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Meet the Team

Market Leaders

Picture of Cherie Black

Cherie Black

Market Leader DeSoto County and Southwest Memphis

Cherie joined the Desoto office in May of 2021. She works in the industrial division helping candidates find employment in great companies. Her tenacity and her approachable attitude make candidates feel welcome. She enjoys helping people find good jobs. She graduated from Freed Hardeman University. Her hobbies are spending time with her family, going to the gym, and singing/writing.

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Jessica Gillikin

Market Leader Southeast Memphis

Starting her journey with Express in April 2016 as a Front Office Coordinator, she's swiftly climbed the ranks, becoming the Market Leader and Business Developer for the Memphis SE location. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she ranked as the TOP 2 Sales Rep out of 850 Express offices in 2020. As a proud new mom to a precious baby boy and a devoted wife, she balances her personal and professional life with a commitment to excellence. She lives by two simple rules: be better than you were yesterday, and always strive to be the person who makes a difference.

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Rance Johnson

Market Leader Northeast Jacksonville

Rance Johnson joined Express Employment in 2016 and started as a temporary worker. Rance worked a freezing cold warehouse for Express as a team lead where he excelled up in the ranks to being offered a full time position both with the warehouse and with Express internally. Rance decided to go with Express, where his career started as a front office coordinator. The front office coordinator position did not last very long as his talents moved him up to an employment specialist. During Rance’s time as an Employment specialist he learned the in’s and out’s of Express, gaining him a Market Leader role where Rance led multiple offices. Rance’s current venture is taking over the Northeast Jacksonville FL office where his success is driving the team there to break major mile stones. Rance is a father of four and the most important part of his life is kids and family. Rance’s favorite quote is “You don’t lose if you get knocked down; you lose if you stay down!”

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Business Development Managers

Christina Shelton

Director of Business Development

Joining the DeSoto and Memphis SW offices in October 2021, and later moving to the Memphis SE office in 2023, Christina has become a driving force in connecting companies with the workforce solutions they need to thrive. Her passion for building meaningful relationships and her proactive approach make her a trusted partner for businesses. Known for her contagious enthusiasm and positive attitude, she's dedicated to making a difference not only in the success of the companies she works with but also in the lives of everyone around her.

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Felicia Lunday

Business Development Director

Felicia joined Express in March 2024. She's from Mississippi but lived in California for 27 years in the Bay Area. Se moved back to Mississippi to be closer to family. She enjoys meeting people and building relationships, and spending time with her two grandchildren and getting together with family.

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Jordan Brana

Business Development Manager

Jordan joined our team in August 2024, after spending two years with a competitor he decided to pursue employment at Express. Due to his experience in the field and industry, he appreciated the Express process and the potential we offer to our employees, clients, and associates. His first experience out of school was working with a high-end financial services firm that catered to affluent and savvy business owners. Through this experience he was able to learn and determine what a strong fiscal plan means and looks like to business owners, which has helped him when communicating the value propositions of the many lines of service we offer. In his spare time Jordan is heavily involved in staying up to date with the latest in artificial intelligence, financial markets, and tending to his many animals he’s rescued from living out in the woods of Hawthorne Florida, prior to moving to Jacksonville. He also claims to be a good cook. But we have yet to confirm nor deny that claim.

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Brad Wright

Business Development Manager

Brad joined Express in August of 2024. He has 20 plus years experience in customer service and sales, and he enjoys providing solutions and excellent customer service to help his clients grow their business. In his off time, Brad enjoys spending time with family and playing and watching sports.

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Veronica Wilson

Business Development Manager

Veronica Wilson joined Express in August of 2024. Veronica is a Business Development Manager and enjoys meeting people and building relationships. In her free time, she loves playing with her dog Z-BO and working in her flower garden.

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Professional and Office Services

Jeremy Wright

Director of Professional and Office Recruitment

Jeremy joined the DeSoto team in March of 2022 as a Senior Office Services Employment Specialist. With over 5 years of experience in Management and Customer service, Jeremy formed the Office Services team and is leading them to success. In addition to Express Office Services, Jeremy also leads our Specialized Recruiting Group. He has a wealth of experience and a network formed over years of building relationships with talent and businesses in our community. Reach out to him and the SRG team today to learn more about what Specialized Recruiting Group can do for you!

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Melissa Stage

Office Services Employment Specialist

Melissa Stage joined Express in August of 2023. She has been in the working world for 35+ years with roles including Photographer, Trainer, District Manager, Office Manager for an HVAC company, and a Tree company. She has two beautiful daughters and two beautiful grandchildren- Noah, 7 yrs old, and Kinsley, 3 years old. She is a very goal-oriented person, and she likes to cook, volunteer at her church, travel, and spend time with her kids and grandkids. Her nickname from her grandkids is Mimzey because she is too young to be called granny or grandma. After over 30 years she decided to finish her degree in Psychology, and she has over a year and a half left for her Bachelor's Degree. She enjoys being a team player, and she feels she has a great work ethic since she has been working since she was 16 years old.

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Employment Specialists

Lakisha Ivey

Employment Specialist

Lakisha started working with Express Desoto County in June 2022. She has a pet dog named Benji and 2 kids who keep her going every day. In her free time, Lakisha enjoys sitting by the lake and relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book.

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Alicia Wilson

Employment Specialist

Alicia Joined our team in November of 2022. Originally from Arcola, MS,  Alicia moved to Memphis to further her career and find better opportunities to grow. Alicia loves to work for Express because she is a major people person. She loves to meet new people and has one of the friendliest personalities in the office. When Alicia isn't working for Express, she enjoys spending time with her kids, shopping, and gathering together as a family.

