Meet the J. Morrissey Team

James D. Morrissey is an owner and a Co-Founder of  J. Morrissey & Company. His Executive Search, Contract Staffing and Consulting experience spans a period of over thirty years. He is nationally recognized as both a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and a Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS), having successfully satisfied all testing and experience requirements necessary for these national certifications.

James is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Personnel Services, Inc. (NAPS) and has also served the Board as Secretary/Treasurer and District Director. He is a past member of the Executive Committee and has Chaired the Leadership Committee, the Finance & Audit Committee and Co-Chaired the Certification Committee. He is also a past Vice President for the Connecticut Association of Personnel Services.

He currently sits on the Board of Trustees of The Bushnell Performing Arts Center and Chaired their Human Resources Committee for fourteen years.

Prior to his career in the personnel services industry, James served as an Audit Manager for the international public accounting firm, Coopers and Lybrand. James is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Connecticut and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accounts. Jim earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany.

Barbara A. Morrissey is an Owner and Co-Founder of J. Morrissey & Company.  Since the company's founding in 1986, Barbara was primarily responsible for charting the growth of the Staffing Services Division of J. Morrissey & Company from its initial beginnings in accounting temporary services to a full-service temporary staffing group.  Over the years her role expanded to include managing the growth of many company services.

Prior to her career in personnel, Barbara was the Accounting Manager at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C., in Hartford.  Previously, she was Assistant to the Controller for Smith Kline Instruments, Inc., of South Windsor a division of Smith Kline/Beckman.

Barbara attended College at the State University of New York at Geneseo.  She is a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC), a Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS) and a member of the National Association of Personnel Services.  Barbara is a past President of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Staffing Association and a member of the Human Resources Association of Central Connecticut.

Erik's academic journey led him to Bryant University, where he pursued his fascination with numbers and finance, graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. During his college years, he ventured beyond the familiar streets of Glastonbury to experience the unique beauty of Block Island, where he worked tirelessly during his summers.

Post-graduation, Erik embarked on a professional journey with CohnReznick, a renowned public accounting firm. Here, he honed his expertise in the world of finance and accounting while also earning his Master's degree in Accounting and achieving the prestigious CPA license. Erik's tenure at CohnReznick exposed him to a diverse range of industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to professional services, higher education, and non-profit organizations. As the lead auditor on various engagements, he delved into different management styles and organizational structures, enriching his ability to comprehend the unique needs and aspirations of his clients.

In 2014, Erik embarked on a new chapter by joining J. Morrissey, a dynamic organization specializing in Temporary Staffing Services, Direct Hire Placement, and Retained Search. His journey with the company has been nothing short of remarkable, as he has seamlessly transitioned through various roles, culminating in his current position as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In this influential role, Erik is entrusted with shaping the strategic vision, overseeing financial operations, and managing the broader business operations of J. Morrissey and its affiliate, Culpeo HR.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Erik's life is punctuated with remarkable personal achievements. He had the privilege of attending the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, a testament to his love for sports and adventure. Additionally, he achieved the rare feat of scoring a hole-in-one while playing golf in the enchanting landscapes of Ireland, a testament to his dedication and skill.

Erik's journey from the charming streets of Glastonbury to the bustling corridors of business leadership is a testament to his unwavering dedication, passion for excellence, and ability to turn dreams into reality. With a loving family by his side and a dynamic career ahead, Erik's story continues to inspire those who cross his path.

Erik J. Heller has over 20 years of experience in the Recruiting and Staffing industry and has been with J. Morrissey since 1994 holding various roles with increasing responsibility. He is nationally recognized as a Certified Personnel Consultant and Certified Temporary Specialist.

As the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Erik is responsible for the operations of all J. Morrissey offices as well as running a successful Healthcare Practice. He has experience placing Healthcare professionals into a variety of environments including: hospitals, managed care organizations, physician practices, management service organizations, home care agencies, and long term care facilities. In addition, Erik has a comprehensive understanding of Healthcare Reimbursement, the Revenue Cycle, Case Management and Managed Care.

