The HR staff team is here to help YKHC nurture innovation and flexibility, and to keep YKHC in a competitive advantage so we can continue to offer the highest quality care. Knowing who we have working on our behalf in the HR department can help each of us know who to go to for help in various areas, so we can pinpoint exactly what person can help us get what we need.
A first contact with Human Resources may be through our helpful HR Office Assistant and “jack of all trades” Henry Combs. Bringing more than 20 years of customer service experience, 10 with YKHC in HR, Security and the Hostel, Henry has supervision and management experience to bring what it takes to set up an HR contact in the best light. Henry tells us, “I like pleasing people and helping others achieve their goals and I also like understanding how everything within a workplace or department fits together and works. I like seeing the bigger picture and the many pieces and parts that make it work in harmony.”
When asked why he likes YKHC HR as a career, Henry explains that he enjoys helping people, in both their good times, such as when they are newly hired and are bright and excited, as well as at times when they may be unsure of what to do. “I like to reassure them and get them the help and assistance they need, and even at the end of their employment I want to help them leave on a positive note, and with respect and dignity.” Henry has a close connection to our employees, and says, “If an employee has to leave employment on a not-so-positive note, I see myself in each of those situations and at different times in my life, since I’ve been there myself. I want to take what I’ve learned through my experiences, and use it to help others who come to Human Resources.”
Our YKHC Human Resources Department added a strong HR Manager when Larisa Bogunovic joined us in October as Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Compensation Manager. Larisa was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has been a Human Resources professional for 14 years, and she started as a Human Resources assistant for Harley Davidson Motor Company. Larisa continued to grow and develop within the HR profession for eight years at Harley, and in that time she earned her Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification in Lean Manufacturing with an emphasis on Human Resources Time and Labor. Larisa received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. In addition to the hard work she does for us in HR, she is currently working on her Master’s Degree at Purdue University, with emphasis on Law and Compliance.
For the last five years, she has managed various HRIS and Compensation programs with a focus on improving data management and efficiency, an area that YKHC will benefit from as she helps us improve performance in HR services and outputs.
It is hard to believe Larisa has spare time with everything she has on her plate, but when asked what she does for fun, she tells us, “I enjoy continuing my education. Right now, I am studying to receive my SHRM-Senior Professional in HR Certificate.” She is an avid college sports fan, of course rooting for her local teams in Wisconsin.