Tamara Steele: A Passion for Advancing the Public Sector HR Profession

In 1990, Tamara Steele was a new high school graduate, looking for a short-term gig to kickstart her career. Instead, she found her professional calling.

“My journey into public sector HR began with a temporary position in human resources right out of high school,” says Steele, the current director of human resources and communications with the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency.

Steele worked as an HR general office clerk for the Oklahoma Insurance Fund (now CompSource Mutual Insurance Company) for about a year, before moving into a permanent position as an HR assistant. The role proved to be crucial in uncovering some of her strengths and career interests.

“At the time, I was simply looking for an opportunity to start my career, but I quickly discovered a passion for helping people, solving problems and supporting organizations in meaningful ways.”

Reflecting on the role now, Steele says it was the ability to make a difference “not only for employees, but ultimately for the communities we serve” that drew her to public sector HR as a career.

In the years since, Steele has held a variety of public sector HR positions across Oklahoma state government.

She has served in her current capacity since May 2019. Before that, Steele was talent management and acquisitions manager with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services from December 2010 to May 2019.

Prior to that, Steele served as human resources manager with the Oklahoma Department of Central Services from October 2007 to November 2010. She was human resources manager with the Office of Juvenile Affairs in Sand Springs, Okla. from October 2005 to October 2007.

In that time, Steele has gained experience in recruitment, employee relations, investigations, mediation, leadership development, communications and organizational effectiveness, she says.

“Along the way, I [also] learned that HR is about far more than policies and processes,” adds Steele, who holds a master’s degree in leadership and human resource development from Louisiana State University.

“It’s about creating workplaces where people can grow, contribute and succeed.”

Looking back, she says, “it is remarkable to see how a temporary position accepted right out of high school became a fulfilling career dedicated to public service.”

Steele joined PSHRA as a member in June 2019, to connect with other dedicated public servants.

“Public service organizations operate in a complex environment, and having access to a network of knowledgeable professionals who share similar experiences has been invaluable throughout my career,” says Steele, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in administrative leadership from Oklahoma University.

“PSHRA provides a community of individuals who are passionate about advancing the public sector HR profession,” she continues. “Through my involvement with PSHRA and PSHRA Oklahoma, I have had opportunities to learn, collaborate and serve alongside dedicated professionals committed to strengthening government organizations through effective human resource management.”

Expressing her gratitude for the professional development, insight and perspectives and that PSHRA membership has afforded her, Steele says she is “living proof that one opportunity can change the course of a career.

“When we invest in people, recognize their potential and create opportunities for growth, we don’t just transform individual lives,” she adds. “We strengthen organizations, communities and the future of public service.”