Kelly Milam
Kelly Milam is a dedicated healthcare recruiter with a strong background as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), bringing over nine years of hands-on experience in patient care and therapy. Her career in healthcare began with a passion for helping patients achieve their best outcomes, honing her skills in compassionate, effective treatment. Over time, personal life changes inspired her to transition into healthcare recruiting, where she could continue impacting the field while gaining flexibility to support her family.
In her current role at Excel Medical Staffing, Kelly leverages her clinical expertise and deep understanding of allied health and nursing professions to connect skilled healthcare professionals with opportunities that align with their career goals. She specializes in recruiting both allied health practitioners and registered nurses, focusing on building meaningful relationships, understanding individual needs, and ensuring both candidates and healthcare facilities thrive. Her communication background and clinical experience have been key in fostering trust and guiding her recruitment strategy.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kelly is an avid adventure seeker, runner, and football enthusiast. She balances a busy career with family life, finding joy in camping, beach trips, and mountain excursions with her children. Kelly’s commitment to service extends beyond work, as she actively supports and mentors individuals in the healthcare community, emphasizing connection, care, and growth both personally and professionally.
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Tennessee Technological University- B.S.
• Cape Fear Community College- A.S.
• Simply Amazing Award
• Recruiter of the Quarter
• Tyson Waid Memorial Scholarship- Tyson Tough 5k- Co-Director
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a mix of grit, empathy, and relentless curiosity. Working in healthcare taught me how to stay calm in chaos and push forward even when the odds aren’t in my favor. That same resilience, paired with the ability to truly understand people and listen to their needs, has shaped how I approach every challenge. I don’t just look for answers — I dig deeper, ask questions, and stay teachable. That combination has opened more doors than any title or credential ever could.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to stay humble and never assume you’ve ‘figured it all out.’ Every role, every person, every setback has something to teach you — but only if you stay open to it. That mindset is what allowed me to try new paths I never expected to take, including making the leap from clinical care into recruiting. One of my favorite quotes is by Henry David Thoreau: ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.’ I’ve learned that sometimes confidence doesn’t mean knowing exactly where you’re going — it means being willing to move forward, stay curious, and grow along the way.”
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t let the negativity stick. No matter how strong or confident you are, there will be days when you’re underestimated, dismissed, or talked over — but you get to decide whether that fuels you or discourages you. Choose positivity. Protect your joy. And above all, stay open to learning. The most powerful women I know aren’t the loudest in the room — they’re the ones always evolving, asking questions, and finding opportunity where others see obstacles.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in healthcare recruiting right now is saturation — there are more recruiters than ever, and to many clinicians, we all start to sound the same. The real opportunity lies in standing apart not by being louder, but by being better. That means being honest, transparent, and actually putting in the effort to know your clinicians as people, not placements. In an industry where trust is rare, authenticity becomes your biggest competitive advantage.
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 are integrity, empathy, and commitment — and nothing has shaped those more than being a mom. Motherhood keeps me grounded in what really matters: showing up when I say I will, being patient even when it’s hard, and always choosing kindness. Whether I’m advocating for one of my clinicians or one of my kids, I believe in leading with honesty, compassion, and follow-through. At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what I accomplish — it’s about being someone my children can be proud of and someone my clinicians can rely on.