Human Resources: HR.com Team

HR.com Team

HR.com is in business to help build great companies by connecting them to the knowledge and resources they need to effectively manage the people side of business. As the global authority, we deliver HR Best Practices to help organizations build great companies through community, collaboration, research, shared best practices, and measurements.

Management | Sales | Content and Communications | Administration | Board of Directors

HR.com Management Team
		Debbie McGrath, Founder and Chief Instigator, HR.com Debbie McGrath founded HR.com in August, 1999. HR.com is in business to help build great companies by connecting them with the knowledge and resources they need to effectively manage the people side of business. As the global authority, HR.com delivers HR best practices to help organizations build great companies through community, collaboration, research, shared best practices, events and measurements. Debbie has an extensive background in HR, publishing and the Internet. Previous to starting HR.com she owned The CEO Group, a Canadian and European entity that created job board software, talent management software, HTC Career Magazines and High Tech Career Fairs. In August of 1998, The CEO Group was sold to Kaplan (now BrassRing.com), a fully owned subsidiary of the Washington Post Company. During her tenure she served as President of the Canadian and European operations, as well as Vice President of Worldwide Sales. Debbie has a degree in computer science and business administration, which she earned at the University of Guelph. She lives in King City, Ontario with her husband Doug and five kids. When she has spare time she can be found tasting and collecting Australian Shiraz´s and swooshing down the slopes with her family. DMcgrath[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/debbiemcgrath

		Diane Horton, Events Diane joined HR.com in the fall of 2008 and brings 20+ years of hands-on experience working in North American software, hardware and professional services organizations. Her career has spanned a wide range of financial, sales, and marketing positions within the Information Technology industry. Diane has worked with multi-nationals such as Bell Atlantic, as well as with mid-sized firms such as MAI Basic Four and BCS Ltd. In her role in sales with BCS, Diane led the sales effort that grew the firm successfully to become dominant in its vertical market in North America. The company was subsequently sold to a publicly traded firm in 2003. As Director of Events at HR.com, Diane implemented virtual conferences and intoduced the concept to HR.com's members and vendor partners. The Employers of Excellence conference is another big task on the to-do list, in addition to the exploration of new areas for the company to expand into. Diane is married with 3 girls who keep her busy chauffering, shopping, and in the winter, cheering them on at their hockey games and trailing behind them on the ski hills. dhorton[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/DianeHorton

