Board of Directors

JAY RAMOS

President: 2025-2026

AGSI

Jay Ramos serves as President of California Staffing Professionals, bringing over 25 years of industry leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and a deep passion for building people-first organizations. As the Founder, CEO, and President of AGSI (Amtec Global Solutions Inc.), Jay leads a global team that helps businesses scale smarter by delivering high-performance talent solutions from the Philippines through RPO, BPO, and Employer of Record services.

Jay’s career journey began with an internship at Amtec, where he rose through the ranks to eventually become its President and CEO. With a belief that relationships drive results, he’s guided organizations through economic shifts and talent market evolutions by staying anchored in integrity, adaptability, and service. His current mission with AGSI reflects that same vision—leveraging U.S. leadership and Filipino excellence to create powerful offshore staffing partnerships.

As CSP President, Jay brings this same spirit of innovation and dedication to the staffing and recruiting community across California. His leadership is grounded in real-world experience, from navigating high-stakes business pivots to closing clients with insight, empathy, and perseverance.

Lifelong Lesson: On one of his early client visits—dressed in a suit and tie to meet a trend-setting apparel brand—Jay was told, "We don't think you understand our company." A year later, they became a client. The takeaway? Know your client. Adapt. Deliver.

Jay’s vision for CSP is to help members stay ahead of industry trends, elevate ethical standards, and build lasting legacies—one successful placement at a time.

STACY MACKEY

SECRETARY / TREASURER: 2025-2026

XL Staffing

Stacy Mackey brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership to her role as Secretary/Treasurer on the CSP Board of Directors. With decades of hands-on experience, Stacy currently leads operations at XL Staffing, a full-service staffing firm specializing in placing candidates in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire roles across light industrial sectors, including warehouse, manufacturing, construction, clerical, and hospitality.

In addition to her staffing expertise, Stacy is also part of Excell Security, a company providing uniformed security services for construction sites, residential communities, and commercial properties throughout California.

A Certified Staffing Professional (CSP), Stacy is passionate about promoting industry excellence, ethical hiring practices, and workforce development. Her unique career journey began at age 18 and reflects the adaptability and resilience that define the staffing world.

Outside the office, Stacy is a history buff, avid board game enthusiast, and dedicated high school football coach. She's also a longtime World of Warcraft player—proof that leadership and strategy don’t stop at the office door.

ANDREA BRENHOLZ

Vice President of Communications: 2025-2026

ATR International, Inc
 

Andrea Brenholz is a nationally recognized leader in the staffing industry and currently serves as Vice President of Communications for California Staffing Professionals. As CEO and President of ATR International, Andrea brings over 16 years of experience in shaping forward-thinking talent solutions and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.

A dynamic communicator and visionary, Andrea is committed to keeping the staffing industry at the forefront of innovation. Under her leadership, ATR has embraced emerging technologies and driven impactful change, all in pursuit of a single mission: making the world a better place, one job at a time. Her dedication to empowering professionals, elevating industry standards, and giving back to the community has become the cornerstone of her success.

Andrea’s influence extends well beyond business results. She is a passionate mentor and advocate for women and minorities in staffing and serves on the National Board for Latinx Professionals. In 2018, she was honored by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) as one of the Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing, recognizing her as a force for progress and transformation across the industry.

As Vice President of Communications for CSP, Andrea leverages her voice and platform to amplify member engagement, share knowledge, and foster a more connected and inclusive staffing community across California.

Guiding Principle: Leadership means lifting others as you rise—especially those historically underrepresented in the rooms where decisions are made.

KEITH FISCUS

Vice president of education and programs: 2025-2026

Innovative Career Resources & Staffing

Keith Fiscus serves as Vice President of Education and Programs on the CSP Board of Directors, bringing over 15 years of talent acquisition leadership and entrepreneurial drive to the role. As CEO of ICR Staffing Services, Keith is passionate about connecting great talent with opportunity and building strong, results-driven partnerships across industries.

A proud U.S. Army Airborne veteran and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program alumnus, Keith has spent his career leading high-performing teams and fostering innovation within the staffing sector. His approach is grounded in energy, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that have helped shape ICR Staffing into a trusted resource for clients and candidates alike.

Keith thrives on mentorship and believes in the power of developing others. His commitment to CSP’s mission is evident in his drive to elevate education and programming across California’s staffing community.

When he’s not working, Keith channels his Italian roots in the kitchen—experimenting with recipes and sharing good food with family and friends.

JOHN KLOSINSKI

vICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP: 2025-2026

Legacy Career Solutions

John Klosinski serves as Vice President of Membership for California Staffing Professionals, bringing over 15 years of leadership in staffing, recruiting, and professional services to his role. As the Founder of Legacy Career Solutions, John is known for his commitment to creating meaningful, results-driven connections between talented professionals and industry-leading employers across sectors including construction, logistics, manufacturing, and office operations.

