Gina Curry, CEO, NextPath Workforce Solutions

July 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Gina Curry, CEO of NextPath Workforce Solutions, discussed the resurgence of hiring activity, the growth of the company’s AI advisory practice, and the changes in Tampa Bay’s workforce. “Tampa is home, Tampa is where the flag is put,” Curry said.

What changes over the past year have impacted NextPath, and in what ways?

The market in general has had the biggest impact. Over the last couple of years, the job market was slower, the economy was slower, and there were fewer companies hiring. We also saw less activity from private equity and venture capital firms, which meant hiring and large projects often went on pause.

Within the last eight to 10 months, we have started to see movement again. Companies are hiring and growing, and large technology initiatives such as modernization projects, legacy-system upgrades, and new implementations are moving forward. Those projects often require companies to bring people on for six months, nine months, or longer, which creates hiring demand. That has been a huge driver for us.

For NextPath specifically, our AI advisory practice has grown tremendously and now represents almost 75% of our business. Clients are coming to us not only for specific roles but also for guidance. AI is changing so rapidly that companies often need experts who can help them understand the landscape and determine the right path forward. Being able to provide those advisory services has been a significant growth area for us.

What differentiates NextPath Tampa in the competitive recruiting and workforce solutions landscape?

We are relationship-driven. Whether we are partnering with a startup or a Fortune 500 company, we focus on understanding the organization’s culture, goals, and what will make a candidate successful.

We strive to be an extension of the client’s brand. We are the ones speaking with candidates, so it is important that we understand the organization well enough to represent it accurately and identify the right fit. Not every candidate is right for every company, and understanding that match is a core part of our approach.

Another differentiator is a digital ID verification process we rolled out for candidates. It allows our recruiters to verify candidates quickly and helps identify fraudulent applicants early in the process.

Fake candidates have become a real challenge across the industry. With remote interviewing and advances in technology, it can be difficult for companies to identify them. By implementing verification on the front end, we have been able to save our recruiters significant time and ensure they are spending their efforts on genuine candidates.

What are the biggest workforce challenges you are hearing from clients today?

Fake candidates remain a major challenge, but one of the biggest strategic questions companies face is determining the right work model.

Organizations continue to evaluate remote, hybrid, and fully on-site arrangements. Some companies have returned to the office five days a week, while others maintain hybrid schedules. Every approach has tradeoffs. Requiring employees to be in the office can significantly reduce the available candidate pool, while offering more flexibility can expand access to talent.

Hybrid remains the most common model among our clients, typically involving two or three days in the office each week. Remote work still exists, particularly in technology and sales roles, but it is not as prevalent as it was immediately following COVID.

Companies are constantly asking what other organizations are doing and what is working. Before COVID, the most common question was about compensation. Today, it is often about workplace flexibility and how to structure work arrangements to attract and retain talent.

How has Tampa Bay’s growth impacted the region’s labor market?

It has had an incredible impact. I was born and raised in Tampa and started my recruiting career here in 2006. At that time, it was uncommon to see people relocating to Tampa for career opportunities.

When I returned in 2018 to launch NextPath, interest in the market was already growing, and that momentum has only accelerated. Tampa attracts both young professionals and experienced workers who are returning to the region with valuable expertise.

One of Tampa’s greatest strengths is the diversity of its business ecosystem. Unlike markets that are heavily concentrated in one industry, Tampa has a broad mix of sectors. That diversity creates resilience and helps the region adapt to economic shifts.

The market now benefits from a strong mix of talent. Experienced professionals are relocating to the area, while more young professionals are choosing to stay rather than leave for opportunities elsewhere. Tampa also offers a range of employers, from Fortune 500 companies to mid-market firms and smaller businesses, creating opportunities for both employers and employees.

What are your key goals and priorities for NextPath Tampa over the next three to five years?

We completed our first acquisition earlier this year, and acquisitions are an important part of our growth strategy. We are looking for organizations that complement our business, add new capabilities, or introduce new client relationships.

Our goal is to complete five to seven acquisitions over the next three years. We are currently evaluating additional opportunities and hope to complete another acquisition before the end of the year.

We continue to grow organically through our existing team and client relationships. Another major priority is expanding our AI advisory practice and strengthening partnerships such as those we established with Microsoft and Salesforce.

The staffing industry has changed significantly since I entered the business 20 years ago. As a result, we are focused on diversifying our offerings and providing broader workforce solutions. We recently rebranded to reflect that evolution and to position ourselves beyond traditional staffing services.

We are headquartered in Tampa and do a significant amount of business here, but we also operate nationally, in Canada, and through nearshore and offshore engagements. Tampa is home, Tampa is where the flag is put. We want to continue growing from that foundation while expanding our capabilities and services where it makes sense.