Leslie Hofer, an Illinois Valley Community College alumnus, is the new Director of Human Resources.

She has her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bradley University and used to work as a controller at Deere & Co. This first experience in human resources sparked her interest in the field and caused her to be where she is today.

One of the highlights of her job is talking with others and helping them find their strengths and weaknesses. Hofer enjoys this because it gives her the opportunity to interact with others and make a positive impact. She explains that human resources is such a diverse field: no two days are ever alike.

“No day is ever boring,” Hofer says.

Some aspects of her job include assessing strengths and weaknesses, finding solutions, studying demographics, streamlining processes, coaching, and being a listening ear to those around her. The primary aspect of her job is working with people though.

“People are the No. 1 asset of the institution,” Hofer says. Her job is to take care of those assets by ensuring that “everyone is treated fair and equitably.”

Hofer is enjoying her position at IVCC so far. She loves the small-town values and the genuine interest that everyone shows in each other. She says, “Everyone’s been phenomenal.”