John has built his career around the belief that success starts with the right connection. His firm specializes in Direct Hire placements for professional and supervisory roles, as well as Temporary and Temp-to-Hire staffing that offers flexibility and value for clients. With a keen eye for operational excellence and a passion for strategic partnership, John consistently delivers high-impact workforce solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Throughout his career, John has also earned a reputation for mentoring teams, driving growth, and championing personalized service—values that align closely with CSP’s mission. In his role as VP of Membership, John is focused on strengthening member engagement, expanding CSP’s network, and helping staffing professionals across California grow their businesses through collaboration and shared resources.

Fun Fact: John met his wife on the UCR softball field—she turned out to be one of his best recruits. Lesson learned: Always be recruiting.

KAREN RODRIGUEZ

PAST President: 2025-2026

Retired

Karen Rodriguez is a trailblazer in the staffing industry whose career spans more than three decades. Starting as a headhunter in 1987, Karen quickly discovered her passion for connecting people with opportunity—and she never looked back. As the founder and longtime President of The Right Choice Staffing, she served California’s Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley with a deep commitment to quality placements and client satisfaction.

For over 21 years, Karen led her firm in delivering Temporary, Temp-to-Hire, and Direct Hire staffing solutions across a wide range of industries. Her dedication to ethical practices, personalized service, and local economic development earned her lasting relationships and a respected place in the staffing community.

Karen’s influence extends beyond business. As a dedicated leader in California Staffing Professionals, she has served in numerous roles, including as Past President, where her legacy of mentorship, advocacy, and volunteerism continues to shape the organization. Even in retirement, Karen remains a passionate supporter of CSP, committed to giving back to the profession that gave her so much.

Guiding Philosophy: When you connect the right people with the right opportunity, you don’t just fill a job—you change a life.

Liliana Bernal

education and programs: 2024-2026

With over 25 years of experience in the staffing and recruiting industry, Liliana Bernal is a visionary leader committed to reshaping the workforce through diversity, innovation, and service excellence. As Board President of CSP, she champions the association’s mission to support, educate, and advocate for staffing professionals across California.

Liliana is the Founder and CEO of a successful staffing firm, where she has built a reputation for delivering solution-based programs to clients on a local, regional, and national level. Her passion lies in building inclusive teams, fostering individual success, and creating workplace cultures that thrive through diversity. A respected public speaker and diversity consultant, Liliana brings unmatched insight and leadership to the staffing community.

Ryan Buxbaum

director At Large: 2025-2027

Next One Staffing

Ryan brings over a decade of specialized recruiting expertise to his role as Director at Large for California Staffing Professionals. As the founder of a boutique executive search firm focused on the banking and financial services industry, Ryan is known for helping companies minimize wasted time and maximize results through his committed and strategic approach to hiring.

A trusted partner to banking leaders across California, Ryan and his team have earned a reputation for delivering top-tier talent by understanding the unique needs of financial institutions and building deep, long-standing relationships in the industry. As a proud member of the Western Bankers Association (WBA) since 2017, Ryan leverages his insider knowledge and expansive network to ensure clients consistently hire the right people — the first time.

Ryan’s passion for recruiting is grounded in making companies stronger and turning job seekers into standout employees. His search process emphasizes transparency, alignment, and long-term fit, helping clients avoid costly hiring missteps and reduce turnover. From direct hire to temp-to-perm solutions, Ryan's commitment to ethical recruiting and business excellence aligns perfectly with CSP’s mission.

Fun Fact: Ryan launched his agency just before the COVID-19 lockdown in early 2020. Navigating a challenging start, he quickly adapted — and vowed never to staff door-to-door salesmen or dog groomers again.

PAUL FITZPATRICK

DIRECTOR AT LARGE: 2024-2026

Spire Systems Inc.

Paul Fitzpatrick serves as a Director at Large for California Staffing Professionals, bringing over two decades of experience at the intersection of technology and talent. As the Founder of Spire Systems Inc., Paul leads a specialized IT consulting firm that supports Fortune 500 companies and enterprise clients in navigating fast-moving changes in the business application and technology space.

With a client portfolio of over 250 organizations, Paul has built a reputation for delivering smart, scalable solutions that align IT strategy with business goals. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between people and systems—an approach that mirrors CSP’s commitment to workforce innovation and excellence.

In his role with CSP, Paul brings a forward-thinking mindset, helping ensure the staffing industry remains agile and responsive in an era defined by digital transformation. His contributions to the board draw from years of entrepreneurial leadership, systems integration knowledge, and a deep appreciation for collaborative problem-solving.

Fun Fact: Paul married someone with the same last name—Fitzpatrick. Their wedding invitations? Absolutely unforgettable.

Hector Leon

Director at Large: 2025-2027

FLAG Solutions LLC

At California Staffing Professionals (CSP), we are guided by industry leaders—professionals like Hector Leon who are focused on the future of staffing and workforce innovation.

With over a decade of experience in recruitment and business solutions, Hector Leon brings a results-oriented approach and a deep commitment to client and candidate success. He specializes in placing direct hire, temporary, and project-based professionals within the Manufacturing, Technical, and Leadership sectors across Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area.

Hector is known for his strong relationships with Manufacturing Managers and executives, as well as his expansive network of top-tier technical talent. His deep understanding of industry demands and dedication to quality service makes him a trusted advisor to both employers and job seekers.

