Photo by Jessica Maloney,
UNH Human Resources

Growing up as the daughter of a nuclear engineer (and a UNH alumnus), Sherry MacDormand moved quite frequently with her family. The demand for her father's skills resulted in moves to Portsmouth and Berlin, NH; Idaho Falls, ID; Waterford, CT; Pittsburgh and Saxton, PA; and Las Vegas, NV. Having attended five grammar schools and four high schools, Sherry became very adept at getting to know people quickly. Perpetually the "new kid," her ability to make friends easily was partly dependent on her skill for finding common ground with anyone. Today, her ease with people is apparent, and translates into rather legendary customer service skills. All of those with whom she interacts are treated to the same exceptional level of respect and caring.

As the Benefits Coordinator for Human Resources, Sherry is responsible for the processing of benefits related forms and materials. The role also requires that she serves as a liaison and troubleshooter for employee benefits issues. Working to successfully resolve issues is her forte. An exceptional listener, Sherry gets quickly to the core of the matter, and she provides very straightforward, practical, and timely answers. "I care that people get what they need," she says. "I want to be sure that, with the level of service I provide, people will know they can come back to me for definitive answers." Sherry's expertise with such issues is derived, in part, from many years of experience as an owner of two family-run businesses, where she was responsible for all aspects of business operations. She also spent ten years as the Director of Human Resources and Payroll for a large nursing home facility in Portsmouth. In fact, of the skills necessary for her current position, Sherry points to "the experience and ability that comes with many years of dealing with insurance carriers," as very advantageous.

Prior to arriving at UNH, Sherry had begun several months of an intended, but ultimately short-lived, retirement. When contacted about an application she had submitted to university approximately a year earlier, she decided to take a position offered her as an Administrative Assistant II in Human Resources. Though initially looking for work that would be far less demanding than that she had experienced in her position as director, she has gradually taken on more and more responsibility. Sherry states, "From our first interview, Jean Irvine, my former HR supervisor, recognized my potential contribution to the University as a whole and HR in particular, especially in the field of benefits. She encouraged me to take on ever increasing responsibility. As my capabilities became apparent to all in the department, I have been fortunate to be given the opportunity to "grow" my position in the direction I feel most utilizes my knowledge base."

When asked about her hobbies and interests, Sherry replies "I am never without at least one counted cross stitch project in progress. I have provided my family and friends with baby blankets, Christmas stockings and a variety of framed works. I am currently working on a stocking for my third grandchild. I enjoy many hours in my garden. Moving to New Durham provided wildlife challenges that were not present in Hampton. The first year I planted a large garden full of bulbs and perennials. You can imagine my shock when I watched as each plant was cut off at ground level by voles and other varmints, so pleased that I had provided such a wealth of treats for them."