Our Team

I have enjoyed serving the staffing needs of corporations in Omaha and throughout the upper Midwest for more than 30 years. I joined Robert Half International in 1988 and was promoted to Director in 1993. In 1998, I earned their “Chairman’s Club” award for leadership. In February 2000, I made the decision to “live my dream” and founded Hemphill Search Group, following with Hemphill Staffing Solutions in 2001. I am proud of our team, the progress we’ve made to date, and I am even more excited about our future growth!

I understand that a company is only as strong as the players it has on the field. I am passionate about understanding each client’s business, culture, and growth objectives, so we can identify the individuals who will ultimately help our clients achieve their goals. Our reputation is “on the line” each time we assist a client in hiring a new employee. We take the time to make sure that we have found the “right match” so that each candidate we place is well positioned for success. Since excellence always endures and remains long after cost is forgotten, our team is squarely focused on delivering quality solutions the first time. Because our Firm is built upon a foundation of strong values, I know that taking the “high road” and “doing the right thing” consistently are the cornerstones to lasting business relationships.

I grew up in Griswold, Iowa, and graduated from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. During my undergraduate studies I was a member of the football team and Students In Free Enterprise. I later completed the Entrepreneurial Masters Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I am an active supporter of Financial Executives International (FEI) and I am a proud member of The Association for Corporate Growth of Nebraska (ACG Nebraska). I am a Charter Member of the Nebraska Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), where I served several years on their Board of Directors. As a Director of the American Association of Finance and Accounting (AAFA), the oldest and largest alliance of executive search firms specializing in the recruitment and staffing of Finance and Accounting professionals, I gain exposure to national issues and trends. I have served as a member of the Alumni Board of Buena Vista University where I am committed to giving back to the students and leadership team of Buena Vista University. I am also an active member of Westside Church in Omaha.

My wife Susie and I have four children, Cameron, Austin, Miles and Carmel.

Bret is an accounting professional with experience in both public accounting and the financial management of a manufacturing company.  At Hemphill, Bret’s focus is helping companies select talented individuals for short and long-term projects, and temp-to-hire assignments within all areas of accounting, tax, audit, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and compliance. 

Bret takes pride in his role while investing the time and analysis to ensure he has delivered “the right match - the first time”.  Bret explains that the work is fun and rewarding;  he enjoys utilizing his own experience within accounting and financial management to better understand the specifics of the project or position being filled.  The key to our success is our in-depth understanding of the project that needs to be completed or the position that needs to be filled, then being diligent while identifying the individual who will step in and be successful right away.  It is satisfying to know the individual we selected for the project or position is going to be successful, have fun, and feel a sense of accomplishment while making a real difference for our client.

It is fun coordinating projects for individuals who enjoy the diversity of working in several  industries and gaining valuable experience while moving from one project to another.  Some of the individuals we work with prefer to step into a temp-to-hire position where they are able to settle into the work, culture, and team of a certain company while determining if this position is the right match for them.  Either way, it is very rewarding to help individuals select the position that leads them to a fun and rewarding long-term career with an excellent company. 

Bret grew up in Canyon Texas which is just south of Amarillo.  Bret earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and a Master in Professional Accounting at West Texas A&M University.  Bret started his career in public accounting, then stepped into a leadership role for Texas Farm Bureau where he led a staff, budgets, financial oversight, and lobbying at the state capital in Austin, Texas, and ultimately Washington, D.C.  Bret relocated to Omaha and worked in accounting and financial management for a manufacturing and distribution company before joining Hemphill.  Bret is an athlete and a huge college football fan. He played basketball throughout high school, loves nature, hiking, fly fishing, and the adrenalin rush of skiing the Rocky Mountains.  Bret is an active member of the Omaha Young Professionals, Omaha Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Joslyn Young Art Patrons.  Bret and his wife Alexandra enjoy hanging out in downtown Omaha, spending quality time in Dundee, Benson, Little Italy, and many of Omaha’s unique neighborhoods. Bret and Alexandra share a passion for travel, so be sure to ask him about the more than 25 countries they have enjoyed exploring.  

