Margit G. Axelrad, CTS, PRC
Locum Tenens Consultant - Anesthesiology
281.870.1000, ext. 2275
margit.axelrad@whitakermedical.com

Margit Axelrad started with Whitaker Medical Services in January of 1998. She specializes in the placement of Locum Tenens Anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Nationwide with an emphasis on Texas.

She has a great understanding of the qualifications needed in a successful candidate, and uses that knowledge to ensure the best service to her clients: so much so that she was the top producer with The Whitaker Companies in 2005.

Mrs. Axelrad credits her success in the healthcare staffing industry to a high level of motivation, focus, dependability and thoroughness. Good communication skills and a personalized approach have established long lasting relationships with both candidates and clients alike.

She received her degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Meervaart College in The Netherlands. She became certified in the healthcare staffing industry by obtaining both her Certified Temporary-staffing Specialist and Physician Recruiter Consultant accreditation and uses this knowledge to contribute to many aspect of the staffing business at Whitaker Medical.

Top of the Page

Linda Bruce, Ed.D
Permanent Placement Consultant - All Specialties
281.870.1000, ext. 2300
linda.bruce@whitakermedical.com

Linda L. Bruce, Ed.D has excelled in physician mid-level search and recruiting for 14 years. Her knowledge of the medical field has been instrumental in her effective placement of medical professionals. She has 24 years of experience in the service and healthcare industries.

Dr. Bruce's experience includes extensive training as a manager, counselor, evaluator and educator. She has a highly successful career in education, and is author of ten research articles. Dr. Bruce also made presentations at a number of meetings and workshops, and received two awards of excellence for outstanding contributions to education.

She completed a Doctorate in Education with emphasis in Gifted Education at the University of Houston. She was awarded scholarships from the University of Houston Alumni Association, Spring Branch Education Association, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She attended the University of Oklahoma on a full scholarship, earning a Masters of Science degree. While there, she organized and implemented the first program for junior high hearing-impaired students in the Oklahoma City Public School System. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Communication from Northwestern State College, where she was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Bruce is a member of and is accredited by the Texas Association of Personnel Consultants. She also is a member of the Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants and the National Association of Personnel Consultants. In 1988, she was recognized by HAAPC as the Rookie of the year. In 1989, she was named #2 producer in Houston and #4 in Texas, and every year thereafter has continued to be a top producer. She has received numerous production awards at Whitaker including: 3rd Quarter Marketer 2007.

Top of the Page

...........................................................................................................................

Jason Burnett, CTS
Vice President – Whitaker Medical
281.870.1000, ext. 2289
jason.burnett@whitakermedical.com

Mr. Burnett started his career at Whitaker Medical as a recruiter in the Radiology Department in 2001. He proved to be a top producer in record time and was quickly promoted to Manager of the Radiology department in the Houston office. His early success was attributed to his ability to develop long-term relationships with Radiologists and his clients.

After demonstrating strong leadership qualities, he was selected to start up the first satellite office for Whitaker Medical in Austin, TX. Under his direction and vision the Austin office grew and became profitable within six months. After this accomplishment, Mr. Burnett returned to corporate Houston and furthered his management career with Whitaker Medical. In 2006, he earned the title of Vice President, and with this new title came the responsibility of the expansion endeavors for the entire medical division.

Mr. Burnett has not only been immersed in company planning, policies and procedures, but he continues to service Radiology clients and physicians with the same service that earned him the title as Vice President. He continues to be an expert in Radiology Locum Staffing and delivers quality service to those who seek him for assistance. He received his CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) certification in April, 2007. He has earned the respect and trust of his physicians, clients and the entire Whitaker Medical production team by focusing on the fundamental elements of good business. He takes pride in treating others with respect and does anything it takes to ensure quality service is delivered in every aspect of his position as the leader of Whitaker Medical.

Currently, he is responsible for strategic planning and policy implementation for the corporate office in Houston as well as the satellite offices in Austin, Dallas, Huntsville and Atlanta. As the fundamental backbone for the medical team, he keeps his top producers motivated and guides new producers with clear direction. His implemented vision has been one of the key factors for the profitability and success of Whitaker Medical as a whole.

Because of his ability to lead the medical team to such successes as well as serve as a role model in production and client development, he was awarded the Whitaker Way Award. As one of the few company nominated recipients, Mr. Burnett continues to exemplify the core values of the Whitaker Way Award which are: professionalism, integrity, performance, teamwork, respect, and balance.

