Kim Stroud MA, LMHC
Director, Human Resources
For many, the Holidays are a wonderful time to reflect on the past year's events and begin assessing your opportunities for the coming year. For myself, 2019 has been both exciting and heart wrenching due to various changes that have occurred in my work and personal life. However, for each of these events in 2019, I have felt extreme support and encouragement from my staff, peers, leaders and coworkers that has strengthened my investment in this organization and the people who make our community strong and vibrant.
In January 2019, my Dad passed away after enduring several strokes. While this was a painful event for myself and my family, I was comforted by the amount of support I received from so many people at Manatee County Government. My Employee Health Benefits staff were so supportive of me while ensuring good work was getting done and getting done well. I also found comfort in the great number of emails and calls I received from coworkers expressing their condolences and offering support.
As I reflect on this loss in my life, I am also reminded of the benefits I have with Manatee County Government that allowed me to be with my Dad in his remaining days and to grieve with my family. At the time, I certainly appreciated the support and the benefits, and as I reflect now, I realize that those benefits are reflective of the culture of our organization that creates a sense of pride and encourages me to work harder to achieve results for our members and employees. To work for an employer that recognizes the importance of family and the connection between our personal life and work is a blessing and something to hold on to.
The exciting change for me in 2019 was the opportunity to take on the role as the Human Resources Director. This process has reinforced to me that there is a commitment and investment in promoting some of the very initiatives that I have been passionate about at EHB: helping our employees be their very best selves at work and at home. I have watched with excitement and pride as all of my staff at EHB have taken on additional tasks and given me grace when I haven't been as present as I wanted while taking on this new role. I have also been fueled by my new team members within Human Resources who are eager to take action and create initiatives that are meaningful to our employees while supporting all of the Departments across the County.
Change means that we embark on the unknown and it can be exhilarating and challenging. But, when we stretch ourselves, take time to reflect, move on from disappointments and losses, and stay connected to the people who support us, we can do impossible things and be the best version of ourselves. My wish for all of you as we close out 2019 is that you take the opportunity to consider what is meaningful to you in your work and personal life. Cherish it. Don’t hesitate to challenge yourself, try new things, try again when you stumble, and enjoy the journey. Have a blessed season with your friends and family.
