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Strategic Staffing Solutions Executive VP April Donaldson Receives Two Major Recognitions as a Business Leader
October 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment
DETROIT – April Donaldson, executive vice president for Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3), a Detroit-based global IT and business services company, has been recognized by Michigan’s two foremost business magazines for her achievements nationally. In the last month, Dbusiness magazine named Donaldson a “30 in Their Thirties” and in Crain’s Detroit Business, she was a “40 under Forty.”
“April’s achievements in the last couple of years have been unprecedented in our industry,” said Cynthia J. Pasky, S3 president and CEO. “Not only has her role at S3 grown to overseeing more than $100 million in revenue and 1,000 team members, she is helping develop a standard for our industry nationally. That is true leadership and certainly deserving of these acknowledgements.”
In both publications, Donaldson was noted for being selected by Staffing Industry Analysts, a global staffing trade organization, as one of the five national industry experts to help develop the Certified Contingent Workforce Professional program. In addition to assisting with the program development, Donaldson helped bring the certification training to Michigan, giving contingent workforce professionals across the state the opportunity to become certified and more competitive in the workplace.
Donaldson was also recognized for her work to develop and manage S3’s Military Veterans program, which has placed more than 100 veterans in jobs since it launched a year ago.
“S3’s success is contingent on the success of our customers and communities that we serve,” said Donaldson. ”I see the development and implementation of these programs as a way to establish best practices customers, consultants and communities, so we are all provided with more opportunities to grow. It is really an honor that the work that I advocate for nationally is being recognized in my home town.”
April joined S3 in 1992 and in 10 years grew from a marketing role to her current position. In addition to serving as the point person for S3’s Fortune 100 customers, more than 100 suppliers and thousands of S3 team members nationally, she serves on the SIA advisory board and is a member of Automation Alley in Metro Detroit.
Strategic Staffing Solutions’ Cheryl Adams Appointed to Mercy Education Project Board
August 21, 2014 by Leave a Comment
DETROIT – Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3), a Detroit-based global IT and business services company, announced today that Cheryl Adams, an account manager for the company, has been appointed to the Mercy Education Project Board of Directors.
“A core pillar of Strategic Staffing Solutions’ philanthropic mission is to provide opportunities to individuals in the communities we serve, so they can have the resources and tools to change their stations in life,” said Cynthia J. Pasky, S3 president and CEO. “Mercy Education Project’s work is certainly in line with our mission and we are thrilled that Cheryl will lend her expertise to help provide employment preparedness for young women in our community.”
Mercy Education Project provides tutoring and creates programs for economically disadvantaged girls and women in southwest Detroit. The organization provides literacy training, basic education, GED preparation and selected career and workforce development.
“This summer Strategic Staffing Solutions hosted 35 youth in our Emerging Leaders program, where they learned about the, practiced filling out a job application and discussed current events and issues of safety,” said Amanda Amador, Mercy Education Project Executive Director. “We are honored that S3 is extending their commitment to our organization through Cheryl’s appointment to our board.”
Adams joined S3 in 1999 and as account manager she is responsible for one of the company’s largest health care industry customers. In addition to being actively involved in S3’s community activities, Adams has also served on the Wayne County Vision Fund board.
For more information, contact: Peter Van Dyke, Berg Muirhead and Associates | 313.872.2202
Allen Coleman of Strategic Staffing Solutions Honored for Outstanding Work with Big Brothers Big Sisters
July 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Allen Coleman, executive vice president of Strategic Staffing Solution’s (S³), was awarded the Clifford P. Norman Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for his exemplary services with the local and national chapters.
The Clifford P. Norman Award honors a board member at a local agency level who exemplifies the qualities of commitment and generosity, the same noble characteristics of the award’s namesake. Norman was a board member of both Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit (BBBSMD) and of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) for more than 25 years. Cliff left a legacy of care and good will as an emissary for BBBS in countless local and national efforts.
