Your Journey Begins Here
Your Guide on How to Get Involved
INTRODUCTION about the team
A group of diverse and dynamic people who are passionate about engaging with others and meeting the unique needs of our studios members.
We support our talented people by preparing them for opportunities, providing them with resources and tools to develop them professionally and personally while creating a sense of belonging.
MICHELLE PAGE, sphr Chief People Officer
michelle.page@hfa-ae.com
Michelle oversees the People + Culture team which includes all HR functions and strategically influences HFA’s culture and people support initiatives. After two decades of working in public and private accounting, including the accounting team at HFA, she transitioned to the HR team in 2013. During her tenure here she has seen positive changes in the culture and loves working for a company that genuinely values its people.
contribution to the team
+ Leadership Training
+ ESOP Communication and Culture
+ Strategic HR Planning
+ People Analytics
+ Strengths Coaching
+ Leading our People & Culture Team
1. As a child, Michelle wanted to be a hairstylist.
2. Michelle’s life motto: Measure twice, cut once.
EMILY GRAHAM, shrm - cp
People Experience Lead
emily.graham@hfa-ae.com
Emily oversees the HR team which provides support to team members regarding their entire life cycle at HFA and supports culture initiatives such as community service, development, and engagement. Since she started in 2019, she was integral in rolling out a new onboarding program, engagement and performance review platform, and new insurance vendors. Emily is passionate about helping people grow and thrive at HFA.
contribution to the team
+ HR Platform Management
+ Compensation Reviews
+ Leadership Training (Systems)
+ Leave + Disability Administration
+ Mexico City Administration
+ PICs (Personal Interest Collectives)
+ Competitive Benefits Industry Research
+ HR Trend Research & Market Analysis
+ 401k Plan
facts
1. Emily is originally from Conway, AR.
2. Emily’s life motto: Life is good.
STEVE FRANK
Sr Talent Recruiter
steve.frank@hfa-ae.com
Steve’s more than 25 years of experience within the architecture and engineering industry contributes to his understanding of the needs in recruiting top talent. He makes a significant impact by matching talent with the right opportunities within a hyper-intensive employment marketplace. His goals are to maximize the quality of hire while simultaneously attracting and hiring the best to help our teams succeed. contribution to the team
+ Full Cycle Recruiting
+ University + Technical School Career Fair Recruiting
+ Job Shadow Coordination
+ Notary Public
1. Steve’s favorite karaoke song is Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash.
2. Steve is originally from Anaheim, CA.
KELLIE HEVELONE Licensing Specialist
kellie.hevelone@hfa-ae.com
With long-term experience in the architecture and engineering industry, Kellie has extensive knowledge of nationwide licensing and professional practice laws and rules. Kellie excels in facilitating companywide process improvement initiatives and developing and implementing quality tools, guidelines, and training materials. With her expertise and dedication, Kellie ensures that HFA complies with all necessary licensing and certification requirements.
contribution to the team
+ New License Applications + Renewals
+ Business + A/E Firm License Management
+ Continuing Ed Compliance + Tracking
+ Professional Development Resources + Benefits
+ Signing and Sealing Compliance + Management
+ Professional of Record (POR) Setup + Licensing Redundancy
+ Organization Memberships
+ Certificates of Insurance
1. As a child, Kellie wanted to be a doctor or lawyer when she grew up.
2. Kellie used to be a licensed massage therapist.
LUKE DINGER
Learning + Development Lead
luke.dinger@hfa-ae.com
Luke Dinger is an experienced professional specializing in leadership development, talent growth, and organizational strategy. As a People & Culture leader with eight years of experience across diverse industries, Luke has a proven track record of fostering employee engagement and aligning development initiatives with organizational goals.
Currently, Luke oversees and refines company-wide learning and development programs. His responsibilities include conducting annual needs assessments, developing training strategies aligned with business objectives, and designing or sourcing impactful training materials. His skill set includes leadership competency strategy, organizational chart development, crisis response planning, and employee counseling.