As a member of CSP’s Board of Directors, Hector is proud to help shape the future of staffing in California—championing ethical standards, promoting business growth, and supporting innovative workforce solutions.

LISA LICHTY

Government Affairs: 2025-2027

Star Staffing

As the government affairs chair on the CSP Board of Directors, Lisa Lichty brings sharp insight, entrepreneurial leadership, and a lifelong love of numbers to her role. Lisa is the CEO of Star Staffing, Northern California’s leading staffing and recruiting firm, known for delivering top talent across industries including finance, clerical, customer service, marketing and sales, manufacturing, warehousing, and even the region’s thriving wine and hospitality sectors.

Under Lisa’s leadership, Star Staffing has earned a reputation for excellence, agility, and community commitment. A certified women-owned business, Star is deeply focused on workforce innovation and delivering tailored solutions—from entry-level temporary staffing to high-level executive placements.

Lisa’s passion for problem-solving and data-driven decisions started early—her favorite childhood toy was a calculator! Today, that same passion fuels her success as a business leader and advocate for ethical, forward-thinking staffing practices across California.

FORTINO RIVERA

PAC CHAIR: 2024-2026

Staffing Solutions

Fortino Rivera is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and workforce development. As CEO of Staffing Solutions, he has spent the past two decades helping companies across Southern California connect with top-tier talent in industries ranging from aerospace and food & beverage to healthcare, administration, and advanced manufacturing.

In addition to leading one of the region’s most respected staffing firms, Fortino serves as Chair of the California Staffing Professionals Political Action Committee (PAC). In this critical role, he advocates for the voice of over 2,000 staffing agencies across the state—working to support pro-business, pro-staffing candidates and ensuring the industry has a seat at the table in Sacramento. His leadership of the PAC reflects a deep understanding that advocacy and representation are key to business sustainability in California.

A proud Hispanic business owner, Fortino has been a visible and vocal leader in both English- and Spanish-speaking media, appearing on Univision, FOX 11, and national radio programs to elevate the profile of the staffing industry and minority entrepreneurship. His longstanding client relationships—many lasting over 10 or even 20 years—are a testament to his integrity, service, and results.

Fortino also has a distinguished record of nonprofit leadership. He has served on numerous boards and commissions over the past four decades, including the YMCA of Orange County, Goodwill Industries, Santa Ana College Foundation, and Hispanic 100, among others.

Favorite Quote: “Get busy living or get busy dying.” – The Shawshank Redemption

SUSAN STEWARD

GENERAL COUNSEL: 2025-2026

AALRR

Susan Steward serves as General Counsel on the CSP Board of Directors, offering expert legal guidance and a deep understanding of employment law. A partner at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo in Cerritos, Susan represents employers in a wide range of employment matters—including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and workers’ compensation issues. She also advises clients on drafting compliant handbooks and employment-related agreements.

Before becoming an attorney, Susan spent 15 years in the field of gerontology, managing assisted living facilities and overseeing human resources operations. This unique background gives her a practical, business-savvy approach to legal issues, with an understanding of the real-world challenges employers face.

Susan’s commitment to protecting and empowering staffing professionals through clear, ethical legal frameworks makes her an invaluable asset to CSP and its members.

LORI OATES

Executive Director: 2025-2026
 

Lori Oates, CSEP, is the Executive Director of California Staffing Professionals, where she brings creativity, precision, and over a decade of association management experience to CSP’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategic initiatives. With a strong background in customer service, marketing, and event planning, Lori plays a vital role in supporting CSP’s mission, empowering its board, and delivering valuable experiences to members across California.

Lori began her career in events and nonprofit leadership with the International Live Events Association’s Northern California Chapter, where she earned her Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) credential and eventually served as Executive Director. Since then, she has expanded her portfolio to include executive leadership and meeting planning for multiple organizations, including the County Welfare Directors Association.

Holding a degree in Fashion Marketing & Management from The Art Institute of California – San Francisco, Lori blends a creative mindset with strong organizational acumen. Her approach to leadership is detail-oriented yet people-centered, ensuring CSP remains innovative, efficient, and connected.

Fun Fact: Lori is a passionate admirer of Frida Kahlo and Yves Klein—icons who, like her, blend bold vision with thoughtful execution.

ERICA GOMEZ

Account Manager 
 

Erica Gomez serves as the Account Manager for California Staffing Professionals (CSP), where she plays a central role in ensuring the organization’s operations run seamlessly. From managing day-to-day administrative functions to coordinating communications and supporting the Board of Directors, Erica is the steady hand behind CSP’s success.

With over nine years of experience in association management at BTF Enterprises, Erica has built a reputation for being dependable, detail-oriented, and solution-focused. Her strengths in customer service, board support, and organizational coordination also make her a key asset to other major clients, including the California Association of Directors of Activities.

Highly regarded for her professionalism, responsiveness, and positive attitude, Erica is known as someone who gets things done—with warmth and reliability.

Fun Fact: Outside of work, Erica enjoys discovering new coffee shops and unwinding with a good true crime documentary.