Company
We do things differently at Phoenix Staff. A recognized leader in professional placement since 2002, we specialize in identifying, evaluating and placing the most highly skilled, qualified and professional candidates available. We do things differently from others in our industry because we focus on establishing, building and nurturing a relationship with every client and candidate—a relationship designed to be mutually beneficial, reliant and, above all else, one built on mutual respect and trust. When it comes to identifying the right candidates, we believe that experience and process is everything. We know that your next career move is very important to you and your family - we develop a relationship. We discuss your situation, your needs and under what circumstances, and in what conditions, you succeed.
Do you know what you want your career to look like in five years? Three? A year from now? If so, we'll help you get there. If not, we'll help you develop the vision you'll need to get there. If your company is looking for just the right person to meet a critical need (in the end, we know they are all critical), the relationship we build with you will allow us to present candidates who have not only the technical skills but also the competencies you desire.
Meet the Team
Allen Plunkett, President, CEO
Allen started his career in retail, working for grocery stores and then PetSmart until getting into the staffing world in 1998. After working for one recruiting firm until 2002, he struck out with a friend to launch Phoenix Staff. Allen and his wife love the fact that they have a stellar team of people working towards a common goal – employing good people in good jobs. Outside of work, they are fortunate to be surrounded by a great extended family in Florida and California. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Allen is dedicated to his team and to helping identify ways to help people growth their careers and find a place where they can love what they do and where they do it. When not spending time with his wife and son, he enjoys running, camping, reading, working and rooting for the Red Sox.
Keith Bailly, Regional Director
Keith’s passion for technology and computers started at an early age. From Heath Kits, TV jammers and TRS-80 computers to every iGadget out there today, Keith’s enthusiasm and commitment to technology has never wavered. Keith first started recruiting for major software companies at the agency level. Success was immediate, as he was able to identify a candidate for a challenging role at an emerging software company. Keith joined Phoenix Staff in 2010 to lead the efforts in Las Vegas, and in 2012 he open the Austin location. His blend of recruiting, account management and entrepreneurial spirit are not commonly found – add that to his ethical nature and team leadership, he became a quick and natural fit for the team. When not working, building apps or websites, Keith enjoys spending time with his family playing soccer, baseball or flying through the trails on his KTM dirtbike.
Matt Owens, Senior Recruiter, Phoenix
A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Matt Owens has been in the recruiting industry for over 13 years. He joined Phoenix Staff in January 2006 and is tasked with helping develop the Technical side of the business. Matt is highly regarded for his ability to cultivate long-term relationships with candidates and his determination to identify the right fit for their background and career goals. The key to his success stems from considering the best results for the candidate and the client equally when looking at an opportunity.
Holly Harris, Sr Recruiter, Las Vegas & Austin
Holly holds a B.A. in Psychology and joined the Phoenix Staff Las Vegas-based team in December of 2010 as a candidate Sourcer and Recruiter. She and her family were relocated to Austin in the summer of 2012 and finally feel at home in south Austin—so much so that they have taken up bicycling, other outdoor sports, and adopted a third rescue animal: a Shepherd-Lab mix named Dart. Holly and her spouse also have a 13-year old Chihuahua-mix dog named Cookie and a seven-year old Siamese-mix cat named Maui. One of Holly’s favorite aspects of her job, as in life, is building relationships with people. She is originally from Arkansas (Go Razorbacks!), and personally enjoys photography, and watching Bones, other shows and documentaries on Netflix or Apple TV when not at work.
Heather Otto, Senior Recruiter, Las Vegas
Heather Otto, Recruiter Las Vegas – Heather holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and an Associate Degree in Human Resource Administration and she has a professional background in retail sales and customer service as well. Heather was a retail business owner for over four years, during which, she learned the importance of relationship-building and customer service. She moved to Las Vegas two years ago with her husband and their three fur babies from Fresno, CA. In her free time she enjoys going off-roading with her husband, exploring haunted locations, and shooting her 9mm Beretta Nano.
Ben Wilkening, Account Manager, Phoenix
Though originally from Seattle, Ben now finds himself in Phoenix, having been brought onto the Phoenix Staff team in the summer of 2013 to proliferate business development opportunities in the region. He holds a marketing degree from Western Washington University, and first launched his career at an internet marketing firm before he became an operations manager in the legal tech industry. Ben’s attitude, passion for technology and ambition for helping people complement his aptitude for business development and building professional relationships. Away from the office, Ben spends every second of downtime with a podcast in his ear and is fanatical for craft brew subculture. One day he will be a 3D printer with a world renowned beer collection.
Katelyn Parker, Recruiter, Austin
Having lived in five states and three countries Katelyn has a special interest in relationships and culture. This lead to two B.As. one in Business & Economics and the other in International Relations from Hendrix College. With more than eight years of experience on customer service Katelyn joined Phoenix Staff in 2013 after moving back to the place she considers home, Austin. She enjoys traveling, music, movies, and two stepping with friends on the weekends.
Kelly Knoche, Sourcer and Recruiter, Phoenix
Kelly holds a Master’s of Business Administrations and a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science Human Medicine with a Minor in Health Studies. Prior to joining the Phoenix Staff family in 2014, Kelly was in the medical field for 4 years and in Higher Education for 5 years. Kelly’s passion is working with people and building lasting relationships. Her experience in the medical field and higher education helped Kelly hone her skills in providing world class customer service. When not at work, Kelly loves spending time with her husband and 15 month old daughter. A collegiate athlete, sports are still a huge part of Kelly’s life and she and her family love watching and attending sporting events. Football, baseball, softball and college basketball are her favorites. Kelly also enjoys reading and has a passion for cooking.