Meet the Team

Shannon Risken

Vice President of Operations

Shannon started her Express journey as an Office Services recruiter in 2014 in Champaign IL. After running a desk for a year, she was promoted and helped lead the Champaign team to greater heights. In 2018, she was offered the opportunity to partner with Lynn and Richard Yoerk in her own office. Shannon and her team took Danville from a Bronze office to Silver in 2018 and Gold in 2019.

Prior to joining Express, Shannon was a Kindergarten Teacher and an Assistant Principal. Shannon holds her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Eastern Illinois University. She also has her Principal Endorsement and Specialist Degree in Educational Administration.

Shannon’s passion for teamwork, growth, and training has helped take her further with Express. She does weekly training for all the Yoerk offices. She is also a 2020 graduate of the ELA program. Shannon has had the opportunity to be on Express committees such as ELA for Managers and the Sustainability Committee for ELA.

In Shannon’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as traveling as much as possible.

Jordan Keyes

Director of Organizational Development

Jordan has been working with Express since March of 2020. Prior to joining the team, he gained experience in process improvement working in Healthcare and facilitating organizational change. He is passionate about continuous improvement, fostering positive change in the workplace, and result driven activities.

Champaign has been Jordan’s home for most of his life, and he loves making a positive impact on his community. Outside of work, you can find Jordan hiking with his black lab, Delmar, playing guitar and singing for a downtown Champaign crowd, or taking a weekend trip with friends or family to St. Louis.

Ryan Church

Branch Manager/Executive Recruiter - Skilled Trades

Ryan Church is the kind of person who brings warmth and familiartity to every interaction, making it feel lke you've known him forever. Hailing from Champaign, IL, and a proud Parkland College alumnus with a focus on History and Social Sciences, Ryan's journey to the Express team began as a Recruiting Specialist. Over time, he has embraced various roles and now leads the recruiting efforts of the Champaign office as the Managing Partner.

His passion for helping others shines through as he builds meaningful connections with teammates, associates, and clients. Outside of work, you'll find him enjoying music, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with his friends and family. Ryans's genuine nature and dedication to others make him an invaluable part of the team, a leader who fosters community both in and out of the office.

Charlie Miller

Marketing and Sales Manager

Charlie joined the Express team as a member of the Intake Center as a Recruiting Specialist. He has been helpful in defining the job duties of the role and aiding in expanding Express' presence in the community, and has since taken on the role of Marketing Manager.

Originally from Danforth, IL, Charlie is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Eastern Illinois University. In his spare time, he likes to read, write, watch movies and documentaries, and "attempt to play the guitar".

Charlie's small-town background helps him form genuine and lasting relationships with associates, coworkers, and community leaders. His favorite part about working at Express is having the opportunity to connect people with the resources they need.

Ryan Cole

Key Account Manager | Accounts Recieveable | Management Systems

Ryan joined Express as Key Account Specialist, managing all aspects of on-site accounts to meet the needs of their business with a hands-on approach to better acclimate our associates to the company culture and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with our clients and our associates alike.

Originally from Rantoul, IL, Ryan received his associate's degree in Data Systems and Development. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors, usually with his two dogs Tobi and Gracie.

Ryan is always looking for the solution to problems that best serves his clients and associates. His favorite part of working at Express is being able to deliver world class service to everyone he interacts with on the job.

Olivia Brooks

Payroll Specialist

With three years of dedicated service at Express Employment, Olivia has become an indispensable part of the team. She is known for her compassionate approach that blends kindness, patience, and her keen attention to detail that bring continued growth to the business. Her expertise in process improvement and commitment to accuracy guarantee that payroll processes run smoothly every week and contribute to the success of the team.
What Olivia loves most about working at Express is the company’s genuine dedication to helping the community. Being part of an organization that shares her values of service and support makes her work truly fulfilling.
Outside of the office, Olivia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, embracing the importance of connection and balance in her personal life.

Eva Rodgers

Corporate Controller

Eva A. Rodgers joined Express on August 1, 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience in financial stewardship, disciplined problem-solving, and a deep commitment to teamwork. She finds great fulfillment in being a part of a team that help individuals secure meaningful employment, positively impacting their lives, and contributing to the community. Eva holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership, as well as several certifications including the Department of Defense Financial Management Level III and the Chief Leadership Course.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her family and creating lasting memories. With 30 years of distinguished service in the Armed Forces to include four combat deployments, reaching the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force, Eva's leadership, resilience, and dedication to excellence continue to inspire her contributions to achieving team success, including the goal reaching the Sapphire level of achievement.

