Big news at The Forum Group! We are so happy to welcome Ruth Espina as Managing Partner of Forum Group HR Recruitment Partners—a new division dedicated to connecting top HR talent with leading organizations.

With over 35 years of experience in human resources and executive search, Ruth isn’t just stepping into a leadership role—she’s building something from the ground up. Her mission? Building genuine, lasting relationships with both companies and candidates, ensuring every placement is not just a fit for today but a foundation for long-term success.

A Career Built on HR Expertise & Talent Matching

Ruth’s journey started in fast-paced retail and fashion brands like Macy’s, Nine West, Kenneth Cole, and Starbucks, where she gained firsthand experience in high-volume hiring, employee relations, and HR management. She knows what it takes to build great teams because she’s done it herself.

Her passion for talent acquisition led her to executive search during the dot-com boom in 1999, where she became a powerhouse in HR recruitment. She spent years at Maximum Management (later acquired by Frazer Jones), making more than 860 successful placements and earning a reputation as a trusted expert in HR search.

Now, she’s bringing that experience, insight, and network to Forum Group HR Recruitment Partners, where she’ll lead a new era of HR talent solutions.

Why The Forum Group? The Right Move at the Right Time

Ruth’s connection to The Forum Group runs deep—she’s known Frank Fusaro (Founder), Chris Fusaro (CEO), Jim Minogue (COO), and Marc Rentzer for years. But why now?

“As a recent empty-nester, this is the perfect time in my life and career for a bold new challenge,” Ruth shares. “Rebuilding and expanding The Forum Group’s HR practice was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. This company’s 50-year legacy, strong leadership, and commitment to excellence made it an easy decision.”

She also felt a personal connection to The Forum Group’s veteran-owned roots —both her father and father-in-law served in WWII, and the GI Bill made her father’s education possible.

Beyond work, Ruth has always prioritized giving back. Her passion for philanthropy aligns with The Forum Group’s values, as she’s involved in The Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the United Breast Cancer Foundation.

What’s Ahead: Elevating HR Recruitment at The Forum Group

Ruth is leading Forum Group HR Recruitment Partners with one goal in mind: delivering high-impact HR talent solutions across industries, including:

• Financial Services & Banking
• Real Estate & Insurance
• Legal & Compliance
• Retail, Fashion, & Beauty
• Life Sciences, Pharma & Biotech
• Creative, Media, & AdTech
• Nonprofit & Education
• Technology & AI
• Manufacturing

Her team specializes in placing HR professionals at all levels, including:

• Chief People Officers / CHROs / Heads of HR
• HR Business Partners, Directors & Managers
• Compensation, Benefits and Total Rewards Experts
• Talent Management and Organizational Development Specialists
• HR Operations / Systems / HRIS and Workforce Planning Professionals
• Recruitment Leaders
• Employee Relations and Training Experts

But Ruth’s impact won’t stop at placements. She’ll also provide strategic advisory services on market trends, compensation benchmarking, job competencies, succession planning, and workforce strategy.

The Vision: A Modern, Relationship-Driven HR Search Firm

With a clear plan and deep industry expertise, Ruth is ready to:

• Build a best-in-class HR recruitment division that delivers talent fast and efficiently
• Foster trust-based relationships with clients and candidates for long-term success
• Expand The Forum Group’s reach in the HR search market.
• Offer both permanent and interim HR staffing solutions to meet today’s evolving business needs

“My mission is simple: connect the best HR talent with the right companies—quickly, seamlessly, and with integrity. I’ve seen how transformative HR professionals can be for organizations, and I’m excited to make that impact through The Forum Group.”

More About Ruth Espina: More Than a Recruiter

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Ruth has spent the last twenty years in Northern New Jersey with her husband of more than twenty-two years. She’s not just a recruiter—she’s an advocate, a mentor, and a trailblazer.

Her HR instincts even kicked in at home—when her daughter became the only female player on her high school football team, Ruth supported her all the way, helping her make Varsity and become a champion for gender equality in sports.When the team won both the state and sectional championships her junior year she became the first female high school football champion in NJ (and has the championship ring to show for it). Just as Ruth supported her daughter to pursue her dreams and aspirations, she encourages her clients and candidates to think creatively to reach their maximum potential in building their HR careers and people teams.

Join Us in Welcoming Ruth to The Forum Group!

We’re beyond excited to have Ruth leading Forum Group HR Recruitment Partners. Her expertise, leadership, and passion for HR will be key in shaping the future of HR search at The Forum Group.

Connect with Ruth on LinkedIn
Reach out to Ruth at REspina@forumgrp.com to discuss your hiring needs or explore new opportunities.