Home: Natick, MA (Boston metro). Birthplace: Utica, NY. Profession: People at work (HR). Title: Chief People Officer. Significant other: My amazing husband and best friend, Mark Kelleher. Alma mater: Syracuse University (B.A.); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (master’s in Organizational Psychology).
Latest accomplishment: Proud mom of three launched adults. I worked for all of their lives, and they grew up to be amazing adults that I enjoy being around. Hobbies: Trying new crafts. My latest is making clay jewerly. Recent travel or adventure: Hiked the Mist Trail at Yosemite National Park. Recently viewed and recommended: Hacks (Prime Video). A hilarious series on women aging and getting better with experience. Recent unique acquisition: A seven month sabbatical.
Personality profile: An executer. I get stuff done. Moral compass: How would I want to be treated? How do you define a perfect friendship? Listener. What is your greatest joy? My family and watching it grow. What is your guilty pleasure? Romance novels. What natural talent have you neglected? Being creative, e.g., painting, drawing, jewelry making. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Vacationing. What is at the top of your bucket list? Returning to Europe. What is your go-to workout? Stationary biking, but not Peloton. I prefer to exercise privately.
What was your first paying job? Scooping ice cream - best job in the world, making people happy. What was your favorite college course? Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Everything clicked. What book have you repeatedly read? I don’t like to re-read books, there are too many new reads to enjoy. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My aunt, who sadly died right after her retirement. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Always treat people the way you want to be treated. What’s the best advice you received in your career? If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Art museums, anywhere and everywhere.
What is your big idea?
We need to get creative about bringing women back to the workforce post pandemic. We lost a lot of the forward momentum women had gained.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Widening the lens on what “good” looks like when hiring executives in order to create more room for diverse backgrounds and non-traditional career paths. What change would you like to see in the world? Better representation of the non-wealthy in politics. What message do you want to send out into the world? There is always room for more kindness. What mega-trend most concerns you? Gender pay inequality.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? What Starts Out Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Julia Roberts. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My dad. What advice would you give your younger self? You are going to have an amazing life and career. Relax and enjoy the journey. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding day and being with all my loved ones again.
Personal mission: Creating workplaces that enable all employees to thrive and grow professionally and personally. Personal motto: Bring your best self. Favorite quote: “You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, / Love like you'll never be hurt, / Sing like there's nobody listening, / And live like it's heaven on earth” (William W. Purkey). Desired epitaph: Loving partner, great mother, treasured friend.