Luke holds a B.S. in Business Administration and completed his M.S. in Counseling in December 2024. He is now a licensed Associate Counselor in Arkansas. His unique blend of business acumen, analytical insight, and counseling expertise positions him as a dynamic leader in employee development and organizational strategy.
contribution to the team
+ Learning and Development Company Strategy
+ Leadership Training
+ Leading Our Learning + Development Team
1. Luke’s all-time favorite movie is School of Rock.
2. Luke’s favorite thing is spending time with his family.
DYLAN MEDEIROS
Learning + Development Specialist
dylan.medeiros@hfa-ae.com
Dylan’s mission is to help support our culture by equipping our people with the skills and resources to be successful both personally and professionally. Dylan’s background and experience in communication make him adept at talent development and professional public speaking. He is guided by the notion that if you are laughing, you are learning.
contribution to the team
+ Soft Skills Development Programs
• Think N Thrive (TNT) Series
• SpeakUp Program
+ Pinnacle Series
+ Engaging Leadership
+ Communication Consulting
2. In a biopic of his life, Dylan would choose Jack Black to play him. fun
1. Dylan’s favorite karaoke song is Don’t Do Me Like That by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
MANDY BURSON
HR Support Administrator
mandy.burson@hfa-ae.com
Mandy Tucker is an HR Support Administrator at HFA who gained valuable experience working in HR in a healthcare setting and as a contractor administering benefit plans for various companies. She took a brief hiatus from the HR field to work in higher education before returning to her passion at HFA.
At HFA, Mandy plays a crucial role in onboarding and orientation for new employees, ensuring a smooth transition and making new hires feel welcome. She also assists with benefits administration, planning engaging employee events, and serving as a notary. Mandy’s compassionate and welcoming nature shines through in her work, making her a valuable asset to the HFA team.
contribution to the team
+ Onboarding
+ Insurance + Benefits Assistance
+ Employee Engagement
+ Community Service
1. Mandy loves traveling and has been to five countries.
2. If Mandy could eat candy for every meal, she would!
RHETT TURNER
rhett.turner@hfa-ae.com
Rhett Turner is a seasoned professional in human resources and banking. He started his career as an HR administrator for two years before transitioning to Arvest Bank’s management team, where he worked for 2.5 years while completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Human Resources Management at the University of Arkansas.
Rhett’s diverse experience has equipped him with strong skills in HR administration, auditing, recruitment, and communications. He is currently leveraging his skills to assist the HFA recruiting team in finding top talent to join their teams.
contribution to the team
+ Full Cycle Recruiting
+ Aspire Internship
Recruiting
+ University + Technical
School Career Fair
Recruiting
+ Job Shadow Coordination
+ Employee Engagement
+ Notary Public
1. Rhett has traveled to all but 10 states within the USA and has traveled to 13 different countries.
2. Rhett’s top bucket list item is to go cage diving in the Pacific Ocean with great white sharks.
ASHLEY MCELROY
ashley.mcelroy@hfa-ae.com
Ashley McElroy is an experienced Recruiter with a passion for connecting exceptional talent with outstanding opportunities. With a proven track record in full-cycle recruitment across diverse industries, Ashley is skilled in sourcing, interviewing, and assessing candidates to match their skills and aspirations with the needs of clients. She is adept at building and maintaining strong relationships with both clients and candidates, ensuring successful placements. Committed to staying abreast of industry trends and utilizing innovative strategies to identify top talent, Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Talent Recruiter at HFA. In this role, she is not just building teams, but she is building teams that are poised for success and will drive HFA’s growth forward.
contribution to the team
+ Full Cycle Recruiting
+ University + Technical School Career Fair Recruiting
+ Job Shadow Coordination
fun
facts
1. Ashley loves pizza.
2. Ashley was previously a vegetarian for over 10 years.
BYRUM LOUCO Recruiting Lead
byrum.louco@hfa-ae.com
Byrum is an experienced recruitment leader with many years of expertise in full-cycle talent acquisition, specializing in highgrowth environments. I specialize in sourcing top-tier talent, optimizing recruitment processes, negotiating competitive offers, leveraging market intelligence, ATS tools, and data analytics to drive strategic hiring initiatives.
