Meet the team.

Our team are high-spirited and fun to be around, but we take what we do seriously. We genuinely enjoy making connections and managing all the moving parts, so you don’t have to.

Contact us

Government

Claire O’Donohue

Head of Government Operations / Branch Manager – Canberra

*currently on Parental Leave*

0420 974 844

Josh Zanetti

Team Coordinator

0477 877 114

Natalie Dore

Senior Connections Partner –
Government

*currently on Parental Leave*

0439 687 312

Ritz Khanuja

Senior Connections Partner –
Government 

0428 903 902

Stuti Kapoor

Senior Connections Partner –
Government 

*currently on Parental Leave* 

0437 414 537

Ryan Headshot

Ryan de Roo

Connections Partner –
Government

0447 260 119
Sai Headshot

Sai Karthik

Connections Partner –
Government

0438 027 836

George Wright headshot

George Wright

Connections Partner –
Government

0498 476 677

Raisa 2

Raisa Maliha

Engagement Specialist –
Government

0437 318 208

Maliha Nawal headshot

Maliha Nawal

Engagement Specialist –
Government

0447 071 145

Anissa headshot 1

Anissa Mashor

Engagement Specialist –
Government

0484 568 874

Tom Halligan

Tom Halligan

Engagement Specialist –
Government

0474 545 379

Commercial

Emma Evans

Head of Commercial Operations

0406 071 221

Jeralee O’Byrne

Principal Connections Partner
– Commercial

0449 697 725

Sarah Morris

Connections Partner –
Commercial  

0460 851 059

Jaime Mason

Engagement Specialist – Commercial

0455 068 483

Georgi Cassidy

Engagement Specialist – Commercial

0409 145 587

Leadership & support

Glenn Chaffey

Managing Director

0433 141 392

Paul Dunn

Director of
Strategic Partnerships

0418 151 387

Andrew Johnson

Chief Operating Officer

0438 433 808

Melanie Lister

Senior Finance Officer

Dana Abdelqader

Finance Officer

Olya Belyaeva

Administration and Corporate Services Manager

Jess Chapman

Administration, People and Culture
Support Officer

Paula Whitehouse

Administration & Systems Support |
WHS Advisor | MHFA Officer

Catherine Towns

Contractor Care Specialist
0467 928 218

Rely on our experience

We’ll help you find your next team member or opportunity.

Hire talented people
Submit a CV

Claire O’Donohue

Head of Government Operations / Branch Manager – Canberra

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As one of our longest-standing employees, Claire knows recruitment inside out. Having worked her way up through many business areas, she is now the Canberra Branch Manager and Government Team Leader.

With a comprehensive understanding of the Brisbane and Canberra IT landscape, Claire is part of our leadership team and helps guide operational practices for the business.

While Claire has a demanding role, she always makes time for others. She prides herself on her ability to grow capable, service-oriented, and ethical recruitment professionals.

Claire’s ultimate goal is for clients, candidates, contractors and internal staff to have a positive experience with Exclaim across every touchpoint. She prides herself on building relationships based on trust, respect, and honest communication.

Claire currently lives in Brisbane with her fiancé and two much-loved Groodles. She has spent the last 2.5 years in our nation’s capital building a presence for Exclaim IT and visits regularly to enjoy all that Canberra has to offer.

Josh Zanetti

Team Coordinator

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Driven by a strong sense of personal integrity and a knack for problem-solving, Josh is the sort of person you want on your team.

Through his work with State and Federal Government, Josh has developed a keen understanding of the sector. He has a reputation for being communicative, reliable, and achieving high-quality outcomes.

When not assisting his clients in finding the best IT, tech and digital talent for their organisations, Josh doesn’t mind a game of futsal. As anyone who’s played indoor soccer would know, this is an intense, fast-paced, team-oriented game. Players literally need to think on their feet. So it seems like the perfect past-time for someone like Josh.

Natalie Dore

Senior Connections Partner – Government
*currently on Parental Leave*

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Nat’s a people person – she’s easy to be around and always seems to remember the little things that make a big difference. Her attention to detail leads to exceptional outcomes for our government clients.

With a Bachelor of HR Management and over five years of recruitment experience, Nat knows how to attract the right people to a role. Her innate ability to get into the shoes of her clients and candidates goes a long way toward making successful placements.

Originating in tropical Innisfail, Nat has an ingrained love of the outdoors and adventure. She keeps active dancing, climbing mountains, and swimming in the ocean.

Ritz Khanuja

Senior Connections Partner – Government

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Ritz is an accomplished recruitment specialist with over six years of internal and agency expertise. In addition to her hands-on experience, she brings a Master Degree in HR Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration to her position.

Starting her career in Thailand, first for Parker Bridge Recruitment and then Accenture, Ritz is now a key member of our Government Team.

