Kristen Terry: Proud of Her Impact on the Community She Serves

Like many of her public sector peers, Kristen Terry didn’t start out her career knowing that she was destined for public service.

“I didn’t set out with a plan to work in local government,” says Terry, currently the human resources director for the City of Asheboro, N.C. “But once I got here, I knew I had found where I belonged.”

Terry has been with the City of Asheboro for nearly 18 years, coming on board as a recreation program assistant in October 2008. She moved into the human resources department as an HR assistant in July 2015. It was there that Terry truly started to envision herself as a public servant for the long haul.

“When I made the switch from administration in recreation to human resources, I knew public service could be long-term for me,” says Terry, who holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources management and personnel administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Terry worked in her HR assistant role for just over three years, and as an HR benefits coordinator for another four. She served as an HR generalist from January 2023 to February 2026, when she earned her promotion to human resources director.

“What keeps me in public service is knowing that the work we do has a direct impact on the community we serve,” she says.

That impact isn’t limited to Asheboro residents, either.

Throughout her time with the City, she’s had the opportunity to help employees through “some of the biggest moments of their lives,” says Terry, from starting new jobs and earning promotions to transitioning to retirement and the passing of family members.

“I find purpose in being able to support people while helping our organization provide quality services to our citizens,” says Terry, who also earned an associate’s degree in business administration, management operations from Randolph Community College.

“Public sector HR gives me the chance to make a difference every day, and that’s what has kept me passionate about this work.”

Terry sought equally passionate public sector HR leaders upon joining PSHRA as a North Carolina Chapter member in 2016, and as an individual member in 2022.

“I wanted to connect with other public sector HR professionals who understood the unique challenges we face,” says Terry, who has served as the North Carolina Chapter’s President-Elect and President, and is currently a member of the PSHRA Executive Council.

“Public sector HR is different, and there is value in having a network of people who have experienced the same issues and can share ideas, resources and advice.”

She discovered that type of network and much more.

“I have found mentors, colleagues and friends who are genuinely invested in helping one another succeed,” says Terry, who is also the chair of PSHRA’s publications committee for 2026.

The organization “has played a significant role in my professional growth. The education, networking, certification and leadership experiences have helped me both personally and professionally,” she continues.

“The support and encouragement I’ve received from fellow members has been invaluable, and I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without PSHRA.”