Robert Foster

AVP, Talent Acquisition

Professional Overview
Robert Foster is an accomplished talent acquisition leader with extensive experience driving strategic talent initiatives for prominent organizations. As the AVP of Talent Acquisition at Amtrak, he is responsible for overseeing the company's nationwide recruitment efforts, developing innovative sourcing strategies, and cultivating a robust talent pipeline to support Amtrak's growth and operational objectives.

Experience Summary

Current Role
In his current role as AVP of Talent Acquisition at Amtrak, Robert is instrumental in shaping the company's talent acquisition function. He leads a team of recruitment professionals to identify, attract, and hire top-caliber talent across Amtrak's diverse business units. Under his guidance, the talent acquisition team has achieved significant improvements in key metrics, including a 25% reduction in time-to-fill and a 15% increase in employee retention rates.

Career Progression
Prior to joining Amtrak, Robert served as the Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition at Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK, where he spearheaded the integration of talent acquisition strategies across the organization's multiple media brands. In this role, he implemented data-driven recruitment processes that resulted in a 20% increase in qualified applicant pool and a 30% improvement in hiring manager satisfaction.

Earlier in his career, Robert held talent acquisition leadership positions at Turnberry Solutions, Mobiquity, Inc., and North Highland Worldwide Consulting, where he consistently demonstrated his ability to drive strategic talent initiatives and deliver measurable business impact.

Academic Background
Robert holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in Human Resource Management. He is a passionate advocate for continuous learning and professional development, and has completed several industry-relevant certifications, including the Certified Talent Acquisition Specialist (CTAS) and the Certified Workforce Planning Specialist (CWPS) designations.

Areas of Expertise

• Talent Acquisition Strategy and Execution

• Recruitment Process Optimization

• Employer Branding and Candidate Experience

• Workforce Planning and Analytics

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

• Change Management and Organizational Transformation

Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Robert has been recognized for his ability to translate talent acquisition strategies into tangible business results. He has led several high-profile talent acquisition projects, including the development of a centralized recruitment system that drove a 35% increase in hiring efficiency for a global professional services firm.

Robert is an active contributor to the talent acquisition community, sharing his insights and best practices through industry publications and speaking engagements. He is a frequent presenter at regional and national talent acquisition conferences, where he has earned a reputation as a thought leader in the field.

Conclusion
With a proven track record of success in talent acquisition leadership, Robert Foster is poised to make a significant impact in his role as the AVP of Talent Acquisition at Amtrak. His strategic vision, data-driven approach, and commitment to innovation position him as a valuable asset in supporting Amtrak's talent and growth objectives.