Lavern Blackwood is a seasoned Human Resources executive with 18+ years of experience in human resources management. As the HR Director at MCO Construction and Services, Inc., she spearheads strategic HR initiatives that drive long-term value creation, growth, and innovation. Blackwood also owns Blackwood Consulting & Services, providing expert HR consulting to businesses and non-profits. Her expertise spans HR strategy, talent management, leadership development, and compliance. Blackwood is a sought-after advisor for small and mid-size companies seeking to enhance their HR practices. Blackwood earned her Bachelor's degree from Pace University and her Master's in HR Management from Nova Southeastern University. She is also a proud alumna of Leadership Palm Beach County (Class of 2024). In addition to her professional endeavors, she is driven by a profound passion for serving and uplifting others, fostering growth, and empowering her community. With a special emphasis on youth development and empowerment, she dedicates her time to community service, demonstrating impactful leadership. She currently serves as President of the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, Inc., and on the board of directors for Palm Beach County Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), COMTO (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials) Palm Beach County, and NABWIC (National Association of Black Women in Construction). Blackwood resides in Palm Beach County with her husband of nearly 20 years and their two sons. She enjoys the beach, quality time with family and friends, suspense stories, and traveling. A few of quotes she lives by are: 'You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it requires people to make the dream a reality.' ' Walt Disney 'If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.' ' African Proverb 'When you learn, teach. When you get, give.' ' Maya Angelou