ASA President Stephen C. Dwyer Will Become CEO in 2026
American Staffing Association chief executive officer Richard Wahlquist, whose vision led to the expansion of the ASA education, learning, and advocacy programs, has announced his retirement at the end of 2025.
ASA president Stephen C. Dwyer will assume the role of chief executive officer Jan. 1, 2026.
Before joining ASA in 1989 as vice president of administration and government affairs, Wahlquist led and coordinated government affairs activities on behalf of the staffing industry in all 50 states; Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; and Canada.
During his time as chief executive officer, the association’s scope, effectiveness, and recognition as the voice of the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry grew exponentially, both in the U.S. and internationally. Under his leadership, the association advanced industry growth, professionalism, public perception, and it achieved unparalleled success in its advocacy to protect and promote the interests of the industry and add value to the lives of the millions of men and women that the industry employs and places every day.
Wahlquist has been recognized by Human Resources Outsourcing Today magazine as one of the “100 Superstars of HR Outsourcing” and by Recruiter magazine as one of the 100 most influential individuals in the staffing and recruiting industry. Wahlquist also serves on the board of directors for the World Employment Confederation and Jobs for America’s Graduates.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to work with the incredible team at ASA; its current and past boards of directors; and the wonderful members of the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry,” Wahlquist said. “As staffing faces new challenges and opportunities for growth, Stephen’s forward-thinking vision and passion for the industry will be instrumental to the association and industry’s continued growth.”
Dwyer has worked at ASA since 2002. As senior vice president and chief legal officer, he led legal and public affairs campaigns to advocate for the industry. Since being named president in 2023, Dwyer has spearheaded organizational transformations to allow ASA to better serve its members.
“I’m humbled at the opportunity to support the industry as the chief executive officer at ASA,” Dwyer said. “Richard’s steadfast leadership has helped the industry evolve and innovate, navigating economic downturns, market fluctuations, and even a global pandemic. I look forward to helping build on his legacy of success at ASA.”
“Richard’s tireless support for employment opportunities for America’s workers has transformed the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry for the better,” said Janette Marx, chair of the ASA board of directors. “On behalf of the ASA board of directors, I want to express my deep appreciation for Richard’s incredible work for our industry.
“We are very excited for the next chapter of ASA under Stephen’s leadership. His decades of experience advocating on behalf of our industry make him the right choice to lead the association to even greater heights.”
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About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.
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