The Management Team
Jerry Hellebusch
President
Division: The Management Team
Jerry has been involved in the executive search industry since 1979, with the last 31 years building his own highly successful firm, which has grown to be one of the largest search firms in the state of Kansas. During that time, he has been involved in more than 7,000 search assignments. Prior to his entry into the executive search industry, Jerry had a successful career in sales and sales management. His community involvement has included membership in the Kansas City Area Development Council, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, Management Exchange Group, National Association of Personnel Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters Corporate Club and Missouri & Kansas Search and Staffing Association. Jerry has served as a board member of the Kansas City Association of Personnel Services and executive committee member and president of the American Association of Finance and Accounting.
JD Huxman
Chief Financial Officer
Division: The Management Team
The Accounting & Finance Team
Harry Brewer
Director
Division: The Accounting & Finance Team
Jeff Olson
Recruiting Manager
Division: The Accounting & Finance Team
Adele Hoch
Recruiting Manager
Division: The Accounting & Finance Team
As a tenured employee of Morgan Hunter, Adele has had the unique experience of starting in the Administrative Division, and then transitioning to the Accounting Division. Prior to joining Morgan Hunter, Adele earned her B.A. in accounting and worked as a Staff Accountant. Her work ethic and drive make her an invaluable member of the Morgan Hunter team. She continues to be a top producer and is always willing to invest the time and effort required to get the job done. She takes time to listen to clients and candidates to truly help them meet their long term goals. A K-State grad, dog lover, and avid sports fan, you can usually find her at Bill Snyder, Kaufmann, or Arrowhead stadium. She also spends a lot of her time volunteering with Gift of Life.
Jake Mankin
Recruiter
Division: The Accounting & Finance Team
Graduating in 2020 with a degree in finance from the University of Kansas, Jake has a knack for locating new talent. His experience in the financial industry proves he’s a professional, a go-getter, and one who isn’t afraid to take risks. Outside of work, Jake likes to take fishing trips, play golf and attend Kansas City sporting events. Using every tool at hand, Jake is committed to helping Morgan Hunter clients thrive in their industry. His relatable personality and vested interest in both company and client success makes him a vital member of the Accounting & Finance team.
The Administrative Team
Melissa Mills
Recruiting ManagerMorgan Philips
Recruiting ManagerRachel Sandquist
Sr. RecruiterMelissa Mills
Recruiting Manager
Division: The Administrative Team
Not one for conventional thinking, Melissa’s decidedly unconventional, outside-the-box approach to matching candidates with employers is what makes her such a valuable partner to her clients. With two degrees in Human Resources Management and Business Administration from Kansas State University, Melissa is well-equipped to take on even the most unique search for an employer or job-seeker.
As a relentlessly hard worker, Melissa puts her all into her job and is passionate about guiding people through their latest career change. Her cheerful nature makes it easy to get to know her clients on a personal level—a key strength in a people-focused industry.
When she’s outside of work, Melissa considers herself something of a wine connoisseur and recently travelled to Napa Valley. She’s all-in for an experience, frequently attending concerts, sporting events and making time for travel. While she’s always adding to her bucket list, Greece tops the list of destinations, and she’s made it a life goal to travel there.
Morgan Philips
Recruiting Manager
Division: The Administrative Team
Staying calm in the storm. As one of Morgan’s defining traits, this levelheadedness during challenging times – and her ability to effectively communicate a solution to others – has allowed her to serve as a successful partner to administrative candidates and clients since joining Morgan Hunter in 2013. Independent and hard-working, Morgan also brings an approachable and accessible style to every interaction, providing her the necessary insight to make the best match.
Following a corporate recruiting internship during her time at the University of Arkansas, Morgan moved back home to the Kansas City region, where she enjoys learning more about the intimate details of local companies—including where they win and where they struggle.
She also enjoys spending time with her Goldendoodle and – of course – always cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Rachel Sandquist
Sr. Recruiter
Division: The Administrative Team
Following her internship, Rachel returned to Morgan Hunter as a full-time recruiter to continue her passion for connecting exceptional candidates with top-notch KC employers. Rachel received her bachelor’s degree in business management from Emporia State University and is well on her way to receiving her MBA in 2021.
Rachel’s dynamic education and life experience – including studying abroad in Italy while in college – equipped her with a versatile skill set that makes her a valuable addition to the Administrative team. Her positivity is infectious, and she exudes both energy and enthusiasm, tackling challenges head-on.
When she’s not at work, Rachel can be found enjoying the company of her family and friends. She’s passionate about exercise and likes to work out during her free time. A true Kansas Citian, Rachel is a dedicated Chiefs fan, and if there’s a game on, she’s sure to be watching.
