HR Leader Profile

Meet: Kathleen (Carey) McNeal

Position Title: Director of Human Resources
Agency: State Personnel Administration
Agency Location: Atlanta, GA
Number of Employees in Agency: 100
Hire Date: March, 1987
Educational Background: BS Georgia State University 1986: MS Management/Human Resources Georgia State University 1991
Certifications: SPHR

What drew you to a career in HR?

HR is my second career. I was a stay-at-home mom while my kids were in school. During that time I went back to college to finish my bachelor’s degree intending to major in accounting. As I progressed with my studies, I began to think about my career choice. Looking back at the volunteer opportunities that I had and the various courses in my bachelor’s program, I realized that a career in Human Resources would be a better fit for interests and experience.

What attracted you to the opportunities at the State?

Once I received my bachelor’s degree, I began a career search in earnest. One of our professors mentioned the career opportunities in State Government and I took several of the tests. I began my career as a “personnel analyst I” with the Department of Medical Assistance. I was fortunate to have a supervisor who believed in mentoring staff. She provided me with many training and growth opportunities which helped to provide me with a sound background as a HR generalist.

What do you enjoy most about your job as a human resource professional?

I have an opportunity to be a part of “solutions” that support our agency success, make the work environment better, provide career development opportunities, or make it a little easier for employees to balance work/life issues. I like the variety; my job is never dull or routine.

What skills are critical to having a successful HR career?

Listening, flexibility, and business acumen are essential. The HR practitioner needs to have a good understanding of HR laws and best practices and keep current on trends and changes. The “science” of HR may be predictable, but as you are dealing with individual employees and organization issues, there is always the “unpredictable” that you have to prepare for or content with.

What are some of the challenges you face?

During these financially challenging times for state government, it is hard to find the resources needed to develop and support the workforce. We are fortunate at SPA to have a number of creative, innovative professionals who help us move forward despite these external constraints.

Describe your most professionally satisfying project or experience at the State.

When I think back of the past 20 years, one project rises to the top. I was provided an opportunity to work with the Georgia Oglethorpe process for four years and was a team lead for three years. The Georgia Oglethorpe Award Process provided a comprehensive framework for assessing progress toward creating and sustaining high performing organizations. Participation in this process required a lot of hard work and long days. The pay off was the knowledge exchange, the demonstration of creative, innovative processes, and the recognition that we were helping Georgia become the best managed state.

How do you feel you are making a difference at the State?

As a HR professional, I feel we provide a voice for state employees and help make state government better employers. The HR community in Georgia state government often work together to solve common problems and share resources.

How do the State values contribute to your work experience?

It is very rewarding working for state government. The state as a whole through its agencies, offices and authorities promotes good management practices and values its employees. This has led agencies to consider traditional and non-traditional solutions for increasingly complex work/life issues. I believe that overall the state government workplace has improved state workers.

How does the State support your career aspirations?

With each of my state employers, I was given opportunities to learn and apply new skills. For example, I was able to participate in Grievance Hearing and the Mediation processes. I was provided excellent training and provided opportunities to provide the service to other agencies throughout the state. This enhanced my HR skills and helped

Do you have any parting thoughts to someone planning to start a career in state government as an HR professional?

There are many opportunities to enhance your skills, learn new skills, and have a platform to demonstrate your professional expertise. In addition to doing an exceptional job in your agency, I would encourage you to look for those opportunities to serve on committees, to contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives. The networking and advancement opportunities in state government are often disguised as “extra work.”