People

Barb Matias, executive director of human resources at Palm Beach State College, has been recognized for her work by South Florida Business and Wealth magazine and will be featured in the publication’s April edition.

Matias was presented the magazine’s Excellence in Human Resource Award in the education category, one of 13 industries represented for the second annual awards. The monthly advertising magazine created the awards program to “recognize distinguished HR professionals who build and nurture the talent within their organization and help to elevate local companies to the top of their industries,” according to Gary Press, chairman of the Lifestyle Media Group/South Florida Business and Wealth. The awards are based on nominations by the public and research by SFBW. The 28 honorees were recognized during an awards program in Weston earlier this month.

Matias has worked at Palm Beach State since 2003, beginning as a human resources generalist. She worked her way up to become executive director of human resources in 2014. Under her leadership, the Human Resources office implemented a Total Rewards Model that offers employees a comprehensive portfolio of benefits, top quality performance and recognition programs, invests in professional development and learning programs, and fosters career growth opportunities.

She revamped the Human Resources annual report, creating a tool to analyze trends that are used to be make data-based decisions regarding HR programs and services. She also led the formation of position competencies to create a revised performance appraisal program that encourages employee-supervisor discussions throughout the year, grants employees an opportunity to engage in their own growth and development, and focuses on knowledge, behaviors  and qualities that move the College forward. Many performance appraisal models place much of the emphasis on the rating, whereas the College’s talent and performance program concentrates on employee engagement, goals and motivation.

Matias holds a master’s degree in human resources management and labor relations from New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury. She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management, College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, Association for Talent Development and Human Resources Council of Florida Colleges. She also serves as an executive board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County.