Our Story

In 2000, Alan Carty founded a company that quickly evolved into two businesses; a technical recruiting and staffing firm focused on all automation related positions (Automationtechies) and an automation industry online magazine (Automation.com).

In October 2014, Automation.com was acquired by The International Society of Automation (ISA).

Under Carty’s leadership, Automationtechies continues to provide hiring solutions and top industry talent to companies in need of automation professionals.

Alan Carty
Alan Carty President & Founder
Alan Carty has worked in automation since graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Before starting Automationtechies and Automation.com, Alan worked as an Automation Specialist, Automation Sales Engineer, and Operations Manager for a large independent Rockwell-Automation distributor for 11 years. Prior to that, he had worked as a Field Engineer, Plant Engineer, and Systems Programmer.

Something interesting about Alan: I can ride a unicycle and Arnold Schwarzenegger once put his fingers in my mouth.

For more about Alan, and to read his career and hiring advice, click here.

Our Valuable Team Members

Megan Carty
Megan CartyOperations Manager
Megan has been with Automationtechies since 2012 and has worn many hats (Candidate Researcher, Digital Media Specialist, Recruiter) before settling into the role of Operations Manager. She strives to keep the office running smoothly so the recruiters can focus on serving their clients. She also manages and supports the entry-level recruiting team in their efforts to find the right candidates.

Something interesting about Megan: I brew my own kombucha and love to play euchre.

For more about Megan, and to read her career and hiring advice, click here.

Kristy Fitch
Kristy FitchRecruiter
Kristy is a technical recruiter who has been with Automationtechies since its beginning in 2000. Kristy started out supporting job posting clients and moved into recruiting in 2003. Like all Automationtechies recruiters, Kristy has experience placing candidates with Control Systems Integrators as well as end user accounts.

Something interesting about Kristy: I love exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Once a bear chased us from our campsite in the middle of the night.

For more about Kristy, and to read her career and hiring advice, click here.

Kristy Fangman
Kristy FangmanRecruiter
Kristy joined Automationtechies in 2008 after being recruited by her lifelong friend, and founder of the company, Alan Carty. Kristy has had success in placing Sales Engineers, Controls Engineers, Product Engineers, and Technicians. Prior to her work in recruiting, she was a freelance Interior Designer and Project Manager for retail and commercial clients. Kristy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Design form Purdue University.

Something interesting about Kristy: I love traveling, movies, and the arts.

For more about Kristy, and to read her career and hiring advice, click here.

Michelle Johnson
Michelle JohnsonRecruiter
Michelle joined Automationtechies in 2003 after recruiting for a supply chain execution software company. In addition to working in the automation and engineering sector, Michelle’s previous experience allows Automationtechies to expand its scope to include software developers, marketing, sales and administration positions.

Something interesting about Michelle: I love raising chickens for the fresh, free range eggs – the veterinarian classifies my chickens as pets.

For more about Michelle, and to read her career and hiring advice, click here.

Dyann Ivey
Dyann IveyRecruiter
Dyann joined Automationtechies in 2019. As a professional Graphic Designer and Marketing Consultant with more than three decades of experience, she worked with clients in many businesses and industries. She learned about automation by creating marketing materials for Automationtechies, as well as a wire and cable manufacturer.

Dyann is a self-proclaimed “people person” so connecting candidates and clients is something she relishes. She has a BFA in Graphic Design from Indiana State University and was an adjunct faculty member at WVU Tech in Montgomery, WV, where she taught Graphic Design for over 20 years.

Something interesting about Dyann: I designed the logos for Automationtechies and Automation.com.

Chris Freemark
Chris FreemarkRecruiter
Chris joined Automationtechies in 2018 after graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato. As a Recruiter, his main role is connecting with quality candidates and helping them find the best job opportunities for them. He is also responsible for reviewing resumes and completing daily tasks within our database. Chris takes pleasure in assisting candidates throughout the process of making a career change.

Something interesting about Chris: When I am not in the office, I enjoy participating in outdoor activities. A few of my favorites include broomball and golf.

Lance Ruebke
Lance RuebkeRecruiter
Lance joined Automationtechies in 2019 after moving from his small town family farm to the Twin Cities. Lance recently graduated with a degree in Human Resources and is looking forward to growing his career in recruiting.

Something interesting about Lance: When I’m not in the office I enjoy doing anything outdoors. Hiking up north in Duluth and driving along the North Shore are my favorite places to explore. I also have an English Bulldog named Dodger.