Meet our New VP of Human Resources
Meet our New VP of Human Resources
Susan Was joined AAA Western and Central New York in November – read along and get to know the new leader of our Human Resources department!
How did you decide to pursue the career that you are working in today?
I was a Spanish Teacher out of college and knew I wanted to transition to business. Fortunately, when I was in Graduate School at Canisius College, I met a few classmates who were in Human Resources. One classmate took a chance on me and I began my HR career as a Recruiter.
How do you feel about joining AAA as VP of HR?
I am thrilled to join an organization that has a vast amount of care and concern for their members as they do for their associates. Having a positive engaging work environment directly impacts the engagement of the employees, resulting in a fantastic member experience. I hope to continue the momentum and assist in furthering the connection between employee experience and member experience.
How do you engage a team and boost morale?
Communication is key to engagement and creating a positive culture. Transparency, openness to give and receive feedback, as well as giving others the benefit of the doubt will position any team for success and strong productivity.
What are the most important traits of successful leaders today?
Trust, Commitment, & Compassion are critical for every leader to balance in order to motivate their team, create a positive judgment free environment, and understanding diverse perspectives and opinions.
What are you doing daily to ensure your growth and development continues as a leader?
Growth as a leader drives from within and from the feedback you gather from others. I spend a great amount of time self-reflecting on how I can be my best self. I read often, whether it be on mindfulness and leadership, Harvard Business Reviews, or staying in tune with what is happening in the world to help guide change in an organization. I attend conferences that stretch my strategic knowledge and capabilities, and most importantly, I ask a lot of questions to learn from others.
Twenty Questions
1. Favorite movie?
Sound of Music
2. Favorite food?
Pot Roast – However it has to be my mom’s Pot Roast Dinner
3. Favorite band/musician?
Michael Jackson
4. Favorite way to travel?
On a Plane for sure - and hopefully to somewhere warm
5. Favorite season?
Summer and specifically, August, when our family gets to spend quality time together
6. Biggest accomplishment?
Raising my 3 children to be kind and grateful
7. Last book you read?
Michelle Obama - Becoming
8. Hobbies?
Soccer Mom, Dance Mom, Tae Kwon Do Mom, Soccer Coach, Avid Sports Fan & Golfer
9. Last picture you took?
Daily – I am snapping pics of my kids or videos – so important to capture the memories we have together!
10. What's your favorites indoor activity?
I love board games – specifically Monopoly & Scrabble
11. Perfect pizza?
Cheese, Pep, Mushroom & Onion
12. Favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving – such a great day to relax, have a great meal, and enjoy time with my family
13. What makes you happy?
Taking care of others, spending time with family, and I LOVE going to weddings
14. Favorite vacation spot?
Spain – specifically Northern Spain
15. Favorite restaurant?
El Embrujo Flamenco in Toronto
16. What do you do to relax?
I’m pretty sure I will relax in another 15 years or so when my kids get older
17. Greatest strength?
Helping others to be the best they can be. I am an encourager and help others share the strengths they have to make a positive impact of those around them whether professional or personal
18. Favorite childhood game?
Hide and Seek
19. What language would you want to learn?
I am fluent in Spanish so I would say French or Italian would be next to broaden my skills
20. Favorite TV show?
In recent years Paw Patrol is a family favorite, however I have been a long-time fan of Grey’s Anatomy.
Would you like to join AAA Western & Central New York?