Terri Fasulo has more than 25 years of experience as a Human Resources professional, creating collaborative relationships with people at all levels of organizations. Areas of focus include compensation and performance management; coaching and supporting new and emergent supervisors; and developing, supporting, and advocating for employees to become their best, productive selves in support of personal and company goals.
“I believe that everyone has potential. If an employer spends adequate time and resources to support and motivate employees, and employees are engaged, it’s a win-win for all,” she explains. “And in those circumstances where it’s a bad situation—where an employee does not become engaged or perform satisfactorily—I strive to ensure that both the employee and the employer are treated respectfully and fairly.”
Prior to joining KMA, Terri served as HR manager for Churchill Events and served in various HR-related capacities for Hannaford Brothers, including as a Regional Human Resource Manager, Manager & Human Resource Business Partner, Disability Management Supervisor, Sr. Disability Management Specialist, and Occupational Health Claims Coordinator.
Terri is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management, has a certification in mediation from the University of Southern Maine, and has a Maine State WC Adjusters License.
A South Portland native, she now lives in Portland with her husband and their five children and four dogs. She enjoys traveling and loves good food.
Why did you choose to work in HR?
My career actually started in insurance and worker’s compensations claims, supporting the process of getting people back to work. In this role, I was exposed to a lot of HR “stuff.” When I went to work at Hannaford, the scope of my work increased to include more human resources areas, and I eventually moved into HR. I found that I really enjoyed working with employees and helping them develop and improve their performance, so I’ve stayed in HR.
What do you like best about your work as an HR Professional?
My mantra is “I am a facilitator of fair processes for employees and employers.” I believe that everyone has potential. If an employer spends adequate time and resources to support and motivate employees, and employees are engaged, it’s a win-win for all. In those circumstances where it’s a bad situation—where an employee does not become engaged or perform satisfactorily—I strive to ensure that both the employee and the employer are treated respectfully and fairly.
What is one takeaway from your HR work experience you’d like to share with others?
When I was doing disability claims early in my career, I participated in workers comp and disabilities claims. I was exposed to a number of cases involving terminally ill patients—either the employee or a member of his or her family. I would work closely with all parties to get things in order. Working in such a sad and difficult situation was always tough, especially at first, but as I gained experience I was able to help many individuals and their families navigate the process, which I found very rewarding and impactful.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in South Portland and now live in Portland with my husband. He has four children from a previous marriage, and together we have one. With ages ranging from 38 to 13, plus four dogs, it makes for a variety of family experiences. We enjoy traveling and we love to eat, which is a great passion to have in the Portland area, which has some of the best restaurants around.