LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 13, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ResCare, Inc., the nation's largest private human services company, has named Rick Purdy as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Prior to joining ResCare, Mr. Purdy served as Vice President of HR Corporate Functions at Kimberly-Clark in Dallas Fort-Worth, TX.
As CHRO, Mr. Purdy will provide overall leadership and direction in the development, communication and implementation of human resources strategy, practices and programs, which directly support ResCare's overall short- and long-term business strategy.
Mr. Purdy began his career at General Electric, a recognized training ground for human resources professionals. After 12 years with GE, he held positions of increasing responsibility at Aetna and Prudential Healthcare, Pfizer/Warner, Cadbury Schweppes and Kimberly-Clark, where Mr. Purdy partnered to develop and implement the comprehensive human resources strategies for these diverse companies in both domestic and global markets.
Mr. Purdy joins ResCare senior leadership in driving the operational and cultural growth of the company. With nearly 50,000 employees, continuous improvement in employee training, opportunities and cultural communication are critical for ResCare to maintain its leadership role in the human services fields.
"Rick will be a valuable member of ResCare leadership. His solid foundation in strategic human resources gives us the bench strength and skills to help us reach our goals of strengthening our culture and empowering employees to be partners in our growth," said Ralph G. Gronefeld, Jr., ResCare president and chief executive officer. "His depth of knowledge and experience are strong assets to our company. I welcome Rick to the ResCare family."
In commenting on his appointment as ResCare's CHRO, Mr. Purdy added, "I am excited to be working with ResCare. The Company's culture, mission and exemplary services drew me here. My goal is to work with leaders and employees throughout our company and bring an even higher level of a people-first focus. I look forward to being a part of growing our culture and expanding the mission."
About ResCare
ResCare, founded in 1974, and providing services to some 60,000 people daily in 41 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and Canada. ResCare is a premier human services company that provides residential, therapeutic, job training and educational supports to people with developmental or other disabilities, to seniors who need in-home care, to youths with special needs and to adults who are experiencing barriers to employment. ResCare is based in Louisville, Kentucky.