At Giffels Webster, our strength comes from the people behind the work—those who bring energy, empathy, and purpose to every interaction. One of those people is Emily Boyd, our Human Resources Coordinator, who’s been part of our team for just over a year.
In this spotlight, Emily shares how her natural inclination for supporting others and love for organized chaos led her to a fulfilling career in HR. From rethinking her early plans of becoming a teacher to launching an impactful internship program, her journey is a great example of following your strengths and staying open to where they lead. Whether she’s onboarding new hires or shaping a positive workplace culture, Emily’s passion for people is at the heart of everything she does.
Read on to learn more about her path, proudest moments, and the advice she has for anyone considering a career in HR.
1. Tell us your full name, role, and how long you’ve been with the company.
My name is Emily Boyd. I’ve been working with Giffels Webster for over a year as the Human Resources Coordinator.
2. What sparked your interest in Human Resources as a career?
I’ve always been the “people person” in every group—part counselor, part cheerleader, and occasionally the unofficial event planner! Early on, I realized that I loved helping people feel supported, solving problems, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Once I discovered that human resources (HR) were all those things wrapped into a career, I knew it might be the perfect fit for me!
3. Was this always your dream job, or did your career path take a few turns?
HR wasn’t always the plan! I initially thought I wanted to be a teacher but realized quickly that it might not be the best fit. From there, I knew I wanted to pursue something in the business world—I had been president of my high school’s Business Professionals of America chapter and absolutely loved it. While working through my prerequisite courses in college, I was drawn to HR and knew it was the right direction.
4. What do you love most about working in Human Resources today?
HR gives me the chance to use my people skills, whether it’s helping someone feel welcome on their first day or finding ways to make work a more positive experience for everyone. I really enjoy being the go-to person who helps things run smoothly and keeps the human side of things at the heart of the workplace.
5. What’s one project or moment you’re especially proud of in your career so far?
One project I’m especially proud of is the internship program I developed. Getting it off the ground took a lot of planning and coordination, so seeing it come to life was incredibly rewarding. Watching several interns return for another season has been even more exciting! It’s a great sign that we’re creating a meaningful and engaging experience. The way the program has grown and matured over the past year has been truly satisfying.
6. What would you tell someone about considering a career in Human Resources?
If you enjoy working with people, solving problems, and making a real difference in how a workplace feels – Human Resources might be your calling! It’s not just about paperwork and policies; it’s about creating a space where people feel supported, heard, and empowered to do their best. Plus, you’ll never have a boring day – every situation is a new opportunity to learn and help someone. HR is a great path to explore if people and purpose drive you.
6. What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, painting, golfing, and trying new restaurants with my husband.
At Giffels Webster, we’re proud to support team members like Emily who bring heart, dedication, and a people-first mindset to everything they do. Her story highlights how following your strengths and embracing new opportunities can lead to a career that’s both impactful and deeply rewarding—for individuals and the teams they support.
Stay tuned for more spotlights as we continue to celebrate the people who make our firm stronger and help shape the future of planning, infrastructure, and community development.
Interested in joining our team? Learn more about careers at Giffels Webster: https://www.giffelswebster.com/careers/.
