Kelly Cultrara, the President and Managing Partner of AP Executive Staffing, stands out as a passionate leader dedicated to building and inspiring high-performing teams. Her natural curiosity about human behavior and her genuine ability to connect with people have been pivotal to her success in the staffing industry. Known for her relationship-building skills and servant-leadership approach, Kelly has consistently demonstrated a commitment to meaningful work that positively impacts individuals and communities.
Throughout her career, Kelly has been driven by a desire to make a difference. Her professional path has allowed her to volunteer extensively and serve on various boards, providing her with a rewarding platform to give back. She is particularly passionate about empowering women and children, advocating for greater opportunities for females of all ages to lead, earn, and confidently use their voices.
Kelly’s journey to AP Professionals began in the corporate world, where she gained valuable experience working for an international Fortune 500 company. This early training was instrumental in shaping her career direction. However, her ultimate goal was to find a firm that prioritized people over profits. This led her to AP Professionals, a company that aligns with her belief that focusing on people ultimately drives bottom-line success.
Under Kelly’s leadership, AP Executive Staffing continues to thrive, emphasizing the importance of people-centric practices in achieving organizational success. Her story is a testament to the impact of passionate leadership and the power of building meaningful relationships in the business world.
Leading Talent Acquisition Excellence
At AP Executive Staffing, Kelly leads a team that excels in talent acquisition by leveraging an extensive network and deep industry knowledge. Their expertise allows them to identify and attract exceptional candidates for their clients, understanding that the right talent is crucial for business success. Employing targeted strategies, they ensure that companies are matched with the most qualified professionals, always prioritizing the quality and reliability of the candidates provided.
Kelly’s mission is to position AP Professionals as the leading international staffing and recruiting company, specializing in connecting businesses with top-tier talent worldwide. The company is actively developing a global network to offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet diverse hiring needs. This international expansion is supported by a robust back-end operation that provides essential resources for AP Professionals and its clients around the world.
The back-end support team is responsible for design, structure, financing development, reporting, analytics, legal compliance, security, accounting, human resources, and governance of all business operations. This strong foundation enables AP Professionals to expand confidently, knowing they have a world-class organization supporting them wherever they go.
Under Kelly’s leadership, AP Professionals continues to thrive by maintaining a people-centric approach, ensuring the highest standards in talent acquisition, and expanding its global footprint with a solid operational base.
A Dynamic Leadership
As Managing Partner of the firm, Kelly holds the pivotal responsibility of shaping its vision, mission, and goals. Her leadership extends beyond the boardroom, ensuring alignment with the needs and expectations of clients, employers, and stakeholders.
For Kelly, the most exhilarating aspect of her role is rallying the team. She finds immense joy in inspiring her colleagues during weekly staff meetings, where she not only shares the vision but also imparts training and builds confidence. Additionally, Kelly takes pleasure in branding the company, leveraging her passion for writing to craft compelling narratives that resonate with clients and candidates alike. She attributes much of the company’s success to its ability to convey a brand story that illustrates its identity, value proposition, and track record of success.
In the staffing industry, Kelly prioritizes intangible qualities and personality traits when evaluating potential candidates. Passion and drive top her list, recognizing that genuine enthusiasm is a precursor to success. She values critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential qualities in a service-oriented industry where innovative solutions are paramount. Moreover, Kelly seeks individuals who exhibit intellectual curiosity and a deep understanding of human behavior, believing that empathy and insight are crucial for building meaningful connections.
Kelly emphasizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration, integrity, and work ethic. She views staffing as a lifestyle career, where every interaction presents an opportunity to nurture relationships and make a lasting impact.
Fueling Growth and Connection
Kelly is a lifelong learner who thrives on continuous personal and professional development. Her role naturally involves constant interaction with new people, whether through networking, business engagements, or nonprofit events. This dynamic environment fuels her passion for connecting with mentors and successful individuals, always seeking to absorb knowledge and insights.
Recently, Kelly has delved into the world of podcasts, where she enjoys engaging in stimulating discussions. These experiences not only broaden her horizons but also provide valuable feedback, which she eagerly shares with those she coaches and mentors. Her approach is truly 360 degrees, ensuring that knowledge and growth are mutually beneficial.
