Our Leadership Team

Doug Klares | CEO/Founder

Doug founded Infinity Consulting Solutions (ICS) in 2001 with the mission to cultivate successful long-term relationships by matching the right people with the right organizations. Doug wears several hats in his role as CEO, with his primary objective being to transcend business relations, turning them into something more personal.

Other aspects of Doug’s role are more technical. It is his responsibility to scrutinize the operational strategy of the company while supporting internal team members and expanding upon the vision of ICS. His combination of business acumen and ability to connect deeply with others allows each member of the ICS community to thrive and grow.

In November of 1996, Doug began his career in the staffing industry as the first salesperson for a leading advisory firm. Only five years later, Doug took the plunge to begin his own staffing business, ICS, and the rest was history.

Doug has overseen ICS’ growth into one of the nation’s largest and most successful staffing and recruiting agencies. He has grown ICS from its single flagship headquarters in New York to include offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, DC, Houston, Fort Lauderdale, Denver, and Dallas, which work with top-tier clients and candidates from across the country.

Additionally, Doug has helped to grow and transform ICS growth from having a strong focus on IT staffing to a full-service recruiting, staffing, and payroll agency. ICS Now recruits for several practice areas, including Information Technology, Accounting & Finance, Legal & Compliance, and the Corporate Support practice area, which is comprised of Human Resources, Administrative & Clerical Support, as well as Customer Service recruitment.

Under Doug’s leadership, ICS has received numerous national staffing awards, one of them being featured on the 2013 Best of Staffing™ Client List. Less than 1% of all staffing agencies in North America have earned the 2013 Best of Staffing™ award for providing remarkable service quality to their clients. ICS has also been consistently placed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 lists for the past eight years for its continuous rate of growth.

Doug himself has been a finalist for the 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and was nominated again in 2013. He was also nominated for Crain’s 40 under 40 in 2010, while ICS was recognized by Crain’s in 2012 as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Companies in New York. Additionally, ICS was included on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

Doug credits much of his success to the belief that to be successful in the staffing business, one must gain a true understanding of the other person’s position, whether they are a client or a candidate. He believes there is no way to be successful in his business, or in any business without delegating critical operations to others and depending on them.

His highly personalized approach is the most effective way to match qualified candidates with positions where they can excel. This approach led ICS to develop the most rigorous candidate recruitment model in the industry — and ICS to employ the happiest people in the staffing and recruiting field.

Doug earned his B.S. from the State University of New York at Albany in Economics with a minor in Business and is a supporter of the Northern Westchester Community Center. An avid runner, Doug ran the 2013 New York City Marathon, where he ran for Fred’s Team, Memorial Sloan Kettering’s (MSK) athletic fundraising program dedicated to bringing us closer to a world without cancer. Doug also raised funds to help cover some of the costs of chemotherapy for a member of the ICS family.

Matthew Walden | Managing Partner Interim Technology

As a Managing Partner of Interim Technology, Matthew Walden develops the strategic vision for the company, helps retain internal employees, provides sales training, strengthens the Information Technology practice, and fosters growth for the company by continuously expanding to new markets.

Matt Walden has been instrumental in designing the proprietary ICS recruiting model, which boasts one of the largest talent networks and the largest pool of passive candidates in the country. Since joining ICS, Walden has led the growth strategy into new geographic markets. He also has integrated existing practice areas in new regions, with his primary emphasis always being in IT. ICS is now operating in more than 30 states and has plans for new offices soon.

Anyone who spends a few minutes with Walden is immediately aware that they are in the presence of a unique individual. It is his infinite supply of energy and optimism that drives the company forward and keeps internal employees excited and enthusiastic about their roles. Additionally, his direct communication style allows everyone he works with to be successful and achieve great things.

Walden’s staffing career of twenty years began in 1994 when he took a risk and interviewed for a staffing agency. He impressed his interviewers and was hired by a leading advisory firm as an IT recruiter in the financial services industry. This is where he met his ICS partner, Doug Klares, President & CEO of ICS. From 1996 to 1999, he served as the manager of the tri-state area’s IT staffing practice and still spends much of his time implementing initiatives to further grow this offering.

Walden held several leadership roles and managed additional staffing practice areas, including the Legal & Compliance, Accounting & Finance, and Sales & Marketing practices.

