On her ascent up the corporate ladder, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna Rebecca Cornatzer has never shied from taking opportunities. She emphasizes each experience’s ability to positively develop one’s character and career.
The director of human resources at S.M. Wilson & Co. is being recognized for her vital leadership and outstanding HR achievements as a recipient of the St. Louis Business Journal’s inaugural Human Resources Awards.
“My company has such a great atmosphere of talented people collaborating with and supporting each other,” said Cornatzer. “To be nominated by my fellow team members is a true honor.”
Cornatzer earned a bachelor’s in psychology from SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior in 1992. She went on to achieve a master’s in education from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis.
As HR director for S.M. Wilson, Cornatzer is responsible for ensuring compliance with labor laws, as well as the strategic management of the HR function.
“In my role, I focus on efforts to support our company’s culture, building our internal capacity including leading employee relation initiatives, as well as leadership development and overall professional development for all employees. I also ensure we remain a competitive employer to recruit and retain top talent.”
“My professional goal has been to serve in a leadership role as a strategic partner,” she added, “working with other company leaders to navigate business challenges, and identifying goals and desired outcomes for the HR function that positively impact the company I work for.”
She credits her undergraduate studies at SIUE for offering positive exposure to diverse concepts and people.
“The exposure I received at SIUE in my psychology, sociology and education courses, as well as my exposure in connecting with other people with diverse backgrounds and interests began my path toward a career that focuses on people,” Cornatzer explained.
The award-winning HR leader encourages others to grab hold of opportunities in order to learn and advance.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of taking opportunities,” she explained. “Take opportunities to learn all you can about the business/market your company is in along with the challenges that both your company and the industry face. It’s also important to take leadership opportunities, whether that be leading or serving on a task force, committee or board, or perhaps taking a leadership role in implementing a change in the workplace.”
BizJournal HR Award winners will be showcased in a special section of the publication’s March 8 edition.
Photo: SIUE alumna Rebecca Cornatzer is being recognized with a St. Louis Business Journal HR Award.