Innovation and impact are the themes as Elizabeth Hightower, HR Director of United Way of Southern Arizona, joins Jeff to discuss United Way as well as SHRM of Greater Tucson where she serves as the current President. With her diverse background in non-profit work, Elizabeth sheds light on how collaboration can make a big impact both internally within the organization as well as in the community at large.

Bio ~ Elizabeth Hightower, SHRM SCP, PHR
Human Resources Director United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona

Born in East St. Louis, Illinois; this is not St. Louis, which is in
Missouri; father retired from Air Force, moved family to Phx;
attended U of A; became Tucson resident. Received BS Business
Management from University of Phoenix. I have lived in Turkey as
a child and Greece as an adult. I love to travel. I have been to
Honduras, Oaxaca, Cancun, Cayman Islands, Hawaii, Las Vegas, New Orleans, New York...fun, fun.

I prefer Star Trek over Star Wars. I love to sing but cannot carry a
tune.

I have worked in community impact organizations for over 20
years. Prior to my HR role, I was a Director Technical Services at a local non-profit.
This role provided an opportunity to work with State/City/County and local partners to facilitate neighborhood revitalization projects. During my tenure, a colleague encouraged
me to join the Human Resources profession as a Benefits Specialist, yes why not
her non-profit. I was the benefits guru.... I also attended University of Phoenix
fulltime. I was recruited again, this time for a government organization on a temporary basis. A FT opportunity opened at another non-profit, as a HR Generalist, then HR Supervisor...along this time I was introduced to SHRMGT. Enrolled in preparation classes for towards HR certification, became an instructor for the SHRMGT certification preparation
classes, promoted to Co-Director, then Director of Certification, voted as SHRMGT Vice President, current President.
My full time paid role is HR Director for United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. I am passionate about having a equitable/educated/proud community and my career & volunteer
roles are avenues for me tribute. I love learning and sharing knowledge.

I am the HR Director of United Way of Tucson and Southern Az. United Way is committed to building a thriving community in which every child receives a high-quality education, every adult has the opportunity to thrive financially and every older person can age and retire with dignity and independence. This is a natural fit for me.

As Director, I am responsible for administration & coordination of Benefits/compensation/recruitment & hiring/ performance review management/employee relations & engagement/ payroll data processing/ training & development and employment laws.

Company / Organization Website URL:
https://unitedwaytucson.org/

Company or Guest Twitter
URL:https://twitter.com/unitedwayaz

Company / Org Facebook Page URL:
https://www.facebook.com/unitedwaytucson