An avid reader and researcher, Kelly is dedicated to becoming a subject matter expert in areas such as staffing, market trends, and best practices. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and knowledge underscores her commitment to both her personal growth and the success of those she mentors.
Extending Leadership Beyond Office Walls
For Kelly, leadership extends beyond the confines of the office. She believes that making a positive impact on her employees’ personal lives is as crucial as their professional development. Central to her philosophy is the conviction that business success is intricately linked with mental health and effective stress management.
Kelly regularly engages her team in discussions about nutrition, exercise, sleep habits, and optimizing the immune system. She also emphasizes the benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices. In another lifetime, Kelly might have pursued a career in health and wellness, but she sees these elements as integral to business success. Mentally healthy employees, she asserts, are happier and more productive, creating a more dynamic and effective workplace.
Beyond her internal team, Kelly has a vision for improving the staffing industry. If she could change one thing, it would be to enhance education for hiring managers globally on effective interviewing and follow-up practices. She emphasizes the importance of a strong employer brand and the need to create a great candidate and employee experience, which hinges on a well-executed interview process and timely follow-ups.
Making Impactful Initiatives
In her pursuit of excellence, Kelly has spearheaded impactful initiatives across various markets served by AP Executive Staffing. Notably, AP Executive Staffing has made significant strides in Executive and C Suite Staffing, Accounting and Finance, Engineering/Manufacturing Operations, and a robust Administrative Division covering essential functions such as Human Resources, Sales, Marketing, and office administration.
Looking towards the future, Kelly envisions adding an innovative dimension to AP Executive Staffing’s services through the integration of Conative Testing. This strategic move aims to revolutionize hiring, retention, and team-building practices in the short term. Conative Testing offers invaluable insights into candidates’ inherent strengths, preferred work styles, and problem-solving approaches. Her vision emphasizes the importance of effective team composition and reduced turnover rates.
Ambitious Vision for the Future
Kelly has never shied away from taking risks throughout her career. Her journey as the first female partner in an industry historically dominated by male ownership was both exhilarating and intimidating. Overcoming these initial challenges, Kelly found her voice and established her presence, realizing the profound reward of self-belief and earning her rightful seat at the table.
A defining moment in her career was this self-affirmation, understanding that she truly deserved her place in leadership. Now, Kelly is preparing for her greatest risk yet: expanding AP Executive Staffing from a local/regional firm to a national and ultimately international presence. Her unwavering faith in the universe and the belief that “what’s meant for you will never pass you by” propel her forward.
Kelly champions the power of women supporting each other. She believes that collaboration among women leads to a sense of abundance, rather than scarcity. Her ultimate dream is to become the CEO and equity partner of an international company, providing global resources to businesses around the world.
Lifelong Dedication to Volunteering and Nonprofit Leadership
Throughout her entire career, Kelly has dedicated herself to volunteering and serving on nonprofit boards, reflecting her life’s mission to help as many people as possible. Her primary focus has been on organizations that support women and children.
Currently, Kelly is a founding board member of Fifty Fabulous Women Giving Circle. This grassroots organization is a diverse, inclusive, and inspiring collective of women working to positively impact the lives of women and children. As an all-volunteer organization, they spread grassroots circles across America, raising awareness and providing grant money to organizations in dire need of funding.
In addition to her work with Fifty Fabulous Women Giving Circle, Kelly serves as Vice Chair for Upward Design for Life. This exceptional organization aims to restore hope and dignity to women and children who have transitioned from domestic violence shelters to permanent housing by furnishing their empty spaces into warm, welcoming homes.
Kelly also sits on the Board of Directors for OLV Human Services, the largest mental health services organization of its kind in New York State. OLV fosters the highest possible quality of life and personal achievement by partnering with children, adults, and their families through a diverse array of social, health, and human services.
A particularly proud moment in Kelly’s career came in March 2018, when she was honored with the “Women Making History” award by NYS Senator Tim Kennedy. This accolade celebrates women who support other women and excel both in their professions and communities, creating opportunities for others.
Kelly’s unwavering commitment to community service and empowerment highlights her dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves, embodying the core values of compassion, leadership, and social responsibility.