Coleman was honored because he contributed “time, talent and treasure” to BBBS nationally and locally. Coleman has served on the BBBSMD for the past 14 years and is its past board chair. In those at roles he worked to strengthen the leadership among agencies and BBBSA with fundraising efforts. Over the years, Coleman has led and supported the raising of hundreds of thousands of dollars for BBBSMD via Bowl For Kid’s Sake events and other events. In addition, Coleman is a Heroes Circle member for BBBSMD and is the current fund development chair. Funds help the organization match children in a professionally supported one-on-one relationship with a caring adult.
“Working with Big Brothers Big Sisters has been a life-changing experience,” said Coleman. “It’s my mission to provide children in adverse situations with guidance to nurture their skills and help them become responsible adults. We serve as role models for these kids and it’s a privilege to be in their lives.”
Coleman and his wife, Vickie, have been mentors to two young men for more than 10 years. The Colemans actively participate in many other philanthropic activities.
With more than 30 years of information technology experience, Allen Coleman oversees S3‘s information technology and solutions teams in addition to providing executive oversight for several branch operations and key accounts. During his nine year tenure, Coleman has helped with the growth of S3 and to expand the organization’s custom solutions practice.
About Strategic Staffing Solutions
Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) is an international, woman-owned, $238 million IT and business services company based in Detroit. S3 is ranked the seventh largest diversity staffing firm in the US by Staffing Industry Analysts and 17th among the largest staffing firms in the US by Staffing Industry Report. It is also one of five companies nationally that is a certified Charter Partner with Staffing Industry Analysts. S3 provides IT consulting, customized project solutions, vendor management programs and an executive search service to financial institutions, energy companies, telecommunications, government agencies and retail and health care industries worldwide. It has more than 2,000 consultants and 31 offices, 24 in the U.S. and seven in Europe. For more information visit our website at http://www.strategicstaff.com/ or follow us on Facebook: Careers at Strategic Staffing Solutions.
Contact: Ebony Dooley | 313-596-6942 (office) | 248-629-0038 (mobile) | edooley@strategicstaff.com
Strategic Staffing Solutions Removes Headache Of Finding Certified Java Developers For Customers
June 26, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The IT talent shortage in the United States is only going to get worse over the next decade and the lack of Java developers ranks at the top demand list. Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) is taking action to help address it.
According to statistics compiled by Code.org from government and educational resources, there will be 1.4 million computing jobs and only 400,000 computer-science students to fill those positions in 2020. That’s a $500 billion gap in the job force.
Java is the number-one software developer skill employers are seeking, says a survey by Dice.com, a leading career site for technology and engineering professionals. One reason is employers’ rising interest in mobile development and Java’s wide number of development uses.
Due to the shortage, many companies today rely on foreign nationals to meet their Java needs. That increases cost and can often put projects behind schedule because it can take months to get work permits for those resources. That’s a massive headache for chief information officers and IT project managers.
To help solve the problem for its customers, S³ has developed a partnership with Memphis-based Cook Systems International to use its FastTrack’D training program to quickly deliver US-based, highly skilled Java developers to its customers.
Those developers will be trained using real-world project scenarios and available to S³ customers in 8 to 10 weeks.
“The demand for Java developers from our customers has been steady for years and those are often the most difficult positions to fill,” said Allen Coleman, S³ executive vice president. “The FastTrack’D program allows us to provide our customers with highly trained, US-based Java developers who will quickly become top performers.”
Under the program S³ will screen and select 15 US students to participate in each eight-week, full-time JAVA training program. Customers can “reserve” anywhere from two graduates to an entire class and course materials can be tailored to a specific customer’s needs. The training center is mobile and classes can be conducted locally if a customer commits to a full class. Minorities, women and the military will be encouraged to participate in the training program. Graduates are available to work at the customer’s site or at an S³ location and will be W2s of S³.
Java-trained individuals can also easily transition to .net framework if the customer requires it.
