This month’s “All-In At Acara” employee spotlight features Megan Tomkins, our Director of Recruiting who works out of our Melbourne, Florida office. Megan started as a sales/development representative in 2018, and moved her way to Director of Recruiting. She’s always been driven to help people and enjoys the human element in her day-to-day interactions. Read on to learn more about Megan’s deep sense of purpose.  

Life Before Acara 

I grew up on Grand Island, NY, near Buffalo, and currently live in sunny Melbourne, FL, along the Space Coast. After graduating from Canisius College with a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice, plus a minor in Forensics, I wasn’t sure of my career path. I took on roles in credit analysis and sales management, which taught me valuable skills, but I was still searching for something more fulfilling. That’s when I came across an ad for a sales and recruiting development representative at Acara, and the rest is history! 

The opportunity came through Acara’s ExceedCX Training Program, a centralized program that trained new hires for sales and recruiting development, before placing them in locations nationwide. Moving to Florida alone as a recent college graduate, I juggled a second job as a server to afford living on my own. Fortunately, I met my husband, Drew, who had also relocated from Detroit for his job in law enforcement. 

Life at Acara 

I currently serve as the Director of Recruiting at Acara. My responsibilities include leading a team of recruiters and program/account managers, providing support, and ensuring we meet and exceed hiring quotas. I also recruit, which makes me unique as I’m the only director who recruits at Acara. 

What sets Acara apart is the transparency and direct communication with our C-Suite team. Our voices are heard, and there are opportunities for growth—which I’ve personally experienced since joining in 2018. Starting as a Sales/Development Representative, I moved up to Recruitment Specialist, Account Manager, Recruiting Manager, and eventually Director. The challenge of leading and inspiring my team is both exciting and rewarding, especially when you see them achieve their goals within the company. 

The recruiting world is ever-changing, and we’ve had to keep pace with trends like AI integration and the shifting job market. While many lean heavily on AI for screening resumes, Acara has taken advantage of these technological enhancements, but also retains the human touch in recruitment, a feature that sets us apart. 

Challenges and Rewards 

One of the most challenging aspects of my job is dealing with people, as they are unpredictable, and the market is constantly evolving. However, that unpredictability is what excites me the most. Each day brings new challenges, and I enjoy helping people secure jobs that help them provide for their families. 

The human interaction, connection, and the element of surprise are things I love about my work. Whether it’s building strategies with clients or coaching my team, I feel a deep sense of purpose. 

Acara’s Unique Culture 

Life at Acara stands out compared to my previous roles due to the strong focus on work culture. I help organize events like food drives, team outings, and volunteer events for our Melbourne office. I’m also a member of the DEIB and Engagement Committees, where I collaborate with teams across the company, ensuring Acara fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. 

What the Future Holds 

The staffing industry is constantly evolving, and I foresee AI playing an even larger role over the next decade. However, Acara will continue to prioritize the human element in our recruitment processes, which helps us secure great talent. 

Life Outside of Acara 

When I’m not working, I’m busy with my family—my husband, our daughter Layla, who turns one in November, and our son, who’s due in February! We also have a 7-year-old Chiweenie named Otis, who’s a handful. 

As a family, we love visiting zoos, animal parks, and going on outdoor adventures. I’m a big fan of Orlando City Soccer and the Buffalo Bills. I’ve had season tickets to Orlando City Soccer for six years now—no joke! 

Balancing my job and family life requires a lot of organization, but I make sure there’s a strong work-life balance. That way, I can be fully present at work and fully engaged with my family when I’m home. 

In Conclusion 

Acara is more than just a workplace for me. It’s a place where I’ve grown personally and professionally. The company’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and maintaining a strong work culture is what makes it unique. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me, and I’m excited to continue making an impact both at Acara and in the lives of those I work with.