After more than two years in public accounting as a member of the audit team at BKD, LLP (now Forvis Mazars), Austin shifted his career to a position that blends his accounting and business experience with his passion to deliver solutions that have a positive impact for others, so he joined Hemphill Staffing Solutions.  At Hemphill, Austin specializes in the placement of accounting & finance professionals into project consulting, management consulting, temporary, and temporary-to-hire positions.  Austin places individuals at all levels of accounting, finance, tax, audit, financial reporting, financial systems, fixed assets, budgeting, forecasting, bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and payroll.

Austin provides subject matter experts and experienced accounting and finance professionals when a specific skill set is needed for a special project, implementation, conversion, assessment, integration, reconciliation, or analysis or feasibility study is needed. He coordinates projects for individuals who have the experience to step in and get the job done when a client needs a temporary employee for a medical or maternity leave.  Austin identifies attractive career opportunities for individuals with a wealth of experience and individuals who are early in their career and focused on making sure they join a quality firm with excellent training and an active mentorship program.  He enjoys coordinating consulting projects for individuals who appreciate flexibility.  Some projects need full-time employees and others have the flexibility to accommodate flexible or part-time schedules.  Some of our consultants retired early and choose to do project work while appreciating the flexibility to take a few months or the summers off and others choose temporary or consulting projects when re-entering the work force.  

While in public accounting, Austin audited small, mid-sized, and large corporations in a variety of industries.  His experience in public accounting combined with the discipline to gain an in-depth understanding of the position being filled, along with the skills, experience, and personality needed to be successful and happy in the position, and company is a secret to his success.  Austin is passionate about finding the “the right match - the first time” and shared: “This is important work, and I really enjoy placing an individual into a position where I know they will be successful and genuinely happy while adding value to our client and their new team of co-workers.”  

Austin grew up in the greater Omaha area and graduated from Gretna High School. While in high school, Austin wrestled, played varsity football & baseball, and he was a two time state champion powerlifter.  While in college, Austin played football for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As a student athlete, Austin was added to the Dean’s List, and the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Minor in Management.  He was named to the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team and the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team.  Austin volunteered and helped raise awareness and money for pediatric brain cancer research through his involvement in the Nebraska Football Road Race.  He supported those in need at the St. Anthony’s Homeless Shelter, others through the Husker Heroes Outreach program, and several school and hospital outreach programs. Austin is an active member of the University of the Nebraska N Club and the Letterman’s Association. As a former Husker, Austin is actively mentoring current student athletes and members of the University of Nebraska Football team through the mentoring program TeamMates.  He is a member of the Association of Corporate Growth, the Internal Audit Association, and Austin regularly attends Love Church in West Omaha.

Austin’s interest in business started at an early age when he started Austin Enterprises a lawn mowing, snow removal, and landscaping business at age 12.  Austin operated the small business for 11 years through junior high, high school, and college. Austin is an outgoing individual who loves athletics, travel, hiking, being outdoors, and making memories with friends and family. He also recently finished his first full marathon.

Todd brings a wealth of business leadership, human resources, and valuable experience as a small business owner to his career at Hemphill. His experience is adding value, creating a positive impact, and making a real difference while helping leaders hire high-caliber human resources professionals.

Prior to Hemphill, Todd refined his leadership and mentoring talent as Managing Director of Human Resources for TD Ameritrade and, previously, Vice President of Human Resources for First Data Corp. Todd’s experience as a leader in human resources gives him a clear understanding and valuable perspective while partnering with leaders to attract, select, and hire human resources professionals who are well positioned for success and happiness.

Todd works with human resources professionals at all levels ranging from C level executives to staff level positions, in large and small companies. Todd fills direct hire positions and he provides project consultants throughout human resources and organizational development departments including HR strategy, HR business partner, organizational design, learning, training and development, talent acquisition, selection, talent management, organizational development, continuous improvement processes, compensation, benefits, safety, compliance, and positions within a HR shared service center.   

