Dotty Summerfield Giusti
President & CEO Dotty formed SUMMERFIELD ASSOCIATES, INC. in July of 1989, after more than ten successful years in the business. She was licensed as a Manager by the State of Tennessee Personnel Recruiting Services Board in 1985 and attained Certified Personnel Consultant designation in 1993.
Dotty began her career in the contingency search recruiting industry in early 1979. She specializes in the areas of Human Resources, Corporate Attorneys, and Information Technology and Telecommunications. The Tennessee Association of Personnel Services has recognized her many times as a Top Producer in her field and in June of 1991, she was named as a Charter Member of the TAPS “Million Dollar Circle.” In July of 1996, she was awarded one of the first “Five Million Dollar Circle” designations. In October 1999, she received the Norbert I.B. Fried Ethics Award from the National Association of Personnel Services, honoring her as an outstanding leader who has led the industry to a higher ground through innovation, vision and positive enhancements. In July 2005, Dotty was recognized as one of the “50 Women Who Make a Difference” by Memphis Woman Magazine.
Marla Ripperton
Marla Ripperton joined Summerfield Associates in August of 2001 and has over 20 years in the staffing industry. She began her career recruiting Rehab Therapists in the late 80’s. Marla’s expertise lies in the areas of Human Resources, Engineering, Operations, Accounting, and Executive Admin and “C” level placements.
In 2008, Marla attained Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) designation. Marla is currently serving as an Ambassador for the Memphis Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Management Accountants as Vice President of Membership and Marketing in 1998-1999 and Director of Member Acquisition in 1997-1998.
Marla grew up in the Midwest and has called Memphis home since 1991. She has three 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
Chris Van Hekken
Chris Van Hekken has been in the Recruiting Industry almost 30 years in Memphis. She started at Olsten Staffing in 1989 and spent four years at Robert Half as a recruiter for IT, then a manager in the Office Team division.
In 2001, Chris opened a clerical branch in Cordova for Kelly Services, spent the last 12 years with them in various locations and management positions.
In 2012, she realized that Memphis was her hometown and decided to come back for good! We are happy to have her here at Summerfield Associates as a member of our team.