I have been a practicing HR Executive for 20 years. I am currently the Chief Excellence Officer of BuzzARooney LLC, my management consulting boutique , and the Senior Director of Human Resources for an international home security dealer headquartered outside Raleigh NC. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with a focus on Organizational Communication and Leadership from the University of Richmond as well as a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management.

In 2011, I jumped into social media scene under the pen name “Buzz Rooney,” with my blog, The Buzz on HR. “BuzzARooney” is a nickname from my childhood, given to me by my dad. He teased me for always ‘buzzing’ around, listening and observing and touching things out of curiosity and general nosiness. I’ve always been full of questions and wonder, which fueled both my learning and creativity. It made natural sense to me to honor that part of me as well as honor my dad in creating the name of my blog and my business.

Almost 8 years later, my pen name is gone -- but my blog is still going strong with over 10,000 readers each month. I have amassed over 20,000 followers across Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

In 2012, my writing led me to coaching, consulting, and speaking as well as writing outside my blog in the areas of management, leadership and human resources.

In 2017, I created the #BlackBlogsMatter challenge to push the conversation surrounding diversity and inclusion in the workplace, which has become a hashtag movement to create more opportunity and exposure to Black bloggers and our diverse voices. In 2019, I added #BlackPodsMatter to my hashtag movement arsenal -- and I launched my own podcast show, the Leading In Color podcast. Soon, I will launch my first HR Event -- The HROI Summit. Thru my blog, podcast and events, I am fully committed to helping professionals and organizations manage people with compassion, intention and pragmatism using modern and affordable practices.

I have been named to HR Blogger Network’s Top 40 Under 40, Clear Company’s 50 Unstoppable Women in HR Tech, and the XpertHR UK List of Top Global HR Voices.

The Buzz on HR blog has been named to the Proven Best HR Blogs, BambooHR’s Top HR Blogs, PayScale’s 25 Must-Read HR Blogs, and Wonolo’s 50 Best Blogs for HR Pros for consecutive years.

When I am not working or writing, I am a wife and mom with 5 children living in the Raleigh/Durham NC area. I enjoy mindlessly watching television, spending time with my friends and family, eating and sleeping. My life is full. I am blessed -- and highly driven.