Todd knows first-hand that one of the most important factors in the success of a leader, department, division, or company starts with getting the right player on the team and making sure the individual is well positioned for success and happiness based upon their strengths, interests, and career goals. Todd is engaging and asks excellent questions while adding value to the selection process.  Todd shared, “I really enjoy partnering with leaders to identify the right individual for the position. I care about each individual I work with, so I take the time to understand each individual’s strengths, accomplishments, values, priorities, interests, short, and long-term career goals to ensure we have identified the “right match” and each individual we place is very well positioned for success and happiness long-term.”

Todd grew up in Sioux City, IA and graduated from Morningside Christian High School where he played basketball and soccer, and Todd was named Salutatorian and class President three out of his four years. Todd studied Accounting at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a Minor in Public Speaking at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.  Todd is a member of the Human Resources Association of the Midlands, and he enjoys giving back as an active Board Member of Outlook Nebraska, Inc., and Gift Of Adoption.  Todd’s wife, Stacy, grew up in Ralston. They live very active lives with four boys Brandon, Chase, Brady, and Austin, a daughter, Hope, who they adopted from China, three dachshund dogs Riley, Chloe, and Cocoa, and a tree trimming business called Monster Tree Service of Sarpy County. 

Todd and Stacy are active members of the west location of Citylight Church.  They love attending their children’s activities, sporting events, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Susie is the leader helping executives in Omaha and Lincoln hire high caliber individuals well positioned for success and happiness within office administration and customer care.  Susie specializes in placing executive assistants, office managers, directors of administration, administrative assistants, and important positions within customer care.

Susie understands the significant contribution and positive impact an impressive executive assistant, office manager, and administrative professional makes in a company.  Improving the efficiency, organization, and productivity of the top executive or leadership team improves the overall performance of the company because the administrative professional provides the leader with more time to focus on their strengths and most important tasks.

The secret to Susie’s success includes her genuine desire to understand the company, leader, position being filled, and the team which is in need of a new member.  Because she cares and is committed to identifying the right match, Susie is diligent while selecting individuals with successful track records and a commitment to quality.  Susie shared “I am passionate about helping a leader identify and hire an impressive individual into a position where they can do what they are great at within a company and culture where they can be themselves every day. Life is short and we all deserve to be in a position where we are having fun and fulfilled.  I have a lot of fun creating Win / Win / Win outcomes for the leaders who partner with us, to select an individual who loves their new position, and the co-workers who gain a rock star teammate . . . this is important work!”

Susie grew up in Oakland, Iowa; earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and her Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.  Susie was an educator at Bellevue Public Schools prior to shifting her focus to our family. In the early years, Susie played an important role at Hemphill while focused on administrative support, special projects, and event planning on a part-time basis when her full time focus was caring for four very active children (Camie, Austin, Miles & Carmel).  When our children headed off to college and into the work force, Susie shifted her focus to a full time Recruiting Manager position. 

Susie is an active member of Westside Church, Executive Women International, and she played a leadership role while launching spousal forum groups within The Entrepreneurs Organization of Nebraska.  Susie is an outgoing and ambitious individual who loves engaging with our family and friends.  Susie loves cooking with and for our family, playing games, golfing, spending quality time in the Old Market or Haymarket, vacationing, hiking mountains, canyons, or rain forests, swimming in the ocean, skiing, and cheering for the Husker Football, Volleyball or Baseball teams!  You might find Susie exercising at the gym, working in the yard, gardening, or playing with our two shih tzu puppies.

Tonya plays an important role in our company while taking ownership for accounting, financial reporting, management reporting, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and special projects.

Tonya started her career with Deloitte where she served as a Senior Auditor.  She was recruited to West Corporation where she progressed to Director of Accounting before stepping out of the demands of a full time position to focus on her family. Tonya now enjoys the flexibility of a part-time schedule at Hemphill allowing her to spend more time with her family.  In addition to her responsibilities at Hemphill, Tonya enjoys serving as Treasurer of the Rohwer Elementary PTO, and as a Teacher of religious education at St. Stephen the Martyr.

