Our Team

As the leader of Nelson Recruiting’s project management department, Jessica Nelson plays an essential role in the firm’s daily operations and long-term success. She brings exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a steady leadership presence to every project she oversees.

With over 20 years of experience in the market research industry, Jessica has built an extensive career within the community. She has been instrumental in helping establish the firm’s foundation and in sustaining its reputation for excellence over the years.

Jessica is a proud mother of three sons and has been happily married for many years. A Southern California resident for over four decades, she enjoys watching her sons compete in sports, cheering on her favorite MLB and NFL teams, and spending time outdoors. Whether by the coast or at a ball field, family time is a top priority and source of inspiration in her life.

Jonathan Skidmore brings deep cross-industry experience spanning politics, technology, and finance, with a career focused on improving core systems to enhance the customer experience. As Vice President of Nelson Recruiting, he now leads sales and operations, playing a key role in the company’s ongoing growth and innovation. Jonathan is passionate about evolving Nelson’s strong foundation in consumer research recruiting into a best-in-class market research service.

In 2019, he spearheaded the creation of Nelson’s data division, building a secure, centralized database and improving data collection systems. His leadership helped streamline recruiting, reducing both time and cost. Today, Nelson Recruiting maintains a safeguarded database of more than 1.5 million active users.

Jonathan resides in Savage, Minnesota. Outside of work, he enjoys nature walks with his dog, Carribou, and reading both fiction and nonfiction. He is a proud University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate, holding a B.A. in Economics and cheering on his fellow Badgers.

Nicholas Nelson, a third-generation market researcher, has been with the company for nearly a decade. Immersed in the industry from a young age, Nicholas has developed expertise in data analysis, participant recruitment, project management, client relations, and business development. His strong work ethic, leadership mentality, and natural charisma have made him a driving force within the team.

Passionate about the future of market research, Nicholas is excited about how advancing technology and virtual experiences will continue to shape the industry. He’s committed to evolving alongside it, always seeking innovative ways to improve processes and deliver outstanding results.

When he’s not working, Nicholas enjoys exploring Los Angeles’ vibrant arts scene, regularly attending musical and theatrical performances. He also finds balance and relaxation surfing the local beaches of Malibu. Whether at his desk or on the waves, Nicholas brings energy, creativity, and vision to everything he does.

Melissa Webster has worked in the market research industry for many years, gaining extensive experience in recruitment, customer service, and data analysis. As a recruiter and project manager, she developed strong communication skills, excellent time management, and a team-first mentality. Her work ethic and expertise are key assets in her current role as Director, where she fields and manages quick-turnaround projects and provides vital facility recruitment support.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Grand Canyon University. Her background brings both structure and adaptability to every project she leads.

Outside of her professional life, Melissa is a proud military spouse of 18 years and a devoted mother to two vibrant daughters. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family. Melissa’s dedication, organization, and positivity make her a vital part of the team’s ongoing success.

Ashley Jones has been part of the Nelson Recruiting family for over 20 years, taking on a variety of roles and gaining extensive knowledge of the market research industry. Now a project manager, Ashley draws on her deep experience — including leading the company’s recruiter training program — to deliver exceptional project outcomes. Her greatest strengths are her dedication to clients, her commitment to the Nelson team, and her positive, team-player attitude. Always eager to learn and share her knowledge, she fosters growth wherever she goes.

A Los Angeles native, Ashley has lived in several states, from Hawaii to Arkansas, alongside her husband and their two spirited sons. Together, they love embarking on nature adventures, whether hiking, fishing, boating, or camping in the mountains. At home, Ashley enjoys tending to her vegetable garden, caring for her chickens, dogs, and other beloved creatures, and creating a warm, vibrant family life.

Elodie Barnes has been with Nelson Recruiting since 2020, bringing extensive experience in business, marketing, and media research. A proud alumna of California State University, Northridge, Elodie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media Management, which set the foundation for her dynamic career.

In her current role, Elodie leads comprehensive market research initiatives, overseeing data collection, maintaining rigorous quality control, and delivering actionable insights to clients. She has a particular passion for political focus groups and a keen eye for identifying emerging trends in current events and politics.

A Los Angeles native with deep French roots, Elodie balances her professional accomplishments with a strong commitment to her family and community. She is married to a Navy veteran and is a proud mother of three children. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling the world and actively volunteers in her local community, frequently chairing events and supporting various causes.

Sarah Peralta made a career shift after COVID, moving into market research as a recruiter. Prior to that, she worked in ABA therapy for children on the autism spectrum and earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Brigham Young University–Idaho. Now, she is excited to take on the next challenge as a project manager on our team. Her background in client-facing, detail-oriented work has prepared her well for the fast pace and complexity of research operations.