Fundamental to her success on this team is her commitment to consistently excellent customer service. Ritz sets out to give her clients every reason to trust in her ability to deliver.

Recruitment can be a fast-paced industry, but Ritz maintains her friendly and approachable outlook, even on busy days. The secret to her composure is yoga. Ritz takes time to practice the ‘attitude of gratitude’ each day and reflect on how she can grow and improve.

All this asana-ing and contemplation builds up an appetite for good food and connection. So, on weekends, Ritz likes to bake Thai food and cook healthy bakes with her loved ones.

Stuti Kapoor

Senior Connections Partner – Government
*currently on Parental Leave*
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Stuti has an unparalleled enthusiasm for her work as a Connections Partner on our Government Team. Her positive energy quickly fills the office in Canberra, where she works, and the Brisbane office on her visits.

It’s a special thing to see Stuti immediately puts people at ease with her warm smile and sense of humour. But it’s even more remarkable to hear her convey this goodwill over the phone. What’s more, she maintains her bright outlook even on cold Canberran days!

Stuti’s teammates describe her as genuine, hard-working, and always willing to learn new things. Her readiness to grow and better herself is apparent through her commitment to further education. A Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce and Master of International Management give her a firm understanding of business. In addition, through tertiary learning, Stuti has critical thinking skills that serve her well in her current position.

Many people with busy day jobs forget how to rest and recharge effectively. But Stuti knows that one of the best ways to care for herself is to do things that bring her joy. So, on weekends, you might find her walking with her Cavoodle, knitting or watching hot air balloons float above the National Arboretum.

Ryan de Roo

Connections Partner – Government
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Ryan grew up in Toowoomba enjoying the rural lifestyle as a kid, before moving to the big smoke – Brisbane. After nearly 10 years in the automotive sales industry, Ryan brings with him strong business development and relationship-focused skills as he kicks off his career in recruitment where he will continue to provide people with the services they need to get to where they want to be. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys beach trips and walks with his dogs, or you may find him at the drag strip racing his car or bikes.

Sai Karthik

Connections Partner – Government

Sai brings a relationship-driven approach to IT recruitment, supporting Federal Government hiring needs and building strong talent partnerships across ICT programs. He enjoys connecting with people, understanding their goals and helping candidates and clients find the right fit.

Before joining Exclaim IT, Sai developed his recruitment foundations in the US IT staffing and consulting industry. He worked across Software Development, Cloud, Data, Cyber Security, Project Services and Infrastructure roles, gaining hands-on experience in sourcing specialist talent and supporting the full recruitment process.

At Exclaim IT, Sai focuses on delivering a supportive and professional experience, partnering with Federal Government hiring managers and procurement teams to understand workforce needs and provide consistent recruitment support. He is motivated by building long-term relationships and helping government teams engage the right talent at the right time.

Outside work, Sai enjoys cricket, exploring new PC games and keeping up with the latest in technology.

George Wright

Engagement Specialist – Government

George brings a unique perspective to IT recruitment, having transitioned from a career in healthcare. Before joining Exclaim IT, he worked as both an Enrolled and Registered Nurse across various clinical settings, including perioperative and intraoperative care.

His background sharpened his strengths in communication, attention to detail and performance under pressure. These are now central to his approach to recruitment. At Exclaim IT, George specialises in government roles, building strong relationships and connecting skilled professionals with opportunities that create meaningful impact.

He’s focused on providing a seamless and supportive experience for both clients and candidates in the public sector.

Raisa Maliha

Engagement Specialist – Government

Raisa is our bright and bubbly edition to the Canberra government team. With a Bachelor’s in IT and a background spanning IT and Sales, Raisa’s passion for recruitment makes perfect sense—it’s the ideal blend of both worlds. Her Bangladeshi heritage also means she’s got culinary skills that can turn any office potluck into a gourmet event. Raisa is known for her spontaneity and is always up for impromptu plans. Whether it’s a sudden adventure or a last-minute team outing, she’s ready to dive in. She is a risk-taker and likes to step out of her comfort zone. If you can’t find Raisa, she’s probably at home, deep cleaning while listening to Lana Del Rey.

Maliha Nawal

Engagement Specialist – Government
Maliha brings a people-focused approach to IT recruitment, supporting the Government Team and connecting quality talent with the needs of our clients. With experience across customer service, support and administration, she is known for her clear communication, attention to detail and commitment to creating a positive experience for every candidate.

Before joining Exclaim IT, Maliha built strong foundations in client and customer engagement roles, where she developed her ability to build relationships, understand individual needs and provide consistent support across fast-paced environments.

