Member Spotlight - Jamie Kourmoulis

1. Name, Company and Position Jaime Jantzen Kourmoulis; AirMed International, LLC; HR Director

2. Tell us about what you do there. I cover all aspects of HR with the exception of Payroll. We have a separate department to handle that side of HR but I'm very involved to some extent.

3. What is your favorite part of your job? Orientating new employees.

4. How did you "get in to HR" and why? I began as the Executive Assistant while the company was small. Aside from general administrative duties I performed, I shared some HR duties with our Controller. As the company grew  we saw a need for us to have an actual HR Department. After discussions with Administration, it was decided that we develop an HR Department and since I was already knowledgeable of all staff and had been handling much of the duties already, Administration allowed me to run it. And so it began... 

5. What advice would you give to the newbies trying to break into HR? Well, I wish I had started sooner. I didn't know much of this profession when I began college. Try beginning as an HR assistant to gain experience, if possible. Get a mentor to go to for questions and support. Study HR laws and stay informed of the latest changes.  Decide if you'd like to become an HR Specialist by choosing a particular aspect of HR you want to focus on to specialize in, or an HR Generalist where one is knowledgeable and skilled in all aspects of HR.

6. What advice would you give to a person who is still "green" in HR? Get a mentor! Also, study for your certification and join your local chapter and the national SHRM. Read some good HR books!

8. What's your career goal in HR? To obtain my PHR certification and later my GPHR. I'd really like to have a more strategic role in my company than I currently do.

9. Complete the following sentence... "I know the day is going to be a struggle when...." it's 9am and I'm already thinking about lunch!

10. What is the weirdest question you have ever been asked by a candidate or employee? Umm...I have to laugh... I've been asked out on a date before. Of course I refused.

11. What do you say to a candidate to politely turn them down for your position? I want to begin by thanking you for applying for the______ job opening with AirMed International.  We appreciated the opportunity to meet with you and learn more about your skills and interests. All candidates for the position were truly excellent, and making the final choice was difficult.  However, we must regretfully inform you that we have chosen another candidate. We want to wish you the best in your continued job search.

11. What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it? Why? Truth be told, the last book I read was "The Smart Stepmom". I would definitely recommend it if you're a stepmom.

12. What is your favorite all time movie? Why? EverAfter. I never thought a Cinderella movie would be my all time favorite because most are so cheesy, but this is one that I never get tired of watching. I love the costumes, the setting, the characters - some are rather funny and some you love to hate. I like how one girl can teach someone (the prince) to see outside themselves and appreciate everything around him, as well as the benefit of helping others who are less fortunate. This same girl was treated unfairly by her stepfamily for so many years, continues to do the right thing and finally wins in the end yet still shows compassion for those who wronged her. I admire her courage, strength and compassion. I can relate to this movie on a number of levels, personally. On a side note, the prince is super cute! I also like Sense and Sensability, The Holiday, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, What Happens in Vegas, and Laura Croft Tomb Rader. LOL...

13. You've just been granted a wish and can invite four people from any time period in history to dinner. Who would you invite and why? I'd invite all of my grandparents because I was too young to really know them before they passed. I think as an adult I would learn a great deal and appreciate them so much more. I sometimes wonder what they'd think of me now...and what advice they would give.

14. What is your favorite way to spend the weekend? Why? There are actually two ways I love to spend the weekend. One, is to spend time with my husband and our best friends Sherri & Tim. We go camping, hiking, play cards, watch movies, cook and travel together. Second, is visiting my family in North Alabama. I love seeing my dad, sisters and my nieces and nephews. I'm showered with hugs and kisses as soon as I walk in. Those kids are my world and I make sure they know how much their Aunt Jaime loves them.

15. You can take two things with you when you are stranded on a desert island. What do you take and why? A hammock, sunblock and an iPod. Why? Because this will be my only vacation!

16. Are you a cat person or a dog person? I have two cats, but I love dogs too.

17. How long have you been a member of BSHRM? I joined in either '07 or '08. I just can't remember.

18. What else does BSHRM need to know about you? Aside from BSHRM, I'm a member of SHRM, BSHRM's Member Services Committee, Legislative Committee, SHRM Campagne Chair, and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Volunteers Chair '08 & '09, and Co-Chair '10. My goal is to obtain my PHR certification this year.

Comments

[Marcie Corser]

I met Jamie at the last luncheon I went to with BHSRM. I found her to be very geniune and outgoing.
Marcie Corser
CORT