Buckle up, team! It’s time to shine the spotlight on our very own HR Manager, Brenna – the one-woman army who’s been steering our HR ship with unparalleled grace and a pink panache that’s hard to miss. Yes, you heard it right, her favorite color is pink, but don’t let that soft exterior fool you; Brenna’s as fierce as they come, especially when armed with her “top three” list and a planner to tackle the unpredictable waves of Human Resources.

Brenna’s not just about policies and practices; she’s the heart and soul of our workplace, transforming everyday challenges into stepping stones. Whether it’s playing the matchmaker to find the perfect new hire or becoming the go-to person for navigating those tricky professional conversations, she’s got a knack for turning problems into solutions that sing. And when she’s not being our HR superhero, you can catch her cheering for the Arizona teams, waving the FORKS UP sign with a passion ignited by her sports fanatic husband. Let’s get to know her better!

What do you love most about your job?
I love being able to help people! Being a team of one, you get pulled in many different directions and can get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks (which I still really enjoy!). Still, when I can sit down with a team member or manager and discuss their pain points in their team or their position and provide guidance or brainstorm a solution to their problem it makes my day. It could be anything from finding the perfect candidate to complete their team to roleplaying a conversation they’re unsure how to navigate. Seeing the positive impact of this support is a great reward!

What do you think sets you apart in your field?
I think what sets me apart is that I listen to the company’s needs and work WITH leadership to come up with real solutions. Having had many years of experience leading my own team and dealing with business operations gives me a broader perspective outside of the typical Human Resources world and I use that experience to make sure the policies and practices we implement are practical.  For me, it is all about finding a way to get to the desired result because nobody wants to be the person to say “No” all the time!

Do you follow any sports teams?
For many years I wanted nothing to do with sports at all. After meeting my husband who is a sports fanatic, I quickly became a big football fan and fantasy football junkie! With my husband being an Arizona native and ASU alumni, we follow all the Arizona teams, and we are season ticket holders for the ASU football team. FORKS UP, DEVILS!

How do you like to structure your day?
Every day I start out by reviewing my planner and creating a “top three” list: the three things I absolutely have to accomplish that day. Human Resources can be unpredictable from day to day, so it is critical that I build in wiggle room for the surprises while still feeling like I am making progress on the bigger projects.

Who are some of your biggest influences?
For sure my two girls and my husband are my biggest influences. I have been told many times since having my girls they have made me more patient, kind, and compassionate. They remind me to appreciate the little things and drive me to work hard for the big things. I also would not be where I am professionally without my husband’s support. His unwavering support through career changes and encouragement to achieve my personal goals keeps me focused and reminds me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. He is the most determined person I know when it comes to achieving the goals he sets for himself and it sets an excellent example for me!

What do you think is your biggest contribution to the ICC-IMS team?
Honestly, I think my role in recruiting the fantastic people on our team is my most significant contribution to our team. It is incredibly satisfying to know I helped find many of the people we have on our team who are contributing to our success every day. The people who work here are the best thing about IMS/ICC and if I have been able to contribute in any way to that, I know I am making a positive impact.

What are some of the challenges that you’ve faced since joining the team?
Navigating the many and frequent changes in HR regulation brought about by COVID was highly challenging and one I had to deal with right out of the gate, starting in March of 2020. Another challenge has been integrating various HR and payroll systems and creating cohesive policies after the acquisition of IMS in May of 2022, and is something that we are still working on. The good news is that I love challenges so keep them coming!

What do you enjoy most about working at ICC-IMS?
Two things: The people that I get to collaborate and interact with every day and the fact that I can have a real impact and voice. The people on our team are amazing to work with – everyone brings their A-game to the table which is a great feeling! The fact that I can raise red flags and propose new ideas and be heard in the process means so much to me. I am at my best when I know I am making an impact in the organization I work for and our leadership team makes it so easy to do that!

What is your favorite color?
Pink, of course! How could I be a mom to two girls and pink not be my favorite color?!

What would your spirit animal be and why?
A cat: I love naps and you have to work to earn my trust and affection.

– | Better Data, Better Decisions, Better Roads!