At Haystack, we’re not just revolutionizing talent acquisition; we’re streamlining it for speed and precision.
AI Driven
Our unique AI-driven technology, integrated with video gaming, accelerates the hiring process, making it easier and faster to find viable talent.
Optimized for Efficiency
We’re dedicated to shaping a more efficient future of recruiting, creating inclusive pathways for individuals who may be bypassed by traditional recruitment processes.
Strength in Diversity
We champion diversity and individuality, acknowledging the unique strengths and talents of each person.
Meet the Team
CEO – Shelley Tanner
A forward-thinking visionary with over two decades of experience and success in leadership, marketing, B2B brand strategy, and innovative digital solutions. As the former CEO of SanovaWorks, she revolutionized the industry, building highly respected brands, pioneering virtual programs and designing inclusive programs. Shelley is purpose driven, excels at building high-performing teams, and consistently delivers upon plans.
After the acquisition of SanovaWorks by WebMD, Shelley formed Haystack Unlimited, a company that is developing a groundbreaking video game tailored for autistic individuals, aiming to seamlessly match job seekers with their ideal roles.
Leveraging her expertise in product and software development, along with adeptness in strategic planning, team leadership, financial management, and market growth, Shelley is uniquely poised to steer Haystack’s evolution from startup to expansion. Her commitment to inclusive recruiting and vast professional network guarantee swift success.
CTO – Mark P. Fister
Mark plays a pivotal role in advancing the company’s technological vision and strategy. With over 30 years of experience as a technology leader and architect, Mark is instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring the development of cutting-edge technology solutions at Haystack.
Before joining Haystack, Mark served as the Chief Technology Officer for BeMe, a platform dedicated to supporting autistic children, and as Chief Technologist at auticon, a global technology consulting firm specializing in employing autistic professionals. In these roles, Mark led the creation of impactful solutions and demonstrated his ability to navigate complex technological challenges.
Mark’s extensive experience also includes an 18-year tenure at eBay and PayPal, where he held various technology roles. During his time there, he was instrumental in developing key systems and architectures, including the Marketplace Payment Holds system, which earned him a patent. His grassroots initiative at PayPal to elevate the company’s reliability from 99.2% to 99.99% remains one of his most significant contributions, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and innovation.
At Haystack, Mark leverages his broad expertise in areas such as Product Management, Data Engineering, Machine Learning, and Site Reliability Engineering. His leadership ensures that Haystack continues to deliver robust, scalable, and forward-thinking technology solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.
Mark’s career is marked by a dedication to innovation, efficiency, and excellence, and his work at Haystack is a testament to his ability to drive technological progress and deliver exceptional value.
CPO – Michael Rifkin
A visionary Chief Product Officer at Haystack Unlimited with a proven track record of leadership and innovation. Michael’s journey began as the President and Creative Director of RifRaf Games, where he spearheaded a successful video game production studio, leading it from inception to product launch. During his tenure, Michael was responsible for key financial and organizational decisions, ultimately resulting in the successful publication of multiple titles, including the hit game “Tales from the Crossing.” His expertise in game development, marketing strategy, and digital campaigns, combined with a solid foundation in Agile Methodologies, Scrum, and entrepreneurship, have paved the way for his dynamic career. Michael’s background extends to export sales management, where he delivered a 30% increase in sales and a 24% boost in gross margin at Covington Fabric & Design, showcasing his ability to drive revenue and streamline operations. Michael’s diverse experience, coupled with his MBA from Baruch College and his impactful roles in the public sector, including supporting Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, make him a versatile and invaluable asset to any project. His comprehensive skill set and problem-solving abilities have shaped his career and make him a compelling addition to any investment opportunity.
COO – Catherine Wong
Catherine brings over 20 years of leadership experience in guiding cross-functional teams to achieve exceptional results. At Haystack, Catherine plays a pivotal role in coordinating the company’s strategic initiatives, driving innovation, and ensuring seamless execution across all departments. Her leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to fostering collaboration, optimizing processes, and delivering high-impact solutions that align with Haystack’s mission to revolutionize job matching for neurodivergent workers.
Catherine’s extensive experience across diverse industries, including automotive, fintech, and consumer electronics, equips her with a unique perspective that she applies to her work at Haystack. Her previous roles at industry-leading companies like Toyota, PayPal, and Fitbit have honed her ability to manage complex projects and lead teams through digital transformation and product innovation.
At Haystack, Catherine leverages her strategic insight and operational expertise to enhance team performance and drive the development of the company’s flagship product, Haystack Chronicles. Her ability to integrate innovative technologies with a deep understanding of market dynamics ensures that Haystack remains at the forefront of the industry.
Catherine’s leadership is not just about managing operations; it’s about inspiring her team to push boundaries and achieve new heights. Her focus on cultivating a collaborative culture and her unwavering commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to Haystack’s leadership team.