Jennifer Frye, the director of human resources for the Town of Mount Jackson, has been recognized as the HR Professional of the Year by the Winchester Area Society for Human Resource Management (WASHRM). This accolade, announced last week, was determined through a vote of her peers in the regional HR community, highlighting her significant contributions to the field.
Significant Contributions to Local Government
Frye’s role encompasses the often unrecognized yet critical elements of human resources, including hiring, onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance. Olivia Hilton, the Town Manager, commended Frye for her unwavering dedication to enhancing internal operations and for her proactive approach to policy updates. “Jennifer’s commitment to excellence is truly inspiring,” Hilton stated. “She consistently makes recommendations for updates to our policies and employee handbook to ensure we are operating at the highest standard.”
Having joined the town in 2024, Frye expressed that the award holds special significance as it comes from fellow professionals who understand the challenges of the HR field. “This award was peer-voted amongst other Winchester Area HR professionals,” she noted. Frye also referenced the emotional challenges faced by the local chapter this year, especially following the unexpected passing of WASHRM’s chapter president. “Helping the board and members through that loss was natural for me and the right thing to do,” she added.
Revamping HR Practices in Small Town Government
Frye’s leadership has been instrumental in revitalizing the chapter, which is now focused on rebuilding and expanding its community presence. This includes initiatives such as scholarships and support for 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 commented. “My approach is to help.”
At Town Hall, Frye describes her responsibilities as more than just paperwork; they require a keen understanding of her colleagues’ needs. “I’m very people oriented, I’m curious, and I ask a lot of questions,” she explained. She emphasized the importance of situational awareness, which allows her to stay connected to the “pulse” of the team. Municipal HR roles share similarities with private sector responsibilities, such as performance management and employee relations, but decisions in a smaller organization can have a more significant impact.
Looking ahead, Frye mentioned that the town will soon be hiring for seasonal lifeguard positions. She encourages interested candidates to apply, stating, “Send applications my way.”
One of her notable achievements includes updating the town’s employee handbook, which had not been revised since 2008. After extensive research and feedback from department directors, Frye’s proposed changes were successfully approved by the Town Council. “I was intentional in suggesting policies and refreshes that made sense for our work environment,” she said, adding that this handbook will be a “living document” that adapts as needs evolve.
Frye highlighted that trust is a crucial component of her role, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality and credibility. “I’m in a high trust role, where confidentiality and credibility are critical,” she stated. To foster this trust, she prioritizes communication and collaboration, ensuring that she shares information and works alongside her colleagues to achieve common goals. “Communication is key, and knowing ourselves is also important in the process of working together,” Frye concluded.
