Spider Spotlight: A Q&A with Pam Ash, Human Resources Consultant
Pam Ash has taken on the new role of HR consultant, working with offices across the campus on employee relations matters.
BY PHILLIP GRAVELY
Writer/Editor, University Communications
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Boston. My family moved to Richmond when I was 10.
What is your role at the University?
My title is HR consultant. The idea of my job is to be a business partner with the different departments across campus to deal with the needs and problems that they have with regards to human capital.
What brought you to the University?
What captured my attention was, when I came in for the interview, they told me that I was applying for a completely new role. That makes it even more challenging and exciting because I was able to come in and create something new.
What did you do prior to coming to Richmond?
I worked at Wachovia Securities in the HR department as a project manager. Before that, I had various roles in HR, including as a consultant and HR manager. I started my career with an externship for the county of Monterey (California) through the Monterey Institute, and that introduced me to the world of HR.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
The challenge of the new role. My job is a two-tier situation: I have to not only explain my role to everybody, but also try to help everybody meet their own expectations. It is important to build good relationships and trust between me and my clients.
Tell me about the Mercer study and its current status.
The Mercer study identified a need for an in-between role to consult with managers on making the best human capital decisions. We are taking the recommendations of the study and beginning to put them in place. The study is finished, and the diagnoses and recommendations are being processed.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do?
I belong to a number of organizations, and I do a lot of volunteer work. I volunteer for my church and for Special Olympics, which is very near and dear to my heart. I am in the process of applying to become a Big Sister with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. I’m a knitter, and I belong to a Scrabble Club and a few book clubs. I love to read.
Who are your favorite authors?
I was brought up on the classics, so I tend to lean toward those now. Instead of the typical American stories like Snow White, my parents read me the Greek myths when I was little. I love Jane Austen and Mark Twain. Octavia Butler is another one of my favorites. I try to read (Gabriel Garcia) Marquez a lot. I read from different cultures. I love the American perspective, but I think it’s important to expand your mind. I’m also getting into modern writing.
Do you do any writing yourself?
From time to time. I try to write things for children, but I haven’t been published yet. I’m very interested in languages and literatures. I was a language major as an undergrad (at Dickinson College). I’ve been taking classes here at Richmond for a while, and I’m really excited about a Spanish class I’m going to be taking soon.
Is there anything you’d like to let the Richmond community know about you and your job?
My door is always open, and I am here to work with you—the people of the University. I’m here to help you make the University the best place to work.