		Belinda Pianezza - Project Manager, Website Development & Content Belinda Pianezza is HR.com's Project Manager for Website Development and Content. She has ownership of coordinating technical deliverables, implementation of new initiatives and oversees our Content Department. In general, she must make everyone happy...or else! And if that weren't enough, she is also responsible for training staff and clients on our Website platform. You'll recognize Belinda as our past Magazine Editor in which she was glued to her computer screen for several years! With more than 20 years experience under her belt as a journalist, she's also our resident "celebrity." Belinda worked for several major national and local television stations as a host/anchor and reporter. In her spare time, she enjoys going up north with her family, skiing, swimming, walking, dreaming about spare time! BPianezza[at]hr.com
SALES
		David Whitmarsh, VP of Sales Territories covered: California (zip code 94000 ), Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont David Whitmarsh brings with him over 10 years of corporate sales experience. He has had a long relationship working with Debbie McGrath and her staff at The CEO Group/BrassRing as a key supplier. David has a voracious appetite for knowing all about his clients and their business issues and has proven to be a wealth of information for them. In his spare time he fights for a voice in his house, having three daughters, a wife, and a number of female pets. DWhitmarsh[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/davidwhitmarsh
		Grant Perry, Regional Director Grant Perry is the latest addition to HR.com and the first recruit in 2008. He has been part of the workforce for over 20 years and brings an array of various work experiences with him, providing the highest quality of customer service to clients. He is the father of three teenage daughters – the eldest is 19 and the other two are 16-year old twins. He enjoys spending as much time with his daughters as possible, playing baseball and cooking for family and friends. Grant is looking forward to building new business relationships with his customers at HR.com. GPerry[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/grantperry
		Mary-Michelle Houlton , Regional Director Mary-Michelle joins HR.com with previous experience in sales working for Internet REIT, a next-generation Internet media company that acquires, develops and monetizes high-quality domain names. Her background in Iridology and Healthcare, has spent the last few years working in long term care within the community and in a facility. Mary-Michelle most enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, event planning, country music, cooking, and going to church. mhoulton[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/mhoulton
		Amy Ylitalo, Regional Sales Representative Territories covered: Alaska, Arizona, Southern California, District of Columbia, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia Amy is one of the Regional Managers of the HR.com Sales team. A recent graduate from Seneca College, Amy joins the HR.com family in February 2007. Her responsibilities include: driving new business development, building strong and lasting relationships with her clients, and providing quality customer service. When not in the office Amy spends her free time with her friends, shopping the streets of Toronto, or taking off on wild adventures. AYlitalo[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/Amy_Y
		Pam Koller , Regional Sales Representative Territories Covered: IA, IL, KS, MN, NE, TN Pam began her sales career at HR.com in 2007. Since that time, she has developed strong business relationships with her clients, and strives to continue to generate quality relationships. She is adapting to her role as a P/T working mom, and when not in the office, loves spending time with her family and friends. She is an avid traveler who loves to experience new cultures! PKoller[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/pammoir
		Debbie Holmes, Director, Health Insurance - Benefits - Relocation Accounts Debbie has a Business Degree and over 15 years of account management experience in the high-tech business applications industry, with organizations such as Dell, GE Capital Technology Services, Data General, and resellers of IBM, Compaq, HP, NEC, Toshiba, etc. Deb is passionate about her clients, and prides herself on her ability to listen and work as partners to find the best, unique and dependable solutions. Debbie joined HR.com in 2006 on a 65% full-time basis so she can maintain her other important role as Mom to her young daughters, Jordan & Taylor. Her wonderful husband, Jeff, shares her love of family is a best friend and partner in their favourite past-times, golf, water-skiing, cycling, roller-blading and alpine skiing! DHolmes[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/DebHolmes
CONTENT and COMMUNICATIONS

		Adnan Saleem, Creative Director Before joining HR.com, Adnan ran a digital marketing studio which he launched in 2002. After graduating from Humber College studying Graphic, Web and Flash Design, he furthered his education at the University of Windsor's BA Visual Arts program. Adnan attained expert skills in all Fine Arts and Multimedia such as Illustration, Oil Painting, Digital Imagery, Animation, Digital Video Editing, Motion Graphics and Special Effects. He has continued to hone his skills by competing in multimedia and design competitions such as 'The League for Innovation' in 2001, in which he placed third. He has since won awards in more than 40 international advanced multimedia competitions and has been featured in many publications and textbooks relating to digital media. His artistic flair and dedication allow his ambitious visual marketing campaigns, commercials and design to add more thrill to the HR.com experience. ASaleem[at]hr.com
		Jason Clavo, Graphic Designer Montreal born, Toronto raised Jason spends his days designing HR.com print projects working with a steadfast heart and an unbreakable concentration. Our demure designer's obsession with Graphic Design began from an early age when he was able to afford his first comic book, which was the Silver Surfer. From there he has studied in many schools, gathering new techniques, and finally graduating at George Brown College for Graphic Design. Ultimately, one of Jason's goals is to be able to illustrate - with photographic style quality - with a box of Crayola crayons. But because time is of the essence, for now, he'll cheat and use his Mac. When not at work, the perpetually restless Jason can be found wandering the wide tree-lined streets of Aurora, Ontario. JClavo[at]hr.com
		Julie Dixon, Graphic/Web designer Julie Dixon has just recently joined the team in November 2008 after graduating from Sheridan College’s Computer Animation program. Born in London, ON, she expanded her horizons by venturing north to Aurora to pursue her passions. For several years, Julie has been studying many aspects of multimedia; having completed her Multimedia Design and Production undergrad at Fanshawe College in London. She enjoys 3D, web design, video production and photography greatly, hoping to one day be part of a feature length computer generated film. When not spending all her time on the computer, Julie enjoys the outdoors, yoga, ballroom dancing and horseback riding. JDixon[at]hr.com
		Lynn Lievonen, Editor Lynn Lievonen is an editor and is responsible for a variety of projects which come her way. Prior to joining HR.com, Lynn was the publisher/editor-in-chief of a monthly high tech recruitment magazine, 'htc - Canada's HiTech Career Journal,' which was a CEO Group/Kaplan/BrassRing publication. She managed all editorial, advertising, and circulation functions. Previous experience includes sales and marketing management roles in the new home industry. Whenever possible, Lynn can be found up north at her cottage, enjoying the great outdoors. And now she gets there in her snazzy little convertible, regardless of the weather. A true Canadian indeed. LLievonen[at]hr.com
		Mike Ing, Internet Applications Developer Mike is an integral part of the HR.com technology group. A former CEO Group/Kaplan/BrassRinger, he helped develop, deploy and host the international resume tracking and events system. He currently handles the technology requirements for our events. Mike has several years of development knowledge including SQL 2000, ASP, COM , etc. MIng[at]hr.com
		Yufang Hua , Internet Applications Developer Yufang graduated from Mohawk College in Software Engineering. He has several years of programming experience on various languaes and platforms. Before joining HR.com, Yufang worked as a software engineer on software testing and web programming. In his spare time he enjoys playing volleyball. YHua[at]hr.com

