Andy Thiede was recently honored with Connecticut’s first 60 Over 60 Award, for advancing the human resources profession. The 60 Over 60 award – launched by Bloomfield, Connecticut-based Duncaster in 2017 – selected the top 60 people over age 60 throughout the state who impacted others, furthered ideas or made a significant difference in people’s lives.

The first search for the state’s movers and shakers over age 60 led to some of this state’s most amazing individuals. They are pioneers and change-makers. They broke rules. They made new ones. They did things first and they kick-started change. They were nominated by colleagues, friends, family members and admirers from across the state.
Michael O’Brien, CEO, Duncaster

Andy Thiede, SPHR, SHRM-SCP spent her career in human resources and is passionate about giving back to her colleagues in the HR profession. In 2015, the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut recognized that dedication by presenting her with their prestigious Service Award, for excellence in the human resource profession. When the award was presented, the chapter’s president said, “This Service Award honors Andy for her outstanding contributions and 20-plus years of service to the Association. Andy has demonstrated her dedication to the human resources community by her volunteerism and leadership in helping HR professionals, and advancing the profession in Connecticut.”

A lifelong learner, Thiede believes that continuous professional development along with building relationships while networking have been the key to success in her HR career. Her continued involvement in HR associations allows her to act as a resource to members and serve as a mentor, both for her colleagues and for younger professionals just beginning their careers.

“In the earlier years of my HR career I received a lot of encouragement and assistance from colleagues, and I capitalized on every opportunity to educate myself. I have so many people to thank who were instrumental and influential in my HR career, including the late Margot Larson, KardasLarson’s co-founding partner, as well as Stuart Ganslaw and Curt Rutsky, owners of the manufacturing company Coating Sciences, Inc.,” stated Thiede.

Thiede is a consultant for KardasLarson, one of Connecticut’s leading HR consulting firms; the organization provides tactical and strategic human resource services targeted to small to midsize businesses, municipalities and nonprofit organizations. She also serves in various roles as a board member, advisor, treasurer, and association manager for four non-profit associations in Connecticut, dedicated to the advancement of HR professionals.

Starting in 2016, she created and funded a series of personal scholarships for HR professionals seeking professional certification. The scholarships were awarded to help recipients offset the expense of studying and testing for their HR credentials.

While HR is her professional passion, Andy also donates time to other causes, including volunteering for the 43rd Infantry Division Veterans Association. She and her husband manage this group, dedicated to and for veterans of WWII and Korea. Andy and her husband collect membership dues, publish a newsletter, organize annual veteran reunions and maintain the group’s website and Facebook page.

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