In our “All-In at Acara” series, we’re thrilled to spotlight Kelly Wirt, a Program Manager at Acara Solutions who brings her unique blend of experience and enthusiasm to her role. Here’s Kelly’s story—from her early days in education to her exciting journey in recruitment with us here at Acara. 

Life Before Acara 

Kelly is a proud Floridian, born and raised in Venice, FL, who found her way to Orlando for college before settling down in the Melbourne area. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Elementary Education. After teaching elementary school for a few years, Kelly began to question if teaching was the right fit for her in a post-COVID world. 

It was a friend who had made a similar career switch that encouraged her to explore recruiting. After finding an opportunity on LinkedIn, she applied, landed an interview with Acara, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

A Day in the Life at Acara 

As Program Manager at Acara, Kelly’s role is multifaceted. She handles job orders, manages contract labor, and ensures clear communication for one of Acara’s large accounts, all while continuing to recruit for multiple accounts in Florida. 

What attracted her to Acara was its openness to giving entry-level candidates a chance and its commitment to training and professional growth. She’s been with Acara ever since and has grown to take on more leadership responsibilities. Today, she’s not just recruiting but also coordinating customer meetings, attending networking events, and helping organize job fairs across the area. 

Kelly appreciates the way Acara fosters a human-centered approach in recruitment—an aspect that’s only grown more valuable in an increasingly automated industry. Acara’s people-focused approach allows her to make real connections with candidates and clients alike. 

What Makes the Job Special 

Kelly’s days are never quite the same, which is part of what makes her role so rewarding. Some days, she’s meeting with clients and learning about their manufacturing processes. Other days, she’s on the phone with candidates, connecting them with exciting opportunities. Each challenge is an opportunity to problem-solve, build relationships, and ultimately help others succeed in their careers. 

While managing client expectations in a fluctuating job market can be challenging, Kelly thrives in finding that perfect balance between candidate needs and employer requirements. She feels that her strong organizational skills and adaptability are essential to her success. 

Life Outside of Work 

When she’s not at the office, Kelly’s mornings start early with a peaceful breakfast and a walk with her mini dachshund, Goose. She loves spending quality time with her husband, their cat Shadow, and of course, Goose. A fitness enthusiast, she’s active at the gym and a huge fan of UCF football, concerts, and exploring new places. Family is also incredibly important to her; she frequently visits loved ones across the state and has a beautiful new niece who she adores. 

Kelly’s ideal day off involves starting with a coffee shop visit with her husband and dog, followed by a relaxing day at the beach. And if she ever had unlimited time and resources? She’d be off exploring Europe, with Spain, Greece, and Germany at the top of her list! 

Why Acara? 

For Kelly, Acara’s company culture is a huge part of what makes it a fantastic place to work. She loves the collaborative environment, where employees are encouraged to connect and engage across departments. She’s especially fond of the organization’s commitment to initiatives like DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) and employee recognition programs. These touches make her feel valued and help Acara foster a positive and inclusive workplace. 

When asked to describe Acara in one word, Kelly chose collaborative—and it’s clear why. Whether she’s working alongside her Florida Key Team, learning from her peers, or problem-solving for clients, she’s grateful to be part of a company that prioritizes partnership and communication at every level. 

Kelly Wirt’s journey from teaching to talent acquisition is a story of growth, discovery, and resilience. We’re proud to have her as part of the Acara team, where she’s making a difference one placement at a time.