Education (degrees & institutions): BA, University of Central Florida; MA, Industrial and Labor Relations, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Company Name: FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation Industry: Healthcare, graphic systems, optical devices, highly functional materials and other high-tech areas Company CEO: Mr. Jun Higuchi Company Headquarters Location: Valhalla, NY Number of Employees: 73,583 Your Location (if different from above): Pittsburgh, PA Words you live by: Enjoy today, tomorrow is never promised. Always count your blessings daily, give yourself and others grace, and make every day better than yesterday. Who is your personal hero? I don’t have a personal hero. I believe that you can learn something from everyone you meet. What book(s) are you reading? The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza and The Noise by James Patterson/J.D. Barker What was your first job? Platoon Leader, C Company, 1-229th Aviation Regiment Favorite charity: March of Dimes (March for Babies) Interests/Hobbies: Crossfit, hunting, fishing, boating, cooking, photography Family: Wife (Jennifer), three children: Justin, Kaitlyn, Kayla
28
2024 Third Quarter
VETERAN
2024
Chief Human Resources Officer
Military values build character and that’s a solid foundation for success Informed decision-making. Composure under pressure. Accountability for mistakes. These are just some of the values and skills that were instilled in me during my service in the US Army that have proven essential to my leadership success in the private sector. The experiences and lessons learned from military service have uniquely equipped me to excel as a leader and navigate the complexities of the workplace with confidence and effectiveness. The greatest leaders don’t necessarily have all the answers. One of the most profound impacts of my military background is empowering and consulting with others to make informed decisions. In the military, the practice of seeking advice from superiors, peers, and soldiers before making significant decisions is a cornerstone of effective leadership. This habit has translated seamlessly to my civilian career, where consulting with experienced colleagues—regardless of job title—ensures that decisions are smart, well informed and balanced. This approach not only fosters better decision-making but also builds a culture of collaboration and mutual respect within my teams. Humility is another crucial lesson learned. The military environment teaches leaders to remain grounded, regardless of their rank or achievements. This humility has enabled me to build strong, trusting relationships with my team members, encouraging open communication and feedback. By recognizing that learning is a continuous process and valuing the insights of those around me, I have been able to enhance my leadership effectiveness and adapt to various challenges. Staying calm under pressure is a skill honed through rigorous military training and high-stake situations. In the civilian world, this ability to maintain composure in the face of adversity has been instrumental in managing crises and leading teams through challenging or even turbulent times. A sense of calmness supports rational decision-making and instills confidence in team members, knowing that their leader can navigate tough situations with a steady hand. Accountability and resilience are two additional critical lessons learned from military service. The willingness to take responsibility for mistakes and swiftly address them has been a key factor in my career development. The military instills a sense of ownership and the importance of rectifying errors without delay. This approach has enabled me to maintain credibility and foster a culture of continuous improvement in my professional endeavors. It has earned me a reputation as a leader with integrity. I strongly believe I would not be the human being or the human resources professional that I am today without having first been a soldier. Military service helped shape me into a person of strong character, which I believe is the bedrock of my leadership success in the corporate world.
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AWARD
Jason McKenna