The FastTrack’D certification program provides:
- Skills required to properly design application enhancements
- Software applications for all targeted technical skills
- Code analytics to enforce standards and best practices
- Strong immersion into broad scope of technologies, frameworks and business rules
- Integration of soft skills and critical problem solving
Graduates will be provided with ongoing support from dedicated program trainers and experienced graduates.
“FastTrack’D is all about creating an answer to the severe shortage of developers in the US and Java developers top that list,” said Cook Systems CEO Wayne Cook. “For every 10 Java development jobs available, there is only one qualified person to fill them. By using our program Strategic Staffing Solutions will now be able to provide its customers with the Java developers they so sorely need.”
About Strategic Staffing Solutions
Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) is an international, woman-owned, $238 million IT and business services company based in Detroit. S3 is ranked among the Top 15 largest diversity staffing firms in the US by Staffing Industry Analysts and 17th among the largest IT staffing firms in the US by Staffing Industry Report. It is also one of five companies nationally that is a certified Charter Partner with Staffing Industry Analysts. S3 provides IT consulting, customized project solutions, vendor management programs and an executive search service to financial institutions, energy companies, telecommunications, government agencies and retail and health care industries worldwide. It has more than 2,300 consultants and 31 offices, 24 in the U.S. and seven in Europe. For more information visit our website at http://www.strategicstaff.com/ and follow us on Facebook at Careers at Strategic Staffing Solutions.
About Cook Systems
Cook Systems International is a leading systems integrator and provider of information technologies, business travel technologies, consulting services, solutions and staffing for the travel and transportation and logistics industries and the government sector. Core competencies include a full range of information technologies, development, testing, project management and business process consulting services. For more information please visit our website at http://www.cooksys.com.
Contact:
Marge Sorge | 313-596-6923 (office) | 734-578-6507 (cell) | msorge@strategicstaff.com
Strategic Staffing Solutions General Counsel Christine Seppala Elected To Women Lawyers Association of Michigan State Board of Directors
June 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Christine Seppala, general counsel at Strategic Staffing Solutions, has been elected to the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) State Board of Directors as a director at large.
“I am honored to have been elected to serve on the WLAM board of directors,” said Seppala. “This venerable organization, which has been in existence since the right to vote for women was enshrined in our laws, has worked for nearly 100 years to secure women’s rights, to help women in the legal profession to advance, and to advance the causes of equality and social justice.”
Founded in 1919 the 700-member WLAM supports women who show leadership in advancing the position of women in society though its foundation. Since 1997 the Women’s Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation (WLAMF) has awarded more than $500,000 to 215 women law students.
Grand Prix Shakedown 5K Run and Family Fun Walk Returns to Belle Isle May 24
April 23, 2014 by Leave a Comment
This year marks the 25th Grand Prix in Detroit and you can help celebrate the occasion by taking your own spin around the 2.3-mile track on Belle Isle during the Grand Prix Shakedown 5K Run and Family Fun Walk. The race cars can do it in about a minute but they don’t see the sights like you will during this unique opportunity to run the Grand Prix track.
All proceeds from the race go to the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Safety and Security Program, a private/public strategy and implementation plan that provides a sustainable, safe environment. Contributions from corporate sponsors and run fees have helped the Shakedown raise nearly $500,000 over the past 20 years for charities and community efforts.
The Shakedown is presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3), the Downtown Runners and Walkers, the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and Penske Corp.
“Safety in Detroit, above all else, is essential to our city’s continued transformation,” said Cindy Pasky, founder, president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions. “S³, like other Downtown businesses, is committed to making our Downtown and our neighborhoods safe and secure. The dollars raised by the Shakedown will help the Downtown Detroit Partnership provide residents, employees and visitors with that safe environment. Our goal is make all of Detroit clean, safe, and inviting.”
There will be awards for the 5k race for 1st place open and master and male/female as well as awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards in 5-year age groups. Participants will also have the opportunity to win two Delta Airlines tickets. Each person in the 5k race will have his or her name placed in a drawing and at the end of the race one lucky name will be drawn. You must be present to win.
