Spotlight on Kathy Megarry

Kathy Megarry is a seasoned Human Resources and Labor/Employee Relations professional with over 35 years of experience in both the public (government) and private sector. A large portion of Kathy's career was spent at the bargaining table negotiating on behalf of state, city and county government, as well as a 13 year stint as the VP of Employee and Labor Relations for Macy's Inc.  In her current role, she leads the HR, Labor Relations and Civil Rights/ Small Business Development functions at one of the country's best airports, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  

A fun fact about Kathy is that she has recently taken up tennis -- not the easiest sport to start from scratch as an adult, but really fun!

Learn more about the Minneapolis CHRO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

I joined the MAC after serving prior roles including:  Chief Labor Relations Officer, Hennepin County; VP, Employee & Labor Relations, Macy's Inc., and Labor Relations Director for the City of St. Paul.  This is my first position over the entire HR function, having previously led Employee & Labor Relations, Distribution Center HR, Comp & Benefits and Internal Communications and various previous employers. 
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Integrity, Candor, Transparency
 

What is the greatest challenge CHROs face today, and how are you addressing it?

Working in a quasi-government/not-for-profit environment, the biggest challenge for the HR function is our less-than-adequate ERP technology and a lack of resources to adequately support a transition to newer technology.  
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CHRO?

Curiosity about the business.  I recently became an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) in order to better understand the business that my function supports. 
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

The ultimate measure of success for me as a leader will be the number of people I have developed and seen grow in the fields of HR and Labor Relations, as well as in other areas of the business. I hope my leadership will have impact through those I have led, long after I retire. 
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?

CHRO-level roles can be lonely, particularly in smaller organizations. These types of C-level communities are a crucial source of professional and personal support and resources. 

Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.