Walden earned his BBA in International Business and Marketing from Hofstra University. He is an active member of Staffing Industry Analyst and the New York Staffing Association. He resides Bellmore NY, in the home he was raised in with his Wife Heather and their 3 children.

Matthew Pfennig | Managing Partner

As a Managing Partner at Infinity Consulting Solutions (ICS), Matt is largely focused on fostering the growth of internal talent through professional mentoring and management through metrics while supporting the vision of the company to build the strongest relationships with the people in our community.

Matt is also credited with recruiting some of the most successful leaders and team members within the ICS organization. He established the current training program, and through close management, he has been able to help elevate ICS into the organization it is today.

Matthew has several qualities that make him successful and great to work with. He places great emphasis on staff development. He is genuine in his concern for their success, and this is clear when spending just a few minutes with him. This is the case externally as well, in his work with clients. Matt’s energy is always positive, and his hands-on approach benefits the team nationally and continues to make pivotal contributions to the growth of ICS.

Matthew Pfennig began his career with Infinity Consulting Solutions in October 2004, taking his first professional step as a recruiter in New York, where he developed an acute ability to match the right people with the right organizations. He was promoted to Partner in 2011 and has made several great strides for the company.

During his tenure of over ten years with ICS, Matt has achieved quite a bit. He led the full-time IT and Consulting practice at the flagship location in NYC until he was promoted in 2007 to establish and direct the first satellite office located in Chicago. Though the Chicago office originally focused on IT Staffing, over time, Matt oversaw the practice area expansion to include Accounting and Finance, as well as Financial Compliance, and most recently, Corporate Support recruiting. The Chicago office grows year after year under his leadership.

Matt currently resides in suburban Chicago with his wife, son, and two daughters. He is a passionate supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and an annual participant in the JDRF Walk for the Cure in support of his nephew. Matt is also a proud alumnus and supporter of the University of Iowa, where he earned his B.A. in 2004 with a major in Health Studies and a minor in Business.

Michael Parbs | Chief Operating Officer

In his role as COO, Michael works closely with the CEO and is responsible for creating and executing overall company strategy, all sales activities, and business operations, as well as any new national office expansions.

One might wonder what personal qualities Michael possesses that have made him such a trusted advisor in the field. We believe that his incredible work ethic, sincerity, adaptability to other ideas and new challenges, along with an infectious passion for the business allows him to be as successful with internal employees as he is with our clients.

Michael brings with him nearly two decades of experience in the recruitment field. Prior to ICS, Michael held several senior leadership positions at leading advisory firms where he oversaw the daily operations of large businesses that provide professional staffing services.

During his twenty years in the industry, Michael has won numerous awards and recognition for leadership, branch success, group sales and profit growth, and personal sales contributions. He has gained an immense amount of expertise in a staggering variety of recruiting and staffing disciplines, including but not limited to: Information Technology, Creative, Accounting and Finance, Administrative Support, Legal, Engineering and Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, and Light Industrial. Michael has managed and built new business in every major region of the United States.

He is the executive sponsor of our national training program, which is aimed at advancing and elevating the management team in addition to both the recruitment and business development groups. In short, he directs the organization's internal teams to meet the company goals.

He is viewed as an expert in the staffing industry and frequently conducts national training on all aspects of the business.

Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. He is happily married and an active and proud father to his two children, consuming most of his spare time coaching their volleyball and basketball teams and attending their sporting events.

David J. Gesualdi | Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer of Infinity Consulting Solutions, David is responsible for overseeing the financial health of the organization.

David is an extremely composed person with a level-headed personality that not only makes him easy to work with but also provides ICS with a perspective that is unique. The combination of his experience in the staffing industry as well as his listening and problem-solving skills not only serves ICS well in a financial arena but also in an interpersonal one.

David has over 25 Years of accounting and finance experience. Prior to joining ICS, David served as Controller and Head of Finance at several leading advisory firms.

Dave began his career in Finance as an internal auditor for a Fortune 500 company. Later in his career, Dave successfully led the effort to consolidate multiple search firms under an internationally recognized advisory firm in which he was a critical contributor to advise and support its financial success and develop and implement various payroll processes.

His duties include the financial and operational oversight of ICS, including but not limited to, Corporate Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Financial Planning, and Internal Audit. David has held this position since August 2013 and was promoted from VP of Finance to CFO within just one year of his tenure with ICS.

