TEAM

Ronald D. Folkman

Senior Managing Partner

Ron founded SSI in 1989 after earning his Hotel Management degree from Webber International University. Before establishing SSI, he spent fifteen years in executive leadership positions overseeing Food and Beverage and Rooms Divisions at Hilton, Hyatt, and Fairmont hotels across the country. His experience includes managing numerous hotel openings and serving as General Manager for high-volume independent restaurants. Today, alongside his recruiting work, Ron oversees SSI’s day-to-day operations, internal training, company marketing, and client relations across all locations.

To contact Ron directly, please dial toll free (813)464-2939  RDF@ssirecruiting.com – Tampa, Florida.

Greg Birkmeier

Managing Partner

Greg joined Specialty Search International in 2000, launching his career in hospitality recruiting. He excels at partnering with clients to solve their critical staffing needs, serving both SSI’s longstanding clients and developing new relationships. Before joining SSI, he spent ten years in operations and sales roles with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and The Renaissance Hotel Company.
His career highlights include serving as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis; Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Kansas City; and National Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. At the Renaissance Waverly Hotel, he progressed from Management Trainee to National Sales Manager, Catering Sales Manager, and Restaurant General Manager. Greg graduated from Purdue University Summa Cum Laude with Honors and Distinction.
To contact Greg directly, please dial toll-free (813)464-2933  greg@ssirecruiting.com  — North Florida office.

Jim Coffey

Senior Vice President

Jim brings 25 years of progressive hospitality experience in operations, sales, and marketing. His leadership journey began at a four-diamond hotel in New Jersey, where he spent three successful years in operations before transitioning to sales. His sales experience encompasses the full spectrum of Marriott International brands, including a national sales role with The Ritz Carlton Hotels of Atlanta, followed by sales leadership positions at Noble Investment Group and Dolce Hotels and Resorts. Most recently, as Senior Director of Corporate Sales at Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, he oversaw the full-service domestic sales organizations and shared services team.

To contact Jim directly, please dial toll free (866)789-2673 jim@ssirecruiting.com – Mid-Atlantic office

Abeera Khan

Director of Research

Abeera Khan is SSI’s Director of Research. She manages the company’s off-shore resources to optimize efficient identification of candidate prospects via a robust in-house Executive Talent Bank as well as digital engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from The Department of Computer Engineering of BZ University Multan, Pakistan. She previously worked with U.S. based EDGE Recruitment as a Recruitment Consultant for two years and prior was Deputy Director of IT Infrastructure for Pakistan’s Railways.

Michelle Ruggiero

Office Manager

Michelle joined SSI in 2010 with extensive operations experience from her years at Ralph Lauren in Tampa. She holds a Business Management degree from the University of South Florida. As Office Manager, she supports all SSI office locations by managing the firm’s website, job postings, and accounting responsibilities.