Great Service Starts with Great Staff!
Our agency has been helping good people find honest work since we opened our doors in October of 1998… and that started with our staff! In the years since, although some of our staff has changed and we have grown, one thing remains the same: our staff is treated like family. We have some folks who work “behind the scenes” to get your time cards and paychecks processed and the following staff members are available in our branches for clients, employees, and applicants:
Affinity Personnel Solutions- Buffalo:
Darren Ziembo, CSP– Owner
Darren recently took over ownership of the company after the founders retired from the business. He strives to keep the same level of customer service for clients and candidates that APS has been known for. Darren has been with the company in multiple roles for the past 15 years, most recently handling the strategic development and on-boarding of new business relationships with a wide variety of clients across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. While earning his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from SUNY Oswego, he worked as a temp for APS on a few assignments during summer and holiday breaks. After completing his degree in 2007, Darren was offered a permanent spot on our team! Since that time, he has worked in sales, client development, and direct recruiting for APS. Clients and coworkers appreciate his drive and willingness to help out wherever he can. Part of his success comes from understanding our client’s staffing needs first hand. As a former temp, he understands the high demands of industry!
Isabel Diaz, CSP – TRS On-Site Manager
Isabel started at APS in 2001. She is a Certified Staffing Professional specializing in high volume accounts. Isabel has been an APS Manager since 2005. Isabel works with our recruiting and back office staff to source great candidates for a range of clients!
Eric Gunderson, CSP – Director of Operations
egunderson@affinitypersonnel.com
Eric received his undergraduate degree in Communication from University at Buffalo before beginning his career in the staffing industry. After two years of recruiting experience in the Rochester area, he joined the Kenmore branch of APS in 2016. Eric is a Certified Staffing Professional who manages internal operations and staff, and his recruiting efforts specialize in client relations, contractual negotiations, recruitment and placement of individuals within skilled trades, manufacturing, industrial, engineering, management, and administrative roles for a wide variety of companies in Western NY. His prior experience in landscaping, skilled trades, and heavy labor allows him to identify with applicants and potential candidates in order to match them up best with opportunities for our clients. Timeliness and feedback are very essential for speed to market recruitment, and this is something that Eric pushes for on a daily basis for both applicants and clients!
Gabrielle LaBoy – Administrative Assistant
Gabrielle majored in the writing program and received their bachelor’s degree from The State University of New York Buffalo State University in May of 2020. Gabrielle joined our team with nearly a decade of customer service experience within a variety of work environments. As an administrative assistant at APS, she ensures that all new and returning applicants are promptly greeted and that any questions or concerns that may arise before or after the interview process are addressed. She has learned a variety of skills over her 9 years of experience and, having spent several years at each of her past positions, excelled at actively engaging and building rapport with all the customers and/or clients she would come to attend to on a regular basis. Accommodating those that required any of her expertise or physical support and being able to immediately see the difference her help made throughout her time in other roles is a huge part of why Gabrielle wanted to work for APS, aiding any guests that need assistance during their hiring process.
Nathaniel Valentine – Recruiting Coordinator
nvalentine@affinitypersonnel.com
A recently new resident of Buffalo area, Nathaniel moved out here in 2022 and is bringing over 7+ years of customer service experience with him, along with a range of other skills after being hired to join the APS team in October of 2023. He has worked in a variety of professions, including hospitality, warehousing, and construction so he can bring his working knowledge of the industries to this role. No stranger to hard labor, he understands what our clients are looking for in candidates and will always find the best fit. Nathaniel has always had a passion for improving the lives of others, and makes that his first and foremost goal.
Dana Malek – Controller
Dana, a 2006 graduate of Buffalo State University with degrees in both Finance and Business Administration started her career on Wall Street after being recruited by Citi Group as a Financial Analyst. After years with Citi, Dana served as an Accountant with Catholic Medical Partners where she worked within the IPA for the Catholic Health Systems. After CHS, Dana moved into a senior accounting and management role with Greenberg Financial Systems out of Lockport, NY. Throughout her career Dana has been exposed to multiple different industries across the WNY area which have provided her continued training and growth within the finance field and have allowed her the opportunity to accelerate into positions of management, providing her the opportunity to accept her first Controller position. Dana brings to the Affinity family, 20 years of finance industry experience and looks forward to her future and continued growth within the organization. Dana will manage all day-to-day finance and HR functions as well as many back office responsibilities. Her ability to multi task, attention to detail and wearing many different hats day-to-day will be an asset to the organization’s continued growth and success.
Justin Boardway – Recruiting Coordinator
jboardway@affinitypersonnel.com
Justin is an exciting new addition to the APS team, bringing over three years of invaluable recruiting experience. With a background in manufacturing and administration within a temp-to-hire environment, Justin has a unique perspective, allowing him to understand the needs of both employers and candidates. His hands-on experience gives him a well-rounded insight into the recruiting process, helping him match the right talent with the right opportunity. Justin is driven by a genuine passion for helping people advance in their careers, and his enthusiasm shines through in everything he does. He takes great pride in his work and strives to ensure every client and candidate he works with feels valued, supported, and satisfied. With his dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, Justin continues to be a key player in helping others reach their professional goals.
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