Careers at Yale

Anna Maria Hummerstone

Director, Human Resources Services, Yale School of Medicine
Years at Yale: 14
First Job at Yale: Associate Administrator in Department of Surgery
Education: Masters in Health Administration from Duke University; B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia.
Extracurricular Activities: Asian Network @ Yale; Weekend secretary of transportation in Fairfield County for her four children ages 13, 12, 8 and 6; Spinning/cycling
From: Norfolk, Virginia

In your current role as the principle advisor to the Yale School of Medicine’s executive management and its department business offices, you provide leadership and guidance on all human resources-related matters, from benefits to payroll to staffing  -- what inspired you to do what you do today?

When I was in 5th grade, I  decided that I was going to be a Pediatric Oncologist.  My cousin (he was an infant at the time) had cancer and was being treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  I was amazed by the place, the doctors and other caregivers -- I found the whole environment fascinating.  After a semester of organic chemistry in college, I realized that my brain just wasn't wired for the medical profession, but I knew  I wanted to be in the health care field. I got my Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from Duke University and I’m pleased that things have turned out so well.  My cousin is all grown up and healthy today, by the way.

What has been your guiding principle along your career journey?

Two things, actually -- 1) always give my best at whatever I might be doing, and 2) always treat others with kindness and respect.

Who is your role model?

Definitely my Dad.  He died 6 1/2 years ago.  He was amazing -- he came to the United States by way of the Navy all alone and barely speaking English.  To go from that to owning his own business (he was a dental technician and ran his own lab) and getting all five of his kids through college instilled in me a strong work ethic and the belief that anything is possible if you work hard to achieve it.

How does your background inform your work life?

Initially, I didn't think that my ethnic background had much of an influence on my work life, that may have been because growing up (as a first-generation Filipino) I didn't really place much emphasis on my ethnicity and just tried to be like everyone else.  Over time, I've come to realize that my ethnic background is another way that I bring variety and dimension to my work life.

What advice would you give to the staff person at Yale who wants to grow his/her career?

Get to know Yale beyond your immediate work unit - volunteer at a Yale-sponsored event on campus, work on a University committee, listen to a guest speaker, etc.  There's a lot that Yale has to offer and the more exposure and knowledge you gain about the organization, the more you'll learn about how Yale “works” and you’ll realize that there’s a broad range of career opportunities through Yale as your employer.

You’re a working mother of four. What’s the most important action you’ve taken to achieve work-life balance?

Even though I work full-time, I make sure that I'm involved with my kids' lives.  We always have dinner as a family and use that time to talk about what's going on in our lives.  I volunteer to help at events/activities at their school to the extent that my work schedule will permit this.

If you could meet any famous person(s) who would it/they be and why?

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.  It would be fun to see firsthand how they approach work -life balance given all of their children and their demanding careers.    

If you could spend a day of learning in any department at Yale, administration or academia, what department would it be and why?  

Probably the Undergraduate Admissions Office.  With college just on the horizon for my daughter, I think it could help to learn what goes on "behind the scenes"  in the admissions process.

What is one of your favorite workplace memories?

I remember the time when Andy Hamilton, our former provost, came out to West Campus to talk with us and it was just so great to hear a faculty member speak in wonderment about all our new lab space and its future impact on the world.

The nice thing about your job is….

The variety.  One minute I’m helping hire a key role in the organization and the next I’m making sure our HR practices comply with grant policies. No day of mine is ever the same!