Robert Itskowitz, CPA
Vice President of Human Resources
Robert Itskowitz, CPA, is the Vice President of Human Resources at Footprints to Recovery’s addiction treatment centers. With over 15 years of experience in recruiting and human resources, Rob oversees all HR and talent acquisition efforts for the organization. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Yeshiva University, graduated magna cum laude, and holds a CPA license.
Rob started his career in audit with PWC and Deloitte, two of the “Big 4” public accounting firms. He then transitioned into recruiting, spending 10 years as the top permanent staffing member at a national finance and accounting recruiting firm, followed by nearly 5 years as a Director of Talent Acquisition. During this time, he built and refined talent acquisition departments, creating policies and procedures for recruiting, onboarding, and HR.
As the Vice President of Human Resources, Rob oversees all aspects of human resources and talent acquisition at Footprints to Recovery and its treatment centers. Helping people is what he loves most about his job, whether that’s guidance on an issue, recruiting help, or connecting people with the right individual or support tool.
A Pittsburgh native, he lives in Squirrel Hill with his wife and four sons. In his free time, he enjoys coaching Little League, running, taking classes at the Kollel Jewish Learning Center, and volunteering at Congregation Shaare Torah. Rob’s motto: make a difference every day, count your blessings, and be passionate about your work.
More On Robert
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Interests & Passions: Pittsburgh Penguins hockey and Pittsburgh Steelers football; coaching my kids’ Squirrel Hill little league teams; learning at the Kollel Jewish Learning Center
What do you like most about your job? I love to help people. As I say all the time in our human resources and talent acquisition departments, “Our customers are our internal employees.” If I can keep our customers happy than I feel fulfilled.
Together we…..: Can accomplish anything. If we believe in each other and support each other, anything is possible.
When did you start working with FTR and what titles have you held?
I started working for CMJ/Vogue in October of 2020 as the VP of HR and Talent Acquisition. Interestingly, I previously worked for Footprints to Recovery from 2015-2020 as the Director of Talent Acquisition under its previous ownership group as did several members of our corporate team.
What are the main responsibilities in your current position?
I’m involved in all aspects of human resources and talent acquisition. This includes overseeing our healthcare benefits, 401k retirement plan, employee relations, FMLA, and workers compensation to name a few. Additionally, I oversee our recruiting team that works directly with hiring managers that are sourcing candidates, extending offers, sending out onboarding information as well as process improvements.
List any higher education degrees, where you obtained them, and when you graduated.
I graduated magna cum laude from Yeshiva University in May of 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
List any special training, certificates, or awards you’ve received.
I received my CPA license while working for 4.5 years in audit with both PwC and Deloitte.
When did you begin working in the behavioral health field?
I started in February 2015 when I was recruited to join Footprints to Recovery.
List jobs within the past 10 years (where, when, and title).
- CMJ/Vogue Recovery Center – VP of HR and Talent Acquisition
- Regional Finance and Accounting Staffing: Senior Manager of Recruiting
- Footprints to Recovery -Director of Talent Acquisition
- Kforce – Talent Director
Give a brief description of the jobs relevant to your position now (i.e., past work in the behavioral health field and/or jobs in management).
Having previously worked for Footprints to Recovery as the Director of Talent Acquisition, I got to work very closely with some of our executive directors and corporate staff ( even recruited some current employees into those roles) to understand their staffing needs and work to recruit, hire, and onboard many talented dedicated professionals. This helped to build strong lasting professional relationships that exist today.
Why did you get into this work?
I was recruited by a close friend that was the former CEO of Footprints to Recovery. His drive, dedication, and strong belief in this industry showed me that this aligned well with my personal and professional goals.
What do you find rewarding about this work?
I love helping people. It makes me happy to know that if someone needs assistance, whether it’s guidance on an issue, recruiting help, or even just putting them in contact with the right individual or support tool, I can help. On top of that, I also feel like there are always ways we can improve in our jobs and I’m constantly learning new things.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in the city of Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating high school and spending 7 years away, I’m proud that after I got married, I had an opportunity to move back to Squirrel Hill with my wife and raise 4 of our boys.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love coaching little league and being an active member in my synagogue as well as taking classes regularly at the Kollel Jewish Learning Center. I also enjoy running.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Make sure that you are making a difference every day. I try to get up every day and count my blessings. Be passionate about what you do professionally.
