Staffmark announced yesterday Lesa Francis has been promoted to president and CEO from president and chief operating officer. Francis joined the company as COO in 2006. She began to take on responsibilities as president in 2009 in anticipation of Fred Kohnke's retirement.

Kohnke will continue to serve on the company's board of directors.

With more than 25 years' staffing industry experience, Francis was the senior VP of business development and operations at Spherion before she joined Staffmark.

"I am very proud to announce Lesa's promotion," Kohnke said. "Since joining Staffmark Ms. Francis has been instrumental in setting our strategic direction and managing our strong growth and I feel confident that the company will continue to excel under her leadership."

Staffmark ranked No. 17 on Staffing Industry Analysts' 2010 list of largest U.S. staffing firms.