Franca Forde Director Franca has worked in the hospitality industry since 1964, and has managed 32 hotels in that time, from small family motels to a 440 Unit Resort. In 1979, she relocated to Cairns to run a local hotel, however having experienced the shortage of skilled staff in the region, started the "Black and White Brigade" in 1989, later to become Forde Recruitment. Her role in the company today is to source potential sites of acquisition so that the Forde business model can spread throughout the state.

Paul Fitzgerald General Manager Paul has been the GM of Forde since emigrating to Australia in 2004. He has a BSC degree in Psychology from Glasgow University and has over 15 years experience as a business owner in the recruitment Industry. He is cognitive of the crucial responsibilities that Forde have within the local economy and has developed world class disciplines to ensure that Forde play a leading role in resolving the shortage of skilled workers in the region. The sourcing, training and injecting of up to 500 permanent and 2000 casual staff into our economy each year, underlines the commitment he has to ensuring that Forde remains a key asset in the local labour market.

Brian Forde Operations Manager After completing his schooling in NSW, and being awarded the NSW College Scholarship to the University of NSW, Brian accepted a position with a leading financial institution in Sydney. After 6 years, Brian then joined the Hospitality Industry, and this career has spanned a period of 35 years of hotel operation ranging from: Managing a 450 rooms Resort, to the Operations Manager of 35 properties around Australia. Brian entered the recruitment industry in 1989 to further utilise his past experiences.

Jodie Law Administration Manager Associated with the company since 1992, Jodie commenced with Forde as Receptionist, and has built her career up to Administration Manager with dedication and hard work, all the while keeping her sense of humour, and love for a good laugh!! Jodie has contributed to the success of Forde Recruitment with her extensive knowledge of Administration and Information Technology, in Industries ranging from Hospitality and Tourism, Finance, and Government.

Kelly Backhouse Financial Controller Kelly has successfully led our Finance Division from strength to strength since joining Forde in April 2004. Incredibly organised and super-efficient, Kelly inspires her department with dedication, loyalty and a quiet sense of humour. With a background in Office and Accounts Management, in industries ranging from Real Estate to Wineries, Kelly brings to Forde the leadership of a well rounded Finance Team.

Joanne Titmus Payroll Joanne is Forde Recruitment's Payroll Officer, and focuses on ensuring that all of our staff, which number over 600 in the peak season, are paid correctly, on time, each week. She is available to answer any payroll queries or concerns our staff may have between Monday and Friday. Joanne brings her extensive knowledge of hospitality and tourism industry to Forde from her previous experiences in the marine industry.

Melissa Wharton Administration Assistant Melissa or "Mel" as she prefers to be called, is our youngest star of the Forde Recruitment team! Employed as the Administration Officer for our Housekeeping Division, Mel enjoys the challenges she faces every day in this department. Some of Melissa's duties include invoicing, work rostering, data entry, and general administrative tasks. With a background in hospitality and a Diploma in Hospitality Management, Mel understands the industries, companies and businesses to which The Forde Group supplies its staff. When Mel is not busy administering our Housekeeping Division, you will find her out enjoying herself in town, socialising with friends with a Capricosa in hand.

Selena Morris Front Office Coordinator Selena is the 'face' of Forde Recruitment. Selena is employed by to ensure that when you enter the wonderful world of Forde Recruitment, she is the first and last face you will see - smile always guaranteed! Selena's excellent customer service skills are second to none, and her background in Recruitment lends her to providing our candidates and clients with timely and correct advice.

Tina McGuffie Manager - Temp Hospitality Division Having ten years experience working in the Hospitality Industry of the Far North, and holding a Bachelor's degree in Business, Tina commenced with Forde in 2005. Initially employed as a Consultant in the Temporary Division, Tina has advanced her career to take on the Management of the Temporary Staff Division. Although often faced with the pressures and demands that this position brings, Tina's sense of humour and ability to multi task makes her a huge asset, and delightful member of the team. Tina takes pride in the quality of her temporary staff members and continuously strives to create the perfect match between client's needs and candidate skills and personality. Her commitment to staff training and development has ensured that the Forde Group only supply the most skilled of staff to our clients.

Kimberley Lester Consultant - Temp Hospitality Division Kim makes her debut in Recruitment with Forde in 2007. Originally from Victoria, Kim has worked in international hotels from Canberra to ZhuHai, China. Her knowledge of the inner workings of hotels teamed with her Graduate Bachelor of Business from the Australian International Hotel school has added value to our existing Temporary operation. Skilled in guest service, Kimberley liaises with ease with Forde's clients and staff, and is professional, courteous and results-driven.

Sarah Barber Manager - Housekeeping Division Sarah, who was recently promoted to Forde's Housekeeping Manager, has worked for Forde Recruitment for over twelve months. With a Hospitality and Tourism background in the UK, including a Bachelor of Arts in International Tourism, Sarah enjoys using her skills in negotiation, communication and organisation to get great results for her clients and staff. Her diligence and attention to detail ensure that our Housekeeping clients receive world class service.

Matty Lalor Consultant - Housekeeping Division Matty's primary responsibility at the Forde Group is to train 5 Star Room Attendants and provide valuable support to the Housekeeping Division. With several years experience in all aspects of Housekeeping, Matty is the perfect person to contact for any questions in this division of Forde. As the housekeeping "Staff Manager", he is totally focused on maximising the skills of our staff, ensuring that their welfare remains our key priority and is always looking at ways to make the job more efficient.By working diligently to source the best staff inside and outside of our region, by training them to 5 star standard, and then ensuring that our staff morale is at the highest possible level, the courtesy, performance, productivity and enthusiasm of our housekeeping staff is a source of great pride to us all at Forde.

Jackie Gibb Branch Manager - Port Douglas Jackie is a rare breed of person, who is capable of handling almost anything life throws at them, with a grace and dignity that few possess. As a Consultant in the Temporary and Housekeeping Divisions, Jackie has a deep sense of civic responsibility and is very mindful of the standards expected of her clients. Jackie's dedication to delivering excellence on behalf of her clients is a powerful motivator for her. She is also mindful of the Forde Temp Team's ability to achieve the correct work/lifestyle balance, making sure that their job is fun and vibrant.

Alex Petrou Manager - Permanent Staff Division Competent, confident and ambitious, there's no doubt that Alex is one of the rising stars of recruitment in Far North Queensland. With a background in Retail Management and Hospitality, Alex joined the Forde Group in 2005 with a goal to expand Forde's Permanent Placement Division into the fields of Engineering, Trades, Construction, Retail and Finance. A keen sportsman and realist, Alex enjoys the everyday challenges of life and firmly believes "opportunity lies in the individual".His natural empathy with people coupled with his "dedication to excellence" makes him a true asset to Forde and a great source of inspiration to his applicants and his clients.