Stacey Bruewer used her time in career transition to dig deep and focus on the skills and qualifications she needed to use in her career pivot. Stacey noted, “the resources available at the Kenton County Public Library have been invaluable to my transition. I regained my confidence and found renewed energy as I participated in various workshops and NKYAG presentations. I practiced my elevator pitch with fellow networkers through roundtable sessions. Volunteer Coaches Lisa Swanson, Sherry Mays, and Jason Rinsky helped me the most. I knew the skills I built in my volunteer work would be valuable to my job search, but I just couldn't break down that final barrier to making it sound like "me" on paper.  This talented team talked me through pivotal points and helped me navigate towards a more professional presentation on paper. Investing time in the steps and resources outlined in the Job Search Central hub enabled me to see the full picture. I didn't feel the need to jump into the first opportunity that came my way.” In the end, Stacey interviewed for two positions at the same time...same organization...in sister departments that work together!  Stacey is now employed using all her best skills as a Community Wraparound Facilitator for Butler County. Way to go, Stacey!

After a successful banking career, Yvonne Rich found herself in the midst of a transition pre-Covid 19. Yvonne defined herself by her job and struggled with the emotional side of job loss and “how to get started.” She eventually found the NKY Accountability Group and the Job Search Focus Group which provided just the support she needed.  Yvonne became a true student of the job search process, taking every single KCPL class, some even more than once. She always appreciated the informative and encouraging speakers and especially benefited from the Linked In Courses with Carolyn Dickerson and the constant updates on technology, including the Managing Applicant Tracking Software. She started working several survival jobs to make ends meet, while she served as a caregiver for friends and family. Ultimately, Yvonne’s confidence started to grow again. Her giving nature came to an understanding with her need to find a job. Yvonne established boundaries. Through a former colleague, Yvonne found out about a position at the Federal Home Loan Bank and has officially landed in a new role! In an inspirational celebration at NKYAG, Yvonne highlighted new friends Sue Schindler, Bruce Gerken, and Carlos Paez as search pillars of support. “Never doubt the impact you can have on others!” per Yvonne.  Congratulations, Yvonne!

Many marketing executives, who tend to have big personalities, struggle with job loss, but not Joe Kromer. He possessed a strong faith in his abilities and did not define himself by his job transition. Joe participated in multiple networking events virtually, visiting the NKYAG Roundtable, Flash Mob and JSFG on a weekly basis. Joe appreciated the connections and tips offered and ALWAYS followed up with a “thank you.” He also listened to my advice and checked in with his network frequently to stay in the forefront of people’s minds, so they understood his seriousness about finding that next role. Joe also consistently offered suggestions and support for other participants. Joe commented, “Carolyn Dickerson’s LinkedIn profile classes helped me so much by making my LI page so much stronger and more attractive for future employers. Volunteer Coach Carol Hemmer was instrumental in helping me prepare for interviews. Career Navigator Garry McGuire was spot-on in providing guidance on negotiating job offers.” Joe has landed as the Lead Marketing Manager for AAA’s new healthcare service. Congratulations, Joe!

After 30 years at MACY’S, James (Pat) McHugh knew his former colleagues well but had a limited network in Greater Cincinnati/NKY when downsized. Pat started attending NKYAG meetings, “learning something new from every speaker”, finding out about Flash Mob and continually connecting with fellow job seekers and coaches. Pat decided early on to take all the KCPL skills-building classes to learn to conduct his job search well. Particularly helpful was Dr. Nina Talley’s class on Managing Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) and learning to target his resume for every opportunity. Carolyn Dickerson’s LinkedIn classes and coaching seriously strengthened his LI profile. Pat appreciated Bob Goodwin’s counsel on tailoring STAR stories to job descriptions, focusing on what you could do for a potential company. Ultimately, Pat was discovered on LinkedIn by United Wheels, a manufacturer and seller of bicycles based in Miamisburg, Ohio. The company was looking to expand their e-commerce program nationally, including their customer service centers. Pat was the guy they needed! Pat has joined the company as the On-Site Manager for their Customer Care Team. Way to go, Pat!

Terri Shannon proved herself to be unique from Day I. How do you manage a major career in sales and eight children? I remain in awe! Terri knows herself really well and after losing her job, set herself up to prepare for a role that suited her dynamic personality. Participating in NKYAG virtually allowed her to carefully manage her schedule while networking. She turned to Volunteer Coach Lisa Swanson for resume assistance. “Lisa was a lifesaver! Within hours, she helped me recreate my resume and brought me up to speed on being ATS compliant with a job description I liked.” Coach Sherry Mays gave me great ideas on updating my virtual interviewing space at home. She reached out weekly to Mikaela Brungs when struggling to find resources. Volunteer Coach Jason Nahrgang helped her lock down her interviewing presence through a great practice session. In Terri’s words, “I found the overall positivity, emotional encouragement, and understanding provided by the NKYAG team a tremendous support in my search.” Teri has landed at Ingage Partners, purpose-driven management and IT Consulting company as a Client Success Manager. Congratulations, Terri!

