Overcoming Recruiting and Retention Challenges in Tampa Bay’s Tight Employment Market

Holly has over 20 years of experience in global executive-level human resource development. Holly is currently the co-founder of Meraki Approach, a strategic consulting firm focused on assisting growing companies with employee development and engagement.  Previously, Holly served as the Chief People Officer at technology firm Tribridge during a period of remarkable growth.  Prior to joining Tribridge, held executive and director-level HR positions for broadcast, audiovisual and B2B media companies. Holly’s expertise in talent acquisition and engagement strategies has been instrumental in helping companies grow and succeed.  Holly is designated Senior Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP), certified in the Leadership Circle Profile and Leadership Culture Survey programs.

Frank, a Tampa native, began his career as a CPA with Ernst & Young in the audit and healthcare practice.  He later spent 17 years with Kforce where he focused on recruiting for accounting, finance, and technology firms.  In 2007 he founded Ferreri Search, LLC, which specializes in talent acquisition for accounting, finance, and technology professionals.  Ferreri Search now has a team of 12 highly skilled professionals focused on executive search, permanent placement, and project staffing on the west coast of Florida.

Brian Smith is co-founder and Managing Partner of the LCG companies. With its more than 50 employees across eight offices, LCG has facilitated over $3 billion of transactions across a variety of sectors for an array of clients. As one of the founders and chief architects of LCG’s unique platform, he has successfully led the firm’s growth since its inception through some of the most turbulent economic environments in our nation’s history.

Prior to founding LCG Mr. Smith was a Vice President of Textron Financial Corporation. There he managed the underwriting processes for several operating divisions, including the Finance Company Services and Telecom and Energy Lending. There Mr. Smith completed numerous complex transactions for a variety of finance businesses including asset-based lenders, consumer lenders, media and telecommunications providers, and a myriad of other niche finance companies. Mr. Smith was also appointed by executive management to lead portfolio and operations reviews of other divisions.

Prior, Mr. Smith was a principal in New York-based specialty finance company providing financing to health care businesses. Early in his career he held various management positions with a Florida-based firm specializing in commercial finance and mezzanine financing. Mr. Smith is actively involved in numerous industry and civic organizations, holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Finance and Economics from the University of Tampa, and has completed numerous industry-specific training programs. He is married with two children