Quick Contact
DefensePlacements, Inc.2205 Old Hamilton Place NE
Suite #200
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.
Andrew Beccue, CSAM - VP, Managing Director
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!
Brian Spaulding- Account Manager
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.
Katrina Blalock
katrina@defenseplacements.com
Katrina has a passion to provide outstanding service to all her clients and candidates. She is proud of the fact that all inquiries to her are answered in 'less than 24 hours."
Katrina owned and operated a successful real estate sales and appraisal business for over 6 years. She is well known in north Georgia for her ability to effectively interact with a variety of professionals and her strong communications skills. She is a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success, Leadership Rabun, a past board member of the Boggs Mountain Human Shelter, and a founding member of PEARL's (later Junior Women's League of Rabun, GA).
Katrina lives in Rabun County with her three children, and in her spare time she loves hiking, gardening, reading, and experiencing fine dining. She also is also active at the Liberty Baptist Church.
Frank McKay
frank@defenseplacements.com
Frank comes to Defense Placements with more than 13 years of experience matching people's passions and objectives. Focused on independent school development, he has connected skills with opportunities and raised the level of fundraising and growth at several schools. At these various institutions, Frank worked with school leaders, board members, and other volunteers to increase revenues significantly through gifts ranging from single to seven figures.
Through his career, Frank has most enjoyed building relationships to connect people with their deepest interests for greater productivity and fulfillment. His years of experience enable Frank to identify and understand the keys to successful partnerships, which he applies toward the search and placement process.
Frank earned his B.S. degree in Business Administration and English from Presbyterian College, home of the mighty Blue Hose athletic program. A native of Atlanta, Frank and his family now live in Gainesville, GA, where his wife serves in the medical community. The couple and their children actively participate in church and neighborhood organization activities. Frank also enjoys reading and photography.