Our Team
Don Ramer / CEO & Founder
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Don Ramer’s commitment to recruitment spans over 30 years. He began his career in executive search in 1974. Over the next 6 years he worked in both contingency and retainer environments serving as Assistant to the President at two AESC registered firms.
In 1980 he formed The Ramer Group a recruiting firm specializing in the placement of Data Security executives for major financial institutions in New York City. In 1986 he launched The Recruitment Research Institute and served as Executive Director. Under the auspices of the Institute he began publication of a newsletter for the Human Resources community entitled The Alternative Employment Marketplace and delivered seminars throughout the US on “Improving Quality and Reducing Costs Through the Alternative Employment Marketplace.” Much of the Institute’s research was subsequently published and distributed by The Bureau of National Affairs. More
Jennifer Marcy / Executive Vice President
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Jennifer’s career in human resources began as a recruiter in the security and armored services industry. For over 20 years she has lent her expertise in human resources and change management to public television, philanthropy, corporate staffing operations, and recruitment advertising.
Since joining Arbita™ in March of 2000, she has led hundreds of clients through implementation and training while delivering customized systems, consulting and media solutions. Jennifer’s team listens, responds to, and respects Arbita’s clients. Over the years, her team has helped many of the world's most successful companies achieve their recruiting objectives.
Doug Ries / Executive Vice President
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As Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Doug brings 14 years of experience in operations management, sales, strategic alliance development, and marketing to Arbita™. His philosophy of connecting the best companies with the best partners fuels Arbita's sphere of solutions and creates a better marketplace for our clients. Doug's work has resulted in the creation of a global network of recruitment media outlets and technology solutions that empowers the staffing operations of many of the world's most respected employers.
Prior to joining Arbita™ in March of 2000, Doug managed sales and direct marketing for an international distribution company that served over 10,000 municipal, educational, and private sector accounts. There he defined standards for the company’s marketing, sales, and logistics operations. Doug led the company's international sales operations resulting in a customer base that embraced Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Ed Haswell / CTO
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Ed taught himself programming in assembly language on a PC in the early 80's and embarked on his career in IT shortly thereafter. In the course of his 20+ years in the profession, he has held development, support, architectural, consulting, and leadership roles in such diverse settings and industries as academic administration, realtime visual systems, manufacturing, healthcare, and insurance.
Ed joined the Arbita™ team in March of 2006. Ed's leadership philosophy emphasizes an active relationship with business partners, technological pragmatism, best practices, and a rich growth environment for his team; he will be applying his experience to guiding Arbita's technical direction during the company's next phase of growth.
Robin Ferguson / Vice President, Media Solutions
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Robin joined the Arbita™ Team December 2006 bringing a unique blend of sales and recruiting experience to Arbita™ and its clients. In addition, our clients benefit from his more than seven years of specialized client relations experience in online recruiting strategies.
Robin serves as Director of Client Services and Media Solutions. He provides his expertise to building online recruiting strategies and managing Fortune 500 company accounts that assist our clients in improving their online recruitment efforts. Whether it is exploring the many available career sites and making site recommendations for job postings, or looking at Interactive ways of recruiting online, Robin takes pride in going the “extra mile” to provide quality services to our clients.
Robin is also proud of his past service in the military. He enjoyed a varied and successful career in the U.S. Army and retired from service in 1996. He spent majority of career in the U.S. Army Recruiting Command where he successfully completed duty assignments as a Recruiter for enlisted soldiers and Nurses, an Instructor at the U.S. Army Recruiting and Retention School and an Inspector with Enlistment Standards Division.
Robin is currently working on obtaining his Masters Degree in Human Resources from Kennedy-Western and expects to graduate June 2007. He received a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Sociology from the University of the State of New York.
Devin Ball / Business Analyst/QA Engineer
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Devin began his second stint with Arbita in December 2007. He previously worked for Arbita from August 2000 through May 2006. Devin has over eight years experience in the internet media, technology, e-commerce and financial industries. During that span, Devin has researched and developed a product development roadmap, documented internal and external processes, created supporting user documentation, and created and managed a Support Center. He has also completed A/B testing for domestic and international payment methods and managed, tested and executed code releases.
Outside of work, Devin enjoys attending music concerts, films and film festivals, running, reading, spending time camping, fishing and hiking and participating in recreational softball and basketball leagues. He graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is currently enrolled at St. Paul College where he is taking classes in Geomatics.
Barry Berg / Chief Architect
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Barry has been an IT Professional for over 35 Years. He graduated from St. Cloud State and the University of Minnesota in the 1960's and obtained his CDP Certification from the Data Processing Management Association in 1970. Barry started originally in systems programming, writing code for large scale operating systems, compilers, telecommunications, networking, early databases, and pioneered in the development and implementation of distributed processing systems.
In the middle 1970's Barry was one of the pioneers in the new microcomputer field. He envisioned uses for the new, microprocessor-based computers beyond their then "hobby" status, and designed and implemented one of the first true applications on a microprocessor based system. This Agribusiness Management System utilized one of the first microprocessor based Relational Databases. Barry's development system, which he built himself, is now in the collection of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.
