Image is everything. Human Resources departments work daily to garner a reputation that attracts new associates and helps to retain current staff at organizations of all sizes. At Heartland Bank, Andrea Ramirez devotes her time and talents to the HR department to build camaraderie that supports the inclusive and dynamic image that makes the bank unique and desirable.
Customer Service
“As an HR professional, my customers are the associates, and I believe in offering excellent customer service by being attentive, responsive and always striving to meet their needs. It's about ensuring they feel supported, valued and heard. Being a team player is essential, collaborating effectively and helping others whenever possible creates a positive, cohesive work environment. Whether it's resolving issues, providing guidance, or supporting the team, I aim to go the extra mile to ensure the best outcomes for both employees and the organization,” shared Andrea.
Andrea supports the staff at the bank as they strive to provide excellent customer service to their clients in the communities that Heartland serves. Andrea added, “I am currently an HR Business Partner at Heartland Bank. This role involves leading business partnerships to align HR support with associate performance and development goals, resolving complex employee relations issues through objective investigations and coordinating HR processes like talent acquisition, onboarding and associate development. The role also analyzes HR trends to recommend policy improvements, ensures legal and regulatory compliance, provides performance management guidance, supports hiring and onboarding, leads organizational change projects, facilitates training for skill development and generates reports for audits and risk management.”
Team Player
Heartland associates are encouraged to raise their hand when they have the capacity and talents to lend assistance even when what is being asked for is not part of their everyday responsibilities. “Coming from a different field, I had to be flexible and adaptable to change, which allowed me to learn quickly and contribute effectively. I'm proud of how I’ve embraced challenges and remained open to new ways of working. Additionally, I take pride in my willingness to help wherever needed, even when it’s beyond my formal responsibilities. This mindset has allowed me to support my team in various capacities, making a meaningful impact on both small and large projects,” stated Andrea.
“Andrea has jumped in to help in any capacity on the HR team since she started, almost three years ago. She takes pride is the quality of her work and her partnership with team members across Heartland. Andrea takes everything in stride and always approaches challenges with a positive attitude. Her commitment to excellence is evident in every task she undertakes, making her an invaluable asset to the HR team and Heartland as a whole,” added Director of People Portfolio Sarah Ketty.
On a Lighter Note…
Andrea was born in Queens, New York, and moved to Columbus when she was 16 years old. Currently living in Westerville with her husband and two golden doodles, she also loves to travel with a goal of visiting a new country every year. “So far, we've explored Colombia, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain, and we love immersing ourselves in the local culture and history. Trying the local cuisine and drinks are always a highlight of our trips!” said Andrea as she explained that her family is also an important part of her nonwork life.
Community banking is all about communities, and Andrea takes this seriously by volunteering for a local organization. “I have volunteered with Kitchen of Life, a non-profit organization that fosters social-emotional skills through the culinary arts for nearly two years. My duties include supporting the coordination of culinary workshops, assisting with program activities and engaging with students to help them develop both their cooking skills and emotional well-being. It’s been a rewarding experience and has also allowed me to discuss career opportunities within the banking industry.”
If you’re looking for a bank with HR professionals like Andrea, come on over to Heartland! Check out our careers page for openings in your area.