May 2005

Longtime Personnel Director Retires after 28 Years at JWR

Chances are, if you work at JWR, you've had some type of contact with Rodger Armbrester.  In his 28 years with JWR, Rodger has processed thousands of resumes, interviewed almost as many job candidates and hired hundreds more.

Rodger, 66, started his career with JWR in Birmingham when it was known as the CIC Division (Coke, Iron & Chemicals) of United States Pipe & Foundry Company.  He later moved to the Brookwood headquarters as Salary Administrator and was later promoted to Director of Personnel.

"I have really enjoyed my time at JWR," says Rodger.  "It's gone by so fast but it has been a good trip.  Nothing stays the same in the coal industry and I have seen a lot of changes.  I'm happy for everyone here that coal is back on top."

Before coming to JWR, Rodger worked for several companies, always in the human resources area.  He worked for a large Birmingham bank, an electric utility company, a bridge building company and a tire component manufacturing company before making the switch to JWR.

Rodger says he will spend his retirement traveling, babysitting and working on his lake house.  His wife of 40 years, Maggie, recently retired from the History Department at the University of Alabama Birmingham.  After a cruise in May to Alaska, Rodger will began his babysitting duties with his grandchildren; Kate, 5, Rebecca, 4 and Reeves, 2.  Rodger and Maggie have a daughter, Amy, 36 and a son Rod, 34.
click photo for a larger view