Quick Contact
DefensePlacements, Inc.2656 White Sulphur Rd
Gainesville, GA 30501
Phone: (678) 343-2742
Fax: (678) 928-4489
Info@DefensePlacements.com
Team Bios
Ken Selzer- Founder/Ownerken@defenseplacements.com
Ken brings a wealth of experience to his clients and candidates to match not only skills and responsibilities, but also culture and chemistry. With over 26 years of recruiting top talent Ken knows and understands business issues and the unique defense sector. As a former senior executive (CEO) in industry and Air Force fighter pilot, Ken has knowledge and empathy for the 'change process' that affects both the client and candidate when a critical position is filled.
Ken's commercial career spans several continents in positions such as CEO, VP Technical Sales, General Manager and Director of International Operations. He firmly believes the one key attribute of all successful businesses is the desire and ability to have effective and proactive systems to attract and retain the very best (top) talent. Ken also developed and promoted the popular 4-F framework for business success: FAST, FOCUSED, FLEXIBLE, and FRIENDLY.
Ken received a B.S. in Engineering Sciences from Purdue University and a M.S. in Industrial Administration from the Krannert Business School at Purdue.
After graduating with honors from USAF flight training and advanced fighter school, Ken was stationed in New Mexico, Tripoli, Libya, and Vietnam. He completed his active duty service with 235 combat missions in Vietnam and received the coveted Distinguished Flying Cross.
Ken has been married for 35 years and has two grown married children. When Ken is not recruiting top talent he has a passion for his family, fine food, and fly-fishing.
Roger Nixon - Vice President/Executive Recruiter
roger@defenseplacements.com
Roger Nixon is a native of Covington, Georgia currently serving as Vice President. With his enthusiastic and initiative-driven approach throughout the placement process, you can expect only the best results from Roger. His ability of having served in higher echelon areas of the Department of Defense gives candidates a favored approached when being recruited and placed with defense contracting companies.
He was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice at North Georgia College and was commissioned into the United States Army Quartermaster Corps. While at North Georgia College (NGC), Roger was a member of the Mountain Order of Colombo and Sigma Chi Fraternity. He later earned his Masters Degree in Public Administration at Piedmont College. Roger served in and around the military for 14 years with conventional and non-conventional units. He served on active duty as an enlisted infantryman in support of the Gulf War.
Roger lives in Murrayville, GA with his wife LeeAnn and their three children. He attends Concord Baptist Church and serves on the North Hall Junior Football Board of Directors and North Georgia College Alumni Association. In his spare time which is rare, he enjoys spending time coaching his children in various sports, spending time with children with special needs, hunting and fishing with college friends, and riding his Harley.
Andrew Beccue, CSAM - Vice President / Executive Recruiter
andrew@defenseplacements.com
"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."
- Vince Lombardi
Andrew is the Vice President of Defense Placements, and works with a number of leading companies, with a specific focus and expertise in Defense / Aerospace and Homeland Security. Since joining Defense Placements in 2005, Andrew has completed numerous domestic and international searches up to the highest levels, including President and COO. His search experience includes a variety of functions within the aerospace and defense sectors, including operations, business development, manufacturing and program management. His attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and communication abilities are assets that enable Andrew to identify top talent. In August 2008, Andrew achieved the status of a CSAM, or Certified Senior Account Manager. This is a distinction held by less than 10% of the recruiters in the Management Recruiters International system.
Andrew gained his search and leadership experience as an Operations Manager working for a large staffing firm and provided strategic direction for their recruiting efforts. He is known for bringing first class customer service to his clients, and is adept at developing new business.
Andrew holds a B.S.degree in Ministry Leadership from Toccoa Falls College, where he also participated in collegiate athletics as a member of the varsity soccer team. He is dedicated to community service, and making a difference in the lives of others.(spacing)Andrew is a member of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), ASIS, and NDIA.
Andrew lives in Gainesville, GA and enjoys spending time with family and friends. He loves to cook, laugh, travel, read and watch SEC football (Go Gators!). In addition, Andrew is an avid cyclist, and motorcyclist... basically anything with two wheels!
Esther Schuijt - CSPC
esther@defenseplacements.com
Esther started her career in sales and customer service. She had the opportunity to work with a DoD contractor, where she started as a Technical writer. Within the following year, the company grew rapidly and she assumed the position as the Lead Technical writer, and also assisted the CEO with day to day planning and contract administration. Eventually, she became certified as a Trainer for the DoD through the U.S. Army ITC School and assisted the training team with hands on training of all services.
Esther quickly took on increased responsibilities in ILS Management, contract writing and presentations. Eventually she became the Human Resource Manager. Esther then moved on to develop her HR skills as a HR Manager for a widely known executive recruitment firm.
She joined the Defense Placements team because she enjoys working with the Defense Sector and also enjoys the 'human element' of Human Resources and Recruiting. She says, "the best part of my job is that at the end of the day we helped someone find that perfect opportunity, that step up in their career."
Esther is originally from Holland and moved to Florida 15 years ago. She currently lives in Georgia with her three dogs.
Brian Spaulding- Project Coordinator
brian@defenseplacements.com
Brian comes to Defense Placements, Inc. with management experience in the Service sector identifying, recruiting, and developing professionals in the fields of Sales, Operations and Management. With over 6 years of real-world business experience, he understands the importance of hiring only the best for an organization. It is his same goal to recruit the most qualified candidates that will become vital and value-added members for our client's organizations, and the satisfaction to his candidate's to provide opportunities that will allow them to excel in their careers.
After leaving the service sector, Brian was a consultant responsible for process improvementand change management at a manufacturing facility for military and commercial aircraft to include the C-130, GlobalHawk, 787, and other relative programs. Coming from a Fortune 500 recruiting firm, it is the small firm approach that Brian appreciates in helping client's and candidate's make strategic hiring decisions that improve the performance and personal lives of those involved.
Originally from Southern California, Brian now resides in Flowery Branch, GA. He received a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Piedmont College in Demorest, GA. while playing for the Piedmont College Baseball team and coaching Women's Volleyball.
Ben Maxwell - Internet Researcher
ben@defenseplacements.com
Ben Maxwell is a native of Gainesville, GA and joins the DefensePlacements team with notable sales and operations experience in professional staffing.
Ben is a graduate of North Georgia College & State University, where he majored in Criminal Justice, and played on the college basketball team. He recently tied the knot with his college sweetheart, Melinda, and they currently reside in Dahlonega, Ga.
He is an active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dahlonega as well as the Vice President of Membership for the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Jaycee's. Ben's hobbies include hiking, cooking and sports.