CVille SHRM May Member of the Month

Get to know our May Member of the Month - Faye Giles, SHRM-SCP, SPHR with National Radio Astronomy Observatory:
 
 1.     How long have you been a member of CVille SHRM?
 
I have been a member of CVille SHRM for a very long time. I joined when it was the Albemarle Charlottesville HR Association (ACHRA). I think it was around 20 years ago. I was the Chapter President in 2008.

 
 2.     Why did you join CVille SHRM?
 
 I joined the chapter to advance my career, network and give back to the HR profession.

 
 3.     What’s your favorite part of being a member of CVille SHRM?
 
 Keeping up to date with HR trends, networking, and continuous learning, and obtaining recertification credits

 
 4.     What is your current occupation?
 
 I am currently the Director of Human Resources at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Recently, I was appointed as a Lecturer at UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. It was great to teach the SHRM Prep Certification course for the Spring semester. I also held the role of Diversity Officer at NRAO.

 
 5.     What do you love most about job?
 
There are many things I love about my job!! We design, build and maintain radio telescopes for the entire radio astronomy community. We hire world renowned scientists, highly skilled engineers and excellent support staff who are passionate about their work and our mission. The Director (my boss) is an excellent leader who ensures that our team members are a top priority. I am provided the opportunity to lead a great team of HR professionals in geographically dispersed locations. The ability to make changes fairly easily without a great deal of bureaucracy is also great. I am also fortunate to work on international HR initiatives as well. I could go on and on but I will stop for the sake of brevity.

 
 6.     Who inspires you?
 
 My children inspire me. Even through life challenges, they are kind, smart and compassionate young adults who remain humble and grateful.


 7.     What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter HR?
 
HR is a wonderful profession but not everyone is cut out to do this work. I have witnessed the positive changes that have occurred in the HR profession during my 30 years in this field. HR professionals have greater opportunities to work in high level strategic roles. While the work is rewarding, it can be exhausting. Carefully review the many disciplines within HR to determine if there is a particular HR area where you think your skills and temperament would fulfill your career goals.

 
 8.     What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
 
 I have six beautiful grandkids 22 years old - nine months!!

 
 9.     What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
 
 Italy

 
 10.  What’s one item you can’t live without?
 
 Can’t live without my cell phone!!