At Exclaim IT, Maliha focuses on delivering a smooth and engaging recruitment experience, ensuring candidates feel supported at every step of the process.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Canberra and getting creative with painting and DIY projects.

Anissa Mashor

Engagement Specialist – Government

Anissa is an Engagement Specialist in the Government team. Originally from Malaysia, she has seamlessly transitioned to Canberra’s vibrant recruitment landscape, embracing the change from Malaysia’s warm climate to Canberra’s cooler weather. With a background in e-commerce, consulting, and retail, Anissa has developed expertise in navigating complex technology and ensuring smooth candidate experiences. Whether handling intricate tech challenges or focusing on candidate satisfaction, she brings a versatile toolkit to every recruitment task. Outside of work, Anissa enjoys caring for her feline companions and exploring new global destinations. Dedicated to delivering tailored recruitment solutions that meet client needs, she is ready to collaborate effectively and achieve goals with precision and professionalism in Canberra’s dynamic professional environment.

Tom Halligan

Engagement Specialist – Government

Tom brings a people-focused approach to IT recruitment, underpinned by a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Information Systems. He enjoys building lasting professional relationships and is motivated by helping candidates and clients find the right fit.

Before moving into recruitment, Tom gained hands-on experience through university projects, including leading the design and delivery of a rural agriculture IT system and contributing to a cybersecurity solution. This background gives him insight into both the technical and human sides of technology.

At Exclaim IT, Tom is focused on delivering a supportive and professional experience, ensuring clients and candidates feel valued at every step.

Emma Evans

Head of Commercial Operations

Emma brings over 20 years of expertise in technology and digital recruitment, having started her career in the UK before moving to Brisbane.

Emma is a passionate leader who blends strategic thinking with hands-on management. Her friendly and approachable nature enables her to connect with people at all levels, fostering supportive and proactive relationships.

Her leadership is marked by a strong commitment to collaboration and high performance, making a meaningful impact on those around her.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with family and friends and has a keen interest in traveling and exploring new destinations, which adds a sense of adventure and joy to her life.

Jeralee O’Byrne

Principal Connections Partner – Commercial

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Eleven years ago, Jeralee came to Brisbane directly from Waterford in Ireland, known for its glassmaking industry.

Jeralee shares many qualities with the eponymous lead glass crystal from her hometown. Like Waterford Crystal, she’s well-respected. Her clients, candidates, and contractors know her advice comes from many years of building knowledge and relationships within the recruitment industry. Jeralee also acts with transparency, delivering the truth with genuine care.

As one of Exclaim IT’s longest-standing employees, Jeralee is also one of our leading consultants and esteemed leadership team members. She’s also our Commercial Group Leader, empowering her team to achieve outstanding levels of customer service and maintain a long-term strategic partnership focus.

On Wednesdays, Jeralee spends time with her daughter enjoying the outdoors. She also goes to the gym, runs five days a week, and likes to do anything that pushes her to the limit. No pain, no gain! She balances her enthusiasm for fitness with her love of good food. For Jer, nothing beats Brisbane’s ever-growing restaurant scene.

Sarah Morris

Connections Partner – Commercial

With a lifelong thirst for adventure, Sarah traded the Canadian great outdoors for the bustling energy of London in 2014. There, she immersed herself in the dynamic world of tech, collaborating with global clients at a growing SaaS company. This experience equipped her with a deep understanding of the tech landscape and ignited her passion for understanding people and businesses, laying the foundation for her successful recruitment career.

Now thriving in Brisbane, Sarah brings her tech expertise to the world of recruitment. She’s passionate about crafting tailored solutions that align perfectly with your organisation’s goals. Her commitment to open communication and mutual respect has earned her a reputation for delivering exceptional results across the IT and digital disciplines.

When she’s not matching top talent with dream jobs, you can find Sarah exploring her creative side in her art studio, engaging in lively book club discussions, or hosting unforgettable dinner parties.

Jaime Mason

Engagement Specialist – Commercial 

Jaime made the move across the Tasman from New Zealand in February 2025, drawn by the warmer weather, new adventures, and the opportunity to join Exclaim IT. Her career began in customer service and retention, but like many in the industry, she fell into recruitment and quickly found her stride.

Over the past two years, Jaime worked with a boutique, family-owned agency in Auckland, specialising in Technology and Transformation roles. She partnered closely with clients and candidates across the region, known for her warm, people-first approach. Now based in Brisbane, she brings that same energy to the Commercial team.

Outside of work, you’ll find Jaime at the gym, browsing local markets or out exploring everything her new city has to offer. If you’ve got a local tip, she’s all ears.

Georgi Cassidy

Engagement Specialist – Commercial 

Relocating from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, Georgi brings strong experience in relationship management and candidate engagement, developed through managing a range of pubs, clubs and taverns across the region. Her background in fast paced problem-solving and people-focused environments made the move into tech recruitment a natural fit.

