Keon Thrower joined the FirstStaff team in 2015 to lead a six-month project for a customer; four years later, Keon is a critical member of our leadership team.  He is a member of the FirstStaff Safety Team and is OSHA 30, OSHA 511-30, and OSHA 501-30 certified. Keon’s charisma, his attitude, and his communication skills are integral to his success.  He never takes credit for himself, and is the first to give credit to those around him. One member of Keon’s team refers to him as the “secret weapon,” and another calls him the “calm in the storm.”  Keon is FirstStaff’s Superman. 

Terry Davis began her FirstStaff career in 2003, when she helped open FirstStaff’s Hot Springs Branch.  Clients know that Terry will give them 100% of her attention until she exceeds their expectations; a true representation of FirstStaff’s world-class service mission.  Working late?  Of course!  Working Saturday?  If needed!  Reorganizing your filing system?  No, but she can get you a temp for that!  Terry is equipped with a ready smile, energetic personality, and compassionate heart.  She keeps her HR skills sharp by staying active in the West Central Arkansas Society of Human Resource Management (WCASHRM).  She is also on the FirstStaff Safety Team, is OSHA-10 Certified, and stays current on safety issues and trends.  Terry loves FirstStaff, as demonstrated through her attitude and commitment!  FirstStaff is lucky to have Terry on the team. 

Jennifer Tiller began her FirstStaff career in Hot Springs in 2014, as a calm, reserved professional.  It didn’t take her long to sprout wings and learn to fly.  Today, Jennifer has the knowledge and expertise to step into any situation and be an effective leader.  She treats every interaction as an opportunity to improve someone’s day, and does so with enthusiasm. She is quick to smile and even quicker to jump in and help where needed.   She embodies teamwork and can always be counted on to go the extra mile for customers, employees and jobseekers alike.  If you are looking for excellence in a staffing company, Jennifer and the team at FirstStaff Hot Springs are there to give it to you. 

Audrey joined the FirstStaff team in 2015 at the Conway branch.  She most enjoys the problem-solving aspect of staffing, which includes listening to clients and candidates, then recommending solutions to best address their unique needs. She sets herself apart with unmatched accessibility, and a willingness to always go the extra mile to ensure her candidates are matched with the best company for their skills and experience.  Audrey’s drive to meet client needs is part of what allows FirstStaff to provide world-class service.

Carolyn Cooley began her career in staffing in the Fort Smith area in 1987, and she has been a valuable member of the FirstStaff team since 2010.  She tried to retire, but just couldn’t stay away from FirstStaff, and still comes to the office 2-3 days per week.  Even when she’s not at work, she’s answering e-mails and phone calls from her clients and communicating with the office.  With over three decades in the staffing industry and a reputation for honesty and integrity, she has developed great relationships in the Fort Smith area.  Customers, employees and jobseekers know she will do her absolute best for them.  Carolyn is generous of spirit and of knowledge, always willing to share her insights with her team, and is a leader in the community as well.  She is a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and served that organization as State President from 2007-2008, raising money for cancer research at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.  She has also been involved with the Chamber of Commerce and the Kistler Center.  Please don’t ask her for the shirt off her back—she’ll give it to you, and it’s not your color anyway.   

Janet Iraburo was a member of FirstStaff’s Fort Smith branch from 2007 to 2010 and the team welcomed her back with open arms in 2015.  “I missed staffing,” she says, “it’s fun and challenging and never the same day twice.”  She might not describe herself as a natural leader, but people who know her certainly would.  Janet’s humor and friendly attitude make her a hit in the office, but the way she balances those attributes with knowledge and professionalism lets clients and employees know that she will do whatever it takes to serve them properly.  She loves being able to solve problems and change the direction of a client’s day by giving them one less thing to worry about.  She also instills confidence in jobseekers and employees by recognizing their unique qualities and putting them in positions where they can experience personal and professional growth.  She builds connections with them (in English or Spanish!) and truly cares about their success.  Gracias, Janet!

Blanca Rivas began her staffing career when she joined the FirstStaff family in 2018.  Even though she had no prior experience in staffing, she caught on very quickly and is a vital member of our team.  She gives credit to the incredible people she works with, but they insist it is Blanca’s intelligence and can-do attitude that deserve the credit. One look at Blanca and you know she is a true professional, but it doesn’t stop there; she is also articulate, funny and genuine.   It doesn’t take long to realize she fits right in with the rest of the team, working hard, collaborating and sharing laughs.  She loves being able to help clients with their staffing needs, as well as helping employees and applicants find opportunities for professional growth.  Matching employees and clients isn’t always easy, but Blanca is not one to shy away from a challenge.  Bienvenida, Blanca! 

Mitzi Havens has been a vital member of the FirstStaff team since 2001.  Mitzi handles her duties as FirstStaff’s Controller with a tireless work ethic and unparalleled attention to detail.  It is this focus and drive that enables Mitzi to excel in managing FirstStaff’s accounting and IT operations.  Team members like Mitzi are FirstStaff’s greatest competitive advantage.

James Schulte came to work for FirstStaff in 2014 while enrolled in law school.  After graduation, he joined the company’s corporate office full time and continues to lend his expertise to FirstStaff branches when needed.  As a lawyer, James is highly intelligent and is a great resource for interpreting background checks and employment law.  As a person, he is highly likable and approachable, which kind of makes you question whether he really is a lawyer.  James is an active member of FirstStaff’s Safety Committee and a Senior Examiner for the Governor’s Quality Awards.