Tom Sarach, Jr. – President and co-owner

Tom Sarach, Jr., president of Reliance Staffing and Recruiting, has more then 25 years of experience in the staffing industry and leads more than 3500 employees. He joined Reliance in 1989 as a technical placement specialist and became president in 2008.

Tom has always regarded corporate responsibility highly and has served or supported: The Alzheimer’s Association, Cerebral Palsy of Virginia, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia, Arthritis Foundation, Roc Solid Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, VECTEC, Rotary Club of Hampton Roads, Suffolk Ruritan Club, Kiwanis, Hampton Roads Proton Therapy, Stonebridge School, and Princess Anne Elementary PTA. He has also previously served as the Chairman of the American Staffing Association’s Industrial Section Policy Council and the Chairman of the Virginia Council.

Fun fact: Tom is an avid lover of water sports, winter sports and flying.

Lynn Connor – Vice President and co-owner

Lynn Connor is a Vice President of Reliance and is also part of the second generation of Sarachs to own and operate Reliance. Lynn joined Reliance in 1983, opened the Peninsula division of Reliance with the Newport News office in 1988 and followed with the Suffolk office in 1994. She received a regional Young Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Small Business Administration in 1992. Lynn offers experience in contracts, worker’s compensation, business development and the complex nature of employer-related responsibilities.

Karen Connor – Vice President and co-owner

Karen Connor is also a Vice President with Reliance and a part of the second generation of Sarachs to own and operate Reliance. Karen joined Reliance in 1996 and is responsible for the staff payroll and management of Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation. She also facilitates training for Reliance’s staffing software program, COATS. Karen offers experience in payroll, sales, training, business development and ACA compliance.

Sandy James – Account Manager

Sandy James has been Reliance’s Sales Manager for more than two decades. Before joining Reliance, she spent 13 years as a national executive recruiter and was a Certified Staffing Professional. This deep knowledge of staffing makes Sandy one of Reliance’s greatest assets, because she understands how different levels of staffing can help a business rather than trying to sell a one-size-fits-all solution. Sandy is praised regularly for her problem-solving ability and how quickly she responds to contacts. Contact Sandy to Request Reliance Talent.

Shawn Owen – Account Manager

Shawn Owen is a people person who is constantly networking. Before joining Reliance, Shawn spent 30 years in the Interior Design business where she built a reputation for excellent customer service. Shawn specializes in working with clients seeking administrative, clerical, technical and professional support. Contact Shawn to Request Reliance Talent.

Fun Fact: Shawn is into fitness and competing in Tough Mudders and Rugged Maniac obstacle courses.

Beverley Baraniak – Loss Prevention and Risk Management

Beverley Baraniak serves as our Risk and Loss Prevention Manager. She joined Reliance as a placement specialist in 2010 and transitioned into her current role in 2016. She has more than 15 years of HR experience, including staffing, training and development, employment compensation, workers compensation, and administering health insurance benefits. She holds a Professional in Human Resources certification (PHR) and is a Society of Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Beverley is a fantastic resource for all Reliance clients, assisting with compliance, safety and cost savings. She has been noted for her understanding of employment issues, her patience for legal processes and being very easy to work with.

Dona Dirickson – Payroll Coordinator

Dona Dirickson is charged with processing payroll for 750+ Reliance associates every week. She has more than 30 years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting. Dona has excellent computer skills and attention to detail; she has an exceptional track record of accurately handling financial reporting under tight deadlines. She is known for her dedication to accuracy and her sense of humor.

Amanda Beasley – Executive Assistant

Amanda Beasley is the Executive Assistant to the President of Reliance Staffing & Recruiting. Born and raised in Virginia, she is happy to call the Tidewater area her home. She is a performance-driven professional with over seven solid years of progressive experience in a fast-paced environment. Amanda’s portfolio includes strong leadership capabilities, creative thinking, problem-solving, organization, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while working in unison with executives, staff, and clients. She is currently pursuing her degree in Human Resources.   

Jim Hoeft – Communications Director

Jim Hoeft has been Communications Director since 2014. He is a retired naval officer and has more than a decade of experience in communications. He has an MBA from Old Dominion University and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (Hampton Roads). Email Jim press and marketing inquiries at info@reliancestaffing.com.

Fun Fact: Jim hosts a weekly podcast that he has been producing since 2006.