Meet Kim Donahue, Senior Director of People, Processes, Compliance, and Development for GSF. From GSF’s Conyers, Georgia location, Kim began her career journey 18 years ago this month. Her progression through the company’s human resources team offers valuable insights into the supportive and dynamic environment that GSF cultivates.
Alignment and Advancement
Kim joined GSF in 2006 as a Senior Human Resources (HR) Manager for the company’s Conyers food manufacturing facility. The position initially caught her eye on a staffing agency website. "I saw the posting and immediately thought, "That is my job!" she recalls. Evident from her very first interview, the sense of belonging and alignment with the company's values made GSF feel like home right from the start.
Marked by significant growth and opportunities, Kim's GSF career has included several key promotions into roles of increasing responsibility. She progressed to the divisional leadership role of HR Director in 2014 and expanded her scope to support all of the company’s North America food processing locations. In 2023, GSF elevated Kim to her current role as Senior Director, guiding companywide people, processes, compliance, and development initiatives as part of the corporate GSF team.
Longevity and Leadership
"The people and the company culture have been the biggest factors that influenced my decision to stay with GSF," Kim explains. She values consistent support and camaraderie, especially during challenging times, and appreciates how the company's Creed and Values have remained integral to every business decision.
Several leaders within GSF have meaningfully influenced Kim's career development. With purposeful support from leadership throughout the organization, she credits past and present GSF executives like Bill Hartline, Steve Becker, Brian Dick, Larry McGill, Wayne Morgan, and John Page for believing in her potential and providing valuable mentorship. "The company culture fosters continuous learning and development, which has greatly impacted my career journey," she notes.
Encouraging and Enjoying the Journey
Kim encourages others at GSF looking to advance their careers to utilize the many resources the company offers. "GSF is dedicated to continuous learning. They provide tools like LinkedIn Learning, tuition assistance, time off to attend seminars, and certification programs," she says. Emphasizing the importance of these resources, Kim recommends others actively engage in the opportunities provided for personal and professional growth.
For Kim, the best part about working at GSF is the people, the continuous learning opportunities, and the variety of work. "Every day is different, which keeps my work exciting and fulfilling," she shares.
Currently, Kim focuses on the intricacies of working with the corporate legal team, as well as developing HR initiatives and other associates. "This role is not just about ensuring HR compliance, but also about streamlining processes to enhance efficiencies across HR teams," she explains.
Kim Donahue's GSF career story offers a shining example of how a nurturing culture and commitment to people’s development can lead to a rewarding and successful long-term career.