Discover the secrets behind some of our chief problem-solvers. Click on any name to read our profiles.
Joan Paxton, President

What I do:
Watch everyone else work. Sit at vacationing employees' desks and mess up their stuff.
Honestly, I am responsible for the strategic initiatives of the company. It is my responsibility to keep current on industry trends, the local economy and business climate, and think like our clients. I am also responsible for the compliance side of the business-legal, accounting, finance, and risk management. That's right-I keep all the fun jobs for myself!
How I can help you:
I am the ultimate TriStarr problem solver. You need a decision-I'm the one to call!
How I got here:
I'm an accidental entrepreneur. My college majors were psychology and sociology. Thank goodness I had accounting somewhere in the mix! I started as a temporary when I lived in San Antonio, TX in the 80's. I must have been an okay temp because the staffing firm offered me a job on their direct staff, and it was all uphill from there! When I returned to my hometown of Lancaster, I was able to open a branch office for TriStarr, and then, after 3 years, I was able to buy the office and become the owner.
My commitment to the community:
Over the past 20 years, I have volunteered for several non-profit organizations. My strongest commitment has been to the United Way of Lancaster County.
Here's a list:
- United Way of Lancaster County, Board of Directors, 1998 to present
- Chair of the Board of Directors, 2006 to 2008
- Vice Chair of Administration, 2004 to 2006
- Founding Chair of the Women's Council, 2004
- Campaign Chair, 2003
- Essence of Humanity Governing Committee, 2005 to present
- EDC Finance Corp., Board of Directors, 2002 to 2006
- Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Board of Directors, 1996 to 2002
- Executive Committee, 1998 to 2002
- BizPAC Board of Directors, 2000 to present
- Workforce Investment Board/Private Industry Council, Board of Directors, 1992 to 2001
- Junior Achievement of Central Pennsylvania, Board of Directors
- Lancaster YMCA, Board of Directors, 1998
My favorites:
Local Hangout: My couch in my den or my couch on my back porch
Local Restaurant: I know too many restaurant owners! I can't choose one!
Books: Cookbooks, mysteries, current events, political satire all catch my attention from time to time.
TV Shows: NCIS, Meet the Press, anything on the Food Network or HGTV
If I could do one thing to change the world, I would:
Stop all the wars.
Scott F. Fiore Vice President, Partner

What I do:
I manage operations for TriStarr, making sure we consistently deliver great results for our clients and candidates. The best part about my job is that I get to work with an incredibly talented group of knowledgeable staffing professionals.
In addition to operations, I also oversee all our internal IT-where everyone loves me as long as nothing goes wrong.
How I can help you:
I am a Certified Behavioral Assessment Analyst, which means that I am an expert in skills testing and personality and behavioral assessments for screening, selection, performance management, and team building. I've consulted with clients throughout the United States, helping them develop more effective hiring and talent management systems.
And if you need a speaker for an upcoming event, I am a regular presenter on the topic of personality and behavioral assessments.
How I got here:
My career started in sales within the financial services industry. In the early 90's, I moved on to Berk-Tek, a leading global manufacturer of data communication wire and cable. That was a great experience for me as I quickly rose through the ranks holding positions in product management, regional sales management, and national sales and market management.
In 1995, I joined TriStarr, and I discovered my passion for the staffing industry.
My commitment to the community:
- Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Board of Directors, Chair 2001-2003
- Long's Park Amphitheater Foundation, Board of Directors, Chair 1998-2000
- Manheim Township School District, Superintendent's Lay Advisory Committee
- Manheim Township School District, Strategic Planning Committee
- Manheim Township Educational Foundation Board of Directors
My favorites:
Local Hangout: I can usually be found on an indoor or outdoor soccer field somewhere.
Local Restaurant: Joan's house!! She's an INCREDIBLE cook!!!
Books: Atlas Shrugged, Presidential Biographies, Freakonomics, The World is Flat
TV Shows: My secret's out-The Bachelor-I love watching the breakdowns!!!
If I could do one thing to change the world, I would:
Educate, Educate, Educate!! Education breeds freedom and opportunity.
Theresa Swartz, Director of Finance
What I do:
I am the Director of Finance responsible for all accounting functions of TriStarr. I handle the payroll and billing for all divisions.
How I can help you:
If you have a question regarding your pay or invoice, I would be glad to help you resolve the issue.
How I got here:
I have been in the accounting field since 1986. I started my career as a staff accountant for Tyson Foods and moved on to be the Accounting Manager for Charles Chips. I joined the TriStarr team in 1996.
I am a graduate of York College of PA, with a degree in Accounting.
My commitment to the community:
Volunteer at the United Way's day of caring, and with the youth group at my church
Previous Girl Scout leader
My favorites:
Local Hangout: Anywhere it is warm! (Winters by the fireplace and summers outside by a pool)
Local Restaurant: Hard to choose, I love trying new places. Any suggestions?
Books: Anything by John Grisham, Nicholas Sparks, or Jodi Picoult
TV Shows: Thursday Nights! Survivor and CSI (Las Vegas) any other time HGTV!
If I could do one thing to change the world, I would:
Instill patience, tolerance and acceptance to everyone in the world.