In 1956, a quiet teenager from Tupelo, Mississippi—Elvis Presley—released “Heartbreak Hotel,” turning the music industry on its head. The wedding of American actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco drew the eyes of 30 million television viewers, while the U.S. economy surged forward thanks to postwar demand, a strong labor movement, and rising consumer spending. Yet beneath these headlines, another transformation was quietly taking shape: the recruitment industry was about to see a pivotal moment.
Meeting the Challenges of a New Workforce
World War II had left behind a landscape transformed by change. As men left to serve and women had not yet entered the workforce in substantial numbers, staffing agencies began rising to the challenge of filling vacancies that spanned communities and entire regions. Defense industries rapidly expanded, new factories emerged, and employers were searching far and wide for talent. Local employment agencies quickly realized the need for a more effective solution. It was around this time that Neil Hibbard, of Marker-Hibbard Personnel in Los Angeles, embraced a new approach.
The Birth of a Collaborative Network
Rather than working in isolation, Neil began reaching out, using the National Employment Board roster to contact agencies across the country. He proposed a system: forward resumes of qualified candidates and fill openings collaboratively, sharing fees for successful placements. As more agencies joined his network, Neil maintained and expanded a shared list, making it easier to support clients in locations near and far. Soon, not only resumes but jobs themselves were passed around the network. These informal recruiter partnerships grew organically, powered by a spirit of cooperation and shared trust.
Turning Collaboration into a Movement
By late 1956, it was clear that this collective effort needed structure to thrive and endure. On November 30, representatives from 35 agencies convened at the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago to formalize what had already become an essential network. The next day, December 1st, the initial constitution and bylaws were adopted. Lifetime membership was awarded to Neil Hibbard, honoring his vision and tenacity. And National Personnel Associates—today known as NPAworldwide—was officially born, founded on principles of reliability, transparency, and mutual success.
Building a Foundation on Volunteerism and Integrity
From the beginning, success was built on the tireless commitment of members. Volunteers quickly set about creating slogans and logos, grappling with rapidly evolving legislation, and writing ethical guidelines to keep the organization strong and principled. Harold Dreher from Cleveland produced a weekly newsletter while managing his own business—just one early example of dedication that has echoed through the decades.
Seventy Years of Progress and Recruiter Partnerships
Over the past 70 years, NPAworldwide’s reach has grown from those first partnerships to a thriving, global network, connecting quality recruitment firms worldwide. Members have driven forward every new initiative: global expansion, electronic record sharing, marketing, membership growth, and more. The foundation, however, has remained unchanged: a spirit of volunteerism, a commitment to quality, and the belief that working together results in better outcomes for everyone involved.
Gratitude for a Journey Shaped by People
As we mark seven decades, we do so with sincere gratitude to every member, partner, and supporter who has contributed to this journey. The story of NPAworldwide is about people—collaborators who saw value in recruiter partnerships, and who have shaped our network with integrity and vision. Volunteer leaders have strengthened the standards of our community, adapting to new challenges and supporting recruitment professionals in a constantly evolving marketplace.
Placing People Together for the Future
Looking ahead, we remain grounded in the values that guided our founding—resilience, adaptability, and a dedication to building lasting partnerships. Our aim is to connect independent recruiting firms across industries, cultures, and continents to exchange ideas, support one another, and place people together. We look forward to building new connections and achieving shared success, shaping the future of recruitment one relationship at a time.