Our Team

We have a network of seasoned experts with management and technical expertise that spans many industries, from retail and health care to insurance and financial services. We find the individuals with the best skills to meet your requirements and solve your most pressing business needs. And unlike many big firms, we don’t come in and sell you on our company, then assign junior staff. As your trusted advisers, 180 Engineering’s leadership will be with you every step of the process.

Joe Coletta

Founder & CEO

Joe is a customer focused management executive with a passion for building, leading, and growing high performance teams. Joe started his career in software engineering and grew through management ranks within telecommunications and consumer electronics firms. Joe led teams in engineering, program management, and product management, as well as leading cradle to grave businesses. He chose to leave a Vice President position at Motorola in 2008, to create a premiere recruiting and consulting firm. The firm he created, 180, refers to the different approach and better results he was committed to delivering. 180 has grown into the firm he envisioned, servicing technology companies in the US and Europe. Joe received his MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg’s Graduate School of Business, and his Masters in Computer Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

George Santos

Managing Director / Head of Marketing

George leads the Talent Delivery Team and marketing group for 180 Engineering. Before joining 180 Engineering in 2013, he spent over 6 years in retail sales leadership where he led his team to become one of the top performing stores in the nation. George joined 180 in search of another opportunity that combined his love of technology and working with people. George prides himself on extensively researching the roles he works on in order to match the perfect candidate with the right opportunity, as well as delivering quality talent to his clients. When he is not working, George can usually be found under the hood of a classic car or researching the latest in technology trends. George received his BA in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2013.

Kathy Davis

Director of Finance

Kathy has been with 180 Engineering since 2010. She has a BSEE from Marquette University and worked for 13-years as a Software Engineer/Manager at Motorola Cellular prior to joining Joe in the early days of 180. She manages the company’s finances and HR department, processing payments and invoices, and is a central figure in day-to-day operations. Kathy is an avid sports fan, enjoys working in her yard, and spending time with her husband and 2 daughters.

Patrick Brigman

Director of HR/Organizational Effectiveness & Senior Search Consultant
Patrick brings over 5 years of talent acquisition, technical recruiting, and HR experience all from 180 Engineering. Patrick joined 180 in our earlier days, and helped design, implement, and manage organizational wide internal and external recruiting processes, training/development programs, as well as onboarding programs. Patrick has also managed a variety of 180’s largest accounts, priding himself on building consultative relationships while consistently delivering very high quality customer service and technical talent to our customers. Presently, Patrick is a Sr. Recruiting Consultant working with candidates within the medical device and manufacturing industries. His approach is to deliver transparent advisory level services to candidates, to ensure the best candidate experience and career coaching throughout their journey. Patrick has a BS in Psychology from Loyola University, has studied organizational management at Northwestern, and is certified in people analytics from the Human Capital Institute. In his free time, Patrick is a lover of dogs, music, and learning new things.

Tim Powers

Director of Consulting Services
Tim is a seasoned professional with 46 years of experience across various industries and global leadership roles, excelling in strategic decision-making. His expertise encompasses product development, quality management, regulatory compliance, software management, and global leadership. Notably, he played a crucial role at Medela, LLC, ensuring FDA compliance in SAP implementation and optimizing processes. At NeoCoil, LLC, as Engineering Director, he improved product quality and shortened development cycles for Class II medical devices. His tenure at GE Healthcare saw him launch four successful products, significantly boosting sales, while at Motorola, he held key positions in various sectors, contributing to network management and cellular infrastructure. Tim's dedication to excellence, innovation, and leadership has left a lasting impact on the organizations he's served, establishing him as a respected figure in the field.

Chris Jordan

Manager of Sales
Chris leads the Sales and Contract Delivery Team for 180 Engineering. Before joining 180 Engineering, Chris spent over 7 years leading the Chicago market for a mid-sized technology and software company. Chris prides himself in creating solutions that are win/ win for Clients and Consultants. When he is not working, Chris can usually be found on a local golf course, jumping into a local open mic, or spending time with family and friends. Chris received his degree from Purdue University in the Mitch Daniels School of Business School.

