Meet Our Director, Operations & Human Resources: Interview with Harmony Healthcare’s Cindy Kell
What do you do at Harmony? What does a typical day look like for you?
I am Harmony’s director of operations and human resources overseeing the company’s Operations, Human Resources, IT, and Travel departments. You could say I wear a lot of different hats. A typical day for me is a mix of onboarding new hires—ensuring they have the necessary access and training—answering questions related to health insurance coverage and PTO, IT support, and so much more. If I could clone myself, I would. On a more strategic level, I’m charged with evaluating how the business operates. I manage the implementation of business guidelines and strategies ensuring everything runs smoothly. My goal—to make sure Harmony has the best working environment and processes.
You love to cook, what is your favorite dish to prepare?
I do enjoy cooking very much. I can boil a mean pot of water with the best of them! Just kidding! I don’t necessarily have a favorite dish I like to prepare, as I love to experiment and try new dishes—I put my own spin on them as well. If I had to pick, I would say my marinated (special recipe) baked chicken breasts, garlic roasted broccoli and steamed sticky rice with lime. I get huge raves every time!
Of all the cities and / or countries you’ve visited, what is your favorite and why?
Alaska is without a doubt my favorite place! My sister lived there for 10 years and during my many visits, we were always adventuring out into nature. It was the extreme opposite from living in Florida. There’s nothing quite like hiking in shorts on glaciers or running into a mama moose and her babies while snowshoeing in the woods—that is true nature! Alaska is filled with the most amazing and eclectic historical villages and towns. The natives and their culture, the beautiful mountains and scenery, seeing bears, killer whales, beluga whales, moose up close and personal—it’s truly been one of the most memorable travel experiences in my life so far.
Where would you like to visit?
I have several places I still want to travel to on my bucket list. However, I would say the top two are Ireland and Japan. I’m Irish and I want to be able to travel there and see where some of my ancestors lived and the beauty of the land itself. In addition, I have always been intrigued by Japanese culture. I love the style and design and have incorporated various Japanese décor elements in my homes in the past. I would love to visit Japan and see as many sites as I can.
What would you name your boat if you had one?
Serenity: I love being out on the water. I have loved the water since I was a young girl—I grew up in New England where we were always swimming in the rivers and playing in the creeks. Moving to Florida with my family as a teenager, I instantly fell in love with the beach and the ocean and I have spent many memorable times on boats with my friends, days at the beach, canoeing on the river, etc. Serenity—the state of being calm, peaceful, untroubled—that is exactly how I feel when I’m on the water.
Who is your inspiration?
My parents without a doubt have been the biggest inspiration in my life. From the guidance, love and support they have provided to my siblings and I growing up and showing us and teaching us life. They always taught us to do the right thing the right way. We were disciplined when we needed to be, we were loved unconditionally, and we were raised learning to respect others. I’ve seen my parents go thru so much in life and no matter what the situation they were ALWAYS there for us, supporting us, and always telling us to follow our dreams and our goals. In addition, they are truly my inspiration for true love. They will be celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary this year and to this day they still are so in love and hold hands and are the cutest couple ever.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I used to compete in adventure races and did pretty well in them—you tend to get hooked once you get involved. Being competitive my goal was always to improve with each race. You meet a lot of fun, cool people as well, as each one is a bit different. Some races have you sloshing through water, others clambering through muddy hills. They can be challenging but that’s what makes them fun and it’s a great workout! Looking forward to doing those again soon!
Is there a charity / cause you feel passionate about? Why?
I’m very passionate about the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute right here in Tampa. My family has unfortunately been struck with cancer for many years now. If it wasn’t for Moffitt Cancer Center, their amazing doctors and all that they have done, my amazing father would not be with us still today. I volunteered at Moffitt for a time as well years ago as a way of “giving back” for all they did for my family. Being on that side as opposed to visitor, gave me the insight and opportunity to see how the Center truly cares for their patients. Volunteering at Moffitt was truly a touching experience.