With an MBA in Management from Valparaiso University and a B.S. in Business & Marketing from Waynesburg University, I combine my academic knowledge with hands-on expertise in diversity recruitment, candidate engagement, and process optimization. I am proficient in tools like LinkedIn Recruiter and other various ATS platforms. I am passionate about building strong partnerships, enhancing employer branding, and mentoring recruitment teams to deliver measurable results.
contribution to the team
+ Full Cycle Recruitment
+ University Career Fair Recruitment
+ Job Shadow Coordination
+ Recruitment Leadership
fun facts
1. Byrum is an ordained wedding officiant & has officiated two weddings.
2. Byrum played basketball & ran track in college.
AJ HART
Licensing Coordinator
With a background in adult education, hands-on training, and apprenticeship programs, AJ is passionate about supporting professionals in their career development. AJ emphasizes a people-first approach, striving to make processes smoother and more accessible for everyone involved.
As a member of the licensing team at HFA, she helps maintain professional licenses, supports candidates studying for licensure and coordinates continuing education opportunities.
contribution to the team
+ License Renewals
+ Continuing Education Event Scheduling
+ Professional Development Resources
+ Organization Memberships Renewals
1. AJ has worked at archaeological sites in Arkansas, Cyprus & Syria.
2. In her free time, AJ loves to make things – most recently 3D printing and custom painting miniatures for tabletop gaming.
MARIPAZ GUADARRAMA Talent
Recruiter Specialist
maripaz.guadarrama@hfa-ae.com
I studied international relations because, since I was a child, I had a fascination with cultural diversity, history, and art. I also always wanted to be an agent of change and help society, and this career provided both. While life didn’t take me to work in international organizations, as a recruiter, I’ve had the opportunity to help many professionals internationally improve their quality of life and that of their families. So, I could say the path was different, but the end goal has been the same: TO HELP. That’s why I can say that my favorite part of recruitment is being able to interact with and help people through job opportunities and selection processes guided by kindness and empathy.
contribution to the team
+ Looking For the Best Talent
+ Full Life Cycle Recruitment Process
+ University Career Fair Recruitment
+ Administrative Support to the MX Team
+ Employee Engagement
+ Management of MX Office
fun facts
1. Maripaz auditioned for the Voice.
2. Maripaz can guess a song’s name after just 2 seconds of listening.
HOPE VANG
HR Support Administrator
hope.vang@hfa-ae.com
Hope Vang is an HR Support Administrator at HFA. She helps lead onboarding and orientation efforts, so that new hires feel welcomed and supported from the start.
She also supports current employees by being a reliable resource and fostering a positive workplace experience. Hope is passionate about contributing to a people-focused culture and joined the P + C team to help others thrive and grow within the organization.
Since earning her degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith in 2023, Hope has brought energy and empathy to her work. She is currently focused on streamlining onboarding coordination and looks forward to contributing to company events and community service initiatives.
contribution to the team
+ Onboarding Coordination
+ Employee Engagement
+ Community Service
1. Hope’s favorite thing to do is spend time with her family.
2. Hope loves all things scrapbooking and stationery related.
VIVIAN CASTILLO
Office Administrator / HR Support
vivian.castillo@hfa-ae.com
Vivian brings a diverse background and a peoplefocused mindset to her role, combining experience in marketing, higher education, and office administration. She holds degrees in Business Administration and Event Organization, which support her versatile skill set. Currently, Vivian manages onboarding processes for new hires in Mexico and provides administrative support to the broader Mexico team. She thrives in people-oriented roles and always strives to create engaging and positive connections with colleagues
contribution to the team
+ Onboarding Coordination
+ Support to the MX Team
+ Engagement
+ Management of MX Office
facts
1. Vivian loves to sing and likes to imagine that she’s doing her last world tour date.
2. Vivian loves cats.
KIM SPANGLER, phr , shrm - cp
Sr HR Specialist
kim.spangler@hfa-ae.com
I have over 15 years of experience in Human Recourses, including 6 years in the engineering industry. Specializing in employee benefits, I take pride in helping team members understand and maximize their benefits. I enjoy developing processes and HR initiatives that help team members thrive and feel engaged in the company’s culture.
contribution to the team
+ Benefits Education + Administration
+ Open Enrollment + Benefit Plans Setup
+ 401k Day to Day Administration
+ Leave Management
+ Employee Engagement
+ Help Ensure Legal Compliance with HR State + Federal Requirements
+ Create Strong Relationships with Internal + External Partners
1. Kim thought she would be an elementary education teacher when she grew up.
2. Kim likes to watch documentaries on Big Foot.
RYAN VAUGHN, pe
Sr Mechanical Engineer / Mechanical Learning + Development Specialist
ryan.vaughn@hfa-ae.com
Ryan has 25 years of experience in design of mechanical systems, including HVAC, controls, plumbing and schematic refrigeration. While focused mainly on retail and grocery spaces, over the years he has also been a part of restaurant, logistics, and fueling system designs.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in South Dakota and promptly moved to Arkansas. In 2006 he became a registered professional engineer in the state and has since gotten registered in the remaining 49 states and Puerto Rico. Ryan has a passion for mentoring and teaching others and is developing HFA’s first mechanical discipline specific trainer role.