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, where she still resides, Sarah is a proud wife and mother of three. Her family is the center of her life, and she balances her career with being fully present for them. In her free time, she loves watching English Premier League soccer and is a lifelong Liverpool fan.

Whether managing projects or cheering from the sidelines, Sarah brings dedication, focus, and heart to everything she does — and we’re excited to have her energy on board.

Lizzy Ryan began her journey with Nelson Recruiting as a recruiter while simultaneously pursuing a career in event planning. In the fall of 2023, she transitioned into a full-time role as a Project Manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience in communication and management from the fashion and events industries worldwide.

Now based in her hometown of Minneapolis, MN, Lizzy applies her global perspective and organizational skills to drive successful projects and deliver outstanding client service. Her background in fast-paced, high-profile industries gives her a unique ability to manage complex timelines and adapt quickly to client needs.

Outside of work, Lizzy enjoys scenic walks along the Mississippi River with her dog, Rosie, and finds inspiration through oil painting on canvas. Whether managing a project or creating a new work of art, Lizzy brings creativity, attention to detail, and a thoughtful, collaborative spirit to everything she does.

Cindy Freed holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). With over 15 years of experience managing teams in high-volume, multi-million dollar restaurants and special events, she brings exceptional organizational and leadership skills to every role she takes on. Cindy joined Nelson Recruiting in May 2017, initially serving as a recruiter before transitioning to a project manager role in August 2024.

Her background in fast-paced, customer-focused environments has given her a strong foundation for overseeing complex market research projects and delivering outstanding client service. Cindy’s attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and collaborative spirit make her a valuable asset to the Nelson team.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Cindy enjoys spending her free time exploring the outdoors. She has a passion for photography and gardening and loves hiking with her dog, Kanan, finding inspiration and balance in nature.

Kelly Roy serves as the Billing Manager at Nelson Recruiting, overseeing all aspects of billing, invoicing, incentive advances, and incentive payments. With over three years of experience at the company, Kelly brings exceptional organization, attention to detail, and a strong problem-solving mindset to her role. Known for her determination and work ethic, she is committed to delivering accurate, efficient results while proactively addressing any challenges that arise.

Based in Oklahoma, Kelly lives with her husband and their two children. When they’re not busy traveling between wrestling tournaments, gymnastics meets, and softball games, the family enjoys spending quality time together — cooking, swimming at the lake, and embracing the outdoors. They value their time together deeply and prioritize maintaining a strong, close-knit family bond. Whether at work or at home, Kelly’s dedication, focus, and positive spirit make her a valued and trusted member of the Nelson Recruiting team.

As Database Administrator at Nelson Recruiting, M.E. Johnson oversees the data team and leads the integration and optimization of core systems, including the CRM and phone system. She also manages weekly strategy meetings with the data team and oversees staff training. One of her key achievements has been automating the data cleaning process, reducing processing time by 96% and significantly boosting team efficiency.

Before stepping into her current leadership role, she advanced through positions in data entry and associate data administration, gaining deep, hands-on experience in data lifecycle management. Prior to joining Nelson Recruiting, she worked in leadership consulting, specializing in identifying and resolving communication breakdowns to build highly efficient, solution-driven systems.

Outside of work, she enjoys experimenting with new cooking and baking recipes and spending time outdoors with her dog, Juniper. M.E.’s drive for efficiency, innovation, and collaboration makes her an essential part of the Nelson team.

Riley began her career with Nelson Recruiting in May 2022 as a recruiter during her senior year of high school. Driven by a strong work ethic and eagerness to grow, she transitioned into the role of Data Analyst, where she uses her skills to deliver data-driven insights. Riley also serves as an In-House Host, allowing her to connect with and support the team in meaningful ways. Her ability to balance analytical work with interpersonal engagement makes her a key bridge between departments.

Now based in Ventura County, Riley combines sharp analytical abilities with hands-on team experience, consistently bringing fresh perspectives and thoughtful contributions to every project. Outside of work, she finds inspiration by the ocean or at the barn with her horses. A lifelong equestrian and beach enthusiast, Riley also pursues her passion for photography, capturing candid moments of everyday life and the beauty of nature. Her creativity, focus, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable part of the Nelson Recruiting team.

Max Demou, a marketing major by background, discovered a passion for data and analytics early in his career. This interest led him to join the company, where he has spent the past two years as a key member of the team, serving as the Data Team Specialist. In this role, Max applies his analytical skills to help drive insights, support project goals, and maintain the quality and accuracy of critical data.

Max is known for his attention to detail, problem-solving mindset, and dedication to continuously improving processes. His marketing foundation gives him a unique perspective, blending creativity with analytical rigor to support the team’s success.

Based in Minnesota, Max embraces the outdoors year-round. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, exploring nature, and taking advantage of any opportunity to spend time outside. His love for learning and strong work ethic make him a valued member of the team.