Her Story
About Tammy
Tammy H. Currie, MA-HRD, CAAP, is a seasoned human resources and equal employment opportunity leader with more than 30 years of experience in higher education and organizational leadership. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Human Resources and EEO at Northern Virginia Community College in Fairfax, Virginia, where she oversees comprehensive HR functions including recruitment, employee relations, benefits, training and development, and HR systems management. Known for her strategic and people-centered leadership style, Tammy is committed to fostering workplace environments grounded in communication, collaboration, transparency, and compliance.
Throughout her extensive career, Tammy has held progressive leadership roles across several prominent academic institutions, including Virginia Commonwealth University, The George Washington University, the College of William & Mary, and Duke University. Her work has spanned financial aid, faculty recruitment, equal opportunity compliance, and HR consulting, giving her a broad and deeply informed perspective on workforce development and organizational equity. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a concentration in HR Management from Hampton University and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development from George Washington University.
Tammy is widely recognized for her ability to mentor leaders, guide teams through complex organizational challenges, and cultivate inclusive workplace cultures. Her approach emphasizes emotional intelligence, accountability, and principled leadership, with a strong focus on treating people with dignity and respect. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is an active contributor to community and professional development initiatives, including service with the Virginia State Bar Diversity Committee and long-standing support for the American Red Cross. One of her most meaningful accomplishments includes mentoring a student whose success evolved into nonprofit leadership and public recognition, reflecting Tammy’s lasting impact on the individuals and communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tammy
01What do you attribute your success to?
My spiritual upbringing, which has become the foundation of my life - personally and professionally. My grandparents instilled a solid value system rooted in faith at a very early age, and it speaks to everything I do and everything that I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Someone told me to be careful about falling in love with a job, because the job can't love you back. Since then, I focus on seeing the fruits of my labor as the reward for my commitment to my work. It also became far more important to make sure my personal values aligned with my professional work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to them to learn as much as you can about the different functional areas of human resources. Decide if the work provides a level of intrinsic satisfaction, even when things are challenging. If so, embrace it and own it. Thrive to be the best that you can be in what you're doing, staying true to your value system. Seek out mentorship from a trusted, seasoned professional in the field. Don't lose yourself by sitting in a position too long, if you see that you're not supported and appreciated.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Managing a workforce that consists of five different generations is one challenge, as each has a different set of expectations, wants and values. However, having these different generations collaborating is also a benefit to the strategic planning efforts that happen in the workplace. I appreciate the value that each generation brings to the workforce, but I also recognize it is critical to strike a balance between the values and the nuances that can appear as challenges. It is important for us to all recognize that there is value in each of us.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My professional and personal values include altruism, integrity, and the golden rule - I treat others the way I want to be treated.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Virginia
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.