Alumni Spotlight

What is your history with Husch Blackwell? 

I was hired by Whyte Hirschboeck as an Associate in the labor & employment practice group in the Madison, WI, office. I slowly migrated to the Milwaukee office over the course of two years (with the encouragement of Brad Dallet) where I worked as the firm transitioned its integration with Husch Blackwell. I was a member of the Healthcare SBU and enjoyed my time on the Associate Committee. After 6 years at the firm, I moved to an in-house position at Roadrunner Transportation Systems, a transportation and logistics company located just south of Milwaukee.    

Tell us about your current role at Roadrunner. 

I joined Roadrunner as senior counsel, employment and currently hold the title of senior director of employee relations. I report to the leader of our Human Resources function and provide counsel to our managers and HR professionals in all matters relating to our employees. Roadrunner and its subsidiary operating companies employ 4,600 employees across 122 locations throughout the United States. 

What kind of emerging trends are you seeing in your industry?

Roadrunner operates in several industries including aviation, third-party logistics (3PL), warehouse distribution and trucking. Recruitment is a challenge across all industries in today’s market, but the trucking industry faces an additional challenge as the traditional driver demographic continues to age. Technology companies (Amazon, Uber, Tesla) are also coming to market with alternative transportation and 3PL business models that have the potential to drastically change the industry. 

What is one of the most interesting projects that you’ve worked on?

Anyone who practices in labor and employment law knows that a day does not go by without an “interesting” project. Roadrunner grew to its current size through acquisitions, and the HR team is presented with the challenge and opportunity of integrating our businesses daily. These efforts include standardizing policies and practices, and cultivating the company’s culture to be “one-business minded.” I had the opportunity to travel extensively and meet various business leaders over the past few months, and I was reminded once again of the importance of learning the business to be an effective strategic partner.  

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside the office?

Traveling with my husband (Matt) and seeing the world through the eyes of my daughters, Harper (age 4) and Taylor (age 1.5). I’m not going to lie, an occasional manicure or solo run to Target also makes me happy. Nowadays, it’s the simple things. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m keeping up with Husch Blackwell on Instagram, but I miss seeing my friends and colleagues daily. David Hertel and Laura Malugade hear from me frequently, and I’m grateful for their support as I navigate my in-house role in the Human Resources Department.