Erik is a founding member and Chairman of the American Staffing Association’s Connecticut Regional Council, formerly known as the Connecticut Staffing Association, and is a Past President of the Connecticut Association of Personnel Services.  He served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee from 1999 to 2012 holding various roles such as Treasurer, 1^st and 2^nd Vice President Chairs. Other association’s Erik has involvement in: the National Association of Personnel Services, American Staffing Association’s Healthcare Section, Quinnipiac University Alumni Association, the Connecticut Medical Group Management Association, the Connecticut Case Management Society, and is a former Board member for the SummerWind Performing Arts Center.

Erik attended Quinnipiac College where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources.

Ally Wachtel is a Director with our Healthcare Staffing Services group, and she has been with J. Morrissey since 2013. Ally focuses on temporary and temporary-to-hire positions. Some of the positions she recruits for are RN’s, LPN’s, Nurse Case Managers, Medical Assistants, Medical Coders, Medical Billers, Insurance Follow Up, Medical Secretaries, Medical Records, Patient Registration, Charge Entry, Payment Posting, Claims, Customer Service, and any other position, either clinical or non-clinical, in a healthcare or healthcare insurance environment. 

Prior to joining J. Morrissey, Ally worked for over 20 years in the financial industry as a Life Insurance Underwriter holding an Assistant Vice President title. While there, she was responsible for a number of initiatives including various recruiting efforts across her department.

Lisa Cimorelli, a Connecticut native, launched her career with J. Morrissey in 2005. For over 14 years, she played a pivotal role in the Windsor, CT office, where she was instrumental in building and growing the Healthcare Temporary Staffing Division. After a brief time away, Lisa has returned to the J. Morrissey family—this time bringing her expertise and energy to Central Florida.

As the driving force behind J. Morrissey’s brand-new Florida branch, Lisa is on a mission to recreate the success she helped achieve in Connecticut. The Florida team will specialize in both Temporary and Direct Hire staffing, with a strong focus on Healthcare, Hospitality, Tourism, Accounting & Finance, and Manufacturing, among others. With her proven track record and passion for connecting talent with opportunity, Lisa is ready to make J. Morrissey a powerhouse in Florida staffing.

Colin Paterson's journey from Central Connecticut State University to the world of recruiting is a testament to his determination to follow in his father's footsteps in the business world. With a strong competitive spirit cultivated through years of playing sports and a natural talent for building relationships, Colin seamlessly transitioned into the staffing industry.

With over 12 years of experience spanning diverse industries, including accounting/finance, administrative support, manufacturing/engineering/supply chain, and human resources, Colin has honed his expertise in connecting the right talent with the right opportunities.

In March 2017, Colin embarked on his career with J. Morrissey, and his dedication and strategic thinking quickly propelled him to the role of Vice President of Accounting/Finance and Administrative Support Group. In this capacity, he continues to make a significant impact, shaping the future of the company.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Colin is an avid traveler with a passion for exploring new places and cultures. While he may have come to terms with the fact that his aspirations of becoming a professional golfer will remain a hobby, his commitment to excellence and continuous growth remain unwavering.

Colin Paterson's story is a testament to the power of determination, competitive spirit, and building strong relationships to succeed in the business world.

Chris Gamber is a driven professional and a 2020 graduate of Hartwick College. During his college years, he showcased his dedication and teamwork as a proud member of the Men's Lacrosse Team, instilling a strong sense of discipline and commitment.

Today, Chris stands at the forefront of J. Morrissey, where he has spent the last four years honing his expertise in Direct Hire and Contract IT placement. His focus extends to Mid-Career to Executive Level IT Professionals across a wide array of industries, including Infrastructure, Data Science, Software Development, IT Security, VCISO, Managed Services, Network Engineering, Management/Executive Level, and Business Intelligence.

When he's not immersed in the world of IT recruitment, Chris enjoys precious moments with his fiancé, sharing their time between their family's vacation homes in the picturesque locales of Rhode Island and Maine. These coastal getaways offer the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories, especially during the tranquil Summer and vibrant Fall seasons.

