Meet the Team

Sharon Van

Payroll, Workers' Comp, & Benefits Manager

Sharon is an experienced and dedicated Payroll, Workers’ Compensation, and Benefits Manager, bringing over 18+ years of expertise in workforce development and staffing solutions. She initially started her career at Express in September of 2006 as an Onsite Lead at one of our top clients and within 6 months was hired on internally as an Employment Specialist in the Light Industrial Divison.  Within how many years of achieving record goals, she continued her growth in the company and took over managing payroll along with workers compensation and benefits.

Sharon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Washington and is a firm believer in lifelong learning. She continuously enhances her professional knowledge through industry training and remains committed to staying at the forefront of workforce and employment trends. She thrives in dynamic, innovative environments and is passionate about making a lasting impact.

Outside the office, Sharon enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures, embracing the philosophy of living life to the fullest by doing what brings joy. She comes from a large family—one of ten siblings—and shares her life with her husband, Andy, and their two sons, Brandon and Christian. 

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Elizabeth Lewis

Payroll Specialist

As the local Payroll Specialist of Express Employment Professionals of Kent, Elizabeth has built a career in workforce development, management, and staffing by specializing in Administration and Payroll.

With 2 years of experience, she has successfully worked on projects such as weekly timecard entry & invoicing and delivered measurable results, including ensuring that all our associates are paid accurately and on time & that all clients have their invoices on a weekly basis. Elizabeth’s strengths in attention to detail and time management allows them to navigate complex challenges and contribute to Express’ success.

When not immersed in her work, Elizabeth enjoys Cooking/baking, going on walks with her boyfriend and their dog, or cuddling up with her cat and a good book.

Elizabeth is always open to new professional opportunities and loves to connect with other like-minded leaders via LinkedIn.

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Kathleen Davis

Business Developer

Kathie has been a key member of Express Employment Professionals since August 2018. With a background in real estate, she transitioned into her role as a Business Developer/Sales Representative, bringing with her a strong commitment to dedication and hard work—values she considers essential to success.

Her performance has consistently ranked among the top in the company, placing her in the Top 50 Sales Representatives nationwide each year. Notably, in 2022, she achieved the #1 position for Team Kent in client count. Kathie values the family-oriented culture at Express, which she finds both motivating and rewarding.

Originally from Southern California, Kathie earned her degree in Psychology from UCLA before relocating to the Pacific Northwest. In her personal time, she enjoys being with her husband and two sons, taking long walks, completing puzzles, and attending sporting events.

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Kamilah Taylor

Front Office Coordinator

Meet Kam Taylor – Your Friendly Front Desk Coordinator at Express Employment Professionals, Kent, WA!

Born and raised in Seattle, Kam brings over 20 years of customer service expertise to her role, making every visitor, candidate, and client feel truly welcome and appreciated. A proud Seattle University alumni, Kam is passionate about creating positive experiences and believes in the power of a warm smile and a genuine conversation.

Outside the office, Kam loves spending quality time with family and friends, discovering hidden foodie gems around the city, and cheering on her favorite football team – go Hawks! Whether you're here for a job opportunity or just stopping by, Kam is always ready to greet you with kindness, professionalism, and a bit of hometown pride.

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Elisha Arunga

Partner | Light Industrial Recruiting & Account Development Leader

With nearly two decades of experience at Express Employment Professionals and Specialized Recruiting Group, Elisha Arunga brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to the staffing industry. His journey began as an associate onsite at one of the company's high-volume accounts, eventually transitioning into an internal role within the industrial division. Over the past 19 years, Elisha has specialized in light industrial recruiting, while also leading and coaching sales teams with a strong focus on account development and client retention.

In 2015, Elisha became a partner in the Kent, WA Express office alongside Kris & Jill Hoglund, Dawn Colston, and David Lowe. Since then, the team has expanded by acquiring additional franchises in Seattle and North Seattle and launching an Express Healthcare Staffing office dedicated to Licensed Medical placements. Today, Elisha leads the Light Industrial division, where he thrives on building strong client relationships, driving growth, and creating opportunities for both clients and candidates.

When he’s not strategizing staffing solutions, Elisha is all about family. He’s a proud father to three incredible boys, and together they enjoy going to sporting events, concerts, swimming, and some intense video game competitions. He lovingly describes his sons as his “wishing well, his peace, and his glory.” 

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Michael Lara

Employment Specialist

Michael is a seasoned Lead Employment Specialist with over four years of experience in workforce development and staffing. At Express Employment Professionals, he focuses on full-time and direct hire placements, delivering tailored solutions that reflect the unique needs of both clients and candidates. Michael is dedicated to providing a personalized approach to hiring—one that values people as much as the positions they fill.

Throughout his career, Michael has successfully partnered with clients across the Logistics, Aerospace, Manufacturing, and Industrial sectors—consistently delivering timely, strategic results. His notable achievements include scaling logistics and manufacturing operations for industrial companies based in the Pacific Northwest, filling critical skilled roles within the Aerospace and Manufacturing industries, and supporting talent acquisition efforts for leading industrial and machine part manufacturers.

Michael holds a degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Washington, where he developed a profound commitment to aligning individuals with purposeful careers and fostering a professional culture grounded in dedication and integrity. He continuously sharpens his expertise through industry research, building professional networks, and mentoring emerging talent.

Outside of work, Michael values quality time with friends and family, competitive gaming, and playing the ukulele. He actively seeks new challenges and embraces opportunities for collaboration and meaningful engagement aimed at benefiting the Seattle community and beyond.

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Charles Mowrey

General Manager-Office Services Director

Charles Mowrey has been a dedicated team member at Express Employment Professionals since February 2021. He began his journey as a Brand Manager, later transitioning into a recruiting role at the Seattle office, where he developed a strong specialization in office services recruiting. His keen ability to connect top-tier administrative talent with client needs has played a key role in the branch’s success.

In June 2023, Charles was promoted to Branch Manager of the North Seattle office, where he continued to drive performance and team development. He returned to lead the Seattle branch in April 2024, bringing with him a results-driven mindset and a deep understanding of Express operations.

A Washington native, Charles also draws on a diverse background in customer service, hospitality management, and automotive services. His time living in Hawaii added to his adaptable and well-rounded perspective. Outside the office, Charles enjoys mountain biking, camping, snowboarding, photography, and travel.

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