffing
    Kirk joined Express in 2014. He brings over 16 years of Health Care industry knowledge and experience as a career Accountant to his current role.  Having unique insight into the Accounting & Finance needs of our clients, Kirk is able to maintain a strong role in the placement of IT, Engineering and high end professionals in both long term and temporary roles. Kirk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. 

    Jordan Stott, Contract & Search Specialist
    Jordan joined Express in 2020. He brings with him 12 years of Insurance and Financial Services experience. He understands the importance of building strong relationships and he values his commitment to helping others succeed. Jordan serves our team recruiting professionals in the Accounting, Finance, Engineering, and IT fields. Jordan has his Bachelor's degree in Business Management & Organizational Leadership from Illinois college. In his free time, he enjoys running and spending time with his wife and three kids. 


    Skilled Trades


    Greg Crocher, Director-Skilled Trades


    Talent Acquisition Team


    Erin Sommer, Talent Acquisition Manager & Marketing
    Erin joined Express in 2014 with over 9 years of management and leadership experience. Her background and expertise include, grant writing, new business development, and staff recruitment/training skills gained during 13 years in the retail and healthcare industries. In 2015, she transitioned from an administrative staffing consultant role to focus on recruiting for top talent in the areas of Accounting, Engineering, and Information Technology. Then in 2017, she began her role leading the Talent Acquisition team for candidates in the Springfield, Jacksonville and Bloomington areas. Erin also leads in the coordination of marketing and communications efforts for the office. Erin is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Studies.

    Valerie Heaney, Senior Recruiting Specialist 
    Valerie has been a wonderful addition to the Talent Center here at Express since 2017. Coming to us with 9 years of management experience, her customer service skills really shine. As a Recruiting Specialist, Valerie is dedicated to helping others find work and is a warm and inviting welcome to anyone that is new or returning to Express. Valerie also leads the team with her proactive recruiting efforts, finding specific candidates with the skills and experience our clients need to help with their hiring needs.  As a mom, she loves to soak up every moment with her husband and two kids! 

    Fadra Birdsell, Recruiting Specialist


    Jenessa Farnsworth, Recruiting Specialist


    Becca Wilson, Recruiting Specialist


    Nexci Drake, Recruiting Specilaist




    Business Operations 


    J.T. Britton, Franchise Partner
    With a bachelor's degree in marketing, J.T. has served in nearly every role within the Springfield Express office since joining Express in 1993, including staffing consultant and manager of the professional and office team. J.T.'s depth of experience, combined with his training and coaching skills, continues to enhance the effectiveness of our staffing consultant team.  

    Eric Franklin, Business Manager
    Eric has been part of the Express team since 1998. With a degree in business administration, he ably serves as payroll specialist, but his value to Express goes far beyond his work with payroll and payables. Eric also deals with most of the computer issues, benefits administration for in-house staff and meeting room set-ups. 

    Kara Barber, Payroll & A/R Specialist
    Kara joined the Express team in 2012. She is an integral part of our team handling the processing of weekly payroll for Express associates, managing online timekeeping systems and the accounts receivables for the office. She graduated with Bachelors in Communications from Benedictine University in Springfield in May 2012.


    Zachery Britton, Director of Learning 
    Zachery has a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in business from Oral Roberts University. He has received appreciation from our largest local client for his ability to help them maintain a high-performance workforce. He has achieved the scholar designation from Express University for completing 54 online courses related to staffing. Zac came to Express in 2003.