Beyond his professional pursuits and scenic escapes, Chris embraces his love for leisure activities. He finds solace and excitement on the golf course, patiently casting his line while fishing, and unwinding at the picturesque Charlestown Beach in Rhode Island. These moments of relaxation add balance to his dynamic life.

With a passion for career success, a penchant for coastal living, and an appreciation for the simple joys of life, Chris Gamber embodies a well-rounded individual who thrives in both his personal and professional endeavors.

Jennifer Morrissey manages all of the marketing efforts for J. Morrissey & Company. She primarily focuses on maintaining and optimizing our website, managing our social media efforts, as well planning and executing the overall marketing strategy for J. Morrissey.  

Prior to joining the J. Morrissey team, Jennifer gained several years of experience working as a digital strategist and account executive in a marketing agency environment.  While there, she was responsible for building and maintaining client relationships, digital strategy and content creation for a variety of small and large businesses. Jennifer received her Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University. 

Sue Osowiecki joined the J. Morrissey team in June of 2015.  As Office Manager, Sue handles many important responsibilities at our agency including employment verifications, processing the temporary associate time cards, wage verifications, compliance, process improvement, contract agreements and a variety of other office service duties. 

Prior to joining J.Morrissey, Sue worked as a Branch Manager at a Federal Credit Union in CT where she managed sales and overall branch operations. Sue’s exceptional customer service combined with her strong work ethic make her an invaluable member of our agency.

Marcia Hires joined the J. Morrissey Windsor team in October 2018. As Administrative Assistant, Marcia handles many essential responsibilities for our Windsor office including formatting resumes, processing temporary associate time cards, contract agreements, greeting visitors, answering phones, and a variety of other administrative duties. 
 
Prior to joining J. Morrissey, Marcia gained valuable administrative and customer service experience working as an Office Manager at a business valuation firm and also as an Administrative Assistant at a local school. Marcia’s approachable personality combined with her excellent attention to detail and strong work ethic makes her an important member of our team.

Jake Anderson, the eldest of four siblings, hails from the charming town of Glastonbury, Connecticut, where he grew up in a bustling household of six, accompanied by two lively Boston Terriers. His journey through life has been marked by a combination of academic excellence, work ethic, and a deep passion for sports.

In 2021, Jake proudly earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business-Human Resources, with a minor in Psychology, from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. His dedication to academics was complemented by his commitment to hard work, as he spent summers during high school and college laboring at a local golf course, honing his skills and building valuable life experiences.

Jake's career took off in September 2021 when he embarked on a professional journey within the office support group. Here, he specializes in filling both temporary and permanent roles across a diverse range of fields, including administration, clerical work, human resources, accounting, and manufacturing. His innate ability to connect with people and find the perfect fit for each position has made him an invaluable asset in the world of staffing and recruitment.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Jake's heart beats for the Boston Red Sox, a testament to his unwavering loyalty to his team. He's not just a fan; he's a true "die-hard" Red Sox enthusiast who follows their every game and passionately supports them through thick and thin.

Jake's love for adventure and cultural exploration led him to study abroad in the enchanting city of Florence, Italy, for a semester. This experience broadened his horizons, allowing him to immerse himself in a rich tapestry of art, history, and cuisine.

Jake Anderson's story is one of dedication, academic achievement, and a deep-rooted passion for life's diverse experiences. As he continues to carve his path in the world of business and human resources, there's no doubt that his journey will be marked by success and unwavering enthusiasm for the pursuits that ignite his soul.

Conor Pepin, a native of Windsor Locks, CT, currently calls West Hartford, CT, home. A proud alumnus of the University of Connecticut, Conor embarked on his professional journey in the dynamic realm of Baseball Operations with the Red Sox. However, his career took a turn into the staffing industry, where he has thrived ever since.

