Position & Agency: Benefits Specialist – Department of Human Services (DHS)

HR Experience  - My Human Resources Career began at Georgia Regional Hospital in Decatur as an HR Clerk. During my brief time with the hospital, my supervisor, Donna Lynn Pie, challenged me with high-level assignments to prepare me for our HR Director’s transition to another career. After spending three months in that position, I was promoted to the Department of Human Resources’ State Office HR as a Personal Analyst working in the Classified and Compensation Section.

• While working in HR for the State Office, I received several promotions and served in various positions including HR Assistant, Compliance Management Specialist and Assistant Manager for the Data Transactions Unit, where I sharpened my knowledge of HR policy.
• Currently, I serve as the Benefits Coordinator for the Department of Human Services’ Office of Human Resources. While with DHS, I am most proud creating the BeneTalk series to educate DHS employees on the various benefit options offered through the State of Georgia. Hosting the series in this virtual platform allows me and my team to discuss topics such as preparing for retirement, benefits available at retirement, end of employment benefits for non-retirement, understanding short/long term disability and all other benefits products. 

Advice you want to share with other HR professionals: Always have a listening ear, give your all to every situation, and be prepared to learn. Human Resource employees are key to an organizations’ success and we must ensure the success of our agencies. Never give up on your dream – always be your biggest supporter.  Lastly, we are here to assist each other – HR without Borders – regardless of our agency or authority, we must support each other.

Member of GCHR: (formerly CSPA) at least 10 years.

Anything else you would like to share: I took my first airline flight April 15, 2015 – what a challenge. The flight was from Atlanta to Los Angeles. The plane shook and shook some more (y’all call it turbulence) for half the flight, but I had no fear for I had finally conquered one of my greatest fears. I have become addicted to flying – my favorite part being the take offs and landings. And one last thing you should know about me – I love my Georgia Bulldogs aka Dawgs!!