David and his wife, Elizabeth have two children and currently reside in Connecticut. In previous years, David has served as President of a local youth baseball association.

Kevin Hyatt | Senior Vice President, Human Resources

As the Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Kevin Hyatt oversees the strategic human resource function of the organization and is a member of the executive team.

Kevin came to ICS in 2014 to build the Human Resources department from the ground up. Before arriving at ICS, Kevin spent over twenty years in various operations, sales, and human resources leadership positions in the fitness and retail industries. The common link in all his roles is the focus on people. Kevin is passionate about people development and building relationships. In addition, he believes in doing the right thing when no one is watching.

Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the State University of New York - Cortland and a Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations from Penn State University.

Kevin is a regular presenter for TechServe Alliance HR Roundtable Group, actively involved in the New York Staffing Association as well as a member of Staffing Industry Analyst (SIA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).  Outside of work, Kevin serves on the board of directors for the White Plains Micro Fund and is a volunteer coach for the White Plains Youth Lacrosse League. He, his wife and two daughters live an active lifestyle.  Their family trips typically include biking, hiking, skiing, and being outdoors. In addition, Kevin has completed almost two dozen triathlons, including a Half-Ironman and the prestigious Escape from Alcatraz triathlon.

Elisa Emeritz | Director, Talent Acquisition

Elisa Emeritz has been with ICS since 2008 and currently serves as the Director of Talent Acquisition.

Elisa has been a key contributor to the year-over-year growth of ICS, managing the Talent Acquisition team and maintaining a pipeline of active candidates. Elisa is passionate about the staffing industry and loves the challenge that “recruiting recruiters” presents daily. She keeps up with current events in staffing, monitoring both staffing trends and the buzz on the candidate market.

Initially hired to start up the Administrative and HR staffing practice, Elisa transitioned to an internal talent acquisition role in 2011. She now heads a team responsible for staffing the ICS offices with recruiters, salespeople, and back-office professionals nationwide. Elisa also leads the ICS Diversity and Inclusion Committee, with the mission of creating a culture of belonging here at ICS.

Elisa is an alum of Hofstra University, where she majored in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science. She is certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as Women’s Leadership.

Chris Campisi | Regional Director, NYC

Chris joined ICS in September of 2018 as Regional Director with a long history of working specifically in staff augmentation.

With his expertise in sales, client relations, team building, and staff training, Chris brings a passion for building business relationships, operations, client services, and sales management. He loves helping people and views recruitment as a critical step in building value for their organization and their career, no matter how big or small their role. He is driven to coach, mentor, and help to develop others by creating and maintaining a culture of performance and, wherever possible, facilitating cross-promotion activities for all divisions in ICS.

Before joining ICS, Chris spent nearly 20 years at one of the world’s top interim solutions and permanent placement organizations. He’s held many roles, from business development to sales and operational management. Prior to his career in the staffing industry, Chris developed his business acumen during his many years working at XEROX.

Professionally I’m a member of the New York Staffing association and the American Payroll Association. Outside of work, my family is my main interest. But I also have several hobbies from fishing, sports, and travel.

Eric Sultzer | Program Director

Eric joined ICS in 2013 and is currently Program Director where he uses a highly unique and personal approach to recruitment.

Eric’s knowledge base as a recruiter and account manager, as well as his understanding of the advanced technology landscape and his expertise in cultivating relationships is what sets him apart from others. Eric’s 30+ years of experience, leadership, industry knowledge, and commitment to excellence have helped ICS develop a reputation as a premier staffing partner.

Having started his recruiting career directly out of college in 1990, Eric is considered a subject matter expert in the IT and Financial Services staffing sector. Over the years, Eric became an early pioneer in helping shape the financial services technology landscape as he placed many key stakeholders that contributed to the evolution of technology on Wall Street.

Since joining ICS in 2013, he has been a vital contributor in creating and managing a multi-million-dollar Enterprise Staff Augmentation program.

Eric is married, a father of 2 daughters, and enjoys fitness and travel.

Kat Oliver | Regional Director, DFW

Since joining ICS in 2014, Kat has worked her way up to a Regional Director of the local DFW market and has focused on growing the territory from the ground up.

During her 8+ years with ICS, Kat has been hiring and developing the best sales and recruiting talent in the area. She has taken on additional roles, including the development and administering of our companywide Sales Training Program and Sales Certification process. Kat also serves as a trusted advisor to Matt Walden and Matt Pfennig for Sales Operations, Platform and Tool configurations, and Sales Marketing strategies.

