Carmen Tisdale, MBA
Carmen Tisdale, MBA, is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over a decade of experience in HR management, specializing in union environments, employee engagement, and talent retention. She currently serves as HR Manager at ICL Group, overseeing three sites and collaborating closely with both union and non-salaried employees, as well as plant managers and supervisors. Throughout her career, Carmen has been instrumental in building high-performing teams, implementing effective recruitment strategies, and enhancing employee morale and engagement.
Carmen began her career as an HR clerk at the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD), progressing through roles such as executive assistant to the HR director and HR specialist. She later served as an HR Business Partner for a medical company before joining ICL Group. Her journey reflects a consistent focus on collaboration, leadership development, and strategic HR initiatives that drive organizational success. Carmen also actively engages with the local community, leveraging her expertise to strengthen ICL’s brand and contribute positively to St. Louis programs, including SLATE and the Fathers and Family Support Center.
Passionate about people and performance, Carmen emphasizes creating meaningful workplace experiences that prioritize employee growth, retention, and satisfaction. Her professional philosophy centers on building strong relationships, fostering engagement, and making a positive impact within both the organization and the wider community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her six-year-old daughter, traveling, cooking, reading, and balancing her professional achievements with personal fulfillment.
• Master of Business Administration
• Lindenwood University – Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Human Resources Management and Services
• University of Missouri-Saint Louis – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Criminology
• St. Louis Community College – Associate’s degree, Criminal Justice
• Featured twice on women in leadership forum at ICL
• SLATE program in St. Louis
• Fathers and Family Support Center
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my entire journey that got me here. I started off as an HR clerk at Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District and progressed through promotions to executive assistant to the HR director, then to HR specialist, then to HR business partner at a medical company, and finally to my current role as HR Manager overseeing three ICL sites in a union environment. I absolutely love what I do, and I really enjoy the collaboration piece and boosting employee engagement. I also love networking with the communities to help build our brand here at ICL. Sometimes you find something that you really enjoy doing, and I feel like I'm making a difference not only in the community but in the organization as well. That sense of making a positive impact in the lives of others and their families is what drives me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Being a positive influence in your community as she is heavily involved with The SLATE program and the Fathers and Family Support Center.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can have a successful career and be able to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, since things have changed in the economy, my biggest challenge is ensuring that employee retention remains on top. I've been in my role for almost two and a half years overseeing three sites, and with the current economic situation, I'm constantly looking at how we retain employees. I'm implementing exit interview strategies and stay interview strategies, and I'm also focused on employee engagement and morale because that really matters right now. I'm measuring KPIs on how to retain talent and how to recruit good talent as well.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being a positive team player and focusing on networking and collaboration are really important to me, especially in the union environment where I work. I'm passionate about making a difference in my community and in the lives of others and their families. I love collaborating with organizations like the SLATE program and the Fathers and Family Support Center to give back to the communities here in St. Louis. On a personal level, I'm a mother of a six-year-old daughter, and I love spending time with her. I also enjoy traveling, spending time with family, cooking and learning new recipes, and reading books. I like to chill out and have fun, and I also like to go out and dance a little bit. It's all about working hard and playing hard.
Locations
ICL Group
Saint Louis, MO 63033