Working out of the company’s headquarters in Little Rock, Schmidt is responsible for “overseeing the HR department and leading a comprehensive HR and talent recruitment strategy in support of the company’s strategic objectives,” according to a press release.
Schmidt has nearly 25 years of industrial HR experience including 15 years with Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, she served as vice president of HR for Elgin Fasteners Group. Schmidt previously served as vice president of HR at Amsted Rail, an 8,000-employee global provider of systems and components for railcars and locomotives. She also served in HR leadership positions at HillPhoenix, a manufacturer of display cases and refrigeration equipment; with Eaton Corporation, a global industrial manufacturer; and with Collins Bus Corporation, a multi-state manufacturer of school and passenger buses.
Schmidt, who grew up in Nebraska and Iowa, joined the U.S. Army Reserves after her first year of college at Upper Iowa University. She volunteered for active duty during Operation Desert Storm and later continued her military service with the Kansas Army National Guard.
“As part of our succession planning, it was critical to prepare for current vice president of HR Danna Gauntt’s retirement less than two years away,” said Schueck. “Danna has been an invaluable member of the Lexicon family for more than 30 years and provides a wealth of background and information regarding our human resources operations. Having Danna and Janell overlap will allow her to fully transfer her knowledge and make this transition as smooth as possible for our entire team.”
The Lexicon family of companies provides services including construction management, steel fabrication, erection, mechanical installation and plant maintenance for heavy industrial, commercial and bridge projects, as well as a full spectrum of golf course construction, renovation and management services.
