Late last year we started the “Getting to Know” series to help Members get acquainted with some of our staff, partners and fellow Members. Today we’re learning a bit about long-time Member (and Board of Directors Member), Jonathan Liepe, Human Resources Supervisor, Talent Acquisition & Selection/HRIS, of Colorado Springs Utilities. Let’s take a moment to get to know this avid runner and sports fan!
Where is your office located?
Colorado Springs, Colorado (looking at Pikes Peak as I type this)
What does your workspace look like?
What does a day on the job look like for you?
Meetings, email, more meetings, one-on-one discussions with team, project planning, talent pipelining.
How do you get your day started?
A morning run before work is ideal! If that’s not possible, I start my day with a vitamin drink (no caffeine). I read a few articles on recruiting, SEO, OFCCP or Industrial/Organizational Psychology or other industry related topics.
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
LinkedIn and Facebook both. Different reasons for each – I find LinkedIn offers links to recent articles/blogs for quick updates on what’s trending. Facebook for personal reasons but I also enjoy exploring recruiting related groups, which continues to grow and evolve.
iPhone or Android – what kind of phone do you have?
Android (Samsung Galaxy S5). I don’t like using Apple products.
What is the background photo on your phone?
Lighthouse – Grand Haven, Michigan
What’s your favorite HR blog/resource?
Tough to nail this down to just one, so I won’t. Some of my top go to blogs include – ERE.net, Dr. John Sullivan’s Talent Management Thought Leadership, OFCCP Week in Review (of course), DDI’s Talent Management Intelligence and CEB’s Human Resources blog.
What do you like to do for fun?
I try to get out for a run 3-5x per week (3-6 miles) which includes running with a group of friends weekly as part of the Jack Quinn’s Running Club (I will completed my 150th run in December). I also play softball, ski and golf (time permitting, which has not been as much as I’d prefer lately). I’m an avid University of Michigan football fan as well. I also enjoy serving on the Alumni Board for Hope College (my alma mater) which includes organizing regional events in Colorado and participating in Homecoming events annually.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what do you listen to?
I don’t – too many phone calls throughout the day and I find it distracting.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Not to sound cheesy, but it really is the people – both the team I work with as well as serving our internal customers and applicants alike. I’m passionate about both the science and the art of recruiting and selection.
What tech gadgets can’t you live without?
My phone – from staying connected to tracking my runs / workouts and listening to music.
Last movie you watched?
Admittedly, Finding Dory.
Last book you read?
The Sorcerer’s Daughter (Terry Brooks)
Best advice you ever received?
“Marry her!”
What is your non-HR dream job?
Owning a catamaran in the Caribbean and running sunset dinner cruises with fajitas, quesadillas and margaritas!
What’s your favorite thing about being a member of the DirectEmployers Board of Directors?
Connecting with all the talented members who are passionate about the profession!
What is your favorite thing about attending DEAM?
Same as above…recruiters and talent professionals, after all, are the fun side of HR, right?
Thanks for sharing, Jonathan! Feel free to connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn and in our Member-exclusive community, Connect!