In the 1980's Barry made the shift from Systems Software to Applications Software. He has crafted novel and ground breaking approaches in the Insurance, Retail, Medical, Transportation, and Aerospace Industries. Throughout his career Barry has been known and respected by his peers for his creative, out of the box approach to problem solving and systems design.
When not working with computer systems, Barry is an avid Ham Radio Operator, enjoys woodworking and keeping his classic 1952 and 1978 MG's on the highways.
Angie Clowers / Director of Sales and Marketing Support
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Angie comes to Arbita reinforced with over 8 years of experience in recruitment advertising operations and client management. She has guided organizations with a consistent and measurable degree of success in the achievement of revenue, cost, productivity, and delivery goals.
Angie’s professional experience includes stints as Implementation Manager for TruStar Solutions, Implementation/Project Manager for Jobscience, and Director of Operations for Appendant Marketing Group. Over the course of her career, she has established Client Services and Professional Services Departments, restructured product implementation processes for healthcare – focused applicant tracking systems, and has led teams in the design and development of company products and service offerings.
Angie has proven to be an effective analyst, problem solver, and communicator through her innovation and ability to implement core business processes. Her experience, combined with her core competencies, makes her a valuable addition to Arbita’s team.
Keda Dalsanto / Strategic Account Manager
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As Arbita’s Account Manager, Keda Dalsanto brings over 12 years experience in recruiting, sales, and customer service. Throughout her extensive career, she has held Executive Recruiter, Recruitment Advertising Sales Executive, Sales Representative, and Media Buyer positions at various recruitment and higher education agencies.
As a highly focused and driven professional, Keda has lead various organizations into uncharted territories of success. As a Recruitment Advertising Sales Executive for the Indianapolis Star, she handled recruitment advertising accounts responsible for $3 million per year of revenue generation. As a Higher Education Sales Representative for John Wiley & Sons, Inc., she was responsible for generating $2 million in sales and over 100 colleges with multiple contacts at each establishment. As an experienced recruiter, she made her first placement within the first 60 days of her tenure at Kelly Services.
Before joining Arbita, Keda served as a Media Buyer for Appendant Marketing Group, where she handled various customer service issues and was responsible for media information management and marketing initiatives. As Arbita’s Account Manager, Keda brings a strong background of dedicated professionalism that greatly benefits its mission to provide effective online recruiting solutions for its clients.
Jesse Dean / Account Coordinator
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Jesse Dean began her career with Arbita™ in the summer of 2007. She has worked in real estate for the past three years. Her last position was operations management for a high volume team south of the river. She brings extensive knowledge in client services as well as business marketing with a creative edge. She is pursuing her bachelors’ degree in International business.
Katie Dean / Finance Manager
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Katie has been with Arbita™ since April 2003. She grew up in Rockford, MN and attended St. Cloud State for two years directly after high school. She is continuing her education at the Minnesota School of Business where she is studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Business. Katie’s first position was a Client Services Representative and then Administrative Services. With determination and hard work, she is now the Finance Manager. Katie’s intense degree of detail and communication makes her an asset to this team.
Jamie Dohse / Account Coordinator
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Jamie joined the Arbita team in March of 2008. She brings with her a high degree of results-oriented professionalism. Highly accomplished in the areas of clients services, marketing, and business administration, Jamie’s level of experience and expertise will make a definitive impact on Arbita’s high-powered work environment.
Jamie is currently working on a Bachelors Degree in International Business Management at Augsburg College. Her previous stint as Business Coordinator for Client Management Services-National Accounts team at Express Scripts, Inc. (Pharmaceutical Benefit Management Company) has armed her with a range of skills in business planning, project, and budget management.
As Arbita’s Account Coordinator, she works closely with the Strategic Account Managers to ensure that highly personable, efficient, and quality service is achieved for all of its clients. She assists clients in any non-technical job board-related information, such as additional training, job board inquiries, or package recommendations. Her core competencies include Business Planning and Development, Project Management and Trend Analysis, and Budget Planning and Administration. Her motivated work ethic combined with her experience makes her a valuable addition to Arbita’s team.
Tim Ellerbrock / Tech Support Manager
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Tim has brought several years of customer support experience to Arbita™ when he began as a Technical Support Associate in 2004. He is now Technical Support Manager, in charge of the Support Center, which assists clients with product features and integrations. Tim currently holds a degree in Computer Networking and Telecommunications, and has also received an accreditation as being certified in Network Support and Administration. Tim is continuing his education towards a degree in Management Information Systems.
Seth Fair / Creative Director
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Seth has been with Arbita™ since November of 2005. He brings with him eight years of web site and graphic design experience, including three years running his own web design business. Seth is charged with managing all of the promotional aspects of Arbita™, including the web site, brochures, and trade show material. Seth holds a B.A. degree in Studio Art from The College of Wooster, in Ohio.
Robert Falink / Desktop Support
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Robert joined Arbita in January 2008, providing the team with a focus on their needs as a local Desktop Support Specialist. He brings 3+ years of support experience, and a AAS degree in Network Administration from Hennepin Technical College. He is looking forward to learning more about both local systems and network administration, as well as anything else he can do to help make things run smoothly here at Arbita.