The Grand Prix Shakedown 5K Run and Family Fun Walk is Saturday, May 24. The walk starts at 8:30 a.m. The run starts at9:00 a.m. You can register at http://www.active.com/detroit-mi/running/distance-running-races/grand-prix-shakedown-2014 and get more information as well as ongoing updates at http://www.GrandPrixShakedown.org.
Contact: Marge Sorge, Strategic Staffing Solutions
313-596-6923 (office) | 734-578-6507 (cell) | msorge@strategicstaff.com
Strategic Staffing Solutions’ Christine Seppala Named Top Corporate Counsel
April 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment
DETROIT, April 1, 2014 – Christine N. Seppala, general counsel at Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3), has been named a Top Corporate Counsel 2014 by dBusiness magazine.
The publication asked more than 18,400 attorneys in metro Detroit to select up to three nominees for the best corporate counsel as part of its 2014 Top Lawyers Peer Review Survey. Seppala joins a select group chosen for this honor.
“This is a well-deserved honor for Christine,” said Cindy Pasky, president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions. “She brings a wealth of knowledge on the information technology industry to S3 and has worked tirelessly to manage risk and ensure best-in-class compliance and service agreements for our customers and our company.”
Seppala was previously named to dBusiness magazine’s 2012 list of Top Lawyers.
She supervises and advises Strategic Staffing Solutions on all domestic and international legal matters, corporate risk management, contract compliance and internal audit and oversees the company’s immigration and HR functions. She also represents S3’s legislative interests at both the state and federal levels.
Seppala serves on the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) Board of Directors and is an active member of its subcommittees on immigration reform, government ethics reform, elections reform and regional talent retention initiatives. She is a member of the Talent Task Force, a partnership between MAC and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, lending her expertise to ensure success in retraining and education programs aimed at retaining talent in Michigan. In addition, she is a member of the Justice Policies Initiative, a part of the State Bar of Michigan’s Justice Initiative.
She also serves on the Forgotten Harvest Board of Directors
Seppala received her juris doctor degree cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law and holds a bachelor of arts in drama and English from the University of Toronto.
Media: You can download a higher resolution of the photo in this release here.
About Strategic Staffing Solutions
Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) is an international, woman-owned, $238 million IT and business services company based in Detroit. S3 is ranked the sixth largest diversity staffing firm in the US by Staffing Industry Analysts and 16th among the largest staffing firms in the US by Staffing Industry Report. It is also one of five companies nationally that is a certified Charter Partner with Staffing Industry Analysts. S3 provides IT consulting, customized project solutions, vendor management programs and an executive search service to financial institutions, energy companies, telecommunications, government agencies and retail and health care industries worldwide. It has more than 2,300 consultants and 29 offices, 24 in the U.S. and five in Europe. For more information visit our website at http://www.strategicstaff.com/ or follow us on Facebook: Careers at Strategic Staffing Solutions.
Contact:
Marge Sorge, Strategic Staffing Solutions
313-596-6923 (office) | 734-578-6507 (cell) | msorge@strategicstaff.com
First Ever Certified Contingent Workforce Professional Training Program Coming To Detroit In May
March 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment
DETROIT, March 18, 2014 – The $117 billion staffing industry is growing rapidly as more and more companies rely on highly skilled consultants to deliver their strategic initiatives and service. Those responsible for bringing that talent into their companies must develop new best practices and thought leadership to attract the best and the brightest.
That talent pool is growing. According to a recent article in Forbes, one-third of Americans or 17 million people have joined that workforce and there will be more of them than full-time employees in six years. Wading through that growing workforce is cumbersome and requires new abilities.
Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP), an 11-module groundbreaking certification program, is now available to help them sharpen their skills. Those taking the course will develop the most efficient best practices and concepts needed to build a robust strategic plan that addresses the coming evolution and growth of the contingent workforce. They will learn skills that will increase their bottom line, mitigate risk, attract the best and brightest people and develop the long-term relationships that are so necessary to retain those workers.
