Director of Human Resources Operations, Tammie Zaczek, Dedicates More Than 30 Years to the SJVCi Community

Tammie Zaczek has more than 30 years of experience as part of the SJVCi community. She started out as a student at San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC), but after graduating and serving in roles from Facilities Manager to Administrative Assistant, she eventually became the Director of Human Resources Operations at Ember Education.

After being hired by SJVC, Tammie participated in a graduation ceremony at one of the campuses. While looking around and seeing all the graduates and their families filled with excitement and pride, she realized that she was working for a company with an invaluable purpose of changing lives. She just knew this was the right career path. Tammie continued attending SJVC graduation ceremonies as they reinforced her gratitude for the opportunity to build a career with them.

In honor of her receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, we would like to take a look back at her career and share some thoughts on how she was able to find success as part of the SJVCi community.

What is your current position and responsibilities?

When the acquisition of Carrington College occurred and Ember Education was developed, I was encouraged to apply for the role of Vice President of Human Resources. After careful consideration, I decided to withdraw my application and was given the opportunity to transition into Ember’s Director of HR Operations role. So here I am the Director of HR Operations for Ember Education where I appreciate being able to focus on employee relations and services.

What are some of the different roles and positions you’ve held?

Upon graduation, I was hired as the College Prep Instructor at the SJVC Fresno campus. I helped remediate prospective students, and when I was not teaching, I helped out in the Bookkeeping Department.

I was asked to take on different roles throughout my employment with SJVC. I became the Facilities Manager, assuring students received their program textbooks and supplies. The Registrar role became vacant, so I was asked to fill this role next. I had no experience as a Registrar. It turned out to be an easy transition. When the Administrative Assistant to the Campus Director role opened up, the Campus Director asked me to take that role as well. I learned a lot as the campus Administrative Assistant. It exposed me to HR job functions.

When SJVC decided to develop a human resources department, the VP of Admin asked me to become the Assistant Director of HR. Soon after, I became the Director of HR. I am a self-taught HR professional and became proficient in many areas that include labor law, employee leaves of absence, and dispute resolution/internal investigations to name a few. I enjoyed developing an HR team.

Any memorable moments from your career?

A highlight in my career was when one of the partners with our outside counsel firm told the VP of Administration, that I was unique in that I am a self-taught HR professional. He said I had more HR and labor law knowledge than some of his clients’ senior HR professionals with Masters’ and PhD degrees.

What motivates you to do your job well?

My father set the example for a good work ethic. You do your very best all of the time. To do your job well is self-gratification.

What do you enjoy most in your current position?

The people. I am blessed to have such great HR team members to work with. Helping others is pretty great too.

What is one of your favorite experiences, looking back?

Being told by a managing partner of a law firm that I was as good an investigator as he was.

Any advice for others who are thinking about joining the SJVCi community?

This company provides the opportunity to learn and grow with the organization. It is up to us to make the best of it. I appreciate all the opportunities afforded to me throughout my 30+ years.