Tonya grew up outside of Lincoln, NE and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Tonya and her husband Mark have three daughters Madisson, Ellie, and Ava. Tonya and Mark enjoy supporting their daughters athletic and club activities, and enjoying sunshine and relaxation on a beach whenever possible.   

Dave has more than 15 years of success in recruiting & selection, and more than a decade of leadership within accounting and financial recruiting.  A key factor in Dave’s success is his passion to build long-standing relationships while gaining an in-depth understanding of an individual’s strengths, interests, career goals, and the type of company, culture, and work that inspires an individual to do their best.  Dave takes pride in his work, and knows that helping an individual step into a position where they are focused on their strengths, while having the opportunity to grow professionally, are key factors in identifying the right match.  “It is incredibly rewarding to know that we have helped make a real difference in the life of an individual when we place them into a company where they are well positioned for success, happiness, and career growth.” 

Dave understands that the biggest factor contributing to the success of a leader is their ability to identify, hire, develop, and retain high quality employees who work well as a team.  Dave is passionate about building relationships with talented individuals and thoughtful while selecting individuals who will be successful and happy in their new position long-term.  It is all about finding the right match, so Dave pushes himself to make sure we are placing an individual into a position where they will thrive, exceed expectations, enjoy their new team, and feel a sense of accomplishment while making a real difference in the success of the company.

Dave grew up in Glendale, Arizona where he had a lot of fun and success as a competitive long-distance swimmer. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from DeVry University in Phoenix, then entered the recruiting industry where he thrived.  Dave moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where he led the Accounting & Finance division of a large recruiting firm for more than ten years. Dave relocated to Nebraska to be near his wife Melissa’s family and is proud to be deeply rooted in Nebraska and a Cornhusker fan!  Dave is a family man who also loves the outdoors, so you might find him hunting, fishing, camping or working with Melissa and their three sons on their small farm.

Lili has fun and enjoys placing talented individuals into attractive positions, with excellent leaders, in some of the best companies in Omaha and Lincoln!  Lili is passionate about helping individuals, so she invests the time to understand their strengths, accomplishments, interests, short and long-term career goals, and the type of work, company, culture, and team where they will thrive, achieve, and be happy.  Lili shared “Finding the right position, on the right team, within the right company is very important. With so much of our lives spent at work, it is important that we find the right match, so we are successful, fulfilled, and proud of our contribution.”

Lili enjoys partnering with leaders while making sure we find the right individual for the position being filled.  She invests the time to meet with the hiring manager at their offices to fully understand the company, their culture, and all aspects of the position.  Lili shared that “By taking the extra time upfront to fully understand the position, skills, experience, and personality traits that will contribute to success, we gain a clear understanding of the individual who will be well-matched, happy, and a positive addition to the team. 

“It feels good to know we have made a real difference by adding an individual to the team who is well matched for success and happiness!  Finding the right match has a very positive impact in the life of the individual being placed, the leader who now has another high caliber member on their team, and all members of the team who have a new positive and productive co-worker that makes the team stronger.”

Lili earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with emphasis in management, marketing, public relations, and professional selling. During her time at UNL, Lili was on the Dean’s List, and was elected Vice President of Operations for her sorority with more than 150 members, where she enjoyed making a positive impact.  Lili was also an active member of Citylight Church in Lincoln where she enjoyed making new friends and leading a small group.

Lili grew up in Yankton, South Dakota in a very active family with seven children. Lili, the only girl, with six high caliber and competitive brothers, learned at an early age to be proactive, take initiative, and work hard for what you believe in and want to achieve. Lili is an active member of her church, and enjoys spending time with family, hiking, boating, cycling, cooking, travel, yoga, playing pickle ball and cheering loudly for the Huskers!