Carley Smiddy
Carley Smiddy is a dynamic leader and entrepreneur with a passion for transforming healthcare and behavioral health recruitment. As CEO of Staffosaurus Recruiting, she leads a high-performing team dedicated to helping organizations hire, grow, and thrive through human-centered, strategic, and ethical recruiting practices. Carley’s background spans behavioral health marketing, business development, and talent strategy, giving her a comprehensive understanding of what drives organizational success: the right people in the right roles.
Throughout her career, Carley has held key leadership positions that blend operations, client success, and growth strategy. Before becoming CEO, she served as COO and Director of Client Success at Staffosaurus, where she oversaw recruitment initiatives, client relationships, and internal operations. Her prior experience includes directing accounts and project management at BuzzFactory, supporting executive leadership at Clearlake Capital Group, and managing brand strategy for high-profile clients, including Eva Longoria. These experiences have honed her ability to scale organizations while maintaining a focus on meaningful relationships and long-term growth.
Carley is also deeply committed to giving back and fostering community engagement. A UCLA graduate with a degree in Sociology and Global Studies, she served on the UCLA Spirit Squad, volunteered for numerous charitable events, and coordinated health and wellness initiatives for Alpha Phi Sorority. Known for her authenticity, creativity, and strategic vision, Carley inspires her team, clients, and peers to approach recruitment and organizational growth with integrity, innovation, and a sense of fun.
• UCLA – B.A., Sociology and Global Studies
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and leadership growth. My career began at a marketing agency specializing in addiction treatment centers, where I worked my way up to Director of Accounts and gained valuable experience in scaling businesses and managing teams. I then joined Staphosaurus as Director of Client Success, exceeding sales targets and implementing structured processes that improved efficiency and client satisfaction. Today, I am proud to serve as CEO of Staphosaurus, leading the company with the insights and skills I have cultivated throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t underestimate yourself. Your past experiences, your age, or your gender do not define your potential. Believe in your abilities, set ambitious goals, and know that with determination and focus, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is visibility.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life have been deeply shaped by my journey in sobriety since 2020. This experience has taught me the importance of accountability, the power of empathy, and the significance of truly showing up for other principles I bring to my leadership, relationships, and daily life.