Our Team

Maria Novoa, after a 15 year career in the non-profit world, helped co-found ATR International, Inc. in 1988. Since then, she has been a key contributor to ATR’s success as a provider of flexible workforce solutions for technology-based organizations. Maria served as ATR’s Chief Financial Officer for eleven years, until she took on a more strategic, advisory role. She is now responsible for assessing overall company performance and assisting with strategic and organizational planning, as well as advising on ATR’s public and industry relations. Maria developed her expertise and understanding of employment, staffing and the labor market as a dedicated career counselor and job developer with SER Jobs for Progress. Originally founded in 1964, SER’s mission is to increase the development and utilization of America’s human resources, with special emphasis on the needs of the Hispanic community, other ethnic groups, and “hard to serve” populations, in the areas of education, training, employment, business and economic opportunity. 

Prior to ATR Maria spent seven years as an administrator at Stanford University Medical Center. Maria has been an active and committed member of the business community throughout her career, sharing her knowledge and experience to support the efforts of others whenever possible. She has been honored multiple times with the Women in Leadership Award presented by the National Association of Women Business Owners. Maria also provides active leadership for ATR’s corporate charitable efforts, including the firm’s division winning participation in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Corporate Cup Challenge.

Maria is a graduate of Heald Business College.

Jerry Brenholz co-founded ATR International, Inc. in 1988. He has been instrumental in developing ATR into an important provider of contract staffing for Information Technology. In his current role, he is responsible for establishing a corporate-wide vision and defining strategic direction. Prior to ATR, Jerry held various technical positions with General Electric, Westinghouse, Applied Materials and Quadrex Corporation. Here during his 18 year career as a technical professional he assumed a variety of leadership roles and made significant contributions in engineering as well as in research and technology development. 

He is active in the American Staffing Association (ASA), TechServe Alliance (formally NACCB) and supports a number of cultural and non-profit organizations and institutions including The Tech Museum of Innovation, The Computer History Museum, The San Francisco Opera, SFMOMA, BASHOF, CYO, the de Young Legion of Honor.

Previously he also served on the Advisory Board of The California Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC), he served on the Silicon Valley Regional Board of TechAmerica, Executive Committee of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for the Silicon Valley & Monterey Bay Area Chapter, he was a member of the Founders Circle for The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) and served on the board of directors of Adult and Child Guidance Center.

Jerry earned a Master of Science Degree in Engineering Mechanics from Santa Clara University, Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University and completed an Executive Leadership Program at Stanford University.

As CEO/President of ATR International, I am proud to be the face of the next generation of the staffing world.

My career with ATR began in 2007, and ever since my responsibilities, expertise, and industry insight have steadily increased. Each day, I strive to keep ATR ahead of the curve by adopting new and emerging technologies that promise to improve ATR, businesses seeking talent, and skilled professionals. All these efforts lead to the continuous fulfillment of ATR’s purpose of making the world a better place, one job at a time.

Outside of my role as head of ATR, I am deeply committed to supporting my community in meaningful ways. I proudly serve on several boards, including the American Staffing Association, California Staffing and Recruiting Professionals, the National Board for Latinx Professionals, the Women of Color in Staffing, and First Tee Silicon Valley, where I help inspire and empower others to achieve their full potential.

As a mentor and advocate for women and minorities pursuing excellence in the staffing industry, I was honored to be named to Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2024 Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing list. Additionally, my efforts to foster diversity and innovation in leadership have earned recognition such as the HITEC 100 Award, the Enterprising Women of the Year Award, and a spot on Silicon Valley Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list. I also enjoy encouraging transformative conversations as the host of Unicorn in the Boardroom, a podcast dedicated to inspiring minority groups to excel and break barriers.

As CEO/President of ATR, I also aim to increase awareness of STEM subjects to the area’s girls and young women, and to give back to the community that serves as ATR’s home. I have always been passionate about philanthropy, and it is part of my role to encourage my team to use ATR’s Volunteering Time Off policy to help make a positive impact on all those we meet at ATR and beyond.  

ADVICE:

Presentation is everything. Be prepared for the interview, dress well, and have a great resume that explains what you do and isn’t too long. I would stress to hiring managers that communication is key and the more you tell us, the better we can help you find the right candidate.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “We stand our tallest when we bend down to help others up.”