7 August 2026

Geneva Employee Spotlight: Maria Rua Connects Exceptional Talent with Meaningful Work

Every advancement in military medical research starts with the people who make it possible. As a Talent Acquisition Administrator at The Geneva Foundation, Maria A. Rua, MS, helps build that workforce by recruiting scientists, researchers, clinicians, and research support professionals who advance federally funded medical research programs that improve the health and readiness of Service members, veterans, and their families.

Working closely with hiring managers and principal investigators, Maria identifies and attracts top talent for research, clinical, and operational roles across Geneva. As Chair of Geneva’s Wave the Flag Committee, she also leads the organization’s employee recognition program, helping foster a culture where employees feel valued for the contributions they make to the mission. Together, these responsibilities allow her to support Geneva’s people throughout their employee journey, from recruitment to recognition.

For Maria, the most rewarding part of her work is connecting talented professionals with careers that contribute to something larger than themselves.

“I enjoy the challenge of recruiting. No two searches are the same, and I like developing creative sourcing strategies, building relationships with candidates, and partnering with hiring managers to find the best talent. It’s especially rewarding when I can connect someone with a role they’re passionate about while helping our teams achieve their goals.”

She is equally passionate about recognizing the people who make Geneva’s mission possible.

“People are an organization’s greatest asset. Through my role as Chair of the Wave the Flag Employee Recognition Program, I’m able to help recognize and celebrate the employees whose dedication drives our mission forward. Creating an environment where people feel valued and appreciated is something I’m truly passionate about.”

That passion for supporting people has shaped Maria’s career. After earning an Associate of Arts in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, she built a strong foundation in human resources through nearly a decade with a private translation company in New York City, advancing from receptionist to HR Generalist. She later joined Columbia University Medical Center as a Senior Faculty Affairs Client Manager, where supporting faculty appointments and academic affairs sparked her interest in healthcare and research.

After taking time away from her career to raise her twin boys, Maria found an opportunity at The Geneva Foundation that combined her experience in human resources and talent acquisition with her passion for supporting medical research.

Current initiatives include partnering with Human Resources to enhance Workday and improve recruiting workflows, developing innovative sourcing strategies, strengthening Geneva’s employer brand, and building talent pipelines for hard-to-fill research and corporate positions. These efforts strengthen Geneva’s ability to attract and retain the specialized workforce needed to support its research programs.

Reflecting on her time at Geneva, one of the greatest highlights has been seeing the direct impact of her work on the organization’s mission.

Whether recruiting exceptional talent or recognizing employees through the Wave the Flag Employee Recognition Program, Maria helps ensure Geneva has both the people and culture needed to advance military medical research. By supporting the employee experience from recruitment through recognition, she helps strengthen the foundation for research that improves the lives of Service members, veterans, and their families.

Interested in making an impact? Explore career opportunities at Geneva and join the team advancing military medicine through research, development, and education. View current openings at genevaUSA.org/careers.