Brandon Robertson

On Site Coordinator

Originally from Smith Station, Alabama, Brandon brings a fresh perspective and drive to continuous learning and growth alongside his team.
With over two years of experience at Express Employment, Brandon is known for his unwavering reliability and commitment to the team. As a dependable team player, he excels at tackling tasks and supporting colleagues to achieve shared goals. He is passionate about heling members of the community find meaningful employment, contributing to their success in supporting their families and advancing in their careers.
Brandon's focus on learning how to connect with people from many different backgrounds and personalities highlights his desire to foster strong team dynamics and open communication in the workplace.
Outside of work, Brandon enjoys diving into the world of technology, gaming with friends, and spending quality time with his loved ones.

Cassandra Gonzalez

Employment Specialist

Since joining Express Employment in January of 2024, Cassandra has brought a fun, positive energy and unwavering drive for success to the team. With a focus on pushing boundaries, celebrating the small victories and every step towards success, she is dedicated to helping the team reach their goals, whatever they may be.
Cassandra loves working at Express because of the company's deep commitment to giving back to the community. Being able to help local job seekers find the perfect opportunities and make a difference in their lives is a strong source of pride and fulfillment in her life.
Outside of work, Cassandra enjoys taking long walks with her fiancé and dog around Champaign. With a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from Troy University, she is always exploring and learning about the world around her. As a lover of nature and all things community driven, it’s no surprise that Casandra's favorite animal is the hardworking bee - admiring them for their teamwork and productivity.

Peyton Herbert

Skilled Trades Recruiter

Born and raised in Champaign, IL, Peyton is passionate about serving the local community as a skilled trades recruiter. She joined the team in June 2023, and is a proud graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She loves getting to work at Express because it allows her to make a tangible impact on people's lives—playing matchmaker to find top talent for critical roles, and help skilled professionals take the next step in their careers. Outside of work, Peyton enjoys making time with friends to share a meal and play games, which helps her stay energized and focused on delivering exceptional service to local community members.

Latasha Ellis

Office Services Recruiter

As Latasha approaches her one-year anniversary with Express Employment, she has already made a positive impact on the team with her upbeat attitude and contagious smile. Her passion lies in connecting people with new opportunities and helping individuals find their perfect career path.

What Latasha loves most about working at Express is the opportunity to build relationships that wouldn’t have been possible on her own. These connections have deepened her commitment to helping the community thrive through employment.

Outside of work, Latasha enjoys spending quality time with her family. Whether playing the wii, painting, or staying active, family time is a top priority for her. Which is why Express’ family-like culture keeps her motivated and energized to get the job done.

With a bachelor’s degree in business management and experience as a collegiate track athlete at both Bradley University and Eastern Illinois University, Latasha brings the power perseverance to every aspect of her role.

Abigail Legner

Skilled Trades Recruiter | Account Manager

Abigail joined Express Employment in the late summer of 2024, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in industrial sales and supply chain management. Her deep understanding of the industrial market and skilled trades allows her to connect local clients with the right talent. Abigail is passionate about contributing to the growth of the team and is excited about the potential they have to achieve great things together.

What Abigail loves most about Express is the people. The support, encouragement, and friendly competition create a motivating and positive environment that brings out the best in everyone.

Outside of work, Abigail enjoys collecting and playing board games, with an impressive collection of around 300 games.

Katelyn Brockman

Office Services Account Manager

Katelyn started at Express as an Employment Specialist and has since moved into the role of Office Services Account Manager. She connects qualified associates with rewarding and fulfilling jobs and does so with an unmatched drive.

Originally from Rantoul, IL, Katelyn received both her associates in Business Administration and bachelors in Business Development from Colorado Teach University. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys reading. When she's not lost in a book, she enjoys going for walks and exploring the outdoors.

Katelyn is always thinking of others and loves the community outreach aspect of her job. Her favorite part of working at Express is the unique opportunity that her role gives her to help people and give back to the community she grew up in!

Alexander Vega

Key Account Specialist

Alexander Vega joined the team back in June of 2024 as Front Office Coordinator, before taking on responsibilities as a Bilingual Recruiter and On-Site Account Manager. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Alex came to Champaign-Urbana to study Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois, with plans to graduate in the spring of 2025. Now part of the team, Alex enjoys helping people and providing reliable service to those he works for and with more than anything else.

When not with his partner Eliza and plott hound Gretchen, Alex spends his time outside of the office designing/programming games and writing . Alex’s aspiration for constant improvement, creative problem solving, and dependability above all else makes him a valuable asset to the team no matter what role he steps into.

Angelica Sanchez

On site Coordinator | Rantoul office

Angelica has been with Express Employment for just over 2 years and serves as a dedicated on-site coordinator for our Rantoul office. Known for her adaptability, strong work ethic, and optimism, Angelica is a key contributor to the team's success. Her aspiration is to see the team continue growing and evolving, believing that hard work and effort invested will continue to lead to great outcomes.
One of her favorite things about working at Express is the abundant room for growth. Whether seeking new challenges or needing support, Angelica appreciates the strong network of colleagues who are always ready to help without hesitation.
Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing with her two cats, Sol and Luna, taking long walks, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.