At the beginning of this year, the Archdiocese of Denver welcomed its new Executive Director of Human Resources, Beth Link. Link brings an extensive human resources background to the Human Resources department at the Archdiocese of Denver, which provides structure, guidance and support to all staff and programs from the archdiocese to build better employees and leaders that carry out Christ’s ministry to others.
Link chatted with the Denver Catholic to introduce herself to the faithful of Colorado and provide more insight on what she hopes to accomplish in her new role.
Denver Catholic: Tell us a little about your background.
Beth Link: I am a native of Colorado but grew up in Northern California. The oldest of five children, I went to Catholic school and later Holy Cross College in Portland, Oregon – University of Portland. I relocated here in 2000 and never left – my husband of 14 years and I live in Lafayette and love it here. We’re a blended family of 7 with three plus two kids, ranging in age from 27 to five. We’ve attended Immaculate Conception Church since 2009.
DC: What does it mean for you to be the new Director of the Human Resources Office at the Archdiocese of Denver?
BL: Really, this role was, and has been, an answered prayer. Prior, I spent three years working for an advertising agency in Gunbarrel and had a day where I hit a wall with the culture and had just listened to Lauren Daigle’s RESCUE, which turned into a prayer. Not 30 minutes later, the recruiter messaged me on LinkedIn to interview and the rest is history. I think the ultimate lesson of my life is – don’t ask God for a change or guidance if you don’t really want it because He ALWAYS delivers… even if you’re bluffing. We never know all of the “whys” behind why we’re led somewhere or the ways in which He’ll use us, but I trust implicitly this was a role of leadership and service He placed in my path. I am humbled to be here.
DC: What are your goals as the new HR director for the archdiocese?
BL: My goal is to contribute daily as a positive force for good, to uplift, educate, support, and make strides towards constantly improving the service model to our parishes and ministries. I am a logical, process-oriented individual who values tangible action to make things better, big or small. I work with a wonderful team and, together, we are here at the service of those who need us. I like to take things from “good to great,” and leave others the better as well. HR is not as much about oversight of the fundamental mechanisms that support our workforce as it is about taking care of people and building a culture of trust and transparency, honest feedback and contribution.
DC: What are some joys and challenges you face as the new HR Director?
BL: Right now, they’re one in the same. The challenges are present in many ways: doing more with less, striving to make processes efficient, being honorable stewards of our resources and giving people tools to grow in knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Seeing the fruits of investment in little teaching moments and words of encouragement … that’s the good stuff that has, and will always, keep me going.
DC: What are you most grateful for in this opportunity in your life and career?
BL: I’m a philosopher at heart. I’ve listened to people, heard some of their worst tales, and persevered for and with them for over 20 years in HR. I have a heart for people, I believe in being the “best version of ourselves” as Matthew Kelly states. I hope to leave a small but meaningful mark wherever I go and ultimately surround myself with people who are “better than I am” – that would truly be the testament to servant leadership and a job well done.