When CoreMedical Group’s Accounting Manager, Tracy Pierce, learned she’d been named one of eight recipients of the American Staffing Association’s (ASA) 2025 Women in Leadership Scholarship, she was both honored and a little surprised.

“Brett [Perron, vice president of finance] sent me a note saying I was eligible,” Tracy said. “The award is for people who’ve been in staffing for less than nine years, and I hit eight years in November—so I just made it. I submitted my application, shared my thoughts on building my team up and my passion for helping them grow, and I won.”

Passion for People Development

For Tracy, leadership isn’t just about managing day-to-day operations. It’s about mentoring others, especially the next generation of women in operations.

“One thing I’ve seen in my career is a lack of focus on helping people below you grow,” she explains. “I want to be a present mentor, not just to my direct reports, but to the people below them. We may not have unlimited upward positions, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help our people develop their skills. I never want anyone to feel stagnant.”

Her team includes a mix of tenured employees and newer professionals. Helping both groups grow, in different ways, is a core part of her leadership style, something she’s refined over decades.

“When I was in my early twenties, I was a control freak,” Tracy admits with a laugh. “I once had an employee ask what to do with a broken pen. That was my wake-up call. I realized I needed to give people autonomy and trust them.”

From a “Fluke” Start to a Lasting Career

Tracy’s path into staffing wasn’t planned. Living in southern New Hampshire, she was looking for a role closer to home after years of long commutes into Massachusetts.

“I got a call from a recruiter at CoreMedical Group. At first, I said, ‘I don’t know anything about the medical industry.’ He said, ‘You don’t have to—we’re a staffing company.’ I met with Brett, we had a two-hour conversation, and the rest is history.”

Since joining in 2017, she’s seen the company grow and adapt, including the shift from paper-based processes to fully digital during COVID-19.

“It was stressful, but it was also exciting to modernize and see how far we’ve come.”

Core Values in Action

Tracy says one of the reasons she’s stayed at CoreMedical for eight years is the leadership’s genuine care for employees.

“I have an immunocompromised family member. During COVID-19, when we were talking about returning to the office, our CFO noticed I looked scared on a Zoom call and messaged me to say, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll work something out.’ How many CFOs would notice that, let alone take action? That’s what sets CoreMedical apart.”

Representation at the Top

Another reason Tracy feels connected to CoreMedical is the number of women in senior leadership roles.

“I feel represented,” she says. “I’ve worked at so many male-led companies, and it’s exciting to see so many capable women in higher leadership positions here. Leaders like Jo, Lynn, Karen, and Laura set a strong example. It’s inspiring, and it creates an environment where women at every level can see what’s possible for their own careers.”

Tracy also values the opportunity to learn directly from these leaders.

“Working under Jo, in particular, has been incredible. She’s brilliant, and the opportunity to absorb knowledge from leaders like her, and so many other talented people here, is something I’m grateful for.”

Looking Ahead

As part of the scholarship, Tracy will attend THRIVE Live (Oct. 5–6, 2025) and Staffing World® (Oct. 6–8, 2025) in Orlando, Fla. She hopes to return with fresh insights to share.

“I’d like to get a wider view of the staffing industry and maybe bring back ideas that haven’t been on our radar. I’m especially interested in learning more about effective ways to mentor.”

Her long-term career goal? Growing alongside CoreMedical.

“I’d love to stay here until the end of my career. We have a true work-life balance. I’m not stressed when I leave work, and that’s everything to me.”

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Tracy is an avid hiker with an inspiring story. In 2015, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. She and her husband, who is completely blind, also completed all 48 of New Hampshire’s highest peaks, raising nearly $1 million for charity through their hiking endeavors.

When asked which leader she’d most like to have dinner with, Tracy chose former President Barack Obama for his eloquence and worldview. And a book that’s shaped her professional approach? The Fred Factor, which taught her to approach work with the same mindset of service she applies to volunteering.

Before wrapping up our conversation, Tracy wanted to acknowledge Brett Perron for his ongoing support:

“Brett has been a huge part of my growth here. We talk every week, and he’s always been in my corner.”

We’re proud to see Tracy represent CoreMedical Group on a national stage and can’t wait to hear the insights she brings back from this experience. Congratulations, Tracy!