ABOUT OUR TEAM
Charlie Wilgus brings over 24 years of experience and success in Executive Search across a broad range of industries and functional disciplines throughout North America. He specializes in placing VP/SVP, President, and C-suite executives in Operations, Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, and Finance.
Before starting his search firm, Charlie spent the last two years as a senior partner at Matteson Partners, a boutique retained search firm. Before that, he spent 19 years at Lucas Group as an award-winning search partner and senior strategic executive. He facilitated the company's turnaround and exponential growth from $25M to over $130M before being sold to Korn Ferry.
Charlie's passion is solving his client's complex hiring needs and building long-lasting relationships through his high-touch search process. He believes integrity, trust, authenticity, and work ethic are essential for every critical search and company engagement. This philosophy and approach are why clients choose Charlie over other firms as a trusted advisor for their most visible and vital executive searches.
Charlie is uniquely skilled at assessing the talent needed to modernize the supply chain, transform plant operations, influence team culture, increase top-line revenue, and deliver EBITDA growth to scale. In addition to working closely with family-owned and privately held companies, Charlie has had proven success with various Private Equity firms over the past several years.
Charlie earned a B.A. from Rhodes College with a major in Sociology. He has been an avid supporter and fundraiser for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for the past 14 years. Charlie resides with his wife of 23 years and three teenage kids in an organic farm community outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
Erik Kessinger, Co-Founder and Executive Partner at Legacy Executive Search has an extensive career spanning over 25 years in the executive search industry. Erik has left his indelible mark throughout his journey, completing over 400 searches and becoming a revered professional.
Erik's expertise covers the entire spectrum of manufacturing and distribution. This comprehensive knowledge equips him with the insights needed to identify and connect executives with the right roles in diverse industries.
Erik's clientele represents a broad range, including private equity firms, family-owned and privately held companies spanning all sectors. His capacity to navigate the complex landscape of executive recruitment and his knack for identifying exceptional talent make him a sought- after partner for organizations aiming to elevate their leadership teams.
One of Erik's defining qualities is his authentic dedication to his craft. Erik's track record of success speaks for itself, with numerous placements contributing to the growth and prosperity of the companies he serves.
As a trusted expert and driving force behind the success of countless professionals and organizations, Erik's commitment to excellence and extensive industry knowledge catalyze positive change in the executive search arena. Erik's integrity, strong work ethic, and passion for developing long-lasting trusted relationships with the companies he serves have created the foundation of his successful and reputable career.
Erik earned a B.A. from the Terry College of Business with a major in Risk Management and Insurance at the University of Georgia. Erik resides with his wife of 23 years and three kids in his hometown suburb of Atlanta, Georgia.
Jason is a Co-Founder and Executive Partner at Legacy Executive Search. He brings over 25 years of corporate experience to the firm, having served in various roles, from Business Development to Chief Financial Officer to Owner/Partner.
He has worked with clients across many industries throughout his career, focusing on the technology, distribution, and manufacturing sectors. His clients have ranged from small, privately held family businesses to mid-market businesses and several large public companies. In addition, he is extensively involved with private equity and venture capital funds.
Additionally, Jason has experience serving on several company boards and has been a trusted and valuable advisor to many corporate executives and company founders/entrepreneurs.
Jason is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned his undergraduate degree and MBA from the Terry College of Business. He previously served as a member of the Terry College Alumni Board, where he is now an emeritus member, and is currently serving on the Parent Leadership Council for UGA.
Jason resides in Roswell, GA, with his wife of over 25 years. They have three grown children, and he is extremely proud to call them his greatest “Legacy.” Outside work, he enjoys playing the top 100 golf courses in the world, spending time with his family at the beach, and following the Georgia Bulldogs.
Brook Monticello has a long-standing track record of successful placements with a strong understanding that an ever-changing market, evolving trends, and a growing economy drive hiring needs. Using this knowledge, Brook views each search as a learning opportunity to deliver above expectations and consistently improve his recruiting practice.
Before joining Legacy Executive Search, Brook spent 18 years at Lucas Group in their Supply Chain & Operations Practice Group. As Executive Senior Partner, Brook worked with high-level supply chain talent and the industry's leading employers to form strategic partnerships, thus impacting operations and the bottom line.
Driven and curious, he understands his client's needs to source the best candidates for each position. Likewise, Brook works to uncover his candidates' motivations and passions to ensure he recommends positions highlighting their skills and strengths. By managing expectations and transparency, Brook forms strong connections with his clients and candidates built on mutual respect and trust, leading to long-term relationships throughout his career.
A graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Communications, Brook continues to cheer for the Spartans and Detroit professional sports teams while giving an obligatory nod to the teams in his adopted hometown of Atlanta.