• Superheroes Of Hiring

    Beyond the resume.
    Beyond the talent pool and networks.
    Beyond job postings.

Lisa Guard

Consultant / Past President

Lisa Guard started the company in 1997. Lisa’s background includes over 20 years of progressive human resources experience with an emphasis in recruiting and employee relations. Lisa is an Associate Certified Career Coach and has held executive positions in many community organizations including the Butler Human Resources Association, Butler Downtown Revitalization Committee and the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. In July of 2023 Lisa passed off her President title to new owners Adam Whitaker and Bill Best.

Paula Lowry, CSP

Accounting / Office Manager

Paula joined Specialized in 2001 after receiving her Associates Degree in Accounting at BC3. She manages the functions of Payroll, Accounts Payable & Receivable, Insurances, and office work flow. She served on the 2011 & 2012 Butler Human Resource Association board as Treasurer.  In 2008 Paula became a Certified Staffing Professional through the American Staffing Association.

Joey Lerch

Lead Recruiter

Joey joined Specialized in 2005 after beginning her career with a focus in customer service and recruiting.  Her areas of specialty include the fields of Human Resources, Accounting, Purchasing and Operational Management.  Joey holds an active role in the Butler Human Resources Association.

Linda Wetzel

Office Assistant

Linda joined us in April 2013.  Her most recent background of 19 years was in Customer Service, Accounts Payable & Receivable.  Linda is a ‘Jill of all trades’ here in the office and is the first person you’d see when stopping in.

Stella Cowan, CSP

Contract Staffing Recruiter

With over 24 years of Service Industry experience, Stella is very familiar with public and business relations. After living in London, Georgia and Pittsburgh she has chosen to make Butler her home, joining us in 2004. She is a graduate of the University of London. In 2016 Stella obtained her Certified Staffing Professional designation from the American Staffing Association. Upon contacting our office, we’re sure you will know Stella by her delightful British accent!

Betsey Kukla

Business Development Specialist

Betsey joined the Specialized Staffing and Industry Recruiters team in March of 2022 as a Business Development Specialist. She is beyond thrilled at the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of women and to once again, work alongside the people within her community. She sees this position not only as a “job” but as an “opportunity” to help local companies connect with the best possible talent to thrive. Betsey is excited to hit the ground running in her new role at Specialized and motivated by the chance to make an impact on the people in her community as well as the companies they work for.

Let Us Help You Find Success

Our vision is simple: success for everyone.

We don’t simply match a candidate’s resume to a job description. Our process includes pairing experience, skills, talents, characteristics, goals, interests and values of each candidate with specific job requirements.