Jennifer Hasse, Director of People Operations, Toronto Public Media | BNHRA Governmental Affairs Director

1. Briefly describe your organization and position:

Director, People Operations for Buffalo Toronto Public Media - your local PBS and NPR stations!  We are WNED PBS (television station) and WNED Classical, WBFO NPR and WBFO The Bridge (radio stations).  Started in Feb 2022.  Prior to that, I have held HR roles in the manufacturing, healthcare, and education industries - both union and non-union environments.  I am also the HR Advisor for Resurgence Brewing Company and have been there for 8 years.

2. What do you enjoy most about HR?

Being in a strategic position as an advocate for both the organization and its employees.  I also am a little nerdy and like labor law :)

3. How long have you been involved with the BNHRA?

I've been a member since I was a student in college and President of the Canisius SHRM chapter.  I have been a board member since 2019 and am in my second term.

4. In your spare time, what do you like to do for fun? 

Hang with my dog Loki, travel, running, check out breweries and kayak!

5. What is your favorite thing about Buffalo?

It's a mid-sized city.  Not too large and not too small.  Various neighborhoods with significant history and culture.  Its architecture in downtown areas.  Traffic isn't bad and it has affordable living.  A larger airport with more of an "international hub"" would be nice for more direct flights haha

6. What has been the biggest influence on your career path? 

Networking and maintaining meaningful relationships.  Getting involved in the community and going to events helps you meet so many people.  Those people can be great resources to support you in your career whether it's searching for your next role, bouncing ideas off each other, staying up to date on changing laws and best practices, sharing resources, etc.

7. Advice for those entering the HR industry:  

Keep learning your craft.  Don't become stagnant or complacent.  This doesn't necessarily mean going back to school or job-hopping but maintaining a certification and attending seminars (like legal update!) can be great ways to keep learning and network at the same time.