Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Anderson.
Kyle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my career in the staffing, recruiting, and payroll industry over 16 years ago. In those early years, I focused on building strong partnerships with companies, ultimately working with more than 500 organizations across different industries. That experience gave me a deep understanding of workforce needs and the importance of aligning talent with business goals.
As I grew professionally, I realized I wanted to make an impact beyond just business success. That led me to co-found the Talent Acquisition Network of San Diego in 2018, which we formalized as a nonprofit in 2025. TANSD is dedicated to creating a collaborative environment where professionals can share knowledge and elevate the collective expertise of our community.
At the same time, I began teaching the Talent Acquisition & Retention course at California State University San Marcos. Teaching has been a rewarding way to give back, mentoring future HR leaders and sharing real-world insights from my career.
And since 2018, I’ve also been involved with the Century Club of San Diego, the organizers of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Through that work, I’ve been able to support local youth programs and contribute to the broader San Diego community.
So, my journey has really been about starting in the staffing industry, building expertise through hands-on partnerships, and then expanding my focus to education, nonprofit leadership, and community involvement. Each step has been about growing professionally while finding ways to give back and create impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Over the past 16 years, I’ve had to navigate recessions, the challenges brought on by COVID, and many other external factors that impacted both businesses and the workforce. My motto has always been ‘find the how’, meaning that no matter the obstacle, there’s always a way forward if you stay focused on solutions.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of surrounding myself with a strong network of intelligent, driven individuals. Collaboration and shared perspectives have been key to overcoming challenges, and I’ve always made it a priority to learn from people who are smarter than me. That mindset has not only helped me adapt during difficult times but has also fueled my growth and resilience throughout my career. TANSD would not be where it is today without the input and perspectives of several other leaders and partners.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Suna was founded in 2008 in San Diego, originally as a payroll and recruiting company. From the very beginning, our founder instilled a culture of ownership, empowering every team member to operate as if they were running the company themselves. That mindset has fueled innovation and accountability across everything we do. In my 12 years at Suna, I’ve been part of building customized talent and workforce solutions designed specifically for each client’s needs. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Instead, we collaborate deeply with HR and business leaders to understand their objectives and challenges, and then co-create solutions that simply don’t exist anywhere else. One HR leader described it best: ‘Kyle engrains himself in our organization as if he worked here. He provides strategic ideas, and by the time we finalized our recruiting arrangement backed by a global payroll solution, it was unlike anything we could get from another company, because we created it together. That’s an invaluable partner to have.’
Our services include:
• Permanent Placement & Recruiting
• Temporary and Contract Staffing
• Payroll Services for temporary workers
• Global Employer of Record & Payroll Services
• Contingent Workforce & Supplier Management Programs
• Vendor Management Software Systems
• Independent Contractor / 1099 Classification & Management
• Customized Recruitment Process Outsourcing
What sets us apart is that we’re not a traditional staffing firm. HR and Talent Leaders reach out to us when they need tailored workforce partnerships that combine recruiting, payroll, and global workforce management.
Most recently, with the launch of Suna Workforce Management in 2023, our brand has been recognized by the Everest Group Peak Matrix Research as an Emerging Global Leader in Contingent Workforce Management solutions. That recognition reflects what we’re most proud of: our ability to innovate, collaborate, and deliver solutions that elevate both our clients and the broader workforce community.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can collaborate with me or support the work I’m involved in:
SUNA – If your company is exploring recruiting or workforce management solutions, I love collaborating on progressive ideas and strategies. I’m always open to partnering with HR and people leaders to design customized approaches that go beyond traditional staffing models. www.suna.com
Talent Acquisition Network of San Diego (TANSD) – We welcome anyone interested in getting involved. At our upcoming holiday event in December 2025, local businesses can gain exposure by donating raffle items, and we’ll also be hosting a toy drive benefiting Promises2Kids. We’re always looking for great companies to showcase by hosting TANSD events, so reach out if you’d like to be part of that. www.tansd.org
Century Club of San Diego – Attending the PGA tournament at Torrey Pines is a fantastic way to support local youth-based charities. Whether you’re looking for single-day tickets or elevated hospitality experiences for your company, family, or friends, your participation directly benefits the San Diego community. https://www.farmersinsuranceopen.com/impact/
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) – In the HR Management program, I’m always eager to highlight HR and Talent Leaders who can share their career accomplishments and real-world applications with students. Textbooks provide the foundation, but it’s the case studies and lived experiences that truly resonate and leave a lasting impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.suna.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleandersonsd/
