Jennifer Frye, the director of human resources for the Town of Mount Jackson, has been named HR Professional of the Year by the Winchester Area Society for Human Resource Management (WASHRM). This recognition, announced last week, highlights her significant contributions to human resources in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, as voted by her peers within the HR community.
Acknowledgment from Peers
Frye’s achievement has garnered praise from Town Manager Olivia Hilton, who emphasized Frye’s substantial impact on the town’s internal operations. “Jennifer’s dedication to the Town of Mount Jackson is truly inspiring,” Hilton stated. She noted Frye’s relentless commitment to excellence and her proactive approach in updating policies and the employee handbook, ensuring the town operates at the highest standard.
Having joined the town in 2024, Frye expressed that the award holds special significance as it comes from colleagues who are acutely aware of the profession’s demands. Reflecting on a challenging year for WASHRM, where the chapter president passed away unexpectedly, she acknowledged the importance of support within the HR community. “Helping the board and members through that loss was natural for me and the right thing to do in my book,” Frye remarked.
Revamping Policies and Promoting Collaboration
Frye’s role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including hiring, compliance, training, and risk management. She prefers to see her position as fostering situational awareness rather than merely handling paperwork. “I’m very people-oriented, I’m curious and I ask a lot of questions,” she explained. This approach allows her to understand the dynamics of small-town government and stay attuned to the “pulse” of her team.
One of her recent initiatives involved updating the town’s employee handbook, which had not been reviewed since 2008. After extensive research and consultations, Frye’s proposed changes were approved by the Town Council. “I was intentional in suggesting policies and refreshes that made sense for our work environment,” she stated, noting that the handbook will now be a living document evolving with the town’s needs.
Trust and communication are vital components of Frye’s work. “I’m in a high-trust role, where confidentiality and credibility are critical,” she noted. To foster trust, she emphasizes clear communication, collaboration, and transparency about her role’s benefits to the town and its teams. Frye believes that understanding each team member is crucial for effective collaboration, especially within a small staff.
As Frye looks to the future, she remains focused on enhancing the town’s human resources and expanding WASHRM’s role as a community partner, including initiatives like scholarships and supporting local nonprofits. “For me and the work that I do for the town and for WASHRM, I think of it as doing my part for the greater good of human resources and all the positive work that goes into the profession,” Frye concluded. “My approach is to help.”
