Sheryl Ann Blunck has been named Human Resources Manager of Tidewater Holdings, Inc., parent company of Tidewater Barge Lines. Her responsibilities will consist of planning and directing programs for all human resources areas, including staffing, compensation, and labor and employee relations.
Blunck most recently served as the Human Resources Administrator for Warn Industries, an off-road equipment manufacturer and distributor in Oregon. She administered HR programs and policies for over 500 employees, managing workers’ compensation, recruiting, disciplinary situations and counseling management on personnel-related matters.
Blunck earned a BA in Social Sciences from Vanguard University and an MA in Human Resources Development from Seattle Pacific University.
“As we continue to expand and grow the company, it will be beneficial to have someone with Sheryl’s expertise to further enhance our HR department,” said Tyler Kopet, Tidewater’s CFO. “Sheryl’s broad range of talents will help us continue our focus on fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring that Tidewater continues to be a rewarding place to work.”
Monique Kahkonen, SPHR, has joined Employers Resource Association (ERA), an organization specializing in human resources consulting, training, development, legal updates, news and information, as HR Learning and Development Consultant.
Ralph Neal, SPHR, vice president of educational services at ERA, said Kahkonen “will lead the design and delivery of HR and legal compliance training for employers of various sizes and industries in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.”
Kahkonen brings more than 15 years of human resource and training experience to ERA. Prior to joining the association, she was the human resource and training director for a national franchise system, where she provided consultation and training in all aspects of human resources, including employment, compensation, leadership development, wage and hour, workers’ compensation and unemployment. She held leadership positions in a regional hospital network and began her career in the nonprofit arena.
Kahkonen is a board member for a foster care agency. She has written for local and regional publications on a variety of HR-related topics. Kahkonen graduated summa cum laude from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.