Driving Policies That Enhance Workplace Culture: Friedlan Thrives in Human Resources

For Jerod Friedlan (’26), advancing his human resources (HR) career meant seeking not just new opportunities but also a new environment. In 2020, he and his family — his wife and their two children — left the harsh winters of Torrington, Wyoming, for the high-desert climate of Prescott, Arizona.

Even with a strong grounding in human resources, Friedlan realized that furthering his education would be essential for his professional growth. “As my career continued to progress, I recognized the immense value of higher education and decided to pursue my master’s degree,” he explained.

That decision led him to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Master of Science in Management: “I am enrolled in Worldwide Online, as I am a working professional and needed the flexibility of online learning.”

Friedlan’s story shows that with the right resources, we can successfully advance our education and still prioritize our personal lives.

A Welcome Change

Moving to Prescott proved to be a welcome change for Friedlan and his family. Although Wyoming and Arizona share some similarities — both offer a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and camping — they also differ in many ways.

“The biggest difference is the weather,” Friedlan noted. “Wyoming gets horribly cold, and the wind is blowing all the time! Here in Prescott, you truly do get four seasons. The summers are mild and even the winters aren’t too harsh.”

Now, Friedlan enjoys his favorite outdoor pastimes without swatting mosquitoes or slogging through snow drifts. The move also empowered him to take the next steps in his career.

A Practical Passion

Friedlan’s journey into management was both a practical decision and a pursuit of passion. His early interest in business led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in management, but it took some time for him to discover his ideal career path.

“I have always been attracted to business, but I was unsure what avenue I wanted to pursue. I tried banking, which I enjoyed, but I knew it wasn’t my end game,” he recalled. “Some years later, I got my first job in human resources management, and that was it.”

From that moment on, Friedlan was hooked. He earned certifications, built his expertise and ultimately sought an accredited online institution that was student-focused and credible — leading him to Embry‑Riddle.

Fostering a High-Impact Career

During an HR career spanning nearly two decades, Friedlan has held memorable management and director roles. His work has given him the opportunity to serve on executive leadership teams and drive policies that have significantly impacted organizations and their employees.

“I’ve been part of some really interesting and exciting projects that created career advancement opportunities for employees and enhanced their work-life balance,” he said. “Those are honestly some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.”

Friedlan’s career trajectory has included a variety of roles across different industries. He started with a multistate law firm, gaining a deep understanding of employment law by working directly with attorneys. He then transitioned to the state of Wyoming, where he served as a senior HR consultant and collaborated with the Wyoming Governor’s Office to rebuild the state’s compensation and classification system.

Later, as the director of HR for Wyoming’s biggest school district, Friedlan worked with teacher unions to enhance work-life balance, adjust pay scales and negotiate agreements, all improving the lives of educators. Most recently, he joined Yavapai County Government in Prescott, where he was promoted to assistant director of HR.

“This is where I see my long-term future,” he said. “I love the county, the employees and the leadership opportunities I’ve been given.”

The Rewards and Challenges of Human Resources

“As a member of the HR staff, you’re in a unique position to be a big part of enhancing an organization’s policies,” he explained. “Ultimately, executive leadership makes the final decisions, but HR professionals provide key insights that guide those choices.”

However, HR is not without its challenges.

Managing people and navigating workplace complexities can be tough, especially when influenced by external circumstances. Yet, Friedlan finds that some of the most rewarding moments in his career have come from helping employees solve problems that make a real difference in their professional and personal lives.

The Life Lessons of Management

Through his experiences in management, Friedlan has gained valuable skills that apply to his job and his everyday life.

“Decision-making frameworks, data analysis, communication techniques and problem-solving — I use those concepts in my personal life more than I ever thought I would,” he said. “Whether it’s budgeting, making a big purchase or planning life changes, my management training plays a big role in how I analyze and make decisions.”

The most valuable skill, however, has been communication.

“I find myself adapting my communication style depending on the situation,” Friedlan explained. “It’s something I’ve learned through applied management principles, and it has been incredibly useful both at work and at home.”

Embry‑Riddle’s Impact

Friedlan’s decision to enroll at Embry‑Riddle paid off in numerous ways. One course that made an especially strong impression on him was HROM 520: Organizational Resilience.

“Things are forever changing, and organizations need to be adaptable to remain relevant,” he said. “I found the whole concept fascinating because I could see it reflected in every organization I’ve worked with.”

For Friedlan, what sets Embry‑Riddle apart is the quality of its online learning experience.

Career Goals and Advice

Friedlan’s career continues to advance, and he has clear goals for the future. With his recent promotion to assistant director of HR, he hopes to one day step into an executive leadership role.

“In 10 years, I hope to be on an executive leadership team, using everything I’ve learned — from my education to my professional and personal experiences — to be an effective leader.”

For students considering a career in HR, Friedlan offered this advice:

“Learn as many management concepts as you can, but more importantly, study how to apply them in real-world situations. That’s what will set you apart in any environment.”

Brightening Futures at Embry‑Riddle

Jerod Friedlan’s journey through HR is a testament to the power of education, perseverance and passion for making a difference. His journey highlights how Embry‑Riddle's Worldwide Campus provides students with the knowledge, mentorship and practical experience needed to thrive in their careers.

With guidance from faculty who have extensive industry experience and a curriculum designed for practical application, students from Embry‑Riddle's College of Business achieve an impressive placement rate of 96% and earn an average salary of $99,006 — one year after graduating. We like these numbers, and we think you will, too.

For those looking to brighten their careers and the world at large, discover how Embry‑Riddle can help you achieve your goals — visit our Department of Management site, our Master of Science in Management page or contact admissions today.