Age: 30
Business: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Abilene
Job title: Human resources director
Why are you working in this industry?
Hospitals have an uncanny ability to connect people regardless of their socio-economic status, innate abilities, influence, etc. Working in healthcare as a human resources professional both satisfied my aspiration to serve others, as well as, provide them the resources they need to be successful.
What are three daily habits that have helped you to become successful?
1. I try my best to set clear expectations.
2. Follow through.
3. Express gratitude to others.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Walk the walk so that you can talk the talk.” This mantra was introduced to me by my father when I was a child. Over the course of my career this advice has served as a firm reminder that when presented with the option, be a servant leader. To put it directly, practice what you preach and carry yourself in such a manner that others can look to you as a beacon of truth.
What was the most significant hurdle you had to overcome to get where you are? How would you address this hurdle today?
I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Lupus when I was 16. Overcoming self-pity and depression during that season in my life, although difficult, prepared me for life’s many lessons. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3 ,which directly addresses the fact that there is a “season for every activity under the heavens…” It’s important to embrace the season that you are in, positive or negative, in order to develop in to the best version of yourself.
What was your first summer job?
I started my own babysitting business when I was 12. I remember earning my CPR certification and proudly creating homemade signs to post around my community in order to build my “clientele.” Luckily, my mother taught me the value of saving money at a young age by ensuring I always saved 15 percent of my profits.
Describe yourself in one word.
Resiliency
If you were to give one piece of advice to someone starting out in your field what would it be?
Focus on developing an extraordinary, personal moral compass. To be successful as an HR professional, the ability to confidently make ethic-driven decisions is vital.
Community, civic, professional, business, religious, social and other organizations of which you have been a member/and or leader:
Abilene Christian University College of Business, adjunct professor; Community Foundation of Abilene Future Fund, board member; Big Country CASA, board member; Abilene Hope Haven, board member; Society for Human Resource Management, programs chairperson.
Your family:
Husband, Regi; parents, Annette Jones and Melvin Jones.
20 Under 40 is an awards program from the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, conducted with the Abilene Reporter-News, to recognize local business leaders under the age of 40 who make a positive impact on the community. We are proud of our alumni who have been recognized for 2019.
Read about the other ACU alumni honorees