She’s passionate about connecting top talent with exciting opportunities in the tech sector and approaches every interaction with energy, empathy and a people-first mindset. 

Outside of work, you’ll likely find Georgi skydiving for the adrenaline rush, heading out for long walks or enjoying weekends back on the Coast soaking up the sun.

Glenn Chaffey

Managing Director
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Glenn believes people are at the centre of recruitment. So, he puts great effort into cultivating lasting relationships with business, IT and recruitment specialists across all industry sectors.

As one of the two founding members of Exclaim IT, Glenn has watched the business grow to more than ten times its original size. Over the past 15 years, his internal training and mentoring program has ensured our people are set up for success.

Glenn and Paul’s vision for Exclaim IT was to create a business that made a difference in peoples lives. The sort of place people would look forward to coming into every day, if only because they knew they had a team on their side. One of Glenn’s proudest achievements is passing that vision on and seeing it grow within people.

Of course, even a great workplace is still a place of work. As a Business Director, Glenn knows that life outside your profession is something to savour! He gets away as often as he can to explore our natural world and go camping with family and friends.

Paul Dunn

Director of Strategic Partnerships
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Paul began his recruitment career in the UK over 20 years ago. Before finding a calling, he tried his hand at many endeavours, from hairdressing to labouring and apple picking. After realising his niche, he quickly became the co-founder of a fast-growing technology recruitment company in England.

But Paul had his sights set on sunnier shores and sold his successful venture in the UK to come to Australia. Shortly after arriving in Brisbane, he co-founded Exclaim IT with Glenn Chaffey.

With Glenn focused on corporate services, Paul handles strategic oversight. His core focus areas are business development and client relationship management. He also works closely with Andrew Johnson to fulfil our clients’ executive search needs.

Paul enjoys working with other business leaders and helping them achieve their goals. He has a refreshingly open approach to service delivery and always gives honest advice when asked for his opinion.

Not the kind of person to take things at face value, Paul seeks to understand all he can about any situation. The industry has changed monumentally since the early 2000s. By remaining curious, Paul now has a holistic view of the IT landscape and insight he can share with others.

As a result of his work ethic and dedication, Paul has grown throughout his career. But it’s his ability to prioritise and take care of his family while running a business that he sees as his most outstanding achievement.

In the evenings and on weekends, Paul loves to take his dogs, Cleo and Gizmo, for a walk to the local park. Occasionally, he ups the ante and runs a marathon with his wife.

Andrew Johnson

Chief Operating Officer
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When Andrew joined the team in 2015, he brought a unique working history and diverse capabilities. In his early career, Andrew was a Captain in the Australian Army. He went on to work within many sectors, from marine to construction.

Today, Andrew has spent more than 15 years in recruitment, 20 years within human resources and over a decade in executive management. His diverse industry connections and extensive experience enable him to provide exceptional and knowledgeable service to our clients.

Outside his professional qualifications, Andrew loves to meet new people. He genuinely enjoys talking to candidates about their career plans and clients about the talent they need to drive their business forward.

When he’s not managing operations, creating a report, getting stuck in with the team or cooking up his speciality, a pancake breakfast, you’ll find Andrew in the outdoors. He likes to go on adventures with his wife and two daughters, travelling, jet skiing and BBQing up a feast.

Melanie Lister

Senior Finance Officer

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Melanie started her career in tourism and travel in Portugal, where she developed her fondness for coffee. In her search for the best coffee globally, she found herself in Australia. And, while the coffee may not be why Melanie stays, the lifestyle remains a key selling point.

Not a stranger to change, Melanie not only moved across the world but continues to evolve her skills throughout her career. She transitioned from travel into accounts management five years ago. Today, she’s steadily working towards her Diploma in Accounting.

Melanie started at Exclaim IT as the Finance and Payroll officer. She moved quickly into a senior position. As our go-to for accounting, payroll and invoicing questions, Melanie is patient and knowledgeable. Our contractors appreciate her attention to detail and reliability.

While Melanie’s three children and husband light up her life, it’s Bowie, her beautiful Golden Retriever, that’s always at the door when she gets home.

Dana Abdelqader

Finance Officer

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Hailing from Jordan, Dana brings along with her valuable experience in the finance and accounting fields, having worked for several organizations across different countries including Jordan, Kuwait and South Korea. Dana’s passion for finance led her to earn a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping from Monarch Institute here in Australia. This certification has expanded her knowledge and skills in finance and accounting which allowed her to stay up to date with industry trends and regulations. When she’s not working, Dana loves to spend quality time with her family. She enjoys sewing, making handicrafts, cooking and baking – the latter are hobbies we’re very grateful for in the office as she often spoils us with her baked treats! Her warm and friendly nature isn’t something that’s reserved for home or in the office though – she extends this to everyone she comes into contact with, including our clients and contractors.

