Robert Itskowitz, CPA

Rob brings over 15 years of recruiting and human resources experience to his role at Footprints to Recovery. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Yeshiva University, graduated magna cum laude, and holds a CPA license. Prior to joining Footprints to Recovery, Rob worked in audit at two of the “Big 4” public accounting firms. He’s also worked for national finance/accounting recruiting firms and has held several senior management positions in talent acquisition.

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. An avid Penguins and Steelers fan, Rob grew up in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA, where he now lives with his wife and four kids. He enjoys coaching Little League, running, taking classes at the Kollel Jewish Learning Center, and is an active member in his synagogue. Rob’s motto: make a difference every day, count your blessings, and be passionate about what you do professionally.

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.

with his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, got his CPA license, and started his career by spending 4.5 years in Big 4 public accounting with both PWC and Deloitte. Rob spent the next 15 years in recruiting, with the first 10 as the top permanent staffing member of a national finance/accounting recruiting firm and then nearly 5 years as a Director of Talent Acquisition. During this time, Rob oversaw and created a talent acquisition department by developing policies and procedures surrounding recruiting, onboarding, and human resources. Rob enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons in his free time, including coaching their little league teams, taking classes at the Kollel Jewish Learning Center, participating in events, and volunteering at Congregation Shaare Torah.

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 February of 2015-January of 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- Pittsburgh, PA October 2020- Present   VP of HR and Talent Acquisition

Regional Finance and Accounting Staffing – January 2020- October 2020 Senior Manager- Recruiting   Pittsburgh, PA

Footprints to Recovery- February 2015- January 2020  Director of Talent Acquisition   Pittsburgh, PA

Kforce   November 2004- January 2015   Talent Director   Pittsburgh, PA

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. I love knowing that every day 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 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.