WHO WE ARE

CUTTING EDGE ELITE IS MORE THAN AN EVENT STAFFING AGENCY.

We are an extension of you. CEE has been in the industry for 14 years and counting. We wouldn’t be where we are today without our incredible field & corporate staff as well as our loyal client base. Through leadership, dialogue, and honesty, we build teams and communities with the power to meet any expectations. When staff work with CEE they are a part of our family and more then just a “number”. We take care of our team so they can take care of our clients.

Read on to learn more about our amazing corporate staff!

 

 
  • LUCAS MENDIETA

    President/Co-Founder

    Raised in South Carolina, I went from being homeless as a teen to launching the Cutting Edge Elite, now with offices in multiple cities… I am truly living the American dream. I bring my street smarts and people skills to the table which has proven a priceless skill in the sales & staffing departments. I’m a lover of tattoos, bow ties & horror movies. My favorite thing to do is travel abroad – ideally to a peaceful island.

  • NATHAN PERRY

    CEO/Co-Founder

    I was born in Guatemala. A Duke University alumni, I moved to NY and encountered a love for business in founding the Cutting Edge Elite event staffing firm in 2007. I consult in various industries and am always looking forward to the next unexpected challenge. My philosophy focuses on investment in his personnel; specifically with training, direction, and teamwork. I seek to advance my businesses by innovating their service and value to both clients and employees and believe all leadership must hold itself to those standards.

  • MARCOS CHALJUB

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Originally from Dominican Republic, I joined the Cutting Edge Elite as Office Manager in 2016 with a background in Luxury Hospitality and Event Management. I’ve worked in wide a range of industries with a heavy emphasis on team/project management, philanthropy and communications. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Berkeley College. I live in Astoria, Queens and have a corgi/terrier-mix dog named Rocky. I love sea-salt caramel, and all things Beyonce.

  • JAVI OSSA

    ADMIN COORDINATOR/FIELD LIAISON

    Originally from Colombia raised in New Jersey, I am passionate about food, trying new things, and going on hikes or nature walks. I used to be a Lifeguard back in high school so swimming comes as second nature! My background is in logistics for a Major pharmaceutical company. I am always up for meeting up with friends and sharing quality time!

  • MARIA HENRIQUEZ

    ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

    I’m originally from New York raised in Colombia. I joined the Cutting Edge Elite Administrative team at the beginning of the 2020 year. I obtained an Associate Degree in Health Services Administration and am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. When I’m not at the office, I’m probably traveling to another country, eating my usual burger and fries order off of a restaurant’s menu, watching novelas (soap opera), playing on my Nintendo Switch or walking and playing with my 11-year-old Yorkshire, Max.

  • LEONA CLARK

    HR COORDINATOR/ENLISTMENT OFFICER

    Reigning from the Las Vegas desert, I am one-half of the administrative coordinator team here at the Cutting Edge Elite. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNLV and a passion for art, makeup and Steven Universe. My rag-doll kitten is named Moonstone and I spend a lot of my free time with my niece and nephew playing video games or hiking the mountains near my house.

  • Sierra Barrick

    RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

    With a long history of training in gymnastics and kung fu fighting, I come to New York City by way of California and Colorado. I bring my experience in sales and events to my role as Relationship Manager at CEE. I think of myself as an idea girl, paint-by-number artist and lover of wine who brings creativity and enthusiasm to the job to think fast, keep focused and exceed client expectations.

  • BEATRIZ SWELLEN O'LEARY

    ENLISTMENT OFFICER/RECRUITER

    I am originally from Brazil and currently live in South Florida. I'm also a certified personal trainer and am currently training for my half marathon. My greatest passions are animals, fitness/health, and rock n’ roll! My favorite part of the job is getting to know so many cool people from different parts of the world; they all have a different story to tell. Diversity is what makes the world beautiful and interesting.

  • TIM BERRYMAN

    VP- STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

    Hailing from the UK, I have had an extensive career in the hospitality and events industry. Working as a Stage and Tour Manager in London's West End, I honed my skills in managing complex schedules and tight deadlines. After spending some time working at a performing arts camp, I was recruited as a Staffing Director for one of New York's largest catering companies where I oversaw the hiring of hundreds of top-notch professionals. Outside of work, I play the ukulele and have joined a band.

  • Zack Nickl

    MARKETING COORDINATOR
    Born and raised in NJ, I joined Cutting Edge Elite in March of 2022. I hold both a BA and a MA in Public Relations from Seton Hall University. I bring a background in non-profit and sports PR with a focus on strategy and analytics. When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Zyna and exploring new restaurants.

  • DARLENE CHEEK

    EXECUTIVE ASSIST After graduating from an HBCU, I moved to NYC and did what I love- build up my community. This includes working with The Balm In Gilead, Inc. to unify churches and communities around the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Harlem. Outside of supporting the CEE team, I love doing community outreach and singing.

  • GIDEON PERRY

    SENIOR BARKTENDER

    Woof! I joined The Cutting Edge Elite as a mere pup and am now widely considered the leader of the pack. After a rigorous and challenging 6-week training program, I rapidly mastered many essential skills in event planning and execution, including seating, dining and good grooming. I am a graduate with pedigree from Woof University and also studied at the Culinary Kibble Academy. While I like to toy around, I aim to tackle every challenge as if it is my favorite bone, which it often is. I have extensive experience in menu taste testing (invited and uninvited), social media cuteness and nap environment enhancement.