Jessica M. Manzo, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is an experienced human resources professional with more than ten years of experience in employee and union relations, employee engagement, benefits and policy administration, customer service, and training and development.
Her background includes experience with American Airlines, where she was a Manager, HR Business Partner in Charlotte, NC; US Airways, where she worked in various HR roles, including HR Manager; Auralog Inc. of Phoenix, AZ, where she was Recruitment Coordinator; and Remstar International of Westbrook, ME where she began her career and supported both manufacturing and leadership employees from an HR perspective. In December 2013, while based in Charlotte, NC, she participated in the merger of US Airways and American Airlines that resulted in the largest airline in the world.
“I enjoy the ‘responsibility’ of HR, of understanding the whole picture and the balance between the needs of business and employees,” explains Jessica. “HR can be messy. I like talking through issues, coming up with solutions, and putting a plan together.”
Throughout her career, Jessica has supported employees in more than 25 cities with exposure to a wide range of people, cultures, and business needs. She is passionate about working with individuals and employers to ensure employees have the information, work environment, and tools necessary to be engaged, effective, and productive.
Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Organizational Studies with a minor in Human Resources Management from the University of Southern Maine, graduating Cum Laude. She holds a Society for Human Resource Management–Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification.
A Millinocket, ME native, since 2008 Jessica spent four years in Phoenix, AZ, four years in Charlotte, NC and recently returned home to Maine. She plays the piano and ukulele, teaches tap dance in Portland, enjoys the fabulous cooking of her boyfriend Nicholas and loves to cuddle with their new Yorkie puppy, Charlotte.
Why did you choose to work in HR?
My dad first encouraged me to look at HR as a growing career option with lots of opportunities. I took a few courses in HR and organizational development at USM and found that I really liked the people aspect of it and the challenge of balancing what’s best for the business with what’s best for the employee.
What do you like best about your work as an HR Professional?
I enjoy the “responsibility” of HR, of understanding the whole picture and the balance between the needs of businesses and employees. HR can be messy. I like talking through issues, coming up with solutions, and putting a plan together.
What is one takeaway from your HR work experience you’d like to share with others?
Working through the merger of US Airways and American Airlines to create the largest airline in the world was quite an experience. That and my HR experience supporting people in more than 25 cities has certainly given me exposure on a massive level to people and employers of various sizes. What I’ve found is that people are still people, regardless of where they live and work, with similar issues and challenges. They want to be heard and want someone to genuinely listen.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Millinocket. A couple of years after graduating from USM, I moved to Arizona to be closer to my brother and to enjoy year-round sunshine. From there, I moved to Charlotte, NC for four years to continue my career with American Airlines. I recently moved back to Maine to resume a relationship with my first love, Nicholas. I play piano, the ukulele, teach tap dance in Portland, enjoy Nicholas’ fabulous cooking, and enjoy cuddling with our new Yorkie puppy, Charlotte. Finally, I’m a firm believer in work-life balance and that there’s no better place to live than Maine.