PEGGY B. RICHARDS
Temescal Valley,CA
Summary
Dynamic talent and operations leader with over 25 years of experience in launching start-ups, revitalizing underperforming divisions, and cultivating high-performing teams within national recruiting firms. Renowned for implementing strategy-first operating models that have successfully developed hundreds of recruiters and managers. Proven track record in creating cultures that drive performance, profitability, and execution, grounded in the principle that strong leadership fosters individual growth, thereby building successful organizations.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Managing Director, ATHENA Finance & Accounting
ATHENA Consulting, LLC
01.2024 - Current
- Middle-market interim, project, and direct-hire staffing
- Launched the Professional Staffing (F&A) division in one of the toughest contracting markets, building a strategy-first delivery model that generated immediate traction and early wins.
- Engineered a scalable hybrid recruiting engine—senior U.S. recruiters paired with offshore sourcers and junior recruiters—expanding capacity, speeding time-to-submit, and elevating client engagement.
- Invited to present my operating model as a business consultant during the senior leadership off-site; the model was adopted immediately. Personally trained recruiters, junior/senior account managers, and client success managers on the private-sector workflow, including the new Plan2Placement model, accelerating speed-to-market and producing immediate growth.
- Presented my operating model to Government division leadership at the CEO’s request, leading to rapid adoption and sustained account movement.
- Rebuilt the stalled Sacramento account onsite and scaled the model portfolio-wide, driving a 500% increase in Net Starts and shifting the division from break-even to profitable within the same year.
- Hand-selected by the CEO to revive 14 dormant government accounts representing 95% of company revenue after 35 months of zero growth.
Managing Partner
RCC Group
05.2021 - 01.2024
- Executive & retained search
- Led retained and executive search for finance, accounting, HR, and operations leadership.
- Built a trusted advisory practice providing talent strategy and leadership consulting.
- Delivered high-quality shortlists through deep assessment and relationship-centered search.
Market Vice President
Roth Staffing Companies
01.2012 - 05.2020
- Directed multi-market operations across Orange County, Inland Empire, and San Diego.
- Delivered 12%–42% annual growth in revenue and margin.
- Chairman’s Club Top Performer (2016 & 2018).
- Strengthened culture, retention, and engagement across all markets.
Metro Market Manager
Robert Half International (RHI)
11.2009 - 01.2012
- Led multi-line market operations and expanded enterprise client partnerships.
- Improved team performance, culture, and retention during a challenging market cycle.
IT Group Manager
Métier Resources Group
03.2009 - 10.2009
- Launched the IT consulting/search practice and achieved profitability in four months.
Managing Partner
TouchPointe
02.2007 - 02.2009
- Built and operated an F&A, IT, and HR staffing/consulting firm, achieving profitability in 90 days.
Managing Partner
Roth Staffing Companies, Inc.
04.1997 - 04.2005
- Led national expansion of the accounting & finance division, opening 30+ profit centers.
- Managed large-scale sales, operations, and recruiting teams nationwide.
- Built the company’s executive recruitment division and supporting infrastructure.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Loyola Marymount University
Skills
- Division Launch & Turnarounds
- Talent Acquisition Leadership
- Hybrid Recruiting (US/Offshore)
- Government staffing expertise
- Executive Consulting
- Revenue & Margin Growth
- Process Optimization
- Change Management
- Team leadership
- C-Suite Partnership
Websites
Certification
CRESTCOM International — Leadership Facilitator & Coach (2023–Present)
COMMUNITY & LEADERSHIP
Founder & Board President, SWBN Women’s Business Network, Servite High School — School Parent Board President, St. Angela Merici — Parent Association President; SummerFest Chair, AHA Heart Walk Participant & Fundraiser (2012–2020)
Timeline
Managing Director, ATHENA Finance & Accounting
ATHENA Consulting, LLC
01.2024 - Current
Managing Partner
RCC Group
05.2021 - 01.2024
Market Vice President
Roth Staffing Companies
01.2012 - 05.2020
Metro Market Manager
Robert Half International (RHI)
11.2009 - 01.2012
IT Group Manager
Métier Resources Group
03.2009 - 10.2009
Managing Partner
TouchPointe
02.2007 - 02.2009
Managing Partner
Roth Staffing Companies, Inc.
04.1997 - 04.2005
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Loyola Marymount University