Our Team
“Over the years, we’ve seen many changes in this industry but that hasn’t changed our conviction that success is a group effort.”
KAREN WEINGART
Founder & President
Karen Weingart
Background: Mathematics. Education. Proprietary software development. Development of Computer Science courseware. IT Consulting. Consulting company recruiting, marketing and management.
Responsibilities: Overseeing all day-to-day operations of Synectics; Providing corporate strategic planning, financial management and personnel policies; Guiding Synectics as a corporate citizen.
Outside Interests: Family gatherings. Family history research and writing. Setting a beautiful table. Doing all kinds of needlework. Swimming. Reading mystery stories. Volunteer math tutoring.
Co-Workers Say: “Karen is a supportive and nurturing person who has created a work environment that makes you want to stay long term. Her deep reserves of knowledge and her practical mindset make Karen a strong leader. Her passion for Synectics is unwavering – she truly cares about every employee.”
What I Love About Synectics: “Absolutely everything!”
JEFF WHITE
Director of Recruiting Services
Jeff White
Background: Corporate staffing and technical recruitment. FBI foreign counter-intelligence.
Responsibilities: Managing the Synectics Recruiting Group; Contributing to the design of Synectics ATS; Ensuring client success through performance metrics and analytics.
Outside Interests: Spending quality time with my wife and three daughters. Playing sports – basketball, golf, and volleyball. Coaching kids.
Co-Workers Say: “Jeff is a great manager! He keeps it serious but fun. His competiveness is motivational! And he’s always willing to take a moment to discuss new ways to find the best candidates, or who he thinks will win the NCAA Tournament this year.”
What I Love About Synectics: “Synectics is a wonderful place to work because it’s challenging and interesting every day. Working in this team-oriented, fast-paced environment is exciting and fulfilling.”
MELISSA LOUNDS
Director of National Accounts
Melissa Lounds
Background: Marketing. Finance. Basketball.
Responsibilities: Marketing and managing our National Accounts; Sits on the Supplier Advisory Board for a Fortune 100 client as a trusted partner; Providing thought leadership to our clients to improve their contingent labor programs.
Outside Interests: Playing in basketball leagues with her college teammates. Seeing her favorite Chicago sports teams. Family.
Co-Workers Say: “Melissa is phenomenal! She can do a million things at once, and she doesn’t forget anyone or anything. Her high energy and her positive outlook are an inspiration for us all. She also has great style – her shoes are amazing!”
What I Love About Synectics: “I love that we have a great story to tell about Synectics, and that we have successful client relationships that span over 30 years.”
CHRIS CONNERS
Director, Information and Innovation Team
Chris Conners
Background: Computer Science Degree from Northern Illinois University. 30+ Years IT Consulting in a wide variety of industries.
Responsibilities: Managing the Synectics Information Team to achieve operational excellence and continuous improvement of all systems in support of the entire Synectics user community.
Outside Interests: Collaborating with my wonderful wife preparing our three college-aged children for life out in the world. Experimentation with personal computing, small computers and the Internet of Things.
Co-Workers Say: “Chris loves technology and is amused by gadgetry. He can fix anything – from a system bug to a dishwasher. He will always lend a helping hand. Great sense of humor!”
What I Love About Synectics: “Since my first consulting assignment with Synectics back in 1984, I have seen the company change with the marketplace, adapting to the needs of its many clients and placing me at those clients in a long series of interesting and challenging assignments. Becoming a part of the in-house staff did not put an end to the challenges, and I am convinced that those diverse skills that Synectics provided me with the opportunity to learn, have prepared me for my role today. I expect that I will continue to be challenged by my coworkers here at Synectics, as we continue to advance and grow this amazing company.”
MOLLY STERN
Compliance Manager
Molly Stern
Background: Psychology. Software. Recruiting. Banking. Construction.
Responsibilities: Chief compliance coordinator for client contracts and audits; Manages all pre-employment testing, start readiness, and onboarding validation; Administers all employee healthcare benefits; Senior member of Process Improvement Group.
Outside Interests: Reading. Artistic “stuff” (painting, design, etc.). Sci-Fi. History, science and environment. Wildlife conservation.
Co-Workers Say: “Molly is one of the most knowledgeable members of our staff. She can solve any problem, any time, about anything.”
What I Love About Synectics: “I love that employees are encouraged to grow and expand our professional skills and knowledge. I am also very proud that our company is dedicated to environmental sustainability and green practices.”
DAVID SOBKOWIAK
Controller & HR Administrator
David Sobkowiak
Background: Accounting. Finance. Human Resources. Benefits Administration. Facilities Management.
Responsibilities: Oversee the daily functions of the accounting and HR departments; Prepare all financial reporting packages; Administer the 401(k) plan and other employee benefits; Manage corporate accountability and compliance.
Outside Interests: My family. Chicago sports. Movies. Biking, walking, exercise.
Co-Workers Say: “Dave is extremely smart. He is easy-going, friendly, and wonderful to work with. Despite the volume and speed of what crosses his desk on any given day, he is always perfectly well organized, quickly responsive, and accurate to the very last detail!”
What I Love About Synectics: “The friendly staff that is so completely committed to excellence and teamwork which translates into success for all parties.”
CYNTHIA MYERS
Payroll & Billing Manager
Cynthia Myers
Background: Office Management. Billing & Accounting Operations. Team Building and Customer Relations.
Responsibilities: Payroll; Billing; Account Reconciliations; Accounts Payable.
Outside Interests: Volunteering in my community. Live music concerts. Cooking.
Co-Workers Say: “Cindy is totally awesome! She loves her job and it shows! She is the funniest serious person I know!”
What I Love About Synectics: “The Synectics culture is great! I feel that I am appreciated and allowed to take the initiative to get things accomplished.”
EWA KIELAR
HR Team Manager
Ewa Kielar
Background: Business Management. Human Resources.
Responsibilities: Preparing our candidates for successful client interviews; Onboarding and orientation of new employees; Reviewing and responding to Consultant Project Status Reports; Providing career counseling.
Outside Interests: Running. Working out. Dancing. Family. Seeing live performances.
Co-Workers Say: “Ewa is lovely, kind and caring. With a calm and genuine manner, she provides very powerful advice in interview preps, career counseling, and day-to-day professional mentoring.”
What I Love About Synectics: “I love being a part of the collaborative culture at Synectics that enables individuals to achieve personal and professional goals and fosters strong relationships with employees and clients.”