As HACA’s Employee Experience Partner, Hannah Suggs supports employees at every stage of their journey, from their first interview to their final day on the job. Since joining HACA in December 2024, she has helped hire, interview, or onboard approximately 100 employees, created the organization’s new-hire orientation program, and worked to make human resources more accessible to employees.

We spoke with Hannah about what happens behind the scenes, why supporting HACA employees ultimately strengthens resident services, and what keeps her busy outside the office.

Q: How would you describe what you do at HACA to someone who has never worked in affordable housing?

A: I often describe my role as “helping the people who help the people.” I support employees throughout their entire employment experience, from recruiting and prescreening candidates to new-hire orientation, onboarding, benefits and retirement enrollment, workplace concerns, and exit interviews.

I also collect and review workforce data to understand whether our practices are supporting employee retention and where improvements may be needed. Although my work is primarily behind the scenes, I try to remain accessible and make sure our employees have the resources and support they need to serve our residents successfully.

Q: What brought you to HACA, and what has kept you here?

A: Before joining HACA in December 2024, I did not have a direct connection to affordable housing, but I was already passionate about serving the community and helping others. My previous work centered on at-risk youth, including providing direct care and supervisory support for young people in foster care, youth transitioning out of foster care, and incarcerated juveniles.

The more I have learned about affordable housing, the more connected I have become to HACA’s mission. That connection motivates me to ensure our employees are supported and prepared to serve our residents successfully.

Q: What part of your job feels most meaningful to you?

A: The most meaningful part of my job is knowing that I can make a difference at multiple points in an employee’s experience. That may mean helping someone receive a new employment opportunity, supporting an employee through a difficult situation, making sure someone feels heard, or improving a process that was creating unnecessary frustration.

I also enjoy seeing employees I helped recruit and onboard become successful in their roles. Those moments remind me that HR is ultimately about people. When employees feel supported, valued, and equipped to do their jobs well, they are better positioned to provide that same level of care and service to our residents.

Q: What is one thing you wish more people understood about HACA or the people it serves?

A: The residents HACA serves are individuals and families with their own experiences, challenges, strengths, and goals. They deserve to be treated with dignity and supported by employees who are prepared, compassionate, and committed to serving them well.

Q: When you are not at work, what are you most likely to be doing?

A: Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my beautiful and extremely outgoing three-year-old daughter, who visits the office whenever possible and is one of several “HACA babies.”

Outside of our normal day-to-day chaos, we love hiking and exploring together, doing arts and crafts, discovering new parks and playgrounds, and traveling whenever we can. When I have personal downtime, I enjoy playing guitar, singing, crocheting, and reading.

Q: What is a fun fact that might surprise your coworkers?

A: I spent several years participating in color guard, including one year with Western Carolina University.