Member Spotlight:
Patrick Smith, HR director, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, Louisville, Ky.
Patrick Smith is passionate about helping others.
As director of veteran and military initiatives for the Kentucky SHRM Council, Smith is working with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to train HR professionals to help veterans transition from the military to the civilian workforce. The training helps HR practitioners understand how veterans’ military skills equate to skills sought by civilian employers.
The sacrifice veterans make for their country “is all the motivation I need to do the best I can to help veterans become successful civilian employees,” Smith says.
It’s also one of the many ways he’s helped others in the HR profession. Smith has served as chair of the Kentucky SHRM Council board of directors, and he has held leadership positions with the Louisville SHRM chapter.
Volunteering is a central part of Smith’s life. For two decades, he has led the Ken-Ducky Derby race to raise funds for Harbor House of Louisville, a nonprofit organization that provides services to adults with disabilities. He handles the logistics of dropping 50,000 rubber ducks into the Ohio River for the charity race—and organizing volunteer “duck pluckers” to retrieve them. His aunt and uncle are among the founders of Harbor House, and his wife is the CEO.
Smith affirms: “Every HR person has a responsibility to be engaged in their community.”
What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today?
I have always seen myself as an introvert. I’ve pushed myself to take on volunteer leadership opportunities to grow personally and professionally. It’s made me a better person.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The little things matter. Many will probably go unnoticed, but they make a significant difference to the individuals impacted by your actions.
What is your favorite business book?
Now, Discover your Strengths (Free Press, 2001) by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton. I love any opportunity to look at the positive side of my abilities and utilize my strengths. This book reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning.
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