Ask5: Human Resources with Purpose with Amanda Kelly, Bethesda House

What does it take to build a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and connected to a meaningful mission? In this career conversation, we explored how Human Resources professionals help make that happen every day at Bethesda House of Schenectady.

During my Ask5 segment with Amanda Kelly, she shared the impactful work happening at Bethesda House and how HR helps build a supportive workplace culture that empowers staff to do their best work. Amanda reflected on the qualities that help employees thrive in mission-focused environments—highlighting the importance of empathy, collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to service.

For those interested in pursuing a career in HR or considering a career pivot, this segment offered valuable advice on building experience, developing transferable skills, and exploring different pathways into the field. We also discussed the benefits of professional engagement, including involvement in organizations like the Capital Region Human Resource Association and professional certifications through the Society for Human Resource Management, which provide networking opportunities, continuing education, and career growth for HR professionals at all stages.

Overall, the conversation highlighted how HR professionals play a critical role in shaping workplace culture, supporting employees, and strengthening organizations that serve their communities.

Bio: Amanda Kelly, SHRM-SCP is a strategic human resources leader who thrives at the intersection of people, purpose, and impact. With experience spanning nonprofit, healthcare, manufacturing, and consulting environments, she brings clarity to complex workforce challenges while leading with empathy and integrity. Amanda is passionate about building strong leaders, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and implementing practical HR solutions that support employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.

 

Known for her collaborative approach and people-first mindset, Amanda recently joined the mission-driven team at Bethesda House of Schenectady as the Manager of Human Resources. In this role, she serves as a trusted advisor and works in partnership with leadership to implement proactive recruitment and retention strategies, optimize HR systems, and drive organizational excellence through people-centered practices.

 

Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree from Marist University and began her HR career in New York City in college recruiting and university relations while studying Organizational Psychology at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Inspired by foundational psychology principles and motivational theories, she has spent the past two decades providing strategic human resources leadership and consulting services across nonprofit, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and higher education settings.

 

In her free time, Amanda participates in competitive rowing, a sport she discovered a passion for at Marist University and more recently with the masters team at Albany Rowing Center. She is an active member of the Capital Region Human Resource Association (CRHRA) serving on the Certification Committee assisting members with SHRM certification exam test-prep.