Joanne Otto, Senior Director, Supply Chain, Human Resources, approaches her work much like she cultivates the flowers in her garden – with extraordinary care.

Joanne joined VF in 1990 following college. Her first role was with Lee® at a manufacturing site in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, where she was the HR supervisor for 700 associates. Over the years, she has led HR projects across VF, from Supply Chain to Finance to Marketing and Merchandising, and has worked in roles across Central and North America. Today, she supports Supply Chain senior leaders and associates in Greensboro, as well as projects in the Dominican Republic, United States and Panama.

Hometown: She was born in Washington, D.C., grew up
in Maryland and currently lives in Greensboro, N.C.

In Her Free Time: She loves to cook and spend time in 
her yard planting flowers.

Family Life: She has three stepbrothers, two brothers
and a dachshund who has been with her for 13 years.

Favorite VF Products: Joanne has been a lifelong Lee®
aficionado, and she also appreciates The North Face®
(especially in the winter).

Q: What are your current job responsibilities?

A key part of my role is working with our HR leaders to improve the department’s overall structure and harmonize HR policies across VF. I’m also partnering with a colleague to staff the new distribution center in Jonestown, Pennsylvania. I am looking forward to building the HR structure from the ground up and setting it up for success.

Q: How have mentors played a role throughout your career?

As I’ve progressed in my career, my mentors across VF have been true examples to live by.

They have taught me to always be honest with myself, as well as to others, and to always be compassionate. Compassion is especially important in my role. It is important to appreciate everyone for their valuable contribution. 

 Q: You’ve been with VF for 28 years. What do you attribute to your tenure and success?

It’s definitely the people; I love how VF’s global network feels like a family. I’ve gotten to know colleagues from Hong Kong to Latin America, and they are some of the most compassionate individuals I’ve ever met.

Because my role in HR has allowed me to meet and partner with so many associates across the globe, I truly couldn’t imagine myself in any other arm of the business, or at any other company.