Kat’s career in staffing began in 2011, with a leading advisory firm as an IT Recruiter, in which she was quickly promoted to Business Development and then into Sales Leadership.

Kat has her BBA with a focus in Management and Real Estate from Baylor University and has completed Performance Leadership and Organizational Leadership certification programs through Cornell University. Kat currently resides in North Dallas with her wife, foster son, and two dogs. She is an active member of Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), DFW Alliance of Technology and Women (DFW ATW), Human Rights Campaign (HRC), and Dallas Resource Center.

Cameron Reinhart | Regional Director, MSP

As a Regional Director, Cameron “leads by example,” fostering a high level of engagement and output from his team and colleagues at ICS.

Cameron has a track record of training top talent internally, setting sales and delivery records, creating sales playbooks, and defining sales strategies. He has been instrumental in the sales strategies and training of interim consulting services. He has been fortunate and blessed with such internal talent and leadership, providing support, mentorship, guidance, time, flexibility, and fun!

For over 16 years, Cameron has been a producer, trainer, and leader within digital and technology consulting services. He’s spent 12 years at ICS, leading and driving the advancement of our enterprise consulting service practice with a passion for building relationships, delivery, and expansion!

Cameron led ICS’s partnership with Summit University as an extension of Summit’s technology curriculum and career services department by providing additional support, training, materials for interview preparation, role-playing, mock interviews, resume building, etc. He has been committed to learning more about the importance of workplace diversity and inclusion and helping others to promote the advancement of our underserved communities into technology-driven careers.

Cameron resides in Chanhassen, MN, with his wife, son, daughter, and Bernese Mountain dog. Both he and wife, Erin, are alumni of Mankato State University (go Mavericks!). Outside of his children’s activities, they spend as much time as they can on the lake whether it’s frozen or thawed!

Gary Pfennig | Regional Director, Houston, TX

As Regional Director of our Houston office, Gary has quickly transformed ICS-Houston into a powerhouse office with a focus on Information Technology, specifically within Interim Search.

Gary has been with Infinity Consulting Solutions for the past 14 years. During that time, he has been an integral contributor to growing not one but two offices within significant markets in the US. He first began his ICS career in Chicago as a Recruiter, which eventually led to multiple promotions and onto leading teams of his own. When the business need arose to establish a physical office in the Houston market in 2015, Gary was tasked with moving south to start up the office from scratch.

During his time within the Houston office, his teams have assembled an extremely successful diversified book of business that has grown year over year. One of Gary's proudest accomplishments has been the remarkable internal tenure that has been built locally in Houston. Those who know Gary know that establishing and building upon a solid core in his office has always remained a top priority every year.

Gary currently resides in Houston with his wife and two young children. He is very active In their extracurricular activities and enjoys coaching their youth sports teams throughout the year.

John Liberatore | Regional Director, Florida

John originated and has led the Florida market since 2016. He began his career with ICS, a Korn Ferry Company, in NYC in 2010. He was promoted multiple times and obtained several accolades for matching candidates with impactful career roles and building relationships at notable NY-headquartered companies.

John holds many qualities that enable him to be successful with internal talent and external clients and candidates. He cares deeply about fostering relationships and helping his team grow. John is a proven leader and is relied upon during strategic planning.  

The Florida office has developed multiple recruiting verticals which has grown exponentially each year from 2016.  Thanks to John, Florida has been a major success for Korn Ferry, where it has acquired a substantial market share.

John received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in business. He lives in South Florida with his wife and two sons.

Keith Van Auken | Regional Director, Enterprise Team

In his role as Regional Director of the Enterprise Team, Keith is responsible for helping the recruiting and sales service of the biggest clients in our portfolio.

Since joining ICS in 2018, Keith has been instrumental in building a successful delivery model to service multiple Enterprise Level accounts as well as managing the Wilmington, DE Region.

Keith brings with him over two decades of experience in the staffing field. Prior to ICS, Keith has held several senior leadership positions at multiple leading advisory firms, where he oversaw the daily sales and recruiting operations, providing professional staffing services.

Keith earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lafayette College in Easton, PA, where he played basketball. He is married and a father of two teenage boys. Most of his free time is spent either coaching the boy’s baseball and basketball teams or attending their sporting events.