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Michael Taylor

Employment Specialist

Michael joined Express in April 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience in relationship-building, account management, and teamwork. As a decorated U.S. Armed Forces veteran, Michael’s service has instilled in him discipline, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. His extensive experience in various management roles, combined with his military background, equips him with the unique skills and qualities that elevate our team to new heights.

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Jessica Rosenbaum

Employment Specialist

Jessica started working with Express Desoto County in March 2024, being part of the bilingual team. Jessica moved to the United States in 2003. She has a master’s degree in Family and Criminal Law in El Salvador. She also has a background experience in Payroll, Human Resources, Management, Business Coordinator, etc. What she enjoys most is helping others, with integrity and respect. Collaborating with people's personal or professional growth is a rewarding action for her and the role of employment specialist facilitates her life purpose.

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Astrid Reyes

Employment Specialist

Astrid joined Express in August of 2024. Born in Honduras and recently transitioned from Virginia, she is excited to bring her fresh energy and passion to the Express Team. Her journey, shaped by her mother’s commitment to giving her a brighter future, fuels her dedication to helping others find jobs that not only enhance their skills but also bring joy and fulfillment. As a bilingual advocate, she's here to support our Hispanic community in achieving their career goals. Proud mother of a spirited daughter, she believes in the power of self-belief and strives to inspire those around her to embrace their potential and make the impossible possible.

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Karelyn Totten

Employment Specialist

Karelyn Totten started with Express in August 2024. She's from Puerto Rico, and she's been in the US for almost 6 years now; She's Bilingual so she speaks English and Spanish. Her hobbies mostly consist of cooking or baking and binge-watching shows with her husband. She chose to work for Express because helping people is one of her biggest passions, she likes making people feel like they’re heard and taken care of even if there is some kind of culture barrier. The one thing that keeps her going in this job is her coworkers and the amazing relationships she has with each of them, they make it feel like home.

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Retention Specialists

Courtney Owens

Retention Specialist

Since joining the team in 2021, he's brought his unwavering passion for customer service to every interaction, ensuring that our clients always feel valued and supported. As a diehard Cowboys fan, he brings that same loyalty and dedication to his work. Outside of the office, he dreams of exploring the world, fueled by a curiosity for new experiences and cultures. Whether it's on the job or on an adventure, he's always ready to tackle the next challenge with enthusiasm.

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Angeles Valdez

Retention Specialist

Angeles joined the Desoto Express Team in February of 2022. She is originally from Mexico until her mother brought her to the United States to get a better education. She is a happy mother of a baby boy and she enjoys spending time with her family. She has a strong background in customer service, which helps her in her role as retention specialist because she enjoys helping talent and clients meet their needs.

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Front Office Coordinators

Izehunna Foster

Front Office Coordinator

Izehunna joined the express team in April of 2023. She was born in New Albany, Mississippi but moved to Southaven when she was young. She likes being close to a big city because she meets new people daily. Izehunna had worked through Express previously but decided to join the team for the open environment and friendliness of the current employees. When she isn't working, Izehunna likes to go bowling, paint the town with her friends, and spend time with her son.

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Paola Montes

Front Office Coordinator

Paola Montes is a dedicated professional who brings a wealth of experience to her role at Express Employment Professionals, having joined the team in February 2024. Originally from Carolina, Puerto Rico, Paola made her way to Sanford, Florida in 2015 before settling in Jacksonville in December 2023. With a strong background in Customer Service, Human Resources, and Property Management, Paola's expertise is invaluable in her current position as Front Office Coordinator. Beyond her career, Paola is a loving wife and devoted mother to three young children. She finds joy in traveling and cherishing moments with her family during her leisure time.

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Maritza Marroquin

Front Office Coordinator

Since joining Express in April 2024, she's found a true sense of belonging with her Memphis SE Express team. They’ve become more than colleagues; they’re family, standing by her during her toughest times. As the youngest member of the team, she's excited about the future and aspires to grow old with this amazing group! As a bilingual advocate, she's here to support our Hispanic community in achieving their career goals. Outside of work, she finds joy in cooking, volunteering at her church, traveling, and especially painting, which offers her a peaceful escape from the hustle of daily life. She's passionate about growing her career here at Express and contributing to the supportive environment that has welcomed her so warmly.

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Hilary Barquero

Front Office Coordinator

Hilary joined the Jacksonville team in 2024. She's Costa Rican, and she's working hard to be successful both in business and as an artist.

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Administration

Nathalie Russell

Accounting Manager

Originally from New York, Nathalie joined the Express team after many years of experience in HR, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. She is the leader of our payroll and administration division. She has taken charge of overseeing payroll processing, billing, and invoicing, as well as accounts consolidation and aging. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and listening to music.

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Jasmin Delgado

Executive Assistant

From Byhalia, Mississippi. Jasmin has been with Express since June 2021. Currently pursuing an Accounting degree from the Patterson school at the University of Mississippi, she handles data entry for the payroll department.

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Daniel Shute

Social Media and Communications Coordinator

Daniel joined our team in October of 2023. Originally from Memphis, he moved to Chicago where he studied Communication at Wheaton College. In his free time, he loves to read, cook, and spend time with his wife, Mary, and his dog, Duke. He has a passion for storytelling and loves the opportunity to leverage that skill in helping Express get people employed.

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