Olya Belyaeva

Administration and Corporate Services Manager

With a Bachelor of International Business and a Master of Human Resource Management, Olya brings a broad and practical perspective to her role at Exclaim IT. Since joining in 2019, she has drawn on her experience across the not-for-profit, economic consulting, finance, and recruitment sectors to support and shape high-performing business operations.

As Administration and Corporate Services Manager, Olya plays a key role in keeping the business running smoothly and efficiently. She combines an analytical mindset with a solutions-focused approach, delivering practical outcomes across the business.

Her role covers a wide range of responsibilities, including internal HR, compliance, reporting, administration, and leading special projects. Olya is passionate about building effective systems and frameworks that empower teams to perform at their best, while keeping the business agile and compliant in a fast-paced environment.

Jess Chapman

Administration, People and Culture Support Officer
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Jess was born, raised and graduated from university in New Zealand, where she gained a degree in Psychology, before venturing across the ditch to pursue new experiences in Australia. She comes from a humble family of 9 and is the eldest of 7 children so she has always been surrounded by people which is where she became fascinated by the way people process and function in day-to-day life. For Jess, this new chapter of her story where she has stepped into the world of recruitment has created an opportunity for her to explore these interests whilst also utilising her degree to help people in a way she had never considered before Exclaim!

As soon as she joined Exclaim, she made an instant positive impact not only with her high calibre work but also with her kind and infectiously joyful nature that is felt by everyone in her presence. Before a big day of formatting CVs, position descriptions, handling submissions and everything in between, she starts her day by training at the gym and ends it in her happy place – by spending time with her friends, family and partner.

Paula Whitehouse

Administration & Systems Support | WHS Advisor | MHFA Officer
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Paula has over 35 years of administrative experience in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

She brings this wealth of experience with her to the back-end operations of Exclaim IT.

In her current role, Paula manages workplace health and safety compliance and commercial administration. Put simply, she ensures we’re safe and organised!

Paula has completed a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety and Mental Health First Aid Certificate. These qualifications, along with a Diploma of Social Science, enable her to support us to meet our strategic goals and build a healthy culture.

When she’s not studying up a storm, Paula is often at the gym or out and about in nature, getting crafty or catching up with family and friends.

Catherine Towns

Contractor Care Specialist
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Catherine is a Contractor Care Specialist focussed on supporting our Exclaim IT Contractors while they are on placement within our Client organisations. She brings to this role her wealth of experience as an IT Recruiter and over 20 years within the Recruitment Industry.

As a Contractor Care Specialist, Catherine takes the time to get to know Contractors and their individual needs and to ensure that they feel supported and valued.  She understands that Contractors are an integral part of the IT industry and is keen to ensure that they have a positive experience while they are representing Exclaim IT.  Catherine’s honesty and dedication to providing the best possible service have earned her a reputation as a trusted and approachable Contractor Care Specialist.

Originally from New Zealand, Catherine has been living in Brisbane with her husband and two children for five years. She enjoys exploring the region’s many attractions, beaches, and local hiking trails.  Catherine’s recent adventures include a fun Wine Tasting trip to Adelaide with a group of friends and a challenging, four-day hike on the Three Capes Track in Tasmania, she’s now dreaming up her next adventure and is always open to suggestions!

Tealia Taprell

Engagement Specialist – Commercial

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Meet Tealia, the newest addition to Exclaim IT’s Commercial team. With expertise in Talent Acquisition from the dental and engineering consultancy sectors, she has a unique perspective on recruiting top talent. Driven by a passion for people and delivering exceptional results, Tealia strives to build high-performing teams that make a difference.

Tealia is a fun-loving person with lots of interests outside of work including going to the gym to stay fit, cooking yummy food for her friends, and going jet skiing with her partner. She’s always full of energy and brings a lot of excitement to every gathering she attends!

Naomi Wright

Engagement Specialist – Commercial

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Having worked in Talent Acquisition and Human Resource roles across the technology industry for both startups and tech giants, this Brisbane native understands how hiring good talent leads to organisational success. Naomi is passionate about both people and the delivery of results. As an Engagement Specialist, she is dedicated to pairing clients with great candidates. When Naomi is not working, she loves to exercise outdoors, either hiking a national park or jogging along one of the Brisbane River walks. She is also a lover of country music which stems from her North Queensland roots.

Jinal Patel

Connections Partner – Government

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Jinal, the latest addition to the Exclaim IT team, exudes a bundle of contagious positivity and dynamic energy that uplifts the workplace. Her technical expertise and interpersonal skills are rare, thanks to her Masters’ degree in IT and Business Administration. She is enthusiastic about learning and developing her career in recruitment.

