Our Team

We understand that skilled trades and supply chain success isn’t built in boardrooms—it’s forged on factory floors, construction sites, and distribution centers. So that’s where you’ll find us.

Our leadership team brings more than 100 years of combined experience scaling national staffing operations while maintaining top 1% Net Promoter Scores for nearly two decades. We don’t just fill positions; we elevate work by connecting employers with talent who share their commitment to craftsmanship and operational excellence.

Jon Neff

Co-Founder & CEO

About Jon

Jon is a seasoned executive and staffing industry advisor with over 25 years of experience scaling businesses for value creation and unifying teams around a clear mission. He has dedicated his career to championing “best workplace” cultures and leading values-driven initiatives rooted in inclusion, performance, and accountability.

At SKL’D, Jon draws on his experience as co-founder and head of finance and operations at one of the nation’s top 20 industrial staffing providers, where he led the company through sustained growth and operational excellence. Under his leadership, the firm achieved 15 consecutive years in the top 1% of U.S. staffing companies for employee and client satisfaction and was consistently recognized as a “Best Places to Work” across major markets. Now at the helm of SKL’D, Jon brings that same proven approach to Work Elevated—leading a next-generation staffing organization focused on lasting impact for people and business alike.

Sonya Buckley

Chief of Staff

About Sonya

With over 20 years of experience, Sonya is a forward-thinking people leader and change agent known for her ability to cultivate award-winning cultures and growth-oriented strategies. Her strategic vision, combined with a collaborative approach allows her to seamlessly align cross-functional team and execute initiatives that propel organizational growth and enhance employee engagement.

As Chief of Staff at SKL’D, Sonya serves as a vital liaison between executives and staff, ensuring clarity in communication and promoting transparency throughout the organization. She is instrumental in developing and implementing strategies that drive growth, foster engagement and support organizational change. Her focus on people and culture drives the company’s mission and creating a best-in-class workplace for employees, talent, and clients.

Amanda McLendon

Chief People Officer

About Amanda

Amanda McLendon is a proven leader dedicated to building winning teams and enhancing organizational culture. Her expertise lies in creating and influencing environments that embody a “Best Place to Work” culture through a strong talent acquisition process and the development of passionate leaders. She has a proven track record of building talent acquisition and learning and development teams while spearheading culture initiatives that prioritize people and their experiences.

In her role as Chief People Officer, Amanda is responsible for shaping the company’s people strategy and culture. By streamlining hiring and onboarding processes to ensure culture remains at the forefront of organizational priorities and implementing robust listening strategies, she empowers teams and maximizes employee engagement. A developer of talent and an influencer of culture, Amanda is committed to fostering environments where individuals thrive.

Growing up in a family rooted in skilled trades and supply chain work, Amanda is energized by the opportunity to elevate the work experience for the teams that drive and support these essential industries, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired.

Travis Turner

President, Skilled Trades

About Travis

Travis Turner is a growth-focused leader with 15+ years of experience building high-performing teams and driving results in sales, business development, and operations. Known for his ability to quickly understand complex business models, he develops strategies that fuel revenue, streamline execution, and solve real problems for clients. He delivers improved performance and cost management for clients and teams alike through relationship-building skills and a data-driven approach.

At SKL’D, Travis brings a sharp eye for process improvement and a passion for people. He combines relationship-driven leadership with a data-backed approach to help clients overcome workforce challenges in the skilled trades sector. He delivers exceptional results, ensuring clients have access to top trades talent while maintaining a focus on quality, safety, and long-term value.

Kai Shepherd

President, Supply Chain

About Kai

With over a decade of experience in the staffing industry, Kai Shepherd has developed a strong expertise in leading teams and driving growth across various sectors, including logistics, transportation, and workforce management. Starting in roles focused on talent performance and client relations, Kai quickly advanced to leadership positions to successfully grow markets, optimize operations, and provide tailored workforce solutions to meet the needs of diverse industries. He is passionate about building high-performance teams and cultivating strong organizational cultures within the supply chain sector.

At SKL’D, Kai leads the supply chain division, developing and executing strategies that connect businesses with top supply chain talent. His approach centers on empowering teams to achieve their full potential while delivering measurable results for clients. Kai’s commitment to workplace innovation and team development ensures that SKL’D clients benefit from tailored workforce solutions designed to optimize efficiency, productivity, and long-term growth. Throughout his career, Kai has remained dedicated to simplifying processes, fostering a strong organizational culture, and helping businesses thrive through strategic staffing solutions.

Kim Wallace

Head of Client & Community Partnerships

About Kim

Kim Wallace is a solutions-oriented servant leader with extensive experience in sales strategy, operations, and growth for companies across logistics, manufacturing, call centers, and professional services. Known for her high-energy, positive attitude, Kim excels at building teams, client relationships, and community partnerships that drive retention, loyalty, and scalable growth. Her leadership has been recognized with awards for Best in Staffing, Best Places to Work, and Community Service.

At SKL’D, Kim leads client and community partnerships, leveraging her expertise in sales training, coaching, and change management to deliver innovative solutions for clients. Her background includes 17 years of leadership at Hire Dynamics/Employbridge, where she guided teams through change and acquisitions while maintaining a strong focus on culture and client satisfaction. Kim is also active in industry organizations and community boards, further strengthening SKL’D’s connections and impact.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re looking for your next great job or need skilled professionals to keep your business moving, we’re here to help.

Get started today—connect with us to find the right fit.

EXPLORE JOB OPENINGS

HIRE SKILLED PROFESSIONALS

Ready to Take
the Next Step?

Whether you’re looking for your next great job or need skilled professionals to keep your business moving, we’re here to help.

Get started today—connect with us to find the right fit.

EXPLORE JOB OPENINGS

HIRE SKILLED PROFESSIONALS