		Sonny Djayakarsana, Online Campaign Administrator Prior joining HR.com, Sonny worked for Motorola Canada, ran a computer and consulting firm, and taught collegiate computer science and visual arts courses. He joined HR.com IT team for a few years, and now he is in the Marketing department. His mother sparked his interest in anything electrical or mechanical back in his childhood days, and now he holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto. To maintain a healthy blood circulation he plays badminton or out in the park with his kids playing frisbee. SDjayakarsana[at]hr.com
		Suzanne Abraham, Email/CRM Administrator Suzanne Abraham joined the HR.com team in the summer of 2008. She has many years of experience working with various types of databases and has been able to learn ours very quickly. She is looking forward to the challenges that HR.com is sure to bring with continuous upgrading and addition of new technology. When Suzanne is not glued to the computer, she is found enjoying life with her 11 year old son, her husband and dog. As a family they enjoy traveling, camping and exploring new places and old favourites. SAbraham[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/suzanneduggan
ADMINISTRATION
		Silvi Verder, Client Care Specialist Silvi's outgoing, ever-so-helpful personality and love of nature (you should see the "wildlife" in this office), make her a natural for her functions in client services, not to mention the patience that she learned in her years as a teacher and as a volunteer with many youth organizations. Having been with HR.com for over six years now, Silvi is one of the best resources for finding the hidden treasures of this site. She performs multiple functions at HR.com; her favorites, helping members and clients. Silvi and her husband, Erik, are empty nesters. They are the parents of two handsome and talented young men. (Yup - and she doesn't feel old either!) In their spare time, they can be found downtown, being groupies to their son's band, The Outfit. (Momma wants a new Porsche!) SVerder[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/SilVer
		Vicki Nisbet , General Accountant Vicki works wonders in our accounting department. She is more than just a bean counter; she's responsible for keeping the pockets of our staff lined on a regular basis. Her past work experience includes accounting/payroll for The CEO Group/Kaplan/BrassRing. Without her expertise, many of our staff would be brown bagging it for lunch! We're lucky to have such a wonderful person on our team. Aside from her love to crunch numbers, Vicki enjoys time with her gorgeous husband and charming kids. Many of her spare moments include trips to the hockey rink, soccer fields, campgrounds and tennis courts. Okay, long walks on the beach should be included but the staff at HR.com would want to make sure Vicki is keeping tabs on them via a laptop and wireless connection. VNisbet[at]hr.com
		Laurie Hamilton-Rojas, Administrative Assistant Laurie Hamilton-Rojas is HR.com's Administrative Assistant who looks after client services at HR.com. You may also find her working furiously in the accounting department, answering the phones, and processing press releases on our site (just another of the many multi-taskers who work in the office). Laurie joined HR.com in September 2004 so she's passed the one-year mark. Laurie is happily married with two sons aged 12 and 15, so those multi-tasking skills definitely come in handy! When she's not spending time in hockey rinks - in both the winter and summer - or spending time tending to gardens, Laurie can be found providing taxi service for her sons and their friends. LHamilton-rojas[at]hr.com www.hr.com/members/lhamiltonrojas

