Meet the Team

Market Leaders

Cherie Black

Market Leader DeSoto County and Southwest Memphis

Cherie began her career with Express Employment Professionals in 2018, where she honed her skills as an Employment Specialist. In 2021, Cherie transitioned to the Desoto office, gaining the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Over the years, she has worked diligently as an Employment Specialist to connect talent with meaningful job opportunities while servicing valued clients. She later transitioned to the role of Market Leader, focusing on fostering relationships with local businesses and empowering job seekers to further build the community. Her commitment is to drive her passion for making a positive impact in the community and lead the team to work towards high achievements by enhancing employment opportunities. Cherie’s favorite quote is “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

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Jessica Gillikin

Market Leader Southeast Memphis

Starting her journey with Express in April 2016 as a Front Office Coordinator, she's swiftly climbed the ranks, becoming the Market Leader and Business Developer for the Memphis SE location. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she ranked as the TOP 2 Sales Rep out of 850 Express offices in 2020. As a proud new mom to a precious baby boy and a devoted wife, she balances her personal and professional life with a commitment to excellence. She lives by two simple rules: be better than you were yesterday, and always strive to be the person who makes a difference.

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Rance Johnson

Market Leader Northeast Jacksonville

Rance Johnson joined Express Employment in 2016 and started as a temporary worker. Rance worked a freezing cold warehouse for Express as a team lead where he excelled up in the ranks to being offered a full time position both with the warehouse and with Express internally. Rance decided to go with Express, where his career started as a front office coordinator. The front office coordinator position did not last very long as his talents moved him up to an employment specialist. During Rance’s time as an Employment specialist he learned the in’s and out’s of Express, gaining him a Market Leader role where Rance led multiple offices. Rance’s current venture is taking over the Northeast Jacksonville FL office where his success is driving the team there to break major mile stones. Rance is a father of four and the most important part of his life is kids and family. Rance’s favorite quote is “You don’t lose if you get knocked down; you lose if you stay down!”

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Business Development Managers

Veronica Wilson

Business Development Manager

Veronica Wilson joined Express in August of 2024. Veronica is a Business Development Manager and enjoys meeting people and building relationships. In her free time, she loves playing with her dog Z-BO and working in her flower garden.

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Samuel Kunes

Business Development Manager

Sam brings a unique blend of skills from a diverse career path. His most significant experience comes from his time at a high volume pawn shop in Wisconsin, where he sharpened his capabilities in professionalism, problem solving, and fast paced service. Recently, Sam made a deliberate shift from a high-paying government role to pursue more meaningful work in the private sector. He is highly productive, once working one hundred hours in a single week during 2024, and understands the complexities of risk from his experience in options trading. Sam is dedicated to helping companies and employees navigate today's challenging stagflationary environment.

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Employment Specialists

Lakisha Ivey

Employment Specialist

Lakisha started working with Express Desoto County in June 2022. She has a pet dog named Benji and 2 kids who keep her going every day. In her free time, Lakisha enjoys sitting by the lake and relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book.

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Alicia Wilson

Employment Specialist

Alicia Joined our team in November of 2022. Originally from Arcola, MS, Alicia moved to Memphis to further her career and find better opportunities to grow. Alicia loves to work for Express because she is a major people person. She loves to meet new people and has one of the friendliest personalities in the office. When Alicia isn't working for Express, she enjoys spending time with her kids, shopping, and gathering together as a family.

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Anaiz Estrada

Employment Specialist

My name is Anaiz Estrada and i’ve been working for express for about 2 months now in the Jacksonville office and it’s been great! I moved here from Puerto Rico when i was 16 so i could finish my school here in the States. In my free time i love to spend time with my family, friends and 3 kitties!

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Nancy Samaniego-Mata

Employment Specialist

Nancy April Samaniego Mata is a Mississippi native from the Whitehaven/ Southaven border and a 2023 graduate of the University of Mississippi, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with Cum Laude honors. She lived abroad in Tokyo, Japan, and has since returned to her hometown to contribute to her community through her passion for helping others. She joined Express Employment Professionals in 2025 and immediately found her home with the Express Southwest and Desoto team! Outside of work, Nancy enjoys staying active in the gym and kickboxing, and also spends time exploring her interest in visual arts, particularly acrylics and mixed media. She is bilingual and is quickly nearing fluency in her third language Japanese.

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Ronald Trebil

Employment Specialist

Ronald Trebil is a dedicated Employee Specialist with a strong focus on building relationships, streamlining talent acquisition, and supporting workforce development. Based at the Memphis Southwest office, Ronald brings a passion for connecting qualified candidates with the right opportunities to help businesses thrive. With a background in staffing and human resources, Ronald excels at identifying client needs, sourcing top talent, and ensuring smooth onboarding processes. Known for his proactive communication and results-driven mindset, he works closely with employers to understand their workforce goals and deliver tailored staffing solutions.

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Ebonie Bowman

Employment Specialist

I've been in staffing for about 8 years. I came onboard to Express at the DeSoto office in 2019 as a Retention Specialist. I was with Express for 2 years under the leadership of Jessica and Rance. In 2023, I sadly parted ways with Express due to personal reasons. This year July 2025, I found my way back home and ironically right back under the very same leader that hired me back in 2021. I am delighted to be back onboard and looking forward to my future and longevity here at Express.

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Retention Specialists

Courtney Owens

Retention Specialist

Since joining the team in 2021, he's brought his unwavering passion for customer service to every interaction, ensuring that our clients always feel valued and supported. As a diehard Cowboys fan, he brings that same loyalty and dedication to his work. Outside of the office, he dreams of exploring the world, fueled by a curiosity for new experiences and cultures. Whether it's on the job or on an adventure, he's always ready to tackle the next challenge with enthusiasm.

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Angeles Valdez

Retention Specialist

Angeles joined the Desoto Express Team in February of 2022. She is originally from Mexico until her mother brought her to the United States to get a better education. She is a happy mother of a baby boy and she enjoys spending time with her family. She has a strong background in customer service, which helps her in her role as retention specialist because she enjoys helping talent and clients meet their needs.

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Susana Valdez

Retention Specialist

I was born in Mexico and brought to the United States to pursue greater opportunities. I’m a proud mother of four and deeply passionate about helping others achieve their goals. With a natural heart for caregiving, I find joy in supporting those around me and making a positive difference in their lives. Guided by my Christian faith, I strive to lead with compassion, integrity, and kindness in both my personal and professional life.

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Front Office Coordinators

Astrid Reyes

Employment Specialist

Born in Honduras and recently transitioned from Virginia, I am excited to bring my fresh energy and passion to the Express Team. My journey, shaped by my mother’s commitment to giving me a brighter future, fuels my dedication to helping others find jobs that not only enhance their skills but also bring joy and fulfillment. As a bilingual advocate, I’m here to support our Hispanic community in achieving their career goals. Proud mother of a spirited daughter, I believe in the power of self-belief and strive to inspire those around me to embrace their potential and make the impossible possible.

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Administration

Nathalie Russell

Accounting Manager

Originally from New York, Nathalie joined the Express team after many years of experience in HR, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. She is the leader of our payroll and administration division. She has taken charge of overseeing payroll processing, billing, and invoicing, as well as accounts consolidation and aging. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and listening to music.

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Daniel Shute

Social Media and Communications Coordinator

Daniel joined our team in October of 2023. Originally from Memphis, he moved to Chicago where he studied Communication at Wheaton College. In his free time, he loves to read, cook, and spend time with his wife, Mary, and his dog, Duke. He has a passion for storytelling and loves the opportunity to leverage that skill in helping Express get people employed.

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