Woman named 'Professional of Year'

An employee for the city of Grand Junction has been working hard to build relationships and improve peoples' lives. Now, she's being recognized as Western Colorado's Human Resource Professional of the Year.

Donna Smith is a human resource analyst for the city.

Smith beat out four other finalists to win the honor for 2012.

She said she's worked for the city of Grand Junction since 2007 but has been a human resource specialist for the last 18-years.

A panel of judges evaluated nominees based on their performance in the Human Resources field, their efforts to promote their profession, and their contributions to the community.

Smith said the more an individual prepares going into a job, the more the community will benefit as a whole.

"I deal with candidates as they're applying for positions, and I help try to find the best fit for the positions within the city of Grand Junction, and then that way they can provide the best service possible for our community," said Smith.

She also said she loves arranging internships for District 51 students and college students as they prepare to enter their professional lives.

Smith also works with The House and Karis, local organizations that help the homeless become more self-sufficient.

The House works specifically with homeless teenagers.

For more information about Donna Smith, and other news making headlines across the Grand Valley, be sure to check out this week's edition of The Business Times.

For the full Business Times article featuring Donna Smith, visit: http://thebusinesstimes.com/hr-professional-lauded-for-award-winning-efforts/