Meet the GQR Team Attending Workday Rising 2024
We’re excited to introduce the GQR team attending Workday Rising 2024 in Las Vegas! Our experts are eager to connect with partners and clients, bringing their unique skill sets and deep industry knowledge to help organizations maximize their Workday investment. Want to get to know them a little better? Here’s a look at who will be attending, what they’re most excited about, and some fun facts you might not know!
Chris Hurley
Global Practice Lead, Workday & Cloud Technology
With over seven years of experience in the Workday ecosystem, Chris leads GQR’s Workday division, helping organizations optimize their Workday investment. He has supported hundreds of clients by delivering high-quality talent solutions. If you’re ready to strategize on how to maximize your Workday potential, Chris is the one to talk to!
Favorite Movie: Interstellar
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Strategizing with Workday on our partnership & attending our first Rising as a Partner.
Favorite Food: Sushi or Lobster
Catchphrase: Send it
Unicorn Trait: My unicorn trait is my ability to remember the most unique and unexpected details. This helps me recall what makes each client special, allowing me to tailor solutions that align with their specific needs. I believe it is the small details that strengthen connections and build long-lasting relationships and my ability to keep them top of mind ensures that no opportunity to create meaningful and effective solutions is ever missed.
Fun Fact: I once played the lead in a musical!
Colin O'Neill
Director of Delivery, Co-Lead of Workday Practice North America
Colin specializes in guiding clients through every phase of their Workday journey, delivering top-tier talent across HCM, Financials, Prism, and more. With a deep network of seasoned professionals, Colin ensures clients are supported with the right resources at the right time. Ready to optimize your Workday implementation? Colin’s got you covered!
Favorite Movie: Top Gun: Maverick
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Connecting with clients and partners across the Workday ecosystem
Favorite Food: French Fries
Catchphrase: Under-promise, over-deliver
Unicorn Trait: My unicorn trait is my desire and ability to build genuine, trusting relationships, making me a true partner people can turn to and rely on. Driven to be the best in everything I do I am relentless in my pursuit of success - for myself, my team and my clients.
Fun Fact: I make running in a backpack look really cool.
Chris Sund
President/COO, Uniti Med
As President and COO at Uniti Med, Chris leads with a passion for improving healthcare by connecting skilled professionals with the communities that need them most. With nearly a decade of experience in healthcare staffing, Chris is deeply involved in industry leadership, serving on the Board of Directors for NATHO (National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations) and the Membership Committee of NAHCR (National Association for Health Care Recruitment).
Favorite Movie: Tommy Boy
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Attending my first Rising and connecting with clients and partners across the Workday ecosystem.
Favorite Food: Tacos
Catchphrase: Carpe Diem – Seize the day.
Unicorn Trait: I believe in helping people grow into their best selves. I genuinely care about those around me and want to make an impact in their lives by helping them reach their full potential.
Fun Fact: My favorite pastime is wake surfing.
Amy Akillian
Executive Vice President, Enterprise Business Solutions
With over 23 years in talent acquisition, Amy brings a deep well of expertise to GQR. She has partnered with leading companies like EMD Serono, Biogen, and Sanofi Genzyme, developing talent strategies that fuel growth. Known as our “Swiss Army Knife,” Amy is a versatile problem-solver—if you need strategic insight into your talent pipeline, she’s the one to turn to.
Favorite Movie: Bohemian Rhapsody
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Attending my first Rising and meeting many of my favorite connections in the ecosystem in person!
Favorite Food: Pizza!
Catchphrase: There’s always a solution somewhere!
Unicorn Trait: I’m a Swiss Army knife—I’ve worked across nearly every aspect of the talent continuum.
Fun Fact: I have three pugs, and I’ve had pugs since my early 20s. I’m officially a crazy pug lady!
Alexis Kennedy
Head of GQR Healthcare
As the Head of GQR Healthcare, Alexis brings a sharp, strategic mindset and a solutions-driven approach to delivering top healthcare talent. Her optimism, paired with deep industry expertise, positions her as a trusted partner for navigating even the most complex healthcare staffing challenges.
Favorite Movie: Thor: Ragnarok
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Connecting with new people and learning more about the Workday ecosystem
Favorite Food: French Fries
Catchphrase: Everything’s peachy!
Unicorn Trait: My unicorn trait as a healthcare staffing leader is my ability to combine unwavering positivity with a solution-oriented approach, all fueled by a deep passion for healthcare. This unique blend empowers me to navigate challenges with optimism, inspire my team, and consistently deliver exceptional results, making me uniquely qualified to lead in the healthcare staffing industry.
Fun Fact: I started Learning how to ski when I was 2 years old.
Ken Hayner
Executive Vice President, SLED/Fed, Workday & Cloud Technology
With nearly seven years of experience in the Workday ecosystem, Ken has played a key role in the growth of GQR’s Workday SLED/Fed organization. His focus is on assisting State & Local Government, Higher Education, and Federal clients in deploying, supporting, and optimizing their Workday investments. With over 15 years working across Public Sector clients in Sales, Support, Development, and Deployment roles, Ken has a deep understanding of the business transformation needed within these sectors.
Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Attending my first Rising and networking with new and old connections in the ecosystem – FACE to FACE!
Favorite Food: Sushi
Catchphrase: If you ain't first, you're last!
Unicorn Trait: I love to network and meet new people. Whether at the airport, gas station, playing pickup soccer, or sitting at an airport bar—this world is so big and there are so many stories out there to share and listen to.
Fun Fact: I love Broadway musicals and shows. If there’s one talent I wish I had, it would be singing!
Nora Trapp
Vice President, Global Workday Alliances and Partners
Nora leads GQR’s Workday channel alliances, focusing on building strategic global partnerships. With a background spanning multiple continents, she brings a global perspective to every partnership. If you’re looking to expand your Workday network or grow strategic alliances, Nora is the person to meet!
Favorite Movie: Someone Great on Netflix
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Attending our first Rising as a Partner!
Favorite Food: Schweinelendchen im Blätterteig, made by my mom (pork wellington)
Catchphrase: Today is the youngest you’ll ever be
Unicorn Trait: Connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, having lived in Asia, America, and Europe.
Fun Fact: I’ve visited over 30 countries !
Josh Mensinger
Senior Vice President, HR & Total Rewards Practice
Josh is passionate about partnering with HR and Total Rewards leaders to deliver tailored recruitment solutions. With eight years of experience, he specializes in attracting top-tier talent to elevate businesses. If you’re looking for the best talent to fill key HR or Total Rewards roles, Josh is the partner you need.
Favorite Movie: Ready Player One
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Being in Vegas with the team for a few days since I work remote— I am also excited to attend Rising as an official Partner this year!
Favorite Food: Hibachiiii (extra yum yum sauce & sriracha)
Catchphrase: What’s the worst that’ll happen?
Unicorn Trait: Im the duck swimming vigorously under the water but cool calm and collected from everyone else’s perspective. I can keep my emotions in check in most situations regardless of pressure or stress and I also can read people fairly well which allows me to build strong relationships and trust.
Fun Fact: I once won an art show!
Troy Wiese
VP Sales - Mountain/West
With over ten years in the Workday ecosystem as both an end user and staffing leader, Troy partners with businesses to develop customized strategies that align with their unique Workday needs. His strong background in business development and client relationship management has allowed him to consistently deliver top-tier talent and foster long-lasting relationships.
Favorite Movie: Wedding Crashers
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Excited to meet new and familiar faces in person.
Favorite Food: Lobster Rolls
Catchphrase: You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take.
Unicorn Trait: I truly love getting to know people and making lasting relationships.
Fun Fact: I am an advanced scuba diver.
Richard Matthews
Senior Associate, Workday Practice
Richard plays a key role in sourcing top talent for Workday projects. With a strong background in recruitment, he’s dedicated to connecting clients with the right talent for their business needs.
Favorite Movie: Oppenheimer
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Meeting my network in person!
Favorite Food: Pasta (all kinds)
Catchphrase: Treat yourself!
Unicorn Trait: My unicorn trait is my ability to remember names, even after only one meeting. This skill allows me to foster deeper connections with clients and candidates alike, making people feel valued and recognized, which strengthens long-lasting professional relationships.
Fun Fact: I played five different brass instruments in high school, including the tuba!
Elias Steward
Senior Associate, Workday Practice
Eli has been a key part of GQR's Workday team for over two years, based out of the New York City office. He specializes in contract and permanent delivery, account management, and business development. Eli is also instrumental in developing GQR’s certification program, ensuring the team remains at the cutting edge of industry standards.
Favorite Movie: Star Wars: Episode III
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Networking and Texas Hold'em
Favorite Food: Chicken Cutlets
Catchphrase: I could use a coffee
Unicorn Trait: I can juggle—literally and figuratively! I juggle multiple tasks with ease—Whether balancing client needs or managing multiple projects at once, I thrive under pressure and always keep things moving smoothly, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Fun Fact: I sang in my college’s A Cappella group.
Aseel Tabaza
Senior Associate, Workday Practice
Aseel is dedicated to fostering long-term partnerships through empathy and genuine connections. She plays a vital role in sourcing top-tier talent for Workday projects, ensuring that clients receive the best possible support.
Favorite Movie: The Hustle
What I'm Most Excited For at Workday Rising: Meeting everyone in person for the first time!
Favorite Food: Shawarma
Catchphrase: Guccie
Unicorn Trait: My unicorn trait is my ability to practice empathy consistently. This allows me to truly connect with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering genuine relationships built on trust and long-term collaboration. My approach makes clients and candidates feel deeply valued and understood.
Fun Fact: I love fashion and like to dress as if every day is a Runway show!
Want to connect with our team in Vegas? Schedule a meeting now to discuss how we can help you elevate your Workday strategy with top-tier talent and strategic solutions.
Whether you’re looking for insights, partnerships, or just want to meet the GQR team, we’d love to connect with you during Workday Rising 2024.
And don’t forget to join the hunt for the GQR Unicorn! Find our the GQR unicorn, snap a picture, and post it with #GQRunicorn for your chance to win a free ticket to Workday Rising 2025!
Follow us on social for clues and updates. 🦄