With over 6 years of valuable experience in staffing, Conor has contributed his expertise to diverse sectors, including healthcare, admin/clerical, and IT. In his latest role at J. Morrissey, Conor is dedicated to fortifying the contract IT segment of the business, extending support to clients across various industries in the CT/MA markets.

Beyond the professional sphere, Conor finds joy in spending time with his dog, Roscoe, during peaceful walks. An avid golfer, he embraces the challenges and rewards of the game. As the youngest among his three siblings, Conor brings a fresh perspective and unwavering enthusiasm to both his personal and professional pursuits.

Tara Guglietta is a dedicated professional who has called Connecticut home for over a decade. She's a proud wife and a loving mother of three wonderful children. Tara's journey into the world of business and human resources began with a solid educational foundation.

Tara is a proud alumna of SUNY Brockport, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Mathematics. Her passion for business and analytics drove her academic pursuits, setting the stage for a successful career.

Upon graduation, Tara embarked on a fulfilling career in Human Resources and Recruiting, a field she's been committed to ever since. She has a wealth of experience in this domain, honing her skills and expertise with each passing year.

Since 2018, Tara has been an invaluable member of the J. Morrissey team, specializing in Healthcare Services. Her dedication and professionalism have made a significant impact on the company and the clients she serves.

Outside of her professional life, Tara's interests are diverse. She is a Certified Zumba Instructor and shares her passion for dance fitness by teaching two classes a week. Her commitment to staying active and promoting a healthy lifestyle shines through her Zumba instruction.

Interestingly, Tara's educational journey initially took her down a different path. She originally pursued a degree in Meteorology, demonstrating her curiosity about the natural world and the forces that govern it. While her career took a different turn, her love for learning and exploring new horizons remains a defining trait.

Tara Guglietta's story is one of dedication, versatility, and a lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth.

Michelle Hunt is a dedicated staffing professional with nearly 25 years’ experience supporting her clients in the professional services area. While she began her staffing career in the administrative and accounting arena she has spent the last two decades focused on her clients’ technology roles.

Michelle joined J. Morrissey’s technology group in January 2025. Her consultative sales approach and account management expertise supports the Direct Search and Contract IT placement for the group. Her focus includes supporting her clients’ PMO and IT Services teams with Mid-Career to Executive Level IT Professionals across a wide array of industries including Insurance, Banking/Finance, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail and Pharmaceutical.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and children, watching a football or baseball game, walking her Boston Terrier and attending her daughter’s dance competitions.

Jazmin joined the J. Morrissey Windsor team in January 2025.  At J. Morrissey, she holds the role of Accounting Manager where she oversees financial operations, including payroll, billing invoicing and account reconciliations.  She ensures accuracy and compliance in all financial reporting while streamlining processes to improve efficiency.

Prior to joining J. Morrissey, Jazmin held the position of Director of Operations and Human Resources at an ABA clinic for children with autism.  She managed payroll, billing and financial operations for the company.  Bilingual in Spanish and English, she worked closely with families that needed assistance and led in expanding services by establishing two clinics for enhancing access to ABA for these children.  She also co-governed all business development, management and financial logistics for my family company J's Appliances LLC.

Jazmin attended Western Connecticut State University where she received her MBA and became a part of Beta Gamma Sigma honor society for business studies.

Jazmin is a proud first-generation graduate and is passionate about creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Brandi McDaniel is the Director of Business Development for Staffing Services and Direct Placement at J. Morrissey, Florida. With extensive experience in talent acquisition, business development, and team leadership, she partners with organizations across multiple industries to identify, attract, and retain top talent nationwide.

Brandi has led high-volume recruitment initiatives, centralized hiring for national organizations, and built long-standing client relationships across executive-level, corporate, real estate, IT, accounting & finance, hospitality & tourism, logistics, healthcare, and more. Her expertise spans direct hire, RPO, and staffing services, enabling her to deliver comprehensive workforce solutions for both temporary staffing and long-term placement.

Known for her results-driven approach and collaborative style, Brandi is committed to providing seamless hiring experiences for clients and candidates, connecting top talent with businesses to drive growth and create rewarding career opportunities.