contribution to the team
+ Technical Background Brings a Unique Perspective
+ General Badassery
fun facts
1. Ryan volunteers once a month to call bingo at a retirement home.
2. Ryan graduated from Hill City High School in South Dakota. This is the only school district in the country to hold commencement at Mount Rushmore National Monument and authorized to use Smokey the Bear as their mascot.
culture code
“HFA aspires to be a people-first culture of empowerment where talent thrives.”
As we worked to develop our purpose and values statement, we recognized that we wanted a statement that was internally focused on our people and our cultural aspirations. As Dharmesh Shah, founder of HubSpot, says, “Whether you like it or not, you’re going to have a culture. Why not make it one you love?” We are passionate about making our culture one of engagement and empowerment that people are inspired to participate and contribute. Thus, we developed our Culture Code statement to declare our commitment to our people, to define expectations of our leadership, and to hold ourselves accountable to the future:
1. Our people come first.
2. We empower everyone around us.
3. Developing the talent of our people is critical.
4. We help everyone thrive.
We use the word “aspires” explicitly, so everyone is seeking to be something great together and we’re all headed in the same direction toward an ambitious destination.
ENGAGING personal interest collectives
PICs are one of our initiatives to connect team members with others who share similar interests. Hosted on Microsoft Teams Channels, people can chat with others about things they enjoy, such as art, music, sports, and more.
You can find more about PICs and how to join on the Dae Article linked below.
engagement activities
We enjoy hosting in-person and virtual engagement events to help connect our team members with each other and provide a break from their day-to-day activities. These events range from virtual bingo breaks to full-blown in-person events like our annual Pets + Pints gathering.
wellness challenges + incentives
As a part of our self-funded insurance program, we utilize Marquee Health as a wellness provider. Through Marquee, we host wellness challenges and provide resources to our team members. These resources include access to coaching, gym discounts, courses on mental, physical, and financial well-being.
To promote healthy lifestyles through Marquee Health, team members enrolled in our medical insurance plan have the opportunity to receive an insurance premium holiday each year – just by going to the doctor for a yearly screening. Learn more about Marquee Health and their resources through the Dae Resources below.
clifton strengths
We utilize the results from the Clifton Strengths assessments in many areas of our daily work life. From including them in performance conversations to holding team meetings focused on Strengths, we lean on the valuable information in the reports to help us understand each other’s talents better and form better working relationships. This ultimately helps us become more efficient and effective, as teams and as a company. To view your own Clifton Strengths go to O:\CliftonStrengths on the server.
mentorship program
HFA provides mentorship through our licensing program as part of the required process, through training and guidance technically, and as a one on one meeting with a mentor that is chosen by the team member. It is the third type of mentorship that the People + Culture team interacts with the most. It consists of a relationship between someone who is more advanced in their career and someone who wants to gain knowledge, perspective, advice, and guidance from that person. Once a mentor and mentee have been matched, they will meet at least once monthly. The focus for this type of mentorship is career development.
IMPACTING community service
HFA is committed to making a positive impact in the communities where our people live and work. With team members who live across the US and Mexico, we want to offer a variety of ways to get involved in community service, including both in-person and remote opportunities. Whether it’s volunteering at your local food bank or participating in one of our charity events, we encourage our people to find a way to give back in a way that works for them. Through team member recommendations and requests, we aim to help wherever we can.
Community Connections
Through our community service initiatives, and our program Community Connections, we have seen firsthand how our efforts can positively impact the lives of those around us. We are proud to be an organization that values community service and encourages our employees to give back in whatever way they can. Community Connections aims to boost our team members’ current local charitable contributions or volunteerism by donating $1,500 to one of our team member’s favorite charitable organizations each quarter.
