Amy Clark, SPHR
Amy Clark has built a respected career in human resources over the past 25 years, combining deep expertise in employee benefits with a genuine passion for helping people thrive throughout every stage of their careers. Currently serving as Benefits Manager at Oaklawn Hospital, Amy oversees benefits strategy, compliance, retirement planning support, and employee wellness initiatives for the organization. Her professional journey began at Kellogg Company, where she first developed expertise in retirement plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) programs, laying the foundation for a career centered on employee support, education, and advocacy. With a Bachelor’s degree and MBA from Spring Arbor University, along with her SPHR certification, Amy has consistently demonstrated a commitment to professional growth and leadership in the HR field.
Throughout her career, Amy has become known for balancing the technical and strategic aspects of human resources with a compassionate, people-first approach. In her current role, she manages everything from benefits design and implementation to FMLA, leaves of absence, and workplace accommodations. She works behind the scenes to ensure compliance and financial sustainability while remaining highly visible and accessible to employees who need guidance navigating important life decisions. Amy is especially passionate about retirement preparedness and believes employees should begin planning for their futures long before retirement becomes imminent. Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, respect, and service, with a strong emphasis on showing care through actions rather than words alone.
Beyond traditional HR responsibilities, Amy is deeply invested in employee wellness and creating a supportive workplace culture. She continually develops creative ways to engage employees in physical, mental, and financial well-being initiatives, from organizing walking clubs and bringing yoga instructors onsite to partnering with financial planners for free employee sessions. She also advocates for mental health awareness and earned certification in Adult Mental Health First Aid to better support those around her. Recognized as one of the Influential Women representing Marshall, Michigan for 2026, Amy continues to inspire others through her belief that strong leadership comes not from titles, but from how people are treated, supported, and empowered every day.
• SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources)
• Adult Mental Health First Aid USA
• Spring Arbor University- M.B.A.
• Spring Arbor University- B.A.
• Kellogg Community College- A.A.
• Resource group for employee wellness at Oaklawn Hospital (launching June-July 2026)
What do you attribute your success to?
I think my success in my career and working with people is my dedication. I enjoy what I do, and I'm dedicated to my role and to continue to learn and try new things. Because if you don't try, then you don't know what you don't know, right? So it's about taking risks and not being afraid to kind of step out there and try something new.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I first started my career, I had a really great director, and he told me, hey, Amy, when you're thinking about your raise, or when your annual review comes along and you get 2 or 3%, he said, before it even hits your paycheck, go into your retirement plan and increase it by 1 or 2%. You'll never miss the money that you never had, and you've got a bigger start for retirement. I share that advice with our new hires coming in, and I continually try to share that piece of advice, and hopefully I'm setting up others for success along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell a young female that enters into my line of work: don't underestimate yourself. Don't not apply for a job because you only have 3 of the 4 aspects that they're asking for. Believe in yourself, take that chance, and be assertive.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field of work is that it's difficult sometimes to explain or engage employees in our wellness plans. I think the biggest challenge is communication and getting employees kind of excited about the whole package that we're trying to offer, which is a wellness plan not just from a physical standpoint, but from a financial standpoint and from a mental health standpoint. Everybody gets busy in their day working and servicing our community, but they don't take time out for themselves. So my biggest challenge is getting people to slow down and engage in the benefits that we offer to help rejuvenate them and help them prepare for the future and prepare for their next role.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Personally and professionally, my values are to treat everyone the way that you would want to be treated. Everyone brings something to the table, and it's important to work collaboratively with them. I think it's important to show respect and demonstrate that through not just your words, but your actions. And just really care. You don't know what someone else has going on and where they come from. And so if you come to the table with a positive attitude and a caring attitude, that you're there to work together, you're being collaborative and helping towards the business goal.