They say that if you want to get something accomplished, you should ask a busy person because they know how to get things done. As a Vice President of Human Resources for both the Argosy Casino & Hotel and the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Nickie Smith is a very busy person, with over 1,000 employees to serve. So, the Beacon Mental Health Board of Directors asked her to join the Executive Committee as an At Large Member, and she accepted.
Ms. Smith moved to the Northland just two years ago, and she has quickly involved herself in her community. She joined the Riverside Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Beacon Mental Health. While she is still new to our community, she is an experienced volunteer board member. When she lived in Columbia, Missouri, she served on the board of an organization that served people with disabilities. “I like to support people, partner with community organizations, and provide what I can to those organizations,” she says.
Combining her professional life and her volunteer leadership, Ms. Smith uses her Human Resources experience to anticipate the needs of Beacon. “The staffing shortage is abating somewhat, but with the constantly increasing variety and number of services that Beacon offers our community, we will always need to focus on the evolving workforce and how to motivate them with tools that go beyond the salary, such as a healthy and positive work culture,” she points out.
Ms. Smith shared a piece of work advice she learned from an advisor years ago. While many people seek out mentors, she seeks out two mentors – one older, and one younger. This helps balance perspective when supporting individuals of all ages and stages of life. She also stays up-to-date through her involvement with the local chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management, and constant reading. “I’m a lifelong learner,” she explains.
Beyond her busy work life and volunteer commitments, Ms. Smith is finding time to enjoy her life in the Northland. You might find her out walking her Boxer and her Miniature Schnauzer in downtown Parkville or cheering on the Chiefs and Royals. Beacon is fortunate to have Nickie Smith as a community partner sharing her experience, knowledge and energy.
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