Tammi Heaton is willing to take risks — and more often than not, they pay off. As COO and EVP for PrideStaff Inc., she oversees brand integrity and growth through strategic planning and managing operations. PrideStaff recruited Heaton in 1997 to start the firm’s risk management department, and she continues to launch many of the new initiatives that have fueled the firm’s growth rate of more than 30% for three consecutive years. Heaton is grateful for the benefit of strong mentors over the years in her own career, and pays back by coaching and mentoring several professionals within the organization.