This inaugural class of the SIA Healthcare Staffing 100 comes at a pivotal time — the industry is returning to growth after three tough years. Staffing leaders are taking what they’ve learned going forward by engaging AI, advising clients on future workforce needs and keeping a focus on practitioners and patients.

These leaders are among a select group of healthcare staffing executives advancing the industry amid a fight for talent and shifting buyers’ expectations.

“Behind every healthcare staffing placement is a patient who needs care and a clinician whose work matters,” SIA President Ursula Williams said. “Our inaugural Healthcare Staffing 100 recognizes leaders whose vision, innovation and commitment are moving this industry forward. Their contributions demonstrate the vital connection between a strong healthcare workforce and the communities it serves.”

SIA’s Healthcare Staffing 100 leaders come from across the segment — including travel nursing, locum tenens and allied healthcare. Many are taking on change and bringing new ideas.

Here are key ideas from some of those on the list:

“Stop thinking like a vendor,” said Tony Munafo, CEO of healthcare staffing firm Prolink. “The firms growing market share are becoming true workforce planning partners, helping clients anticipate challenges and build strategies for the future.”Stay curious, said Carolina Araya, CEO of Elite365 Healthcare Workforce Solutions. “Challenge ‘we’ve always done it this way.’ Assess honestly, find the gaps and act; progress beats perfection.”AI is boosting clinician engagement and delivering efficiency and “at times doubling velocity on AI-assisted work,” said John Maaske, founder and CEO of Triage Staffing.“Make every decision through the lens of the practitioner and the patients you serve,” said Nicola Soares, president of Kelly Education, which includes Kelly Pediatric Therapy, at Kelly Services.

SIA’s Healthcare Staffing 100 list comes as healthcare staffing revenue in the US is poised to grow 1% this year to $39 billion after shrinking 8% in 2025 and 26% the year before. It’s also set to grow next year amid upheaval from AI and client expectations.

Leaders on the list will also be recognized at SIA’s Healthcare Staffing Summit set for Nov. 9-11 in Arlington, Texas.