PICS October Employee Spotlight [Get to know Alaina Ericksen, Senior Director of PICS]
At PICS (Partners in Community Supports), a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, a lot of the work we do is behind the scenes. Our Employee Spotlight will help you to get to know more about the our team. This month, learn about Alaina Ericksen, senior director of PICS!
Alaina started her career with us in November 2016 as a human resource administrator. She was then promoted to total rewards manager, overseeing the human resources function at PICS. The human resources team is responsible for the onboarding and employee management of 2,900+ paid caregivers across PICS’ services. In August 2021, Alaina was promoted to her current role of senior director of PICS.
Q. Tell us a little bit about your position.
Alaina: In my position as senior director, I provide overall leadership and management in the development, growth, strategic planning, and integration of PICS services, ensuring we meet the needs of the communities and people we serve.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working at PICS?
Alaina: Engaging in meaningful work that inspires hope, changes lives and builds community is what I enjoy most about working at LSS and PICS. It’s important to me that diversity and differences are valued and that we address social justice issues. I truly believe in what we do and that at PICS, we always have the person served at the heart of our work.
Q. How have you been able to put your own personal values into action while working at PICS?
Alaina: I feel lucky to be doing work that aligns with my personal core values. Something I value is community. At LSS and PICS, I am able to engage in meaningful work, where collaboration is encouraged, partnerships are built, all with the intention to better meet the needs of the people we serve so they can live abundant and balanced lives.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Alaina: Outside of work, I enjoy going to shows and concerts. I love Fall, and going to the apple orchard is one of my favorite things to do. I also love spending time at my cabin with family and friends.
Q. Share a fun fact about yourself.
Alaina: My first concert was the American Idol tour from the very first season. Always and forever a Kelly Clarkson fan!!
Q. Complete this sentence: “I am happiest when…”
Alaina: I am truly present and surrounded by the people I care about.
Here is what some of Alaina’s colleagues have to say…
“I have worked with Alaina for 7 years, my entire time with LSS, and I only have the BEST things to say about her. She is a supportive and positive leader. She takes time to check in and sincerely cares about her team and the mission of PICS/LSS. Alaina always wears a smile on her face, spreading joy around her all the time. Happy Boss's Day to the GREATEST boss of all time.”
"It’s a privilege to work with Alaina. It’s evident that she wholeheartedly embraces PICS’ mission, prioritizes the well-being of employees, and remains unwaveringly committed to the individuals and families we support. Her leadership is a source of inspiration to us all, and her warm and genuine nature enriches our workplace. Alaina exemplifies the kind of leadership I’ve always admired, and I’m truly fortunate to be part of her team.”
”Alaina has always been eager to learn all that she can about the services we provide and the families we support. She has been fair, kind, transparent, efficient, effective and extremely productive - never shying away from doing 'the work' herself. She seeks input and feedback and modifies our approach if/when appropriate. She is an exemplary role model for our entire team and for professionalism in general. I am grateful to have her as our leader!”
“Alaina gives her time to listen and seeks to consider diverse perspectives to inform decision-making. She freely offers encouragement and support and is committed to a fair and equitable workplace, social groups, and communities for all individuals. I appreciate Alaina's inclusive and authentic leadership.”