Jinal takes pride in her Indian heritage and is dedicated to promoting change and breaking stereotypes. Her talent for building meaningful relationships extends beyond the professional realm. She enjoys exploring new cultures and destinations, swimming, dancing, and painting. She had childhood aspirations of becoming an artist or a pro wrestler, which are skills she actively incorporates into her current pursuits (well maybe not the wrestling side of things!).

Angeline Richards

Connections Partner – Government
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Angeline was born in Brisbane but grew up travelling with her family and attending various international schools across Asia including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia so it is no wonder she loves being able to connect with people of all different backgrounds and cultures. Once she arrived back in Australia, she kicked off her recruitment journey in the Healthcare sector and has now found her niche where her roots are here in Brisbane within the IT sector. Angie’s a people person and can’t wait to share a laugh with her clients in the process of helping them find solutions. Outside of work, Angie likes to keep busy with art projects that include revamping old furniture, playing video games, as well as keeping fit by playing netball – so you know she’s there if you need!

Matt Cotton

Team Leader – Commercial

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Matt is an experienced Recruitment leader with 20 years’ experience across multiple sectors, industries, and countries! The vast majority of this time has been spent within niche recruitment markets, including extensive experience in the Technology sector where he has gained knowledge across multiple areas but with a real passion for Cyber Security. Before moving to Brisbane, Matt lead the Cyber Practice and Infrastructure team for a well-known multinational Recruitment business in Dublin. 

A recent arrival in Brisbane, Matt and his young family are settled and loving the Queensland lifestyle…although it took a while to adjust to the weather!!

As well as being a very passionate Tech recruiter, he also has a passion for Neuroinclusion and driving awareness of how businesses in the Cyber/Tech Space, can and should do more to attract, retain and support Neurodiverse talent. Matt has spoken and produced content on this topic several times and continues to try and impact this space.

A passionate believer of what we do is relationship driven and not transactional, you may often find him exploring the Brisbane Café scene meeting up, chatting, and getting to know Cyber & Tech professionals across Brisbane.

Outside of work, his 2 young kids keep him busy! Although when time allows, he is a fan of Triathlons to stay fit and active, loves the outdoors, big fishing fan, can’t wait for England to visit for the Ashes and excited to keep exploring everything Queensland has to offer!

Austin Whayman

Engagement Specialist 

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Austin joined our Commercial Team as an Engagement Specialist in late 2022, having already worked in customer service focussed roles for 7 years. Whilst he is just starting his recruitment journey, Austin is keen to learn all he can in pursuit of assisting his candidates in achieving their tech and digital career goals.

When Austin isn’t discovering more about talent acquisition and the IT industry, he is passionate about all things sports! He is especially interested in basketball, which he is on a weekly podcast for. On the weekends, you’ll likely find him at the beach, analysing the crypto/NFT market or watching sports with friends.

Juliet Bustard

Engagement Specialist – Government

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Working as part of the Canberra Team, Juliet joined the Exclaim crew in 2022. As an Engagement Specialist, she is committed to working closely with her candidates to understand what it is they are looking for in their next engagement and always striving to positively contribute to their careers. With a strong background in customer service, Juliet has a friendly, warm and caring nature that shines through in all of her interactions. 

On the weekends, you’ll find Juliet curled up with her dogs reading a good book (please feel free to pass on any recommended reading – always appreciated)!

Jayden Fielding-Smith

Engagement Specialist – Commercial

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Jayden recently joined our Commercial Team as an Engagement Specialist in training. While he is relatively new to recruitment, Jayden is ready to build his skill set.

He looks forward to connecting with our candidates to help them find their next opportunity in tech and digital.

Maddy Hale of Exclaim IT sits at bench in front of window

Maddy Hale

Engagement Specialist – Government

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Maddy’s growth here at Exclaim is the product of her tenacity and confidence, emphasised by her trust in the recruitment process – a process quite different from her previous role as a Dental Assistant! Whilst she might not specialise in teeth anymore, she can certainly still talk the talk and walk the walk, just give her a call and she’ll know what to do to assist you in your search for the right job opportunities with various clients in the government sector. Maddy stays on top of things and is a self-confessed early bird, her 5 – 8 am consists of walks with her gorgeous cavoodle Ziggy and usually sees her putting in some hard work at the gym – a work ethic she brings into the office and continues throughout the day from 8-5 pm with everything she does.

