Member Spotlight: Kimberly Wines

Kimberly Wines’ penchant for problem-solving drove her interest in HR issues decades ago, when she was working as the controller for a previous employer. 

When she joined her current company, SEK, CPAs & Advisors, in 1989, Wines, SHRM-SCP, chose to expand her HR duties as she developed her new role as firm administrator. 

“It has always been my desire to make a difference,” she says. “The HR profession offered many opportunities and paths toward making the workplace a positive environment for all involved.”

Eager to learn, Wines joined SHRM and its local chapters. She obtained a SHRM certification to ensure that her HR knowledge would be respected by the certified public accountants she worked with. 

Throughout her career, Wines has also shared her HR knowledge with others. She has served as president of two SHRM chapters—Cumberland Valley SHRM and Frederick County SHRM—and is currently director of the Maryland SHRM State Council. 

What was your greatest challenge?

When I was starting my career, it was proving my ability to work in an environment that was managed predominately by men. I had to build my confidence because it wasn’t instilled in me growing up. My father purposefully pushed me away from a career in the family manufacturing business because he didn’t believe women should be in leadership positions. I lost my dad 30 years ago. But I still recall the moment he told me how proud he was of the independent, driven, career-focused person I had become. 

What’s your favorite business book?

David Cook’s greatness (Sacred, 2021) applies to both my business and my personal life. The message is powerful. You must see what you truly want, feel what the success of obtaining it will feel like, and trust that it is possible.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Be true to yourself! A family friend once told me that if I acted with integrity and honesty, I would succeed. If somebody at a high level is crossing the line, you might have to call them out on it—and I did.  

Photograph by Jill Jasuta for HR Magazine.