Samantha Brown

Samantha Brown started as a medical customer service representative, and after a few months moved into an operations administrative assistant position at Alliance One.

During that time, she pursued a degree in human resource management.

“I eventually moved into human resources as a generalist and payroll administrator and was subsequently promoted to the position of assistant HR manager, retaining the post of a payroll administrator for the site.”

When a position opened in 2013 for the HR manager, she was recommended and accepted the position, which she has held ever since.

Thirteen persons report to her directly, in addition to a team she liaises with daily, who are managers in recruiting, training, security, facilities, and the company’s 14 operations department.

After 16 years in the sector, Brown has witnessed its massive growth and impact on the country’s economy, especially employment and the rise of supporting sectors such as retail trade and housing.

She describes the sector she works in as one that has wide networking dimensions as it interfaces with both local and international bodies.

To be part of such a driving and growing sector, she said, is more than fulfilling.

As the sector has grown, so has Brown’s personal development. “My experience and exposure to the industry over the many years have led me to become the astute business professional I am today. I have learnt a great deal about the industry by working directly with the key players of the site over the years,” she said.

One of the greatest impacts, Brown said, is seeing the happy faces of her staff at the end of a shift, happily heading home with a sense of worth in their lives because they are now employed and are able to make a better life for themselves and their families.