Veronica (Ronnie) King, SPHR

Blount Fine Foods
Sr. Director of Human Resources

Years with company: 16 years

Education degrees and professional/volunteer organizations: Attending: Bryant University, Smithfield RI.

Organizations/Volunteer Work: SHRM, NEEBC, I was a member of the SouthCoast Hospital Business Council for many years, serving as Co-Chair raising over $25,000 for the new Cancer Center, Mentor with Year Up, Director Christian Education-Sunday School Teacher

Mentors and how have they assisted you in your career: I have had a number of mentors over the year. John Shankey Controller and Janet Osborn Plant Manager with Cape Cod Potato Chips were both pivotal in my career development as I went from line worker to Logistics Manager, believing in my ability in a predominately male dominated field to encouraging my growth as a leader in the Eagle Snacks organization.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Transitioning from Director of Logistics with Blount to the Sr. Director of Human Resources.  Coming from Operations provided a deeper understanding of the needs of the management team and employees.  The challenges came in the form of the ever evolving legalities associated with Human Resources, requiring continued education.

Do you have a defining moment of your career to date? My defining career moment came in my first position as a waitress at Friendly’s many years ago.  The manager put a challenge out for the summer that anyone who sold a platter combo would receive a dollar.  There were $36 dollars given out that summer and I earned $34.  At that first position I learned that hard work and a positive attitude are rewarded.

Most challenging part of your job: Change Management as the company has grown from 100 to 350 employees.  This growth challenges our management teams continued efforts with employee engagement and maintaining connection with the team.    

Advice for upcoming younger executives: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”  Luke 12: 48b  As one climbs the corporate ladder remember your responsibilities to the employees in your organization, winning as a team.

Hobbies: Gardening, Writing, Youth and Women’s Ministry.