Michael S. Garelli
Co-president

With more than 15 years of industry experience, Mike possesses corporate accounting and financial staffing experience plus remarkable knowledge of the Chicago area employment market. He co-founded the firm and now leads the firm as co-president.

Mike does much more than set direction for the firm. Intimately involved in client work, he oversees daily operations and delivers what the firm promises: the best service possible. His unfailing commitment to client satisfaction inspires the Jackson Wabash staffing consultants he hires.

Before founding Jackson Wabash, Mike was a success story at the world's largest accounting and finance recruiting firm. As a recruiter and later as a manager, he earned numerous awards, recognizing his revenue-producing and leadership achievements. He also spearheaded the successful launch of a consulting division at two firm offices.

His recruiting experience followed a corporate accounting and finance career. He served in various accounting roles at Royal Sun Alliance Insurance and earlier as Senior Accountant at Household International. In these positions, Mike's responsibilities included financial reporting, statutory reporting, financial analysis, actuarial analysis, auditing, credit underwriting, and collections.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Northeastern Illinois University.

He is the former president of the Northwest Suburban Chicago Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants. Mike remains an active member of the IMA, and regularly speaks at their events on topics such as trends in accounting and fluctuations in the accounting job market.

James F. Wong
Co-president

Jim is a Certified Public Accountant and offers more than 15 years of accounting and recruiting experience to the firm he co-founded and now leads as co-president.

In his executive management role, Jim shares responsibility for the design and implementation of strategy, processes and hiring practices that help the firm earn and continuously advance client satisfaction. He also is actively involved in client work, keeping him at the forefront of Chicago-area employment trends and talent sources.

Prior to Jackson Wabash, Jim enjoyed a successful and award-winning career at the world's largest accounting and finance recruiting firm. During his tenure, he held several positions and ultimately became Area/Branch Manager of the Chicago branch, one of the company's largest offices. Here he managed day-to-day operations and a staff of more than 100.

Jim's accounting career prepared him well for financial recruiting. As Staff Auditor with Ernst & Young, a leading public accounting firm, Jim conducted audits for client companies in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, real estate, financial services and insurance.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Northern Illinois University.

Jim is an active member of the Illinois CPA Society and the Northern Illinois University Department of Accountancy Board of Advisors. Recognized as a recruiting expert, Jim has authored numerous articles about the recruitment and retention of accounting professionals. He was named Northern Illinois University's 2003-2004 Outstanding Young Alumnus and has served as a keynote speaker at the 2005 IL CPA Society’s Business & Technology Solutions show.