The program is aimed at those responsible for temporary staffing, such as human resources, procurement, solution providers and others who manage corporate contingent/temporary staffing. It was developed by Staffing Industry Analysts, the global advisor on contingent work, in collaboration with five of the nation’s top staffing companies.
This first-ever program available in Detroit will be held by Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) on May 1-2 at the Detroit Athletic Club. As an industry leader, S3 was one of only five companies chosen as a Charter Partner with SIA to help develop the course content and training program. As a founding partner S3 is authorized to host and instruct the course required before the CCWP exam can be taken.
”Staffing Industry Analysts is thrilled to be working with Strategic Staffing Solutions and our partnership is creating something totally new and unique,” said Bryan Peña, vice president, contingent workforce strategies and research at Staffing Industry Analysts. “We are both focused on building a program that elevates and legitimizes the role of the contingent workforce manager and establishes new standards for the industry.”
Here’s how the day-program works. During the intensive instructor-led class participants will be led through a series of lectures, training exercises, quizzes and scenarios on each module in preparation for the exam. S3’s course instructors are leading contingent workforce professionals and experts on the course content.
“Achieving Staffing Industry Analysts Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP) designation is an unbiased barometer of an individual’s professional skillset,” said April Donaldson, S3 executive vice president. “S3 is pleased to offer a program that will standardize our industry and raise the bar of excellence.”
The program will be held May 1-2 at the Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison Ave., Detroit, MI 48226. The cost is $895 for SIA Members and $1,095 for Non-Members. For more information email CCWP@strategicstaff.com or call 313-471-5465. Please click here to register.
S³ Hires New Leader for Denver Team
March 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment
DENVER – Strategic Staffing Solutions (S³), a global IT and business services company, selected Denver local Jason Shirley as the new branch manager. Shirley brings more than 15 years of sales and management experience to S³.
As a branch manager for S³, Shirley is responsible for maintaining profitability, managing client needs, garnering new prospects and providing junior staff direction.
“At S³ we’re all about meeting the needs of consultants and customers,” said Cynthia Pasky, president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions. “Jason’s knowledge of the Denver market will help us deliver both.”
In previous positions as a manager, senior account executive and executive recruiter Shirley has successfully managed client relationships with decision-makers of multiple Fortune 500 companies. Career accolades with previous employers include awards for being No. 1 in company sales, new accounts captured, highest total revenue produced and for company loyalty and dedication.
Shirley is a resident of Lafayette, Colorado and is the proud father of three daughters. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business management from the University of Northern Colorado. He is also Counselor Sales Professional (CSP) certified.
The S³ Denver branch is located at 5445 DTC Parkway, Penthouse 4 in Greenwood Village. S³ Denver staff may be contacted by phone at (720) 228-4146 and email at s3denver@strategicstaff.com.
Media: You can download a larger image (jpg) of Jason Shirley here.
About Strategic Staffing Solutions
Strategic Staffing Solutions (S³) is an international, woman-owned, $238 million IT and business services company based in Detroit. S³ is ranked the sixth largest diversity staffing firm in the US by Staffing Industry Analysts and 16th among the largest staffing firms in the US by Staffing Industry Report. It is also one of five companies nationally that is a certified Charter Partner with Staffing Industry Analysts. S³ provides IT consulting, customized project solutions, vendor management programs and an executive search service to financial institutions, energy companies, telecommunications, government agencies and retail and health care industries worldwide. It has more than 2,000 consultants and 29 offices, 24 in the U.S. and five in Europe. For more information visit our website at http://www.strategicstaff.com/ or follow us on Facebook: Careers at Strategic Staffing Solutions.
Contact:
Ebony Dooley | Office: (248) 629-0038 |Cell: (248) 259-6714 | EMail: edooley@strategicstaff.com