Robin Haskell
Sr. Recruiter
Division: The Administrative Team
After many years working in the recruiting industry, Robin noticed one thing: people are the most important part of any company. She is passionate about helping others find their dream job and making them feel like they're a part of something special. Robin started as a Sourcing Specialist with Morgan Hunter in 2021 and quickly advanced to the role of Senior Recruiter in the Administrative Division in 2022.
Both creative and organized, Robin is always searching for new ways to help employees showcase their talents. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Robin previously served as an Academic Advisor at the University of Phoenix and the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. During that time, she learned how much she enjoyed helping to provide candidates with an opportunity they may not have found on their own. Robin’s friendly demeanor, patience, and resourcefulness have made her an asset to candidates looking to reach their goals.
When she's not working with candidates, you can find Robin cheering on her favorite teams - the Kansas Jayhawks, Chiefs, and Royals. She also enjoys spending time with her husband Jason, two kids Reese and Nolan, and her two dogs, a Frenchie named Nugget and a Labradoodle named Ziggy. With a love for adventure, Robin and her family often spend time together by the lake to tube and wake surf or travel to Colorado to snowboard and hike!
The Human Resources Team
Pam Finnell
Recruiting Manager, SHRM-CPMallory Pirner
Recruiting CoordinatorCarol Schmidt
Senior Director
Division: The Human Resources Team
With more than 20 years at Morgan Hunter, Carol’s talent and tenure make her an excellent fit for the company’s Human Resources division. With a cultivated skill for recruiting, her knowledge of the day-to-day demands HR professionals face has garnered her an impeccable reputation with both employers and candidates.
Carol leads a Recruiter’s Roundtable group that keeps her on top of current events and ahead of market trends. She earned a master's in rehabilitation counseling and is a naturally creative thinker, demonstrated through her fresh ideas, which bring a new perspective to even the most familiar challenges. Carol’s intuition means she can read between the lines, and her amiable disposition makes her a valued colleague.
Outside of work, Carol self-identifies as an avid reader, and can likely be found with her nose in a book. She also enjoys kayaking and visiting her family’s farm in the heart of the Flint Hills. On the weekends, she likes to spend time with her husband, two kids and three cats.
Julie Davis
Senior Director
Division: The Human Resources Team
Julie is a true maximizer of potential when it comes to placing HR talent. With her determination and goal-oriented mindset, Julie keeps both employers and candidates focused on achieving their individual objectives. She doesn’t settle for average and strives only to produce excellent matches—a quality that’s earned her recognition and credibility in the industry.
Even after more than two decades with Morgan Hunter, the thrill of finding the perfect fit for candidates and employers alike is what motivates Julie to excel in her role as a senior director. Julie holds a bachelor’s in economics from the University of Kansas and uses her knowledge of market forces to propel her clients forward. She’s also a member of Portfolia, an investing community focused on advancing women-owned companies.
A true Kansas City sports fan, Julie’s family are all avid supporters of KU, the Royals, Sporting KC and, of course, the Chiefs. Her family spends free time volunteering with Catholic Charities and Children’s Mercy, and between it all, Julie makes time for her other passion: working out with her friends.
Pam Finnell
Recruiting Manager, SHRM-CP
Division: The Human Resources Team
With a commitment to integrity and an unshakable work ethic, Pam is an asset to the Morgan Hunter team and to the clients she serves. She gets a thrill from matching candidates and employers who otherwise would not have met, creating lasting, strategic partnerships. Pam’s active SHRM certification – even serving as president of SHRM-KC in 2010 – and involvement in the Association for Talent Development make her a leader in the industry.
Growing up in a small town taught Pam to never underestimate the power of great customer service and to always be true to her word. She knows a smile is a universal language and values relationships above anything else, always seeking to build lasting connections with her clients.
Pam enjoys traveling, and a recent trip to Italy definitely ranks among her top destinations. As an avid history buff, she loves nothing more than curling up with a great historical fiction or espionage novel. She also enjoys spending free time with her husband, daughter, and family scattered throughout the U.S.
Mallory Pirner
Recruiting Coordinator
Division: The Human Resources Team
After graduating college at Kansas State University, Mallory knew her career goals centered around one thing: helping people navigate processes that are difficult to complete alone. After spending three years serving on administrative teams within pediatric therapy clinics, Mallory honed her skills assisting clients in their journey to find care for their families. She joined Morgan Hunter as a sourcing specialist to continue her passion of leading people to fantastic new opportunities. After all, Mallory believes that happiness is one of the most important components overall well being, and job satisfaction is a major factor in attaining fulfillment and joy!
