Meet Emilee Sames, Human Resources Director
How long have you been in your position? Can you tell me a bit about your training?
I’ve been with Episcopal Homes as a HR Director for 5.5 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Management. I’m also a Trained Qualified Neutral (mediation) for the State of Minnesota.
I held two positions in HR before coming here, both in higher education.
What qualities make a good leader?
A good leader is someone who listens first and takes time to understand whoever they are speaking to. Someone who can admit to mistakes (vulnerability) but move on for bigger and better things. A good leader should have humility, positivity and influence.
What are the most important skills you use as a leader?
Active listening! Asking questions to gain clarification and understanding. My positivity and empathy are skills I use daily when working with staff.
Please share an accomplishment you are especially proud of:
I’m proud of completing Leading Age’s Leadership Academy in 2018 (year long leadership program) and being asked to be a coach of the fellows (5 coaches per 40 people or so who help the fellows through the program all year) in the program in both 2019 and 2021.
Please share a goal(s) for your area for 2022:
My goal is to have ZERO job openings! Okay…that’s maybe not realistic. My goal is to remind staff of how valuable they are and to thank them for being here for our residents every day. I hope to do that by providing good customer service in HR, a great benefits package and a positive culture here at Episcopal Homes.
A short sentence or two about you personally:
I live in Savage, MN with my amazing husband of 7 years. We have a dog named Diesel and love spending time on the water as often as we can.