Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Charleston Earns Franchisee of the Year and President’s Awards

Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) in Charleston, led by mother-daughter duo Mary Barrineau and Pam Thompson, announced that it was presented with both the Franchisee of the Year and President’s awards during the company’s annual National Meeting. 

Barrineau and Thompson were recognized for their exceptional leadership, sustained business performance, and long-standing commitment to local businesses and job seekers in the Charleston market. For more than 30 years, they have built a high-performing operation rooted in a selfless “One Spherion” mindset, grounded in trusted service, accountability, and community impact. By staying closely connected to Charleston business owners and their workforce needs, they continue to identify new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and deliver results across the region. Furthermore, the team achieved a 23 percent year-over-year revenue increase while continuing to expand an already strong client portfolio. Their recognition with both awards, including the Franchisee of the Year honor, one of Spherion’s highest distinctions, reflects the strength of their leadership and the impact of their work across the network.

“After more than three decades of service in this market, we’ve learned that real growth comes from staying closely connected to our clients’ needs and never getting complacent,” said Barrineau. “We’re always looking ahead to where our clients are going to determine how we can be the best partners to them, and I’m confident that mindset will continue to push our team forward in the year ahead.”

The 2026 Spherion National Meeting was held in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel from March 18-21. Uniting franchisees, corporate leaders and strategic partners from across the country for several days of learning and celebration, this year’s company-wide gathering was especially meaningful as Spherion marks its 80th anniversary in 2026, celebrating eight decades of connecting businesses with talent and strengthening local communities.

Team members participated in educational sessions focused on topics relevant to the 2026 hiring reality, such as the importance of human interaction, legal trends, and using AI tools to grow revenue. The meeting concluded with Spherion’s Awards & 80th Anniversary Celebration, recognizing top-performing franchisees and offices whose leadership and results exemplify the brand’s commitment to excellence.

"As we celebrate 80 years of serving communities across the country, it’s incredibly inspiring to see the work our franchisees are doing in their local markets," said Kathy George, president of Spherion Staffing and Recruiting. "Mary, Pam and the entire Charleston team embody the qualities that have allowed the Spherion network to thrive for so many years. Their dedication to building meaningful relationships with clients and candidates while helping businesses grow and individuals find opportunity is making a lasting impact in the Charleston community."

Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community by connecting businesses with talent and creating employment opportunities every day. When successful, the office and its investments flow back into the neighborhoods it serves. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.

To learn more about Spherion Charleston, visit www.spherion.com/charleston.