Shaunese Gayden Tucker has built a career shaped by dedication to human resources and program management. In her role as foster health center resource and program specialist for the City of Huntsville, Alabama, she manages the city’s drug and alcohol program, focusing on compliance, employee well-being, and operational integrity. She guides testing protocols for employees involved in workplace incidents, oversees follow-up procedures, leads reintegration efforts for returning staff, and provides critical training for supervisors and new hires. Her work includes advising departments on staff placement and coordinating second-chance initiatives designed to help employees sustain long-term success.
Ms. Tucker’s educational foundation has played a central role in her development as a human resources professional. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in business and corporate communications from Bellevue University after completing a bachelor’s certificate in call center operations and management from the same institution. She also holds an Associate of Arts in business administration and human resources from American InterContinental University, as well as a diploma in communication and media studies from Hirsch Metro High School in Chicago. She is recognized as a certified life coach, a credential that enhances her ability to support employees facing personal or professional challenges.
Before joining the City of Huntsville, Ms. Tucker developed a long and accomplished career at Verizon. She worked as a human resource case manager, handling complex employee relations concerns. Her work as a human resources business partner allowed her to collaborate with leadership teams on workforce planning and organizational strategy. Earlier in her career, she coordinated recruitment, onboarding, and human resources (HR) compliance processes as a human resources coordinator. Her earliest role as a retail manager helped her cultivate leadership skills and a deep understanding of frontline employee needs. These experiences shaped her holistic approach to HR management, combining strategic insight with empathy and accountability.
Ms. Tucker’s dedication to professional development is reflected in her involvement with several industry organizations. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, serves on the board of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, and maintains memberships with the National Notary Association, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and CSH HR. These affiliations enable her to stay informed about emerging HR practices while enriching her professional network.
The roots of Ms. Tucker’s work ethic and commitment to service trace back to her upbringing on the south side of Chicago. She experienced the challenges and energy of inner-city life before moving to the suburbs as her family’s situation evolved. Her mother Hazel and godmother Mary, both entrepreneurs, instilled resilience, confidence and ambition. They encouraged her to pursue opportunities beyond what she could see in her immediate environment, shaping her belief that personal growth begins with self-trust. These influences helped define the self-motivated leadership that would later guide her career.
Ms. Tucker’s introduction to human resources began at Verizon, where she worked part-time as a sales associate. Colleagues recognized her aptitude for communication and problem-solving and encouraged her to participate in a professional development program that allowed her to observe HR professionals at work. The experience sparked her interest in human resources and ultimately led her to transition into an HR coordinator role, providing the groundwork for her long-term career in the field.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Tucker remains active in her community. She is involved with St. Martin Missionary Baptist Church and supports youth programs through the Boys and Girls Club of America. She volunteers with Second Chance, a radio program dedicated to community uplift, and participates in fundraising efforts for cancer awareness. She also takes part in advocacy and outreach initiatives that align with her passion for second chances and personal empowerment.
Looking ahead, Ms. Tucker plans to develop a mentoring program for young girls at the student center. Her vision is to introduce them to a wide range of career pathways, including vocational trades and modern fields such as social media management, guiding them toward discovering their own strengths and envisioning a future filled with opportunity.