Mr. Burnett attended Southwest Texas State University on a baseball scholarship, and received a Bachelors of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.

Top of the Page

...........................................................................................................................

Niki Culver, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant – Anesthesiology
281.870.1000, ext. 2269
niki.culver@whitakermedical.com

Niki Culver joined the anesthesia team in October 2004 and became a top producer in record time. Her success can be attributed by her dedication to her candidates and clients. She has successfully managed to place Anesthesiologists and CRNAs in facilities nationwide. Whenever her clients request coverage, she understands the client's urgency and acts immediately to offer staffing solutions. She is a key resource for many anesthesia facilities in their dire time of need. There is no question her clients come first, as she works endlessly to deliver quality service.

Niki's philosophy to always "do what's right for the candidate and client" ensures her success. Her candidates will also say that Niki is the best because she listens to them. By interviewing them thoroughly she identifies their skills and places them on assignments that match their preferences and background. She hand picks the most quality professionals and chooses those to represent Whitaker Medical. Quality candidates seek her assistance in their locum tenens search. She is entrusted by them to book their entire schedule because of her diligence in matching them in appropriate settings. Referrals from current candidates and satisfied client keep her business growing. She has earned a reputation as an expert in the anesthesia staffing industry and received her CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) certification in October, 2007.

As "Rookie of the Year" in 2005, Niki has continued to receive awards as a seasoned recruiter.

Niki graduated with an Early Childhood degree from University of Arkansas and continued on to complete 10 years of teaching in early childhood arena before joining Whitaker Medical.

Top of the Page

Amy Edwards, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant - Pharmacy
281.870.1000, ext. 2262
amy.edwards@whitakermedical.com

Amy Edwards joined Whitaker Medical in June of 2005, with 5 years of experience in the staffing industry.

She embraced the task of creating a new division for Whitaker, specializing in the temporary placement of Pharmacists and Certified Pharmacy Technicians. Her extensive knowledge and experience in this field has been instrumental in the department's success. The Whitaker name has quickly spread throughout the pharmacy community as a direct result of Amy's perseverance. Healthcare facilities, as well as Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, now seek assistance from Whitaker for their timely staffing solutions.

Today, Amy continues to grow the department servicing clients and candidates nationwide. She received her CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) certification in October, 2007. Amy also achieved the Whitaker award for 2nd Quarter Recruiter 2007. Her long-term goals are to continue to deliver superior customer service that will provide consistent growth and departmental success.

Top of the Page

Cindy Hayes, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant – Radiology
281.870.1000, ext. 2265
cindy.hayes@whitakermedical.com

Cindy Hayes began her career with Whitaker Medical as a Radiology Consultant in 2003. She came to Whitaker with 15 years of prior staffing industry and management experience. Cindy has built a strong foundation in both recruiting and marketing. She contributes her success to her ability to listen closely to the needs of both her clients and Physicians, and to her determination to meet those needs. Cindy has earned an outstanding reputation throughout the industry for her excellent customer service skills as well. It is this unique combination of assets that has enabled Cindy to build and maintain long-term relationships with both her clients and Physicians.

Cindy has been honored with numerous Whitaker production awards including Rookie of the Year in 2004, Medical Division Top Producer of the Year in 2006, and Company Top Producer in 2006. She has been a member of Whitaker's President Club since 2004. In 2007, Cindy was nominated and earned the distinction of "Recruiter of the Year" by LocumLife magazine. You can read the full article here.

Cindy has earned the designation of Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS) from the National Association of Personnel Services. She also serves as Corporate Trainer for Whitaker's Medical Division, supporting ongoing development and new hire training at their five branch offices.

She attended the University of New Haven, in New Haven, CT on a Volleyball Scholarship, where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.

Top of the Page

Al Karrh, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant - Radiology
256.830.9002, ext. 224
al.karrh@whitakermedical.com

Al Karrh joined Whitaker Medical in 2005 with over 25 years of sales and marketing experience, including over ten years of experience in the medical staffing industry. During his career, Al has consistently been a top producer in the specialties of Radiology, Anesthesiology, and Psychiatry staffing. His production awards include Marketer of the Quarter for Whitaker in 2006. He received his CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) certification in October, 2007.

