Lana Johnson, ISSA Board President
I’m currently Director of Recruitment Marketing. After starting our marketing function from the ground up almost 8 years ago, I’m now focused on leveraging our marketing capabilities to increase the number of candidates we are able to attract for our clients. This will help us expand our recruiting capabilities far beyond the use of job boards!
I became involved with ISSA because I love networking with other companies and also, helping to strengthen the staffing industry within Illinois. I was president of the association in the early 2000’s before I became involved at the national level as a board member and secretary for the American Staffing Association.
I have three kids who keep me very busy. I’m an avid reader and I love spending time with my family, especially when we’re on vacation. We live in the western suburbs.
Joe Gallelli, ISSA Board Vice President
I am currently serving as President of Total Staffing Solutions, and I oversee all of the organization’s activities. I took on this this role after spending 15 years as a Vice President at an Accounts Receivable Management firm, when the directors needed a replacement for the past President of TSS. I had previously used staffing firms and was familiar with the process, but never worked for an agency. Needless to say there was a lot of learning to do, but I was lucky to have the team in place that I did and currently do to keep the operation moving in the right direction!
I met an ISSA Board Member when I was evaluating new ATS providers, and she mentioned there were openings on the ISSA board. I had past experience serving on industry boards in various roles so I figured volunteering to be on the ISSA board would be a great way for me to not only increase my industry knowledge in a more formal setting but also allow me the ability to meet industry leaders and begin to develop new relationships.
My wife and I have been married for over 9 years and we have 3 wonderful boys ages 8 and twin 6-year old’s who have brought us nothing but joy and challenges, especially the twins, our two little miracles being born at 26 weeks! I’m passionate about my family and my organization, in particularly our employees, who I want to succeed not only professionally but in their personal goals as well. In my free time I enjoy coaching my kids in various sports, playing golf, reading and learning new skills relating to computer programming and data analysis.
Nicole Nelson, ISSA Board Member
I started my career as a financial analyst and quickly decided I wanted to do something that involved working with people. My manager at the time suggested staffing. After spending 14 years with a national staffing firm, I along with several co-workers, left to start Grayson. We specialize in contract and direct hire placement of accounting and IT professionals. Currently, I manage our direct hire finance and accounting practice.
I joined ISSA to connect with other professionals in the industry. I worked for the same company the majority of my career and was looking for new ideas and perspectives from people who have had different experiences.
I live on the Northside of Chicago with my husband and two children, Ella who is 11 and Andy who is 8. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and boating/water activities. I also really enjoy drinking wine!
Tom Matthews, ISSA Board Member
I grew up with two humble legends in the world of staffing as parents and have known since my teenage years that this is the field I want to ultimately join for my professional life (yes, I’m The ONE person who grew up wanting to work in staffing!). I attended the Virginia Military Institute and graduated with a B.A. in History, a Minor in Spanish, and a Concentration in Military History. Prior to officially coming onboard Matthews Professional Employment, I was an officer in the United States Coast Guard where I was privileged enough to run a small Special Force team in South and Central America. I’m fully bilingual in Argentinian Spanish.
I chose to become a part of ISSA because A) I truly believe in our industry and the benefit we provide to our communities and, quite frankly, to humanity and B) recognize that the value of what we do is not readily apparent…especially in a business hostile state…so I want to advocate and educate on behalf those who are likewise dedicated to making their living changes the lives of others.
I am a voracious reader, love physically pushing myself at the gym and obstacle races, and year-by-year am becoming a halfway decent chef. My mom and dad are quiet legends of our industry, my mentors, and heroes. As of yet, I don’t have a family of my own except for two rapscallion dogs, but am hopeful to remedy this in the not too distant future.
