The Lions Den

The CEO and founder of AC Lion is a natural-born networker with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work from Yeshiva University. Fresh out of school and not knowing what was in his future, he was brought into OTEC by a family friend and immediately became the top biller in their boutique shop of 8 recruiters. In his 4 years of employment, he quickly rose to manager and became part of the initial strategic team behind HotJobs.

What is his secret to success at AC Lion? Flexibility to adapt to industry trends and shift your business model to take advantage. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion to create connections between people (in person and online), and commitment to stay on top of the industry, is how AC Lion will ultimately become a large retained search practice.

Amongst his many interests, Alan involves himself deeply in the Jewish community, both professionally and personally. Pro-bono as Director of the Career Center for the J2J Network (a non-profit organization that matches biz owners with potential customers/employees) and Owner of Saw-You-At-Sinai (a Jewish orthodox dating site already responsible for over 450 marriages its 3 years in existence). You might have read some of his quotes in Crain’s New York Business as he, not only maintains an active and integral role in numerous community and political causes, but is also responsible for numerous innovations that kept AC Lion alive during hard times (video resumes in 2001).

When Alan is not expanding his already vast network, look to the shore to find him hunting the perfect wave or behind on ESPN reading about his native Bostonian sports teams.

Second in command at AC Lion we have Michael Adler, who sports over 12 years in investment banking, venture capital, and sales experience. His sharp wit, head-strong attitude, and business sense has built him a reputation for being one of the smartest financial professionals in a boardroom. Coupled with a strong knowledge in the media, Michael has been able to develop strong relationships with top ad agencies, emerging interactive tech companies, and well established financial institutions.

Michael received his BA in Business Administration, with concentrations in Economics and Finance from Whittier College, played inter-collegiate basketball, and was President of the Richard Nixon’s Republicans club. His professional career began as an Associate at Bank of America Securities, where he participated in 22 transactions representing over $8 billion in capital raised for Fortune 500 clients in Entertainment and Media. However, it was not until he became the VP of Finance and New Business Development at Visual Radio (DVR), LLC, that he learned the ins and outs of working with rapidly growing companies. DVR is an Advanced Communications, Internet-and New Media venture capital fund, where Michael served on the senior investment decision board, raised capital for 12 portfolio companies and assisted each company with growing their sales. Michael also was a Senior Associate at www.tdsecurities.com, specializing in the Media and Telecom industries, where he participated in structuring and marketing deals totaling over $10 billion.

Also a fellow Bostonian, Michael cheers for his home teams, and during his free time, can be found on either coast with his board, surfing the seas.

No organization would be complete without a backbone and AC Lion is no exception. That backbone is Bonnie Zaben who shepherds the firms' personnel, finance and operations, is responsible for all facets of AC Lion’s business model and keeps AC Lion on the cutting edge of technology.

Bonnie began her professional career after receiving her BA and Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland and was a doctoral candidate in Modern History. With over 15 years in Higher Education Administration, she rapidly rose through the ranks at the Jewish Theological Seminary and ran Student Services and Facilities Management during a period of explosive growth. Well-respected by students and faculty, she modernized and personalized an antiquated bureaucracy while serving as a mentor to many students. She supervised seven departments, 52 personnel, 325,000 square feet over 4 city blocks and had P&L responsibility for $10 million. Based on that success, she was recruited to be the first ever Executive Director of the Kraft Center at Columbia University. She single-handedly launched that brand new building, managing the transition from construction site to constructive engagement. Among her other accomplishments at Columbia are successful fund-raising and endowment campaigns and Board revitalization. Bonnie joined AC Lion in 2003, shepherding its growth and reemergence as NY’s premier interactive recruiting firm. Under her leadership, the company has tripled in size, moved to larger space and streamlined operations.

A Baltimorean by birth, she still takes great pride in Maryland sports team. Amongst Bonnie's many accomplishments, she is on the board of a modern dance company, was honored by her synagogue with the “President’s Award’ and regularly volunteers at a homeless shelter. She is also a former JEOPARDY! Contestant and is an avid NY Liberty (WNBA) and University of Maryland Terps basketball fan.