Patricia Newman, former CEO of Westaff Inc. (NASD: WSTF), has begun a new direct hire firm called Newman Scout. Segments the firm will focus on include finance and accounting, human resources, legal, administrative, sales and marketing and executive search. It will cover the San Francisco Bay Area.

Newman Scout began operations about two weeks ago, Newman said.

"I'm very committed to the industry and I'm also very committed to the whole idea of direct hire and absolutely getting the right person from day one for our customers," Newman said.