Al is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Commerce and Business Administration with a major in Business Management.

Top of the Page

Ann Knaup, CTS, PRC
Locum Tenens Consultant – Radiology
281.870.1000, ext. 2252
ann.knaup@whitakermedical.com

Ann Knaup started her career with Whitaker Medical in 2001 and works as a Radiology Consultant. A veteran of the staffing industry since 1995, she brings both management expertise and the kind of organizational skills to ensure that all details are conscientiously addressed. With a solid grounding in business practices and a thorough knowledge of staffing issues, Ann builds and maintains productive, long-term relationships with our clients and physicians.

In 2006, Ann won the Producer of the Year award for the Houston office and has been a member of Whitaker's President Club since 2004.

Ann is a certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS) and Physician Recruitment Consultant (PRC) by the National Association of Personnel Services.

She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University.

Top of the Page

Annette Knippenberg, CTS, CPC
Permanent Placement Consultant – All Specialties
281.870.1000, ext. 2273
annette.knippenberg@whitakermedical.com

As Manager of the Permanent Search Department, Ms. Knippenberg sets the highest standards of customer service, and bases her approach on listening carefully to the needs of clients and professionals alike. She is also a top producer, specializing in the placement of MDs, DOs, CRNAs, PAs, and NPs throughout the nation. Her results are obvious in the many clients who return to Whitaker Medical year after year to meet their continuing needs for top-notch healthcare professionals.

In 2003, she was awarded the Whitaker Way Award, which is an employee nominated award given to an individual who embodies the ideals upon which Whitaker was founded: professionalism, integrity, performance, teamwork, respect, and balance. She has been a member of the Whitaker's President Club since 2003 and received both her CPC (Certified Personnel Consultant) and CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) certifications in October, 2007. She has achieved numerous production awards at Whitaker including: 1st Quarter Marketer 2007, 2nd Quarter Marketer 2007 and 2nd Quarter Recruiter 2007.

Ms. Knippenberg is a recipient of numerous production awards, including placing in the top 10 recruiters in the state by the Texas Association of Personnel Consultants (TAPC). She is also a member of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), the Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants (HAAPC), the National Association of Physician Recruiters (NAPR) and the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO).

She attended Texas Christian University and received a Bachelors of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.

Top of the Page

Sue Orum, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant - Primary Care
281.870.1000, ext. 2242
sue.orum@whitakermedical.com

An individualized approach to service has been the key to success for Sue Orum. Her planning, management, and ability to respond quickly to the needs of her clients has enabled her to consistently be a top producer in the temporary placement of primary care physicians. Ms. Orum has established long-term relationships with many clinics and physicians in the Houston area and other parts of Texas. In addition to working with primary care physicians, PA's, and NP's, she has made placements in other specialties. These include occupational medicine, histories and physicals, otolaryngology, and obstetrics and gynecology. Ms. Orum has successfully worked with a variety of contractors, from residents, fellows with advanced training, to retired physicians.

In 2000, Ms. Orum was selected by her colleagues to receive the Whitaker Way Award, which is given once a year. The award recognizes professionalism, integrity, performance, teamwork, and respect for others. In addition, the recipient must create a healthy balance between personal and professional life.

Ms. Orum received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio State University and has worked as an educator for 10 years and personnel consultant for 18 years. She is accredited by the Texas Association of Personnel Consultants and is a member of the Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants, Texas Association of Personnel Consultants, and the National Association of Personnel Consultants.

Top of the Page

Aaron Smith, CTS
Manager Austin Division
Locum Tenens Consultant - Anesthesiology
512.320.8799, ext. 225
aaron.smith@whitakermedical.com

Aaron began his career with Whitaker Medical in 2005, joining the Austin division to assist in the launch of their new branch office. Aaron's sales and marketing experience quickly proved to be an asset with the addition of new clients and providers to the Anesthesiology Department.

In less than two years, Aaron has advanced to manager the operations of the Austin office which recruits and staffs physicians and allied health providers in Anesthesiology, Radiology, Psychiatry, and Primary Care Sub-Specialties throughout the United States. Aaron has more than five years of medical recruiting experience on both the client and candidate development sides and just recently earned the designation of Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS) from the National Association of Personnel Services.

Aaron attended Stephen F. Austin University, where he obtained a B.S. in Business Management with a minor in Economics.

Top of the Page

..........................................................................................................................

