Marisa Zaharoff, MSN, RN
President
Marisa Zaharoff, MSN, RN, is President of Avant Healthcare Professionals, the premier staffing provider of internationally experienced nurse and allied health professionals. Her deep commitment to the placement and success of healthcare professionals is seen in her work with clinicians and providers in helping meet and exceed their goals across multiple care environments.
To her position, Marisa brings more than two decades of experience. She is a registered nurse in the State of Illinois and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where she worked in adult cardiothoracic and pediatric intensive care environments. Marisa also has served in healthcare staffing executive management and leadership roles in quality improvement, product management, performance outcomes and operations for AMR ProNurse, Medical Staffing Network and Cross Country Healthcare. She joined Avant in 2021.
At Avant, Marisa is focused on furthering the company’s mission and reach in helping healthcare professionals achieve their American dreams and partnering with clients to overcome staffing shortages and meet patient care objectives.
Marisa is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives, American Nursing Association and Sigma Theta Tau, and is a founding member of Chief, Miami, a membership network that connects and supports women executives. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Illinois and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Lesley Hamilton-Powers, RN
Senior Vice President of Operations
Ms. Powers joined Avant Healthcare Professionals in 2006, bringing extensive international recruitment experience to the company. She is one of the most tenured executives in the industry with more than 25 years of experience in international healthcare staffing. Her nursing career began in 1989 when she graduated from nursing school in New Zealand and worked in Oncology. Her experience as a Registered Nurse spans several countries including the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States.
Ms. Powers began her career in international healthcare staffing with O’Grady Peyton International, a division of AMN. She was instrumental in building the worldwide recruitment platform for Assignment America, a division of Cross Country TravCorps. She later joined Geneva Health International in New Zealand where she led the recruitment efforts for healthcare professionals seeking international placement.
Ms. Powers has a passion for the U.S. recruitment business borne out of her own nursing experience gained in the U.S. in the early stages of her nursing career. Her experience as a nurse in three countries provides her with a unique and valuable perspective to Avant’s recruitment and clinical programs. She has successfully recruited in many countries, including the United States, Canada and the Middle East. While at Avant, Ms. Powers has been instrumental in developing and leading many of the operational areas of the company including recruitment, immigration and licensure processing, exam preparation, quality compliance, clinical programs, transition, and retention support of Avant’s healthcare professionals. She currently oversees recruitment, document control, quality compliance, immigration, licensure and credentialing, client services and nursing education.
Adam Kless, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President of Clinical Operations
With over 10 years of experience as a Chief Nursing Officer for academic, non-profit and for-profit health systems, Mr. Kless has worked in notable health systems such as Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Community Health Systems and HCA.
Mr. Kless expertise lies in the development of performance improvement initiatives, strategic planning of clinical services, patient experience, creating positive cultures, electronic medical record implementation, regulatory compliance and remediation, and development of business models for clinical programs.
Mr. Kless received his MBA degree through Western Governors University. He also holds a MSN degree from Case Western Reserve University and an NEA-BC certification.
Ada DeGuzman, MBA
Vice President of Finance and Accounting
Mrs. DeGuzman offers 20+ years of experience with increasing responsibilities in leading large finance and accounting teams through disruptive organic and acquired growth in their industries. In addition to the technical expertise, there is the balance of a strong business acumen, allowing clear visibility of the broad scope goal and narrowing it down to identify business drivers, take action and drive results.
Mrs. DeGuzman’s signature offering is to implement and adapt the businesses to increasing demands for process, controls, systems, organizational structure, and sound financial expertise. Ada’s career includes 18 years of working with large publicly traded manufacturing companies in Illinois and Florida. Most recently, 2-1/2 years in healthcare staffing, managing over $400 million in annual revenues.
Mrs. DeGuzman earned her Master of Business Administration from North Park University and a Bachelor of Finance & Economics from the University of Texas, El Paso.
Cynthia Martinez-Patin
Vice President of Human Resources
With nearly two decades of human resource management experience across multiple industries, Cynthia Martinez-Patin brings a passion for driving a positive organizational impact. From 2008-2016, Martinez-Patin worked for Jackson Therapy Partners and Jackson Nurse Professionals, which like Avant Healthcare Professionals, are part of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies. During her years at the Jackson Healthcare companies, she understood the importance of having quality healthcare professionals who make a difference in the lives of their patients and surrounding communities.
Martinez-Patin holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from Florida Metropolitan University and a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Management from Northwood University.
Greg Turkanik, DBA
Vice President of Global Operations
Greg Turkanik brings over 14 years of professional experience in sales, marketing, and business development. Greg’s career has focused on international business, as he was responsible for launching foreign operations and business development for several companies in the IT industry in Central and Eastern Europe. He has also been involved in teaching and corporate training for executives on international expansion, cross-cultural communication, and strategic thinking.
Turkanik holds an MBA and an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration from Rollins College.
Bill Beck
Vice President of Information Technology
Bill Beck offers over 25 years of Information Technology leadership experience covering cybersecurity, application development, project management, network infrastructure, and IT support services. Mr. Beck has built his skillset by contributing to many business industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, retail, software development, and IT consulting services. He brings transformational and innovative leadership while building strong teams with a thorough understanding of diverse business processes.
Mr. Beck earned his bachelor’s degree in computer technology from Purdue University.
Brenda Kuczynski
Vice President of Client Services
As an accomplished business leader with a proven track record of driving substantial sales growth and operational excellence, Brenda Kuczynski has excelled in key Executive roles, notably in the realms of Sales, Marketing, Client Experience, and Operational Management.
Brenda has served on the Board for Associations such as the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, the SMBE – State of Florida, and Various Workforce Advisory Councils and Task Forces. Her commitment to excellence, strategic leadership, and community engagement sets her apart as a dynamic and accomplished Executive in the business arena.
As the VP of Client Services, Brenda is responsible for the strategic direction of Client Sales, Client Credentialing, and Client Success. She uses her ample experience to assess service markets, diversify Avant’s client portfolio, strengthen client relationships, and deliver outstanding results through client partnerships.