Pat Hoelscher

Connections Partner – Commercial

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After joining Exclaim in early 2022 as an Engagement Specialist, Pat has proven he knows exactly how to find the right IT talent in a range of commercial industries, taking home the prestigious “Engagement Specialist of the Year” at our 2022 – 2023 Awards Night. Having built a strong foundation and knack for finding talent, he has been promoted into a role as a Connections Partner where he continues to excel and expand his network to find solutions for our clients. He is young, hungry, and keen to continue building his network in the Brisbane tech market.

When he’s not in the office, Pat is often out doing sports photography for the likes of the NRL, A-league, and Cricket Australia, or playing a game of golf. Just like IT Recruitment, he finds the most success in photography arises from networking and building relationships.

Susan Stewart

Finance and Corporate Services Officer

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Susan has a warm and welcoming nature and an unrivalled efficiency. These qualities make her well-suited to her office administration career. Over the years, she’s worked in payroll, health and safety, human resources, project management and office management.

At Exclaim IT, Susan primarily supports the finance function. While not involved in compliance, she has a Workplace Health and Safety Cert IV. This qualification enables her to see the benefits of creating a healthy workplace. So, Susan quickly put her hand up to be our Wellbeing Program Coordinator. Of course, everyone appreciates the person who organises the in-house masseuse!

Our Wellbeing Program is action-packed, but Susan goes the extra mile. She often brings in delicious homemade lemon and blueberry friands and other coveted treats that rarely last until morning tea. She does all this to make our office a nice place to work even though her weeks are busy, especially when she makes the commute from her home in the Gold Coast hinterland. Most days, Susie works from home.

On weekends, Susan likes to potter around in beautiful hinterland surroundings. She gardens, visits local markets, crafts, and cooks at a more leisurely pace.

Chris Crighton

Chris Crighton

Engagement Specialist – Government

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Chris joined our Government Team in 2022 as an Engagement Specialist, bringing with him his enthusiastic energy and a willingness to learn. Despite being at the beginning of his recruitment journey, Chris’s drive and motivation are bound to propel him to great heights.

Before joining our team, Chris worked as an Air Conditioning Technician, mastering the craft of keeping things cool. However, he decided to pursue a degree in International Business and Property Economics and embark on a new and exciting career path in recruitment. We are thrilled that he made this choice, as his dedication to self-improvement and commitment to excellence are already leaving a mark in the recruitment industry.

Chris is looking forward to connecting with our candidates, leveraging his impressive background and understanding of IT opportunities, to help them find their next perfect match. His unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen makes him a valuable asset to our team.

Nate Shaw

Engagement Specialist – Government

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Nate recently joined our Government Team as an Engagement Specialist in Australia’s federal capital. Proud to be Canberra born and bred, he looks forward to connecting with outstanding local candidates to help them further their careers.

While Nate may be just starting his journey in recruitment, he brings an enthusiastic energy, willingness to learn and drive to help others that will undoubtedly see him achieve great success in our industry.

When he’s not learning more about our government clients and the types of people they need on their teams, you’ll find him at the University of Canberra, studying a Bachelor of Politics and International Relations part-time.

On the weekends, Nate likes to watch movies (anything Star Wars rates highly), read (he recommends Atomic Habits by James Clear and Dune by Frank Herbert) and play Dungeons & Dragons with friends.

Melanie Cooke

Brand and Customer Experience Manager

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Melanie is an experienced service designer and degree-qualified marketing and communications specialist. At Exclaim IT, she strives to create transformative human-centred experiences by researching customer needs, mapping journeys and optimising our toolset and processes.

When Melanie started at Exclaim IT, the business already had an exceptional professional standing after 15 years of effective relationship building and service delivery. So, she focuses on leveraging Exclaim IT’s brand reputation.

Melanie’s love of words is an unkept secret. But, while some words roll off the tongue a little easier than others, it’s not their individual qualities that impress her. Instead, she likes how they dance across a page or float in the air imbued with intention. At the basis of her affinity for words is their ability to convey meaning.

In rare cases, the more nonsensical the tale, the more we learn, and Dr Seuss’s fantastical and tongue-twistical books provide the best advice. The best of all? ‘If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.’ Melanie finds fun in every day of the week. On weekends, she likes to bodyboard, discover new books and go on spontaneous adventures with her family.

Mariana Costa

Connections Partner – Government

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As a highly qualified and experienced organisational psychologist, Mariana brings a unique perspective to our team. Having studied occupational behaviour and working conditions closely, she has good insight into what candidates might want from a role.

For most of her life, Mariana lived and worked in Brazil. Then, in 2017, she came to study in Perth, opening up a whole world of opportunities in a new country.

When Mariana started on the Government Team, the team in Canberra felt like they’d found a missing piece of the puzzle. Mariana is open-hearted, inclusive and doesn’t sweat the small stuff. But, she’s also industrious, tenacious and willing to put in the effort it takes to look after our candidates.

