Press
May 6, 2025
Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), a Starfish Partners company, is proud to announce our inclusion once again in Forbes' prestigious list: "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms." This marks our seventh year being recognized among the top firms in the nation. We are also pleased to celebrate this achievement alongside our fellow Starfish Partners company, Kaye/Bassman and sister company, Sanford Rose Associates.
This ongoing recognition reflects our relentless dedication to delivering exceptional service and results. Over the years, DRI has been honored to appear on Forbes' recruiting and staffing rankings in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 — and now again in 2025.
Forbes' selection process is rigorous and impartial, based on feedback from over 16,700 recruiters, job candidates, and hiring managers across the U.S. We are incredibly thankful to our clients, candidates, and peers whose trust and support have earned us this distinction.
Since 1983, Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI) has been known as the relationship-focused executive search firm helping leading organizations recruit, acquire, and retain top-performing talent for mission-critical roles.
Learn more at www.directrecruiters.com and follow us on Twitter @DRI_Inc.
April 29, 2025
Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), a Starfish Partners Company and leading executive search firm, is proud to announce its recognition on Hunt Scanlon’s prestigious 2025 Top 50 rankings for both Healthcare and Life Sciences. This honor reflects DRI’s ongoing dedication to excellence in executive recruitment and its role as a trusted partner in delivering top talent across these critical sectors.
Hunt Scanlon’s annual rankings are considered a gold standard within the executive search industry, spotlighting firms that consistently demonstrate influence, expertise, and outstanding performance. DRI’s inclusion in the Top 50 highlights its proven success in identifying and placing high-impact leaders who drive innovation and growth in healthcare and life sciences.
With deep industry knowledge and a strategic, relationship-driven approach, DRI is uniquely positioned to address the evolving talent needs of healthcare and life sciences organizations. The firm combines market intelligence, a robust candidate network, and a commitment to client success to deliver exceptional executive search solutions.
As demand for skilled leadership intensifies across these industries, DRI remains at the forefront—helping organizations navigate complexity and secure the talent they need to lead with confidence.
Click here to view the 2025 Healthcare Top 50 Firms list.
Click here to view the 2025 Life Sciences Top 50 Firms list.
Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), a Starfish Partners company, is proud to announce the promotion of Ben Shamis to Managing Partner.
Since joining DRI in 2021, Ben Shamis has been a driving force behind the firm’s continued success in the Healthcare Technology sector. Leveraging a background that spans physician consulting, finance, operations, and business development, Ben quickly established himself as a trusted advisor and strategic partner for both clients and candidates. Promoted to Partner in 2023, Ben earned a reputation for delivering customized talent solutions and building long-term relationships with leading healthcare organizations. His ability to align top-tier talent with the unique goals and cultures of his clients has been instrumental in elevating DRI's impact and reach.
“Ben’s promotion to Managing Partner is a reflection of his exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Mike Silverstein, Managing Partner of Healthcare IT & Life Sciences. “He has not only helped grow our practice but has also contributed significantly to the strategic direction of the firm as a whole.”
As Managing Partner, Ben will continue to spearhead business development initiatives and mentor emerging leaders within the organization, all while driving innovation and growth across DRI’s executive search services. His promotion underscores DRI’s commitment to investing in leadership that drives value, builds strong partnerships, and shapes the future of executive recruiting.
To contact Ben Shamis, 872-249-9587 / bshamis@directrecruiters.com.
Since 1983, Direct Recruiters, Inc. has been recognized as the relationship-focused search firm that assists top-tier organizations with recruiting, acquiring, and retaining high-impact talent for mission-critical positions.
March 20, 2025
Direct Recruiters, Inc., a subsidiary of Starfish Partners is proud to announce that they have once again earned recognition in Hunt Scanlon’s highly regarded Annual Search Industry Rankings. This marks the seventh consecutive year DRI has secured its position on the prestigious list. Joining the recognition, Kaye/Bassman International, a distinguished member of Starfish Partners, secured its place on the prestigious list.
Hunt Scanlon’s Annual Search Industry Rankings highlight the top 50 executive search firms across the Americas, recognizing firms that demonstrate exceptional growth, performance, and leadership in talent acquisition. In the 2025 rankings, DRI is honored to be listed at #24, while KBIC earned an impressive #32 spot.
Starfish Partners celebrates the continued achievements of its subsidiaries, who remain at the forefront of the executive search industry, delivering outstanding talent solutions to clients across various sectors.
To view the complete 2025 rankings, click here.
February 21, 2025
Solon, OH – Direct Recruiters, Inc. is proud to announce that Michael Silverstein’s insightful recap of the ViVE 2025 tradeshow has been featured by HIStalk, a prominent publication covering health IT and industry developments. His firsthand account of the conference explores the rapid rise of AI Agents and their impact on the healthcare industry, along with key investment trends and the evolving technology landscape.
As Managing Partner of Healthcare IT & Life Sciences at Direct Recruiters, Inc., Mike dives into how AI is reshaping patient interactions, call centers, and clinical workflows—hinting at a major shift in healthcare consumer experiences.
“Mike’s expertise and deep understanding of the healthcare IT landscape continue to position Direct Recruiters as a trusted voice in the industry,” said Dan Charney, President and CEO of Direct Recruiters. “The fact that HiSTalk recognized his ViVE recap speaks volumes about the impact of AI on healthcare—and the critical role talent will play in driving innovation forward.”
Read the full recap, now featured on HISTalk.
December 19, 2024
Direct Recruiters is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our team as we close out another successful year! This year’s end-of-year awards highlight the dedication, excellence, and teamwork that drive our success. Join us in congratulating the exceptional individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond, exemplifying the values and commitment that make Direct Recruiters, Inc. a leader in executive search and recruitment.
Team Awards
Top 5 Producing Teams
- Healthcare IT Team
- Digital Health Team
- Government, Energy and Security Team
- Material Handling, Packaging & Processing Team
- Plastics, Flexible Packaging, Labels & Specialty Chemicals Team
Individual Awards
Rookie of the Year
Danny Myeroff
Corporate Mystic
Jaimie Bailey
Producer of the Year
- Tess Lepore
- Danny Myeroff
- Jess Marino
Partner Producer of the Year
- Mike Silverstein
- Norm Volsky
- Mitch Herman
