 Manager Human Resources"My coworkers, managers and associates - they are key to what makes this a nice work environment. It is a casual atmosphere and it feels very open. Even though this is a huge corporation, it feels like a small family."
 | Why did you join Macy's Logistics and Operations and why have you stayed? |
When I was being recruited to Macy's Logistics and Operations, I really didn't know much about the company. So I visited the macysjobs Web site and looked up as much as possible to find out what this company was all about. I learned a lot from there, in particular from the Spotlight interviews. It gave a good perspective on what associates thought about the company. Another thing that also impressed me when I was researching the organization and talking to people at the company was the longevity of the employees. The VP who interviewed me had been here 30 years, and it seemed to be a common theme. That really attracted me to the company.
I've stayed because I think the company is very progressive. They care about their associates, and that's reflected through the company's commitment to the development of employees - from specific training and development classes to Six Sigma and CAP. These are all progressive programs that you learn about in graduate school, but you don't expect to actually go and work for a company that does it all. This company does.
| What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities? |
The interaction with the people is what I enjoy most. I feel that you make a difference every time you speak to somebody, and no matter how insignificant it may seem - it is a difference. So it's mainly the interaction with the people.
In human resources, we handle a lot of different functions. We're responsible for all employee relations. We act as a liaison between benefits and the associates. We organize employee activities. We handle all the hiring, employment and recruitment and run all the committees in the building (i.e. Partners in Time, Diversity, etc.). We're also responsible for safety. So there's always a lot on our plate.
| What contribution do you make to your division and how do you feel you make a difference? |
Basically, my contribution is in trying to keep employees satisfied. Happy employees make more productive employees, and therefore you have a staff that will contribute more to the company. It's a long chain of events that happens to make things run smoothly and efficiently. Our part in that is to keep employees happy, to handle any issues that might arise and to keep people motivated and excited about their work here.
| What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company? |
We recently put together our Partners in Time committee, which is a charity-focused committee. Our building hadn't been doing a lot of those activities in the past, but the program has been getting stronger. We just did our Bag Hunger campaign, and it was really impressive how everyone united to collect all this food. It was very memorable how everybody pulled together and got into the spirit of giving.
| How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you? |
It's benefited me immensely. I've gone through so many training classes since I started here (seven in one year). I had learned about a lot of these things in graduate school, but this training is more specific to this company. It's been wonderful; it's been extremely helpful in day-to-day work activities. Everybody who participates in training feels very positive about it. It enhances your ability to do the job, and it makes you more marketable. This company really invests a lot in its employees.
| Is community involvement important to you, have you been involved in any projects in your division and was this something you considered when joining the company? |
I didn't know how involved the company was before I joined or how big Partners in Time was throughout Macy's Logistics and Operations and Macy's, Inc. So that wasn't part of my decision. But I am very glad that it's something that's important here, and it's opened my eyes about how much you can do for the community. It's very rewarding.
| What do you like best about your work environment? |
It's a combination of a lot of things, but it's certainly the people. My coworkers, managers and associates - they are key to what makes this a nice work environment. It is a casual atmosphere and it feels very open. Even though this is a huge corporation, it feels like a small family.
| What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work? |
Family is hobby number one. I just graduated with an MBA and that took the majority of my time outside of work. I'm finally free to explore some other hobbies. It was difficult to balance school, work and family, but it was something that can be done. It's not easy, but they were very supportive here. It's just a balance you have to find one way or another.
| What advice would you give to a new executive joining the company? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals? |
I would say take advantage of all that this company has to offer. The training is going to be a huge part of your development here. Also, continue developing yourself outside of work as well. Always seek help … there are so many years of experience accumulated among the people that work here, and everybody's willing to help.
| What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc. and the department store industry? |
I see a lot of growth and prosperity for Macy's, Inc. I think this is a very solid company, and even though our economy hasn't been the best, it's going to turn and it's starting to turn now. Just the fact that this company has such a progressive vision and is so open to different ideas will make it prosperous. Macy's, Inc. will continue to grow and to be a leader in this industry.
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