Tracy Williams, Human Resources Specialist, has a deep sense of gratitude about the opportunities that life and work have afforded her and a profound interest in people and their ambitions.
As an HR Specialist, she finds fulfilment in connecting with people every day, developing meaningful relationships, and giving others the space to feel comfortable and find a place that fits for them.
Tracy worked in retail in the years leading up to starting at GUC 16 years ago. While she worked at the bank next to our Main Office, she met people who worked in customer service at GUC.
She eventually started her career at GUC as a credit officer part-time and moved on to a position as a full-time Customer Service Representative. She transitioned to the Electric Department as a Staff Support Specialist, finally finding her spot in HR as a Specialist.
In her youth, Tracy wanted to be an actress. “I show the personality for it,” she said with a laugh. “But I am nervous in front of a camera. When I got older, I wanted to be a psychologist.”
That interest in human motivation serves her well as an HR Specialist. She said making people comfortable talking with her as a representative from HR is important to her.
“I am having a good day when I see that I am able to make people feel comfortable,” she said. “When people tell me I make them feel comfortable – people you least expect to say that – it’s a compliment to me.”
As an HR Specialist, she understands how difficult it can be to put a person at ease with talking to her. “We’ve worked really hard to change how HR is seen here, and that’s so important,” she said.
Tracy is proud of the shifting attitudes that surround asking HR for support, which she attributed to the department’s restructuring and the team of dedicated HR experts.
Her proudest career moment, however, was when she earned a Master of Business Administration using GUC’s Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP).
“I finished that degree in a very hard time in my life,” she said. “I was going through a lot personally, including my dad passing away unexpectedly, but that feeds off what motivates me to work hard. I want to show my kids that they can do anything if they work hard.”
Tracy’s ability to not only overcome personal trials, but ultimately thriving, is a testament to her resilience and determination. She said she is able to get through difficult times because of an abiding sense of gratitude for all the opportunities she has been given in life.
“I know that my bad days are good days that somebody else is wishing for, and those bad days are few and far between,” she said.
“When my Dad passed, I had a lot of bad days, but with every one of those days, I remembered that I got 30 really good years with him, and some people don’t get that. I also have an awesome support system, among my mom, sisters, husband, friends, and coworkers.”
FUN FACT:
In 2018, I ran in the Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course. It was the most fun, but also the muddiest, time I have ever had.
What advice do you offer to those who are new to the utility industry?
Stay teachable. You can learn from anyone no matter if they are in your department or not. Also be good at the easy stuff – like being on time, having a positive attitude – leadership notices the little things.
What would you like us to know about your family (spouse, kids, pets, geographical locations, etc.)?
I have a 14-year-old son, Brantley, and two stepdaughters, Kimberly, 19, and Taylor, 17. I’ve been married to my husband, Jeffrey, for five years. We have three dogs, a lab named Sadie, a Jack Russell named Nelly, and a mix named Pup Pup.
What is your favorite family or holiday tradition?
Before Thanksgiving and Christmas, we go to Mike’s Farm as a family.
Who is your favorite band or singer?
Morgan Wallen, Usher, TLC, or any boy bands
What have been your favorite travel destinations?
Clearwater, Florida
Is there a celebrity you’d like to meet?
I would have liked to meet Elvis. My dad sang Elvis songs to us growing up.
Do you collect anything or have any hobbies?
I like canning, gardening, fishing, and crabbing. I have a slight obsession with cups.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
A night owl. I enjoy the calm of night.
What’s your favorite thing to do when not at work?
It depends on the weather. I like to be outside with good weather. I like to read and craft, too.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
To go on an Alaskan cruise.
What is your favorite movie?
Now & Then, Casper, Taken
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Making mouth noises, like clicking or smacking or drinking loudly.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Never take advice from someone you wouldn’t trade places with.” – Darren Hardy
What are you looking forward to?
Going to the rodeo this year - it's in Huntsville, Alabama - and we are going to the NASA Museum.
What are your favorite things about life right now?
I am heavy on being a mom of a teenage boy. His social calendar is extensive, and I enjoy the car rides with him. It’s our time to spend together, and I am appreciative of those moments.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
You don’t have to be perfect to be successful. I thought that you did when I was younger. Appreciate what you have now.
What is your favorite memory from childhood?
Trick or treating. My two sisters and I would fill up a pillowcase that my Dad carried. We saw it more as a challenge or a job. It was fun.
