Power List – Human Resources Heroes – Lacey Olsen

Lacey Olsen has transformed Hearthside Food Solutions into an employer of choice within Boise’s refugee community while significantly reducing turnover as the company’s Human Resource Manager II. Her innovative approach to staffing and retention has helped the east Boise facility employ over 240 Idahoans.

“A company’s true success lies in the value it places on its workforce,” said Olsen, who was recently elected to the board of directors for the Human Resource Association of Treasure Valley (HRATV). “My goal for this year is to further invest in our workforce by collaborating with my leadership team to establish a robust training program.”

Olsen’s path to HR began unexpectedly when a customer at her retail job suggested she apply for an HR position at a local hospital.

“HR is my glass slipper,” she said about her 16-year career journey. Starting as an HR assistant, she has steadily advanced through specialist and generalist roles across various industries including health care, call centers and manufacturing.

Throughout her career, Olsen has consistently tackled one of the industry’s biggest challenges: staffing.

“Throughout my career, this has always been an issue, no matter what industry I’ve worked in. Because of this, I’ve worked hard at coming up with innovative ideas on staffing and retention,” she said.

At Hearthside, Olsen continues to focus on employee engagement and development while maintaining the company’s positive turnover trends, creating a well-rounded workforce that emphasizes growth and promotes opportunity within the Boise community.