Focus on: My career 

As Kforce general counsel, Jennifer Smayda leads the team responsible for all legal matters, including litigation management, contract management, employment and labour, and corporate governance. She joined the firm in 2004 as a leader on the contracts management team, where she helped develop the firm’s risk assessment and approval program. She transitioned to the litigation team and eventually oversaw all litigation for the firm as senior vice president of legal operations, before her appointment to general counsel in 2018. 

Jennifer and her team were instrumental in helping the firm navigate the novel legal issues surrounding the pandemic, with employee safety and well-being at the forefront. Jennifer’s leadership helped promote firm growth and strengthen policies while still maintaining a focus on risk and compliance obligations. 

Against this challenging backdrop, the firm experienced an unparalleled year of success in 2021, including total revenues of nearly US$1.6bn, record high stock prices and 35% increase in earnings per share. The firm also experienced a 22% increase in technology revenue and has seen an almost 50% organic growth in this area over the last two years. 

Jennifer understands the critical role relationship building plays in her team’s contribution to the firm’s business goals and objectives. She prioritises personal connections to establish a strong foundation for strategic partnership. The Tampa Bay Business Journal recognized her as a 2021 Businesswoman of the Year. 

She’s a champion for the philanthropic causes Kforce supports, including the American Heart Association and Best Buddies. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. She’s a member of the Florida Bar and is licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. She has a passion for travel and enjoys creating family-favourite recipes in her spare time.