Leadership
Monica Pappas
CEO
In 2003, Monica co-founded Fingerprinting Express alongside her mother. Following this, she established Vegas Passport, the inaugural VIP Concierge Company in Las Vegas. Assuming control of Fingerprinting Express in Reno in 2012, she orchestrated a remarkable transformation of processes, branding, and digital marketing strategies, driving significant revenue growth within the first year. Presently, Fingerprinting Express operates four corporate-owned locations statewide, with expansion plans underway, showcasing Monica’s dedication to growth and innovation.
Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Monica is deeply committed to philanthropy. Serving on the Board of Directors for Volunteers of America in Northern Nevada and founding Community Lifters, a grassroots volunteer group in Southern Nevada, she has made a lasting impact on her community. Monica’s ethos of social responsibility is reflected in Fingerprinting Express’s substantial discounts for non-profits, teachers, volunteers, and the military, alongside her involvement in fundraising efforts, generating $300,000 annually for Volunteers of America’s emergency shelter.
Accolades such as the YPN Top Twenty under 40 and the Vegas Chamber Business Excellence Award adorn Monica’s career, with her trademarked “Culture to Care” epitomizing her ethos of compassion and positivity.
In 2023, Monica launched HIREHEALTH and INSTAHIRE Check, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in both entrepreneurship and community service.
Julie Hakman
President, Managing Director
Julie Hakman is a nationally recognized leader in the screening and compliance industry, bringing over 30 years of proven expertise in building, running, and scaling background screening companies. As President of INSTAHIRE, she is dedicated to fostering a culture of care and over-the-top service, ensuring clients receive personalized attention, proactive support, and fast, accurate results. Her leadership reflects INSTAHIRE’s commitment to seamless compliance solutions that build lasting partnerships and empower confident hiring decisions.
Julie’s career is defined by innovation, leadership, and transformative growth. She launched her career at World Gaming Network, a division of HireRight, before founding AmericanChecked, Inc., which became a nationally accredited industry leader under her guidance. Her groundbreaking product innovations and proprietary technology earned widespread recognition, leading to AmericanChecked’s acquisition by Ministry Brands, LLC in 2019.
Beyond building companies from the ground up, Julie has successfully scaled and expanded established firms. She served as General Manager of Strategic Development at Ministry Brands, driving major growth initiatives, and most recently, she spearheaded new divisions and industry-first innovations at PlusOne Solutions.
Julie’s deep expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and technology-driven solutions has made her a sought-after authority in the industry. She is a past Chair of the Professional Background Screeners Association (PBSA) and an Executive Board Member of the Tribal Gaming Protection Network (TGPN). Her leadership has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Blue Ribbon Award, OK Indian Gaming Warrior Award and Fortune Magazine’s Inner City 100 designation for one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S.
As she takes the helm at INSTAHIRE, Julie is focused on driving innovation, expanding industry partnerships, and delivering best-in-class screening solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses and organizations.
Dave Pappas
Chief Marketing Officer
Dave Pappas, brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious career in the gaming industry. From his early days as the youngest Slot Shift Manager at The Mirage to his role as Corporate Vice President of MGM Casino Marketing, Dave has consistently demonstrated leadership and revenue generation prowess. His tenure at prominent establishments such as Bellagio, Wynn Encore Beach Club, and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas saw him spearhead numerous successful ventures, setting revenue benchmarks and establishing these properties as premier destinations. Dave’s transition to Fingerprinting Express in 2012 marked a new chapter, contributing significantly to its growth and success, earning accolades for business excellence and community service.
Greg Natale
VP of Operations and Client Service
Greg joins INSTAHIRE Check as Vice President of Operations and Client Services, bringing over 22 years of leadership and expertise in the background screening industry. Throughout his career, Greg has held pivotal roles, including Director of Sales, Operations Manager, and Client Services Leader, building a comprehensive skill set that spans every aspect of the business. He has worked with some of the largest public organizations as well as small and mid-sized enterprises, tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of each.
Recognized for his technical expertise as a screening integrations specialist and research analyst, Greg has consistently driven innovation and efficiency in background screening programs. His deep understanding of system integrations and process optimization has helped organizations streamline operations, enhance compliance, and elevate their overall performance.
Greg also has a proven ability to understand the unique needs of organizations when it comes to delivering over-the-top customer support. He is passionate about creating a culture that prioritizes care, collaboration, and exceptional service at every level. By fostering strong relationships and prioritizing the client experience, Greg has become a trusted leader known for delivering results that exceed expectations.
Prior to joining INSTAHIRE Check, Greg served as Channel Partner Manager for AmericanChecked, where he collaborated with organizations of all sizes to design and implement effective screening programs for employees and vendors. He has been a trusted advisor to clients, delivering tailored strategies that strengthen processes and support sustainable growth.
In his new role at INSTAHIRE Check, Greg will leverage his extensive industry knowledge, technical capabilities, and dedication to cultivating a client-first culture to lead operations and client services, ensuring the company continues to set the standard for quality and service in the screening industry.
Rick Given
Executive Director of Compliance
Rick Given, a seasoned investigator with over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, brings invaluable expertise to INSTAHIRE Check. From his distinguished career in the United States Air Force to his tenure at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Rick’s extensive background in investigations, including firearms and sexual assault, has positioned him as an authority in the field. Following his retirement from LVMPD in 2020, Rick founded RGiven Consulting, LLC, specializing in civil, criminal, and background investigations. His partnership with INSTAHIRE Check in 2023 underscores his dedication to delivering streamlined and comprehensive background investigations for businesses and clients alike.
Thomas "Wags" Wagner
Executive Director of Revenue
Thomas “Wags” Wagner embodies strong core values instilled in him from a young age. With a background in law enforcement spanning over 25 years, Tom’s career highlights include pioneering initiatives such as the state’s Amber Alert System and “Stalking the Stalkers” detail. Since retiring from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department in 2012, Tom has dedicated himself to serving the community through various charitable and sports organizations. His recent venture into the insurance industry with Allstate Insurance Agency showcases his continued commitment to serving the Las Vegas Valley residents and businesses.
Why Choose INSTAHIRE?
At INSTAHIRE Check, we are driven by a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact. Through our collective expertise and unwavering dedication, we strive to exceed expectations and make a positive difference in the lives of our clients and the communities we serve.