For Mariana, life is simple. And that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t face similar challenges to the rest of us. Instead, it means that sometimes humans complicate the uncomplicated, and she tries her best to keep coming back to basics. Mariana enjoys simple pleasures like walking through the countryside or listening to music, and having a chimarrão (Mate tea) on the balcony whenever she can.

Maddie Bradner

Connections Partner – Commercial

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Finding the right candidate is a feeling as much as a skill. Maddie’s intuition for knowing when someone will be a good fit is second to none. In addition to her instinct, Maddie is quick and determined. No matter the role, she goes all in to find the right candidate which is a skill built for two years in the Engagement Specialist role and one she will cultivate as a Connections Partner. While Maddie is always attentive to the job at hand, she’s also good for a laugh! Her quick observation skills lead to some funny moments in the office. What’s more, her cheerful nature allows her to get straight to the heart of a candidate’s needs. Maddie may be one of the newer members of our Commercial Team, but she has a maturity that comes from seeking knowledge. Before starting at Exclaim IT, Maddie completed a Bachelor of Business Management and a Bachelor of Communication. Since starting here, she has flourished during our internal training and become APSCO certified. On a personal note, Maddie loves fiction and happily reads two books a week. On the weekends, she enjoys a good road trip or getting dressed up for the races.

Kim Tran

Engagement Specialist – Government

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While Kim’s relatively new to tech and digital recruitment, she has over three years of customer service experience. What’s more, she’s spirited, energetic, witty, and a quick learner, all qualities her team admire.

As an Engagement Specialist, Kim seeks to understand and engage with our candidates so that she can find them the right job. She also works closely with our Connections Partners to understand our clients’ needs and ensure candidates will be a good fit.

While it’s not a function of her current role, Kim is interested in how organisations interact with and motivate their employees. She has a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Business from QUT. Her studies give her a perspective on the human drivers of job searching.

On the weekends, Kim likes to search op shops and vintage stores for adorable cardigans and cat-related knick-knacks.

Kiana Wong 黄寶恩

People and Culture Coordinator

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Kiana is Exclaim IT’s key cultural ambassador. While completing a Bachelor of Business and Psychological Science, she works full time as our people and culture representative and employee services coordinator.

Taking learnings from her studies and experience as a Senior Engagement Specialist on the Exclaim IT Government Team, Kiana shapes the employee experience from end to end. She’s responsible for internal recruitment, onboarding, training, professional development and retention activities for our team.

When Kiana’s not in the office on Adelaide Street, it’s a safe bet you’ll find her out and about in Brisbane ordering a bubble tea. However, there are a few things she enjoys as much as a matcha latte, like trying a new restaurant or dance class. So, ask her to show you her moves.

Kate Samba

Senior Connections Partner – Commercial

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With seven years in the IT recruitment sector, Kate has a good understanding of the needs of tech and digital professionals.

Kate’s the kind of person who truly wants the best for those around her. However, she never assumes that she knows what’s best for her clients and candidates. Instead, Kate asks the right questions to uncover their vision. She also invests in building her industry knowledge so that she can share valuable insights with her customers to help them meet their goals.

At the start of each day, Kate makes the conscious choice to provide a high-quality service. In fact, she decided to work for Exclaim IT because she wanted to be associated with a brand that has a robust quality assurance approach and a reputation for delivering.

Kate is honest, focused, friendly and determined; all attributes that make her a well-regarded Commercial Team member and a fantastic mother to her two young children. In her downtime, she likes to read, take moments of gratitude and go on local adventures with her family.

Ephraim Lemusu

Connections Partner – Commercial

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Ephraim is a passionate and multi-skilled consultant who specialises in commercial IT recruitment.

With a diverse background in sales, marketing, and customer service, Ephraim engages easily with people from all walks of life. But, unquestionably, his greatest strengths are reliability, communication and genuine care for his clients and candidates.

Like many of us, he has a few hidden talents too. While it doesn’t usually come up during the recruitment process, Ephraim has a well-tuned creative side and an interest in graphic and interface design. Though not formally trained, his eye for creative detail is quite impressive.

Ephraim stays fit and active in his spare time by hitting the bag at the gym. When the weather permits (and in Queensland, it often does), you’ll find him venturing along the coast, a nod to his Samoan heritage.

Dana Wikaire

Senior Connections Partner – Government

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Having spent six years as an Officer in the Australian Army, Dana is tenacious, determined and has a strong sense of responsibility. These qualities afforded her a seamless transition into recruitment in 2018.

What makes Dana unique is her ability to make people feel at ease. She strives to develop honest relationships with her clients and candidates and works to serve the interest of both.

On a personal level, Dana is an advocate for healthy, balanced living. Her weekends are usually spent relaxing with friends or keeping active, preferably at the beach.

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