Heather Stroud-Spivey, CTS
Locum Tenens Consultant - Radiology
972.719.2640
heather.stroud@whitakermedical.com

Heather Stroud began her career as a Radiology Consultant in 2004 with Whitaker Medical in Houston, Texas. Over the past ten years she has built a strong foundation in healthcare recruitment and feels her success has been achieved by her focused determination to meet the needs financially and personally of each physician she builds a relationship with. Her primary focus is to provide the best customer service she can through listening to her physician's needs, relationship building and excellent follow up. Through the years she has increasingly excelled in the healthcare industry and has been awarded Marketer of the Year, Impact Player of the Year and overall has been given many other special achievement awards in the locum tenens industry. While at Whitaker Medical she has received the "Recruiter of the Quarter" award several times and has consistently excelled in cultivating new recruits while maintaining those she works with on an ongoing and daily basis.

Her primary focus on the Radiology team is to be a constant positive resource for each physician in her growing client base. She has made an impact at Whitaker Medical by keeping her recruits in the forefront and being an overall team player providing physicians to her team for locums opportunities on a nationwide basis. She received her CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist) certification in October, 2007 and is committed to building long-term relationships through honesty, trust and integrity. She feels locum tenens recruiting is rewarding because not only is she helping healthcare facilities with coverage but she is also helping her physicians with their individual goals on a day-to-day basis.

Heather graduated from Texas A&M University in 1995. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sports Management.

Top of the Page

Johnny Walker
Manager Atlanta Division
Locum Tenens Consultant – Government
404.817.9757, ext. 222
johnny.walker@whitakermedical.com

Johnny Walker, a retired US Air Force MSgt - Health Professions Recruiter, is Manager of the Atlanta Division for Whitaker Medical and also heads the Government Contracting Division. He served 24 years on active duty, with 14 of those years in Air Force Recruiting. Five years of his military recruiting experience were specialized in health professions. He has worked in the Locum Tenens industry for 13 years.

Johnny graduated Georgia Military College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration - Marketing. He has 13 years Government Contracting experience, 14 years recruiting experience with the U.S. Air Force and 5 years as a Healthcare Provider, Nurse, and Allied Health Recruiter. He is proud to serve all clients with a dedicated commitment to integrity, quality and personalized attention.

He is responsible for the entire Atlanta Division, which includes Emergency Medicine, Primary Care and all Sub Specialties, Radiology and management of all government contracts.

Top of the Page

Bruce Whitaker, CPC, CTS, CIPC
President, CEO - The Whitaker Companies
281.870.1000, ext. 2243
bwhit@whitcos.com

In the course of a distinguished career that began in 1968, Mr. Whitaker has personally completed and supervised thousands of successful searches. He started as a technical recruiter with the largest firm in the search industry and advanced to become manager of one of the company's top offices. After spearheading the start-up of a new division for the company, he left in 1983 to establish The Whitaker Companies. Since that time he has pioneered the unique approach that has enabled the company to provide the highest-quality staffing solutions and also continually adjusted the company's service offerings to address clients' most pressing staffing needs.

Mr. Whitaker is committed to training and development and has been very active in local, state and national personnel associations. Beginning in 1986, as a Director for the Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants (HAAPC), he was responsible for the local Certified Personnel Consultants (CPC) testing program. For that effort, he was named Texas CPC of the Year and became Chairman of the state's CPC program in 1987. Under his direction, the state organization was named "National Chapter of the Year" in 1988. In 1989, Mr. Whitaker became Second Vice President of the Texas Association of Personnel Consultants (TAPC) and, in 1990, was named President. During that time, he was appointed to the National CPC Committee responsible for the development of continuing education programs. In 1992, he was founding chairman of the Legislative Information and Networking Committee (LINC) that works with a number of industry associations on pertinent legislative issues. Mr. Whitaker served on the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) Board of Directors from 1999 to 2000 and on its nominating committee in 2001.

Awards

• Outstanding Contribution to the Industry from the Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants
• National President's Award from The National Association of Personnel Services
• The Norval Locke Award (the association's highest honor) from the Texas Association of Personnel Consultants

Certifications

• Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) by the National Association of Personnel Services
• Certified Temporary-Staffing Specialist (CTS) by the National Association of Personnel Services
• Certified International Personnel Consultant (CIPC)

Top of the Page