When Laura Wood first walked through the doors of Cedar Lake, she had a feeling—one of belonging, of purpose, of knowing this was exactly where she needed to be. It wasn’t just another job; it was the culmination of a journey shaped by experience, connection, and a deep-rooted commitment to people.
Growing up in Louisville, Laura’s path to human resources wasn’t a straight line. She attended classes at the University of Louisville and JCC, searching for her calling. That search eventually led her to a degree from Mid-Continent University and a series of pivotal career moments that would shape her into the leader she is today.
Her Career in Human Resources
Her professional story began in the bustling hub of UPS, a place she never expected to find her passion. What started as a job turned into a career as she transitioned into human resources, discovering her love for guiding and supporting people. From there, her journey took her to to organizations such as Jewish Hospital, the Bank of Louisville, Kindred Healthcare, and Norton Healthcare, with each role offering new lessons, challenges, and opportunities to grow.
Laura’s career spanned industries—healthcare, finance, consulting—but the common thread was always people. She navigated employers’ closings, acquisitions, and the unpredictable tides of HR with resilience. At one point, she even took a leap of faith, starting her own HR consulting business. She thrived, becoming president-elect for the Louisville Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and proving to herself that she could build something from the ground up. Then, in 2023, she saw an opening at Cedar Lake.
Joining Cedar Lake
It was a tough decision—returning to corporate life after running her own business—but the more she experienced Cedar Lake, the clearer it became: this was where she was meant to be. As fate would have it, a serendipitous call from Cedar Lake’s HR team solidified her decision. And when she stepped into the Lodge, experiencing firsthand the warmth and love of the individuals supported, she knew she had found home.
Laura’s leadership at Cedar Lake is defined by balance—the balance of business needs and employee well-being, of professional expertise and genuine care. She believes in understanding the ‘why’ behind decisions and ensuring that HR is more than just a department; it’s a true partner to every staff member.
Her vision for Cedar Lake’s HR team is clear: continuous improvement, streamlined processes, and a commitment to making things easier for managers and staff. She’s working on reevaluating the performance review process and exploring the possibility of hosting a benefits fair to connect employees with their employer benefits.
But beyond policies and procedures, Laura remains grounded in what truly matters—the people. Moments like receiving a hug from Chance at Cedar Lake Lodge remind her why she does this work. She believes in being present, in engaging with the community, and in fostering an environment where everyone, from staff to those supported, feels valued and heard.
Making a Difference Every Day
Outside of work, Laura cherishes time with her husband, Steve, their five children, and ten grandchildren. They love traveling, biking, and enjoying peaceful moments on the river. Steve, a retired engineer, even builds boats and kayaks, a testament to the couple’s shared love for adventure and creation.
Looking ahead, Laura is leading Cedar Lake’s succession planning efforts, ensuring that leadership remains strong and committed for years to come. She encourages those considering Cedar Lake to experience the mission firsthand—to see the love, the support, and the impact of their work.
For Laura, Cedar Lake isn’t just a workplace. It’s a calling. And every day, she asks herself: “Did I do what I could today to make a difference?” With her leadership, the answer is undoubtedly yes.
