Kathryn W.

Employee Engagement Director

Hospitality means having a genuine interest in understanding and serving others. It’s about delighting people and enhancing their experience in ways that show you care. The experience should feel personalized, making them feel truly understood.

Coming into construction from a different industry pushed me to learn quickly and think creatively about what a people-first workplace could look like. When I joined Gardner in 2019, I was drawn to the opportunity to help shape HR practices that truly reflect who we are and how we care for our people. My role focuses on creating and supporting systems that allow our teams to thrive, from employee engagement to policies and practices that are uniquely Gardner and centered on people.

Building culture isn’t something that happens in isolation. It’s a collaborative effort, and I’m proud to work alongside leaders and teams across the company to foster a workplace rooted in trust, belonging, and shared values. Helping create a strong sense of community is the most rewarding part of my work, and it’s what makes Gardner feel different from anywhere else I’ve been.

Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my two young sons. I love to cook and bake, and whenever I get the chance, I enjoy seeing a great theater show.

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