Learn more about how to join the program through the Dae Resource linked below.
internship programming
Aspire is our structured summer internship program designed to provide hands-on experience across a variety of disciplines and project types. Interns gain meaningful exposure by contributing to real work that supports our teams and initiatives.
job shadowing
We offer Jr. High School Students a unique one-day exposure to the world of work within an architecture and engineering firm.
compliance
New to the company in 2024, we now have an in-house paralegal that supports our leaders with contract review, proposal streamlining, and provides other legal insight as needed. This brings efficiency to our operational functions as we no longer need to wait on outside legal counsel guidance. It also allows us to internally manage our state reporting and licensing board requirements, which keeps us in business, in all 50 states. In Bentonville, we also provide notary services.
EMPOWERING
think n’ thrive (tnt)
TNT (Think N’ Thrive) is our company-wide learning initiative. Hosted virtually to include everyone, the TNT sessions are a chance for our people to grow and learn together by exploring tools and resources for personal and professional development. The complete series of TNT sessions can be found on LinkedIn Learning.
engaging leadership
Engaging Leadership is a full day course that leaders attend followed by 3 months of 1-on-1 coaching sessions This helps prepare leaders for the people people side of leadership by introducing them to the tools, resources, and leadership standards of HFA and gives support in how to utilize each of them.
pinnacle series
The Pinnacle Series is a newly launched Enterprise Learning Platform designed to serve as a central hub for all learning and development resources. It includes a comprehensive collection of materials focused on both technical skills and interpersonal growth. Users can access company training materials and recordings of engaging TNT sessions through this platform. The Pinnacle Series aims to unlock the full potential of its users by providing a go-to repository for personal and professional development. For more information, you can visit the platform at Pinnacle Series.
speak up
Public speaking training and practice held virtually on the first Friday of each month. Explore tips and tricks for being an effective and engaging speaker.
licensure assistance
Obtaining and maintaining professional licensure is a lot of work and can be confusing at times. We offer assistance in helping you obtain your license by providing monetary support, study aides, and mentorship for anyone on a path to licensure.
Legal requirements for discipline licensing agencies vary from state to state. We comply with all legal mandates, one of which is that each licensure candidate must have a licensed mentor. This type of mentorship is focused on the requirements laid out by the governing agencies and is bound to the timelines and specifics laid out therein.
continuing education for credit
Making sure you’ve achieved the correct type and amount of continuing education units (CEUs) and getting your renewal application submitted on time can be daunting – especially if you’re licensed in many states. We track all CEUs and renewals, assist with applications and CEU audits.
We provide opportunities for licensed professionals to attend virtual AIA approved courses and vendor CE webinars to make sure you obtain all CEUs needed. We maintain your compliance in all states in which you’re licensed and with all licensing agencies. In addition to providing CEUs, we also support licensed professionals’ need for organization membership and CE conference attendance.
professional development — technical focus
HFA is committed to the development and growth of our team members. We offer a wide array of professional development opportunities including professional organization membership, procurement and maintenance of licenses and certifications, continuing education, seminars and conventions, and in-house educational opportunities.
BELONGING employee resource groups
The ERGs exist to provide support and help in personal or career development and to create a safe space where people can bring their whole selves to work. Allies are encouraged to join the ERGs to support their colleagues.
BELONGING
connection
15Five is a continuous performance management software that we use to keep leaders and their team members connected. We use it for weekly check ins, objective/goal setting, High Fives!, engagement surveys, our performance reviews, and more! It also serves as a tool for us to obtain feedback from team members to improve every team members’ experience at HFA.
recognition
We believe in recognizing our team members for their hard work and dedication to HFA. One way we recognize people is through our tenure recognition and praise points programs. Milestone anniversaries are rewarded with points and leaders have the ability to recognize and reward people on the spot with praise points. The points translate to dollars to be used to purchase items from Amazon, book experiences and hotels, donate charitably, purchase gift cards, get some HFA Swag, and more!
swag (hfa store)
The HFA Store offers a selection of company-branded apparel. We provide a variety of options and sizes, so you can display your support for HFA in a way that suits your style!
Explore swag on the HFA Store through the link below.
employee stock ownership plan
HFA is a 100% employee-owned company through our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). The ESOP is a retirement plan in which the company contributes shares to team members as a way to reward loyalty and build wealth. For team members, their effort is their investment in the plan.
Further questions about the ESOP can be answered on the Dae Resource below.
