Aug 3, 2017
ROCHESTER, NY -- The National Human Resources Association has elected Jennifer Lake, Vice President of People Resources at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, as the organization’s President. Lake took office on July 1 and will serve in this post for a one-year term.
The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) is focused on advancing the individual career development, planning and leadership of professionals in the human resources field. The mission of NHRA’s volunteer Board is to serve and support the association membership and affiliates by providing professional development programs and networking events for members.
“I am honored to represent our members leading an Organization with such a strong history and am looking forward to a great year,” says Lake.
Prior to assuming the president’s chair on the organization’s Board, Lake had served as the organization’s National President-Elect and previously as the VP of Affiliates East, most recently launching an Affiliate in Western NY. She has also served on the Board of Directors for NHRA’s Rochester Affiliate in various roles, including President from 2011-2012, as well as serving as Board Advisor and Mentor in the formal Chapter program.
According to HR Works, Inc. President Candace Walters, Lake has exhibited leadership at both the local and national level with NHRA that demonstrates her commitment to growing the educational opportunities for professional in the HR community across the U.S.
“I came up through the Rochester affiliate and I got so much out of the experience of being connected to other HR leaders in the community,” says Lake. “I’m obligated to keep it going. It is a personal passion to fuel the growth of the NHRA organization on a national level.”
At Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, Lake serves on the Senior Leadership Team and is the liaison to the Board of Directors for Strategic Planning, Succession Planning, and Executive Compensation. She also consults on all organizational development, learning, and change management initiatives.
One of the most significant professional efforts Lake has undertaken has been her work leading the construction and implementation of a strong talent management strategy and a more robust learning culture. She spearheaded the effort to create an emerging leaders program that has made a significant impact throughout the organization. This is a stellar example of how the culture of the organization has evolved in the 10 years she has been at Goodwill.
“Jennifer has transcended her role in Human Resources and is integrally involved in our extensive operations. She has played a critical role in propelling Goodwill’s growth and helping to create many additional job opportunities for people in our community,” says Gidget Hopf, President and CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes.
And just as her work to empower people with barriers to independence continues on the local level at Goodwill, Lake says she will continue to be involved with the NHRA national board after her term as President ends next June.
“My involvement with the national board will continue because I strongly believe in the work we (NHRA) do. I want to ensure that people sitting in the same position as I was and am have the same opportunity to advance,” explains Lake.
Lake was born in Ohio and moved to Syracuse, NY in middle school. She graduated from St. John Fisher College in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and then returned to earn a Master of Science in Organizational Learning and Human Resource Development in 2010. She currently resides in Pittsford, NY with her husband and daughter. Jennifer enjoys gardening, scrapbooking, exploring local sights, and undertaking home improvement projects.
###
Click here to learn more about The National Human Resources Association
Media Inquiries: (585) 232-1111