Kelly Potter Honored for Expertise in Human Resources
Press Release April 9, 2026
Kelly Potter: 20 Years of Bringing Heart, Humor, and Expertise to Human Resources
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Her contributions have earned her multiple honors, including Volunteer of the Year (2024) and the Heart of HR Award (2022) from SHRM Oklahoma.

MIDWEST CITY, OK, April 09, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kelly Potter has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

With more than 20 years of experience, Ms. Potter has built a dynamic and people-centered career in human resources. She currently serves as a Human Resource Business Partner at Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. in Oklahoma City, a role she assumed in 2025. There, she supports a workforce of nearly 400 employees across both warehouse and office environments—managing payroll, guiding employees through benefits and open enrollment, leading training initiatives, and driving key programs such as succession planning and performance management. Known for her expertise in employee relations, negotiations, and benefits, she is widely regarded as a trusted and approachable leader.

While human resources is sometimes seen as the "department of no," Ms. Potter has made it her mission to flip that narrative. She is especially passionate about supporting employees in warehouse settings—environments she believes are often underserved—and empowering leaders with the tools they need to succeed. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: great HR starts with a genuine desire to help people.

And she brings that philosophy to life in a way that's uniquely her own.

What truly sets Ms. Potter apart is her fearless commitment to bringing the fun to work. She's not just focused on policies and procedures—she's the one transforming ordinary days into engaging, memorable experiences. Whether she's showing up in costume, energizing teams with interactive games, or adding a touch of friendly competition, she creates a workplace culture where people feel connected, motivated, and excited to participate.

Before joining Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., Ms. Potter made a lasting impact as the first human resources professional at Smith Roberts Baldischwiler LLC from 2018 to 2024. There, she built the HR function from the ground up, developing the company's employee handbook and establishing policies that continue to support its operations today.

Previously, she served as a Human Resource Manager at Progrexion, where she helped launch a new Oklahoma City call center and supported approximately 500 employees in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Her earlier career includes roles with Dish Network, FreshPoint OKC LLC, and Bar-S Foods Co., where she began her professional journey and quickly took on leadership responsibilities.

Beyond the corporate world, Ms. Potter is also a thriving entrepreneur. She has been a Jazzercise Franchisee since 2016 and became a studio owner in 2020—bringing the same passion, energy, and leadership to the fitness floor that she's known for in the workplace.

A dedicated leader in the HR community, Ms. Potter is deeply involved with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She currently serves as District Director West for SHRM Oklahoma and has been a member of the State Council since 2017. She is also Immediate Past President of the Oklahoma City Human Resources Society (OCHRS) and previously led the Western Oklahoma Human Resources Organization (WOKHR). In addition, she co-chaired the 2023 OKHR State Conference, helping shape professional development opportunities for HR practitioners across the state.

Ms. Potter holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma. She has further distinguished herself through numerous certifications, including the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), along with credentials for Six Sigma Black Belt Human Resources and Blended Adult Mental Health First Aid.

Her career trajectory was notably influenced by a pivotal opportunity to serve on a state conference committee in 2009—an experience that expanded her professional network and opened doors to ongoing leadership and service.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Potter is active in her community as Communications Chair for the Midwest City Rotary Club, where she is active in multiple projects that benefit the local community. In her free time, she enjoys Jazzercise, traveling, day trips, spending time with her dog, and unwinding with movies and documentaries—especially true crime.

Her contributions have earned her multiple honors, including Volunteer of the Year (2024) and the Heart of HR Award (2022) from SHRM Oklahoma. Looking ahead, she is focused on strengthening six regional chapters under her leadership as District Director, revitalizing engagement, and expanding membership among thousands of HR professionals statewide.

With a career defined by expertise, energy, and a genuine passion for people, Ms. Potter continues to make a lasting impact—proving that human resources can be both highly effective and a lot of fun.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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