WorkSmart, a women-owned staffing firm with over 35 years of experience, is proud to celebrate over two years of leadership under CEO Vanessa Barnes, whose vision and dedication have helped shape the company’s remarkable growth and culture.

Since stepping into the role of CEO in 2023, Barnes has guided WorkSmart through a period of rapid expansion and transformation. Under her leadership, the company has more than quadrupled its revenue, grown from two to four branch locations and tripled the size of its internal team, from 10 to 31. Her strategic focus has enabled WorkSmart to continue its mission of connecting top talent with leading companies across the Southeast, while maintaining its human-first approach to staffing.

Barnes’ journey with WorkSmart began in 2017, when she joined the team to establish baseline operating procedures across branches. From there, she quickly became a key driver in the company’s success, leading the integration of new technologies, overseeing multi-state operations and playing an instrumental role in scouting, hiring and developing four new branch locations.

“Vanessa’s approach to leadership reflects both innovation and compassion,” said John Barnes, president of WorkSmart. “Her commitment to people: our clients, our candidates and our team is at the heart of everything she does.”

With over a decade of experience in communications and staffing, Barnes continues to shape WorkSmart’s future as a forward-thinking, people-first staffing partner.