When she's not supporting the various departments of Morgan Hunter, Mallory can be found spending time with her husband Trent, and her beagle mix named Moby. She also enjoys cheering on her favorite teams - the Kansas State Wildcats and Kansas City Chiefs. The outdoors are her favorite place to be so you can typically find her on a nature trail somewhere either hiking, fishing, or swimming with friends and family!
The Information Technology Team
Jessica Cross
Recruiting ManagerAdam Loewen
Director
Division: The Information Technology Team
When your job comes down to people, Adam knows listening is the most valuable (and rewarding) skill he can bring to the relationship. He truly cares about each person’s goals, and puts their needs first. Since joining Morgan Hunter in 2008, he brings a unique insight and tech industry knowledge to every situation, allowing him to match candidates and clients in mutually beneficial relationships. This creates what matters most - results.
Passionate about cancer-related causes, Adam is proud to serve as a board member for the Matt Stabler Memorial Golf Tournament, which supports both the American Cancer Society and Coaches vs. Cancer. He’s also an active fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City and the KC Chapter for LLS. He immensely enjoys coaching his kids in basketball, baseball and soccer.
When he’s not involved in some sort of competitive sport – everything from softball to darts – Adam enjoys playing piano and guitar with friends (in between his beloved Chiefs and Royals games, of course). Above all, he finds purpose and worth through his wife, Molly, and two children, Charlie and Hanna.
Eric Walters
Recruiting Manager
Division: The Information Technology Team
With 22 years of experience at Morgan Hunter, Eric is Morgan Hunter’s resident expert on all things IT. His extensive knowledge of the industry and diverse professional background make him a great resource for candidates and employers alike, finding strategic partnerships that benefit both. Coupled with his unfailing enthusiasm for knowing his clients, Eric has a knack for spotting a good match when he sees one.
As a former business owner, Eric has worn many hats – from product design to building client relationships – making him a resourceful team member who understands firsthand the needs of his clients. Being highly self-sufficient, he takes pride in a job well done and considers himself a bit of a perfectionist.
Outside of work, Eric is a huge sports fan, and enjoys watching his two teenage sons play baseball, football, and run track. His weekends frequently involve travelling to their various sporting events, and he is a proud supporter of their competitive baseball team.
Jessica Cross
Recruiting Manager
Division: The Information Technology Team
More than just a job, Jessica considers herself part of the “people business.” By helping candidates find jobs where they can thrive both personally and professionally – and helping her clients grow their business by adding the right people – she feels privileged to be a part of creating amazing work environments in Kansas City.
With a background in sales, marketing and account management at Anheuser-Busch InBev, Jessica understands the importance of building rapport with clients and always developing open and honest relationships. Her years of expertise in business development in the IT industry allow her a unique perspective into what matters most to technology candidates and companies.
As a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, Jessica is passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle and motivating others to pursue their best self, and she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter.
The Sales, Marketing & Operations Team
Brian Price
Division: The Sales, Marketing
Brian brings a diverse skillset to the table, with experience recruiting locally as well as nationally and internationally on behalf of Fortune 500 companies. His unyielding commitment to both Morgan Hunter and his clients has won him numerous awards as a top-tier producer and sales leader.
With more than a decade at Morgan Hunter, Brian is known for his dynamism and all-around professional know-how. He doesn’t shy away from a challenge, but rather thrives under pressure, never losing sight of what motivates him: helping top talent find their best employer. He takes pride in knowing his first-ever candidate placement is still with his employer.
An impassioned music-lover and regular concertgoer, Brian can usually be found close to the stage (and occasionally on it back when he played drums in his band). His other passion is the Kansas City nonprofit Thank You Walt Disney, where he serves as the Vice President of the board and works tirelessly to help the organization restore Walt Disney’s original Laugh-O-Gram studios.
Dan Hilboldt
Division: The Sales, Marketing
As a born-and-raised Kansas City native, Dan’s knowledge of the KC employment landscape is unrivaled. Coupled with more than 10 years of experience in sales and marketing, Dan has built an extensive network he uses to forge strategic partnerships between candidates and clients.
Dan knows a game-changer when he sees one, and he lives to help companies identify them in talented people across the Kansas City region. Never at a loss for words, Dan’s powers of perception and easy-going demeanor allow him to read between the lines and easily build relationships with job-seekers and employers alike.
As the oldest of seven children, Dan is a natural leader. Dan takes those leadership skills seriously and parlays those skills professionally and civically. Dan is active with several community-based organizations. In 2019, Dan was honored as the Top Fundraiser at the Most Wanted Auction for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City. With the help of his generous personal and professional network, Dan raised nearly $80,000 in just 4 months.