Her Story
About Kimberly
Kimberly Bargender is a human resources professional whose career reflects a passion for helping people grow, succeed, and feel valued in the workplace. She currently serves as Benefits and Compensation Manager for the County Materials Family of Companies, where she oversees benefits, compensation, leave management, onboarding, and employee recognition programs. Kimberly began her professional journey in healthcare, spending a decade as a surgical technologist in the operating room and several years in an orthopedic office before deciding to pursue a new path in human resources. Motivated by a desire for greater work-life balance and a love for working with people, she returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay in 2021.
Since transitioning into manufacturing HR in 2019, Kimberly has quickly established herself as a strategic and people-focused leader. She is particularly passionate about coaching and mentoring employees and managers, helping them navigate career paths, develop professionally, and reach their full potential. As a SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), she combines data-driven decision-making with empathy, integrity, and authenticity to create positive workplace experiences. One of her proudest achievements has been helping design and champion total rewards and employee recognition programs that celebrate the contributions of manufacturing employees and ensure they feel appreciated for the important work they do every day.
Beyond her role at County Materials, Kimberly is actively engaged in advancing the human resources profession. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), serves on the board of her local SHRM chapter, and chairs its annual spring conference, leading efforts to organize speakers and professional development opportunities for fellow HR professionals. She is also involved with Women in Manufacturing, supporting initiatives that encourage growth and leadership within the industry. Guided by a strong moral compass and a commitment to leading by example, Kimberly continues to build a career centered on developing people, strengthening workplace culture, and creating meaningful opportunities for others to succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I really attribute my success to tapping into my network and finding those people who have already become successful. I focused on finding the right mentor and then asking them to mentor me and be my coach, learning all of the things that they did to achieve their success. That mentorship and guidance has been key for me, especially when I made the switch from being a surgical technician to human resources.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I had a VP of HR once tell me that my peers view me as a leader, and that I really needed to be conscientious of how I present things and how I react to things. She knew I was a leader and believed in me before I even recognized it myself. It took me a few years to actually understand what she was saying to me - that I have the ability to be a good leader, and I just need to remember what's important and focus on how I want to bring others up. I didn't even realize at the time that's what she was saying, but a few years into the industry, I thought, 'Oh yeah, that's what she meant when she said that to me.' That was pretty powerful advice.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't ever doubt yourself. Follow your gut and just jump in with both feet. Don't be afraid to start at that entry-level position and work your way up through an organization or through the different levels to achieve where you really want to be in your career. There are so many opportunities in the HR profession for anybody who's new to the field, as long as you're willing to follow the path.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There are so many opportunities in the HR profession. For anybody who's new to the profession, the key is not being afraid to start at that entry-level position and working your way up through an organization or through the different levels to achieve where you really want to be in your career. You need to be willing to get your certifications and licenses, find someone to mentor with, and follow the path. As long as you're willing to do that and work through the process, there are many opportunities available.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Having a good moral compass is highly important to me, along with leading by example and showing integrity. Being your authentic self is also something I value deeply, both professionally and personally.
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