Full Article on GoFountainInn: Sandra Woods - 39th Anniversary
Since 2019, Human Resources (HR) professionals have celebrated International HR Day, this year on May 20, to recognize those who truly keep the workplace moving.
HR includes roles in recruiting and hiring, employee relations, benefits administration, employee training, legal compliance and recordkeeping. They are often the professionals behind payroll processing, employee handbook development and budget management.
This year, the City of Fountain Inn is recognizing Sandra Woods, Assistant Director of Human Resources, and all the work she has done.
Woods will celebrate her 39th work anniversary this summer.
“I was born and raised in Fountain Inn and when I was growing up, you were interviewing for a career position. That’s what I was looking for; I loved that this position was here in my hometown and I’ve loved working for Fountain Inn,” Woods said.
Woods came on board as an office assistant and in the 1980’s, there were only three people in the HR department, allowing her to gain experience and knowledge in a host of different areas.
In 2002, the Fountain Inn city clerk retired and Woods accepted the position of City Clerk and Treasurer until she retired in 2016.
However, it seemed as though she couldn’t say goodbye.
“I got bored, I missed the people. I had an opportunity to come back as city clerk part time and then it bloomed into full time again. Two and a half years ago, our Director of Human Resources, Rebecca, needed an assistant and I moved over to the position I’m in now,” Woods said.
With nearly 40 years under her belt, Woods has watched as the City of Fountain Inn has developed and grown. She’s also able to share her knowledge of the city with others and support her hometown in many ways.
“Back in the eighties, I’d say it was an Andy Griffith type town and over the years we’ve grown like crazy. I loved the quietness back then and how everyone knew each other. I’ve watched an entire generation leave us and many are no longer with us,” Woods said. “Now we have new generations coming in and we love that too. Fountain Inn is a beautiful place to be.”