Human Technologies VP of Human Resources is named the recipient of the Lynda Ford Lifetime Achievement Award.
Human Technologies VP of Human Resources, Linda Forth, was awarded the Lynda Ford Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mohawk Valley Society for Human Resource Management (MVSHRM).
The Lynda Ford Award for Lifetime Achievement in Human Resources is given in memory of Lynda who passed away in January of 2007. Lynda Ford, SPHR served as President of the Ford Group, a consulting firm that specialized in human resource and business development with the goal to strengthen organizations through their greatest potential resource…people.
Below is Linda’s write-up from the award booklet…
Linda is the Vice President of Human Resources for Human Technologies Corporation in Utica, NY. Linda has worked in the HR field for 20 years with 18 of those years at Human Technologies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Public Management with a concentration in Human Resources from SUNY Institute of Technology. Linda has been a member of MVSHRM since 1996, as a college student, and a National SHRM member since 1997. She was the Legislative Chairperson from 2003 – 2005 and currently serves as MVSHRM’s New York State’s Advocacy Captain.
As an officer of Human Technologies, Linda’s primary responsibility is to oversee the HR function of the company. One of her favorite roles is to be active with legislative efforts on the state and federal level for HR related issues and employment issues related to disability awareness and self-advocacy. One of her greatest passions is being witness to and playing a role in the success of others. Working at Human Technologies has offered her the opportunity to work closely with individuals with significant disabilities. She gets to share in their successes as they learn to become self-advocates with the goal of educating and impacting elected officials who are tasked with making decisions on behalf of people with disabilities.
Linda has served her local community in a number of leadership roles over the years from Little League, Pop Warner, All Sports Booster Club and her church as Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, Choir Director, and personnel manager. She is currently serving as a volunteer for the Golisano Children’s Hospital Foundation. She is a Leadership Mohawk Valley graduate.
Linda has been married to her husband, Don, for 36 years. They have four daughters, Millicent, Sarah, Katie, and Allison. Along with her daughters comes four wonderful sons-in-law, Dan, Casey, Mark & Jordan. Her greatest joys are her five grandchildren, Brandon, Jessa, Alayah, Hadlee & Vivian, and the two more on their way, Hunter & Charlotte.
A quick Q&A with Linda
MVSHRM just awarded you the “Lynda Ford Lifetime Achievement Award” – how does that make you feel?
Lynda was an incredible force and icon in the HR field and so being recognized for my contributions through this award is a huge honor. I am humbled at the same time and feeling very blessed to have had the opportunity to serve Human Technologies, the Mohawk Valley and my hometown community. That said, I absolutely love what I do and know that having a strong committed team of people around me that include my HR Team, other support teams, our leadership and each employee that comes to work every day to deliver quality goods and services to our customers, is what makes my role easier and incredibly fulfilling.
What drives/motivates you?
I have always had a passion for people. My motivation comes from seeing the potential in someone, knowing that given the right tools and environment, they could do great things and encouraging them to step into the opportunity.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in Human Resources?
Human Resources is an integral part of an organization and is multi-faceted. The responsibility to manage and develop the organization’s most valuable asset, it’s employees, is a huge responsibility. You can’t know it all or do it all so surround yourself with people that share your passion and are experts in their fields. And lastly, be curious and take every opportunity to learn.