Jenny Czajka

Senior HR Generalist

Jenny joined the 180 Engineering team in May of 2018. Jenny has a background in HR and seamlessly handles all contractor and internal relationships at 180. Jenny believes that a good start in a new position stems from building relationships during onboarding and ensuring a smooth process from the moment the offer is accepted. She is the go-to person at 180 for generating reports and maintaining the integrity of all company data. Jenny enjoys traveling with her family, crocheting, and attempting to roller skate.

Julie Kittridge

Principal Recruiting Consultant
Julie has a long career in the talent solutions space, starting in healthcare, financial & investment space, and since 2011 in engineering and technical arenas with 180. While raising 4 children, she used her entrepreneurial energy and started her own small business as a search consultant for Chicago financial firms, taking on other HR responsibilities along the way. What she does best is "listen to understand" while providing her clients and candidates the feedback they need for the ideal outcome. Her dedication and drive are her best strengths. In her spare time, she loves the deep woods, spending time with her family, archeology and history, movies, and any “off the beaten path” topic.

Kaniz Abedin

Business Development Manager

Kaniz joined 180 Engineering in June of 2020 with the goal of meeting the staffing needs of new clients. She has 15 years of solutions sales experience in various consultative sales verticals; including client recruitment, supply chain & logistics, post-secondary technology sales and retail. Kaniz is very passionate about bringing client and candidate satisfaction within recruiting. She is a graduate of Auburn University, with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Business. In her personal time, you will find Kaniz enjoying the many restaurants, fests, and music venues Chicago has to offer. She also enjoys group dance classes and hope to master salsa dancing one day. Lastly, she is a doting aunt of 3 adorable nieces and loves spending time with them.

Ryan Crohan

Senior Recruiting Consultant
Ryan joined 180 Engineering in 2021. Before joining 180 Ryan spent the previous 2 years working in Accounting and Finance recruiting, where he got the experience placing administrative, accounting, HR, and customer support professionals. Ryan received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management with a minor in Finance from Purdue University Northwest. In his personal time, Ryan likes to stay busy being around his 3 nieces and playing/watching sports. He’s a very big White Sox fan and excited for his future here at 180!

TJ Gervino

Senior Search Specialist
TJ joined the 180 team in March of 2023. Before joining 180, TJ spent two years working in recruiting and account management in IT and Engineering staffing. In his account management role, TJ realized he had a passion for recruiting and helping candidates find their next career home. TJ prides himself on tackling challenging roles while guiding candidates throughout the difficult hiring process. TJ holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing and Management from Judson University where he was a student athlete. In his free time, you can find TJ playing in men's baseball and basketball leagues. Ask him about his fandom for the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls!

Chris Petkus

Senior Recruiting Specialist
Chris joined 180 Engineering in April 2023, bringing over 8 years of technical recruitment experience (2 years in direct hire recruiting for energy industry clients, focused on oil and gas, then 6 years recruiting for contract roles primarily on system integration for newly built distribution centers.) Chris is dedicated to steadfast honesty and transparency for candidates and clients alike, driven by a passion for matching both sides of the equation with opportunity and talent that will enrich each organization and their people. While away from work, Chris can be found either outdoors in one of the many forest preserves and river greenways in the Chicago area or indoors learning a new language (whether spoken or programming), practicing singing or trumpet, and spending time with his wife and family. Chris received his MS in Political Science in 2014 plus BS in the same subject in 2012 from Illinois State University.

Adam Clark

Senior Recruiting Specialist
Adam joined 180 Engineering in November 2023 as a Sr. Recruiting Specialist. He has 8 years of Engineering and Technical recruiting experience with staffing agencies and 1 year of corporate IT recruiting experience for a global organization. Adam has a B.S. in Marketing from Illinois State University (which now feels like a very long time ago!). He is passionate about providing an excellent candidate experience and helping people take their careers to the next level. He strives to exceed the clients’ expectations to ensure that they are confident working with us in the future. In his free time, Adam enjoys cooking, going to the gym, playing Disc Golf, watching movies and spending time with his family dog and cat!