The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 28, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.
Next is Melissa Marousek, vice president and chief human resources officer at J&J Worldwide Services, and finalist in the Public & Private Company Chief Human Resources Officer category. Here, she shares key achievements, focus areas going forward, career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2023?
In 2023, we hired some great talent and implemented a new HR operating model that aimed to modernize the overall organizational experience with the human resources function. This operating model enabled our HR Centers of Expertise to identify opportunities and implement solutions more quickly, which led to significant cost savings for the company. I also had the fantastic opportunity to lead the J&J HR diligence process associated with the subsequent acquisition of J&J by CBRE Group.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
At J&J, we serve heroes. To be successful in our mission, we need to serve and support our employees by optimizing our capabilities. The focus areas for this year are to ensure a seamless, minimally impacting, integration with CBRE that continues to strengthen our foundation and leverage best practices across the organization. We are prioritizing process efficiency, continued modernization and providing the best possible HR support.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Take the risks. Fear of failure will keep you where you are as long as you let it. You need to be able to take a leap of faith ⏤ faith in your abilities ⏤ if you want to see your career advance.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know about?
During COVID, I turned to gardening as a new hobby. Focusing on an activity outdoors that had healthier impacts for my family was a beautiful way to challenge myself during those difficult times. I’m on my fourth year, learning many things with every new planting and harvesting season.