NHRA Board Members
Jennifer Lake
Jennifer has gained her experienced in a variety of industries, and was recognized in 2016 by local leaders for achieving professional success and making significant civic contributions to Rochester community as recipient of the prestigious 40 Under 40 award. She started her career with the Lauder Corporation as an Account Coordinator for Clinique, overseeing twelve retail counters with revenue of 4.5 million dollars for the Bon-Ton. Jennifer relocated to Los Angeles where she worked for Warner Bros. in the Business & Legal Affairs department. In her role, Jennifer liaised with executives, creative staff, agents, managers and talent to secure releases for DVD special features. She also served as Director of Events, coordinating social, educational and charity events for a WB sponsored Affinity Group where she was nominated for the Andrew Heiskill Award for Community Service.
Jennifer went on to fill a contract recruiter role for Warner Bros. through the Spherion Corporation, recruiting for administrative/clerical and entry-level IT and finance positions. Relocating back to Rochester, Jennifer became a Staffing Consultant with Spherion Professional Services. In this role, she was responsible for business development and recruitment, and successfully built an Administrative/Clerical and Customer Service line of business for the local office, exceeding their goal by 191%.
Currently, Jennifer works for Goodwill of the Finger Lakes and ABVI as the Vice President of People Resources. As the Senior HR Executive, she oversees a team of seven employees. Her functions include: workforce planning, staffing, benefits, compensation, HR systems & metrics, training and development, employee recognition, and strategic talent management initiatives. Under her leadership, the People Resources team has completed several Organizational initiatives from revitalizing the Performance Management system, launching a peer recognition Spirit Award initiative and the Wealth of Health award-winning Good Health Program. Jennifer has demonstrated a commitment to growing and developing employees by expanding the formal learning offerings and development of self-paced resources to build skills for employees and their families. In her role, Jennifer serves on the Senior Leadership team, seeking new ways to transform the organization through organizational development, learning initiatives, change management and designing other strategies for keeping the Organization an employer of choice. She is the liaison to Board of Directors for Strategic Planning, Succession Planning and Executive Compensation. Jennifer enjoys working for a non-profit organization where she can make a difference in the community through the organization’s mission.
Jennifer holds a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Learning and Human Resources Development from St. John Fisher College; where she was recognized with the College Leadership Award. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from St. John Fisher College. Since 2010, Jennifer received and has maintained Senior Professional in HR certification from the HR Certification Institute and in 2015 was awarded the Senior Certified Professional designation from SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). She has also completed certification programs in DiSC assessments, Succession Planning and Leadership Development. Jennifer also completed the Goodwill Industries International Executive Development program in 2017, and the Leadership Coaching Certification Program through the University of Rochester Warner School and the Ramerman Leadership Group in 2015.
Jennifer is currently the National President for the National HR Association, and previously as the VP of Affiliates East on the National Board of Directors, and worked to establish an Affiliate in Western NY. Prior to that, she has served on the Board of Directors for the Rochester Affiliate of the National HR Association in various roles, including President from 2011-2012. Jennifer is also a member of ATD (Association for Talent Development) and SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).
Jennifer also sits on the Board of Directors for Bivona Child Advocacy Center, and participates with the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Greater Rochester. In addition, she serves as an Elder and has previously chaired the Christian Education Committee and at her local church. Jennifer previously served as a member of the HR Advisory Board for Rochester Works! and on the Advisory Board for the OL/HRD program at St. John Fisher.
Jennifer resides in Pittsford, NY with her husband and daughter. Jennifer enjoys gardening, scrapbooking, exploring local sights, and undertaking home improvement projects.