THE PRESS ENTERPRISE
Riverside Personnel Services (RPS) has made some changes in recent months: a remodel that includes expanded testing capabilities to better serve clients, a redesign of the offices, the hiring of Marcy Rainbolt for client development; and, using its own Encore Temping Program (see the Web site for more about Encore), it hired Phyllis Crabtree, recently retired from UCR, to coordinate marketing efforts.
“But the most exciting thing to happen lately at RPS is Kathy Hartman’s recent recognition by the YWCA,” said Sue Mitchell, who co-owns the business with Zelma Beard.
This year Hartman is being honored as one of four 21st Annual Women of Achievement, an award given by the YWCA “to women who truly make a difference in their community, workplace, family, and in the lives of many,” Beard said.
At RPS, Hartman oversees operations for both the regular placement and temporary divisions. In this capacity, Hartman makes sure applicants find suitable employment that provides livable wages and good benefits in environments that value their efforts.
“With her exceptional caring, Kathy has made a remarkable difference in the 
self-esteem and self-reliance of thousands of individuals, the majority of whom
are women,” Mitchell said. “At RPS, we call her “Saint Kathy” because of her nonstop giving and energy.”
Hartman holds a degree in business administration and political science from Loyola Marymount University and has been at RPS for 23 years.
“She was originally an applicant; luckily, though, we had the good judgment to recognize her talents and hire her to work right here at RPS. She has consistently been a top performer in the industry (ranking in the top five percent) since she started with RPS,” Beard said.
“She is the hardest-working, brightest, and most management-minded staff member we’ve ever had,” Mitchell said.
Her community involvements include: member of the Uptown Kiwanis since 1996, past president (1999-2000); member of the Magnolia Center Chamber of Commerce Board since 1996, past president (2000-01); member of the National Association of Women in Construction, past president (1991-92); a member of the Janet Goeske Center Foundation Executive Board since 2004; a member of the Leadership Riverside Class of 2001; a member of the YWCA’s Professional Women’s Council since 1995, and instrumental in the $250,000 YWCA child-care/playground renovation.
“As if this weren’t enough, Kathy has a family that includes her great husband, Frank (Frank, thank you for all your years of support…it did not go unnoticed here at Riverside Personnel), and two teenaged boys who travel around the state for water polo,” Mitchell said. “Kathy sets a wonderful example of how to balance family while holding an executive position and giving back to her community.”
“Kathy, with great respect and admiration, we salute you. Congratulations from Sue and Zee and the entire RPS staff,” Beard said.
