Jessi Rucks, HSS Board Member

As the daughter of a coal miner, Jessi Rucks moved frequently with her family when she was a child. In doing so, she was given a unique opportunity to develop exceptional interpersonal skills.

Jessi came to view what some would consider a challenge – starting a new school, learning her way around a new town, changing routines – as simply a way of life.

“I think I’m pretty good at deep and uncomfortable conversations. I want to get to know you – the real you,” Jessi said. “We’re all figuring life out as we go. We all have more in common than we realize. Let’s lean on each other and learn.”

She became adept at starting over fresh, making new friends, and realizing that people are not so different – no matter where you go.

As an adult, Jessi translated the people skills she learned in her childhood into a career in human resources. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business Administration from Marshall University in West Virginia.

With 15 years of human resources experience in both the private and public sectors, it’s no surprise she was recruited to serve as chair of the Human Resources Committee on the HSS Board of Directors. She joined the board in October 2023.

“I love the commitment HSS has to doing the right thing for others. I admire what they do and who they are so much,” she said.

Even though she’s only been on the board for a few short months, Jessi is quickly getting a sense of the mission and values that drive HSS leadership and staff.

“Everyone who works at HSS has deep compassion and empathy for others and you can really feel that,” Jessi said.

Jessi lives in Waterloo claiming, “home is where my family is.”

We’re so pleased that the Rucks family feels at home in our community and we are excited to see how our newest board member contributes to our mission of helping all people live their best lives.

If you’re interested in supporting HSS or serving on one of our committees or on our board, contact Courtney Hunter, director of development, at chunter@hss1.org.