Company culture was super important to Cheryl Floyd after losing her job. Internal politics can be tough to survive at times. Cheryl was willing to work hard on growing her skills, expanding her network, and doing contract work until she found the role that suited her skills and her values. Cheryl spent many hours at the NKYAG Roundtable touching base with Volunteer Coaches Ken Wocher and Bob Tubesing. She attended multiple LinkedIn sessions with Carolyn Dickerson at KCPL. Cheryl learned from Promark Coaches, working there temporarily, and attended JSFG. Dr. Angie Taylor guided Cheryl in thinking through future career options. In Cheryl’s words, “what really made a difference was when I started meeting with Garry (McGuire) on Saturdays at the Kenton County Library - Covington Branch, my telephone started ringing and my email inbox became flooded with offers. Garry and I speak the same language and I recommend Garry without hesitation.” Cheryl has now landed as the Grants Administrator for Hamilton County. She has also been accepted into Chase Law School at Northern Kentucky University and will be working towards her Master of Legal Studies. Awesome, Cheryl! We are all so happy for you! Congratulations!

Good friend Amanda Green steered Chrissy Brunner to NKYAG when she lost her job. Chrissy jumped right in after taking the Getting Started class with Volunteer Coach Sherry Mays that helped her get out of “her brain fog and back into action mode.”  Chrissy participated weekly in NKYAG virtual meetings and roundtable discussions, learning to continually reinforce her own story, as she listened to other people’s. Chrissy commented, “The Networking, Informational Interview and Interview Skills Workshops at KCPL were great. In fact, after the Networking Workshop taught by John Rhoads, I reached out to former colleagues as suggested, and that interaction led me to getting my new role. The Elevator Pitch, Transferable Skills, and Core Skills Workshops really helped me focus on what I love to do and how to tell my story to others.”  Chrissy has landed as the new Account Manager, Midwest Region for Comscore. Comscore allows media buyers and sellers to quantify their multiscreen behavior and make business decisions with confidence. Chrissy will be working with former colleagues and a favorite former manager, plus her role is remote so we get to keep her in Greater Cincinnati! Congratulations, Chrissy!

Craig Hurwitz was a financial wizard but struggled for a long time with finding a full-time gig. Multiple consulting contracts kept him going, but a formal opportunity did not materialize. Craig coped with the trauma of being unemployed in multiple ways but found becoming a student of the job search process reduced the stress and depressing moments of the rollercoaster ride. Craig worked with both Dr. Laura Canter and Dr. Angie Taylor to ascertain his strengths and transferable skills. Carolyn Dickerson’s LinkedIn classes at KCPL helped him build a substantial profile and Karen Cornelissen enabled him to learn to write effective PAIN and cover letters. Craig reinvented himself, relying on many of the great new friends he made through participating in the NKY Accountability Group including Dan Ginsberg, Kari McClean, and Tom Harter. Cass Kutylowski really made a difference, acting as Social Chairman pushing disparate people closer together in difficult times. Ultimately, through developing and maintaining his network, Craig has landed his dream job at Duke University in Durham, NC. Craig will be teaching graduate-level classes in the FinTech and Cybersecurity programs at the Pratt School of Engineering and will also be responsible for program management. Such wonderful news, Craig! Congratulations!

Corrie McGlothlin had done it all! A community leader in her pre-pandemic role, Corrie handled sales, marketing, HR, training, and more, proving herself to be Chief Problem-Solver Extraordinaire! Corrie understood the need to network and insisted on meeting in person with people like Pat Frew and myself. Pat and I both walked away with the same impression…some company would be lucky to get the energetic Corrie. Corrie participated in NKYAG and JSFG, continually growing her connections. Corrie vigorously advocated for single Moms trying to make career transitions and was very supportive of fellow jobseekers. She updated her LinkedIn Profile through KCPL classes taught by Carolyn Dickerson and especially enjoyed our White Belt Six Sigma Class. Corrie kept her eyes out for opportunities that would suit her skill set, salary requirements, and family needs, often working late at night on job applications. Corrie described Dr. Angie Taylor’s help as her Career Coach: “Angie was a lifesaver for me! There are not enough words to explain how helpful she was. We developed a Core Skills document and put together a professional portfolio. The core skills sheet impressed hiring managers the most!” Corrie also noted, “Rhonda Whitaker-Hurtt was very insightful and gave me great advice. Joe Hoffecker, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Club significantly helped me grow my network.” All the hard work paid off, as Corrie negotiated multiple job offers simultaneously. Corrie has accepted the role of Solutions Enablement Manager for CBTS! Way to go, Corrie! Congrats!