		Kate Hotham, Online Event Coordinator Kate recently joined the Online Events team of HR.com to assist with the many webcasts that we run. Kate is the go to girl when it comes to webcasts and is always a pleasure to deal with for both clients and participants. When Kate has spare time and is not busy puttering around the house inside and out, she enjoys spending time with her husband (the cook of the house) and her teenage daughter (the shopper of the house). Her favourite past time is heading to the beach, of course, the beach in Barbados. KHotham[at]hr.com

Our Board of Directors
		Michael Egan, Chairman of the Board Michael Egan has successfully built substantial businesses in his past. He brings focus and dynamic leadership to firms he works with. In his last venture at InSystems, which he founded in 1989, he became a significant e-business supplier to the financial services industry. A visionary, he guided the company's rapid growth by developing a team with a keen understanding of the industry and its evolving requirements. He has helped these organizations reshape their processes and business relationships through technology for 30 years. The proof is an impressive roster of more than 350 customers in 24 countries and several prestigious business and industry awards. Insystems was sold to the Standard Registry Company in 2002. Michael is a graduate of the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Mathematics. Mike's career began in the Information Technology department of a major insurance company, where he designed and developed several online systems. He became an industry consultant, working with Life and Health insurance companies in the United States and Canada, before founding two successful technology companies focused on solutions for financial services organizations. Active in business associations and committed to the community, Mike has twice been Campaign Cabinet Chair of the United Way of York Region and in 2003, he was recognized with the prestigious Canadian Venture Capital Association 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award. Michael is a proud father of four children and is supported by his very charismatic wife, Beth. He is a frequent traveler, skier, polo player and fund raiser for the local community.
		Ted Anderson, Executive Board Advisor Ted Anderson is the senior vice president at Ventures West. He joined the company in 1996 and focuses his investment activities in IT, telecommunications and semiconductors. He also represents Ventures West as the General Partner of the Eastern Technology Seed Investment Fund, a venture capital fund co-managed by Ventures West that was created in 1997 to provide seed stage financing for early stage technology projects in Eastern Canada. Ted is a veteran of the Canadian venture capital industry with over 20 years' experience in private equity investment. He began his career in venture financing in 1982 with Royal Bank Venture Capital and moved to BG Acorn Capital Fund in 1985. Ted is a past President, and for several years was a director of, the Canadian Venture Capital Association, as well as an instructor in the MBA program at the Schulich School of Business at York University. He holds a B.A. (Honours) in economics from the University of Toronto and an MBA from York University.
		Mike Pilmer, Executive Board Advisor Mike Pilmer is President and CEO of LexisNexis Canada. Mike joined LexisNexis in July 2002 and is known for his strong planning, organizational, and business skills. Previously, Mike was a partner with Hollinger Capital, a venture capital group focused on technology startups. He was also Vice President, Hollinger Digital, an operating subsidiary of Hollinger International, responsible for the development of Canadian electronic media products.
		Jody Dyer, Executive Board Advisor Jody Dyer is an Atlanta-based private investor with over 30 years of hands-on business and technology management experience. He has been active in technology investments, and is a recognized expert in the area of insurance/benefits software development. Over the past 10 years, Jody has raised capital, made investments and occupied management or board positions in a number of technology-related companies. He's been a president and CEO, and holds two U.S. patents covering facsimile technology. Jody has an MBA from Harvard, a Master of Science Information and Computer Science and a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering. He is a Fellow in the Life Management Institute and a member of the Georgia Tech Industrial Engineering Hall of Fame.