Port authority hires new executive

FORT MYERS — Laura Rhoad joined Lee County Port Authority as director of human resources.

According to a press release, she will oversee all activities related to employee matters at Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers.

She will also work with members of the executive management team to build and manage organizational development, policies and programs, compensation, benefits, performance management, employee relations, recruiting, hiring and retention and compliance with federal, state and local laws.

Rhoad has been in human resources for more than 25 years, according to the statement. Before joining Lee County Port Authority, she was director of human resources at Shaw Development in Bonita Springs. Previously, she was human resources manager for several manufacturing companies in Ohio, South Carolina and Florida, including Pall Corp., General Electric, Whirlpool and Kitchen Aid.

Rhoad was awarded the 2016 Human Resources Professional of the Year award by the Society for Human Resource Management Southwest Florida Chapter.