Travis Ferguson / Tech Support Manager
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Travis joined the Arbita™ team in October 2007. With over seven years experience in customer service and sales, including two years in the HR services sector as a Client Relations Manager, Travis brings a solid knowledge base and highly-developed client services skills to Arbita’s customers. Travis has a B.S. Degree in Technology Management from the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.
Ryan Rengo / Senior Software Engineer
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Ryan joined Arbita™ in July of 2007 bringing with him over 9 years of experience in the IT industry in diverse areas such as hospitality, health care, and finance. Ryan's educational background consists of degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Minnesota. Ryan is also a Microsoft Certified Application Developer and Solutions Developer. When not in front of a computer, Ryan enjoys spending his time with his family and being in the outdoors.
Ryan Stene / Strategic Account Manager
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Ryan joined Arbita's Technical Support division in August of 2006, and through his excellence in building quality client relationships, was promoted to Strategic Account Manager in April of 2007.
Ryan's experience in logistics and customer support with Target Corporation helped instill a “client first” attitude that is highly valued by both Arbita™ and its customers. Ryan’s goal is simple: “I intend to be a true partner to each and every client. I care about their wants and needs, and together we will develop a recruiting strategy that will keep them ahead of the competition.”
Ryan graduated with a Business Management degree from Augsburg College in 2005. In his spare time, Ryan loves to spend quality time with his daughter Libby, and if time permits, play various sports.
Hoan Tran / Senior Software Developer
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Hoan joined the Arbita team in April of 2008. As Arbita’s Senior Software Engineer, Hoan comes well-equipped to work in a technically challenging work environment. He possess a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters Degree in Computer Science from Governors State University. His education is reinforced by his extensive experience. He has been involved with the IT industry for over 10 years, working for such companies as Motorola, IBM, First Advantage, and Appendant Marketing Group. He also has over 3 years of experience in the Human Resources Sector.
Dedicated to the advancement of technical innovation within a constantly evolving industry, Hoan strives to develop and maintain Arbita’s software with the highest degree of expertise and passion.
In his spare time, Hoan is a frequent viewers of sports and loves to work on his Mac. With the exception of the Cubs, Hoan is an avid fan of all Chicago sports teams.
Andrew Trent / Web Editor
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Andrew joined the Arbita™ team in August of 2007. He brings with him a Bachelor’s Degree in English (Liberal Arts) from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, as well as extensive editing and composition experience. As Web Editor, he uses his skills in research and composition to craft a written voice for Arbita™, broadcasting its services, products, partnerships, and mission statement to the online recruitment community. His passion for written communication and language makes him a valuable addition to our team, and he is driven to articulate Arbita™’s humanistic recruitment principles to its client base. Andrew is charged with creating Arbita™’s press releases, adding and modifying written content on its website, producing descriptive flyers about its products and services, and revising any written material that it sends out. Currently, Andrew is working on a Masters Degree in English at the University of St. Thomas.
Kelly Wackerfuss / Executive Assistant
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Kelly comes to Arbita armed with personal integrity, a commitment to duty, a results-oriented work ethic, and concise communication skills. As a hard-working professional dedicated to accomplishing important tasks at hand, Kelly brings a unique blend of diversity and enthusiasm to the Arbita team. From 2003 to 2005, she served as a Retail Mortgage Loan Processor at Ameriquest Mortgage in Plymouth, Minnesota. There, she examined and analyzed income and credit scoring, providing each customer with a subjective offer based on financial performances. From 2005 to 2007, she served in the same capacity at First NLC, Inc., where she negotiated with organizations and underwriters to improve customers’ loan products. As well as working in the Retail Mortgage industries, Kelly has also volunteered her time, assisting children and adults with disabilities.
As an Executive Assistant, Kelly’s high degree of motivation and professionalism will make her a valuable addition to Arbita’s high-energy work environment.
Megan Wood / Web Developer, Systems Administrator
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Since May of 2006, Megan has provided the Arbita team with a highly-charged brand of technical and developmental expertise. Her resume provides ample evidence of prolific careers in the fields of web development, Linux administration, technical sales, and customer support. As a technical guru focused on delivering excellence to the world of IT, Megan is also a member of the Association of Computing Machinery and holds a Webmaster certificate. Her seven - plus years of experience, combined with her passionate focus on Open Source Technologies, makes her a valuable addition to Arbita’s IT Department. As Web Developer and Systems Administrator, Megan maintains the functionality and adaptability of Arbita’s web applications as they relate to its mission and business initiatives. Always diligent and goal-oriented, Megan continually enhances her existing skills with the constant flow of information and knowledge that occurs on the job. Passionate about keeping pace with the ever-changing world of cyberspace, Megan is currently working on a graduate degree in Computer Science.
Albert / Head of Security
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Albert is a Canaan Dog; his family has operated a successful security business for generations. Albert has provided security for the Haswell family for several years, and recently accepted a consulting role as Head of Security for Arbita™.