Our Team
Meet the people behind Fusion Recruiters.
John Hagenow
CEO & Managing Partner / Board Member, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin
Christina Stone
President & Managing Partner
I believe an organization's success is directly linked to its workforce. For over 2 decades, I have helped organizations attract, hire, and retain top talent, enabling both individuals and businesses to reach their peak potential. Since earning my BBA in Human Resource Management and Economics from UW-Milwaukee, I have supported various industries, including Medical Devices, Print Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Research, and Telecommunications. My expertise spans talent acquisition, relocation assistance, project management, and compliance. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, cooking, traveling, boating, and creating memories with family and friends.
Kirsten Hagenow
CFO & Managing Partner
With 20+ years in healthcare, specializing in cardiac rehabilitation and exercise physiology, I prioritized quality care and personal connections. I'm passionate about understanding people— their stories and families— enhancing their lives with a smile.
At Fusion, I've used that experience in my role as CFO to focus on genuine relationships with clients, candidates, and our team, which has a family feel. Outside of work, I'm a devoted mom, chauffeuring my kids and enjoying travel, family road trips, and strong coffee. Ultimately, my greatest joy is sharing moments with my husband, two boys, and our ever-present golden doodle, Lambeau.
Jamie Gobel
Director, Client Relationships
With over 15 years in leadership roles and a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management, Jamie Gobel is a dedicated coach passionate about helping leaders and teams thrive. Her career is marked by exceptional results and transformational change, rooted in her belief that people are the core of any successful business. Jamie focuses on connecting individuals with meaningful work and aligning companies with the talent they need. Her commitment to fostering growth and authenticity makes her a key catalyst in cultivating thriving organizational cultures and empowering leaders to achieve their highest potential.
Alexa Lleshaj
Director, Client Relationships
I've spent my career leading sales teams in the hospitality industry, driven by a passion for helping others and a "yes" attitude. I pride myself on being available and ensuring those around me feel taken care of. I'm excited to bring my experience to Fusion Recruiters, building on relationships in Dallas and beyond. Outside of work, I've traveled the world with my husband and enjoyed activities like rollerblading and brunch with friends. I'm cherishing every moment with our new addition, Henri. I'm thrilled to be part of the Fusion team and work towards our shared vision and values.
Gary Williams
Managing Director, Managed Search Solutions
Kristen Banholzer
Managing Director, Executive Search
The saying that sometimes a career chooses you certainly rings true for me. Early on in my career, as an administrative associate for a boutique staffing firm in Milwaukee, I was fortunate to be approached by leadership for a recruiting role which launched my journey into the talent acquisition space. Now, with over 20 successful and rewarding years behind me, I look back and realize that my true professional calling is to help guide others in achieving their career goals. As my passion and commitment have grown, the relationships I’ve developed have been instrumental in shaping me into an effective and successful leader in talent acquisition.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with many extraordinary leaders and team members. I've gained a wealth of recruiting experience across diverse industries, including Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Life Sciences, Financial Services, and Manufacturing, with a particular focus on executive recruitment. I firmly believe that this breadth of experience, combined with a commitment to positivity and hard work, lays the groundwork for success.
In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my husband at our home in sunny Florida. I'm also a huge animal lover and am instantly compelled to pet every furry friend that crosses my path!
Christy King
Executive Search Partner
I am a former accountant turned talent acquisition professional with nine+ years of experience. While I enjoyed the structure of accounting, I sought a career that aligned more with my passion for people and organizational values. This led me to talent acquisition, where I thrive in connecting individuals with roles they can excel in. I have expertise as a full-cycle recruiter and sourcer for executive and leadership positions across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. I am committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, home projects, and exploring new restaurants with my husband.
Michael Pittner
Executive Search Partner
With 18 years of experience in Talent Acquisition, I have been privileged to collaborate with highly skilled professionals in both Agency and Corporate settings. I firmly believe that cultivating strong relationships with professionals fosters a robust work environment for organizations and their employees.
My educational background is in Elementary Education from UW Oshkosh. When I decided to switch careers, I sought a role that still involved connecting with people, offering guidance, and coaching. With support from close colleagues and friends, I discovered the field of recruitment. Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working with exceptional talent in industries such as Manufacturing, Agricultural and Automotive Machinery, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Financial Services, and Healthcare. This diverse experience, coupled with the incredible professionals I have partnered with, has shaped me into the industry expert I am today.
Family and friends are very important to me, as anyone close to me would attest. I have three stepdaughters who have grown into strong, beautiful, and talented young women. I'm a sports enthusiast who continues to play volleyball (despite my knees' protests) and enjoys outdoor activities, a good movie, and working out. Go Pack Go!
Caroline Langer
Executive Sourcing Partner
Caroline joined Fusion in 2022 as an Executive Sourcing Partner. She came to Fusion with a wealth of experience in Tech and Engineering recruiting experience. Since joining Fusion, Caroline has been able to grow her expertise in the Operations and Manufacturing spaces. As Fusions SME in Tech recruiting, she has helped to expand our reach and abilities to help our clients find the best talent for their needs and organizational growth plans. Caroline has helped to increase Fusions footprint on LinkedIn through bother her personal platform as well as helping to grow Fusions platform. Caroline has helped with testing of new platforms the Sourcing and Recruitment team uses as well as working with platform partners to tailor them the Fusions Teams needs. In time away from the office Caroline enjoys traveling, reading, a good Netflix binge, and spending time with friends and family. As a former college volleyball player, she also enjoys playing volleyball, golfing, and working out daily. If you’re in the MKE area join her for a workout at Black Box 100 in Sussex!
Denise Wendlick
Executive Sourcing Partner
Connecting with individuals professionally and personally brings me immense satisfaction and joy.
After achieving my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Carroll College, and nearly three decades in a hospital environment, I sought to transition my professional career while preserving my dedication to helping others. In 2022 I transitioned to Fusion Recruiters as an Executive Sourcing Partner, aligning with my core values of fostering genuine relationships.
I cherish time with my husband, Brian, our children, Will and Ella, and our Fox Red Labrador, Nash. In my leisure time, I enjoy hiking, nature, and baking.