Danielle Adams
I’m Danielle Adams, a Human Resources Manager and Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army with more than a decade of experience supporting Soldiers, strengthening organizations, and helping teams operate at their highest potential. I’ve led HR operations for units ranging from 60 to over 1,100 service members, managing everything from payroll and benefits to talent management, readiness reporting, and cross‑agency coordination. I take pride in creating environments where people feel supported, valued, and equipped to grow.
My career has been shaped by a commitment to excellence and continuous learning. I’ve completed extensive military training from Senior Leaders Course and Joint Professional Military Education to Equal Opportunity, Mobilization Planning, Medical Readiness, and HR systems like IPPS‑A. Each course has strengthened my ability to lead teams, solve complex problems, and support organizations through change. I’ve also earned numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Army Commendation Medals, and Army Achievement Medals, which reflect years of dedication, professionalism, and service.
One of the responsibilities I’m most proud of is coordinating more than 500 Military Funeral Honors. It’s work that requires precision, compassion, and a deep respect for families and their loved ones — and it has shaped the kind of leader I strive to be.
I hold an MBA in Human Resource Management from Central Michigan University and am certified as both a SHRM professional and an Agile Scrum Master. I’m a lifelong learner at heart, always looking for ways to grow, improve systems, and better support the people around me.
Outside of work, I love exploring the outdoors, traveling, and finding new places that inspire curiosity and reflection. Those moments keep me grounded and remind me why I’m passionate about service, growth, and helping others reach their potential.
• SHRM Certified Professional
• Central Michigan University, MBA
• Phi Kappa Phi
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, consistency, and staying humble throughout every step of my journey. I’ve learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, because growth happens in the moments that stretch you. I’m also deeply grateful for the support of my family and the mentors who have guided and encouraged me along the way. Their influence, combined with my own dedication, has shaped the leader I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that every challenge becomes easier to navigate when you’re willing to learn, stay curious, and trust the process of becoming better than you were yesterday.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The best advice I would offer young women entering the military is to stay true to who you are while being open to who you’re becoming. This journey will challenge you, stretch you, and teach you more about yourself than you expect, and that’s a good thing! Embrace the hard moments, because they’re the ones that build confidence and character.
Work hard and stay consistent, even when no one is watching. Your reputation is built in the everyday details: how you show up, how you treat people, and how you carry yourself when things get difficult. Humility will take you far! It keeps you grounded, open to learning, and able to build real trust with the people around you.
Ask questions, seek mentorship, and never be afraid to learn something new. The military offers endless opportunities for growth if you’re willing to step forward and take them. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Lean on your support system, build strong relationships, and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in Army HR right now is navigating constant change, whether it’s new systems, evolving policies, or shifting readiness requirements. The pace of transformation is fast, and HR professionals have to stay adaptable while still ensuring accuracy, compliance, and support for Soldiers across multiple locations and missions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both in my work and in my personal life, are integrity, consistency, service, and humility. I believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching, showing up with the same level of effort every day, and treating people with respect regardless of rank or background.
I value growth and lifelong learning, because every experience is an opportunity to become better. That mindset has shaped my career and keeps me grounded as a leader.
I also hold family and mentorship close. The support of my family and the guidance of mentors have played a huge role in my journey, and I try to pay that forward by being someone others can trust, learn from, and lean on.
Locations
U.S. Army
Nashville, TN 37203