Owensboro native Nikie Walker grew up around her father’s optometry office. She became the office manager when her sister and brother-in-law took over his office, and while she was happy in the position, she craved more.
To build on her experience as a human resources representative at Advantage Eye Care, she formed 20/20 Walker Consulting Obtaining, offering HR services to optometrists. Walker has a master’s in human resources and a doctorate in education.
“After a conversation with a former classmate, I decided to start the consulting firm,” Walker said. “Since its inception, I have expanded to help other organizations and fields. In addition to helping small to mid-size practices, I have also lectured for several organizations, including the Indiana Optometric Association, the Kentucky Optometry Association, and KYSHRM.”
Earning a terminal degree had always been Walker’s goal, so in 2019, she and her husband decided to return to school. He earned his MBA while she obtained her Ed.D from the University of Dayton.
This summer, Walker will speak for the American Optometric Association, and in a few weeks, she’ll be presenting to the Daviess County Cooperative Extension regarding HR needs for farmers.
“I can help with all things HR, from handbooks to performance reviews, customer service training, strategic planning, recruitment, employee relations, career planning, compliance, training and development, and business performance management,” she said. “
Walker said she loves helping people reach their goals and seeing employers with happy employees.
“My motto has always been, ‘Happy employees equal happy customers,’” Walker said. “I want to continue to make a difference in small to mid-size businesses. Often, these organizations do not have the support they need for HR issues and needs. Nor do they know where to turn for resources. I can be that for them.”
Walker grew up in Owensboro, before spending 15 years in Louisville. She was reluctant to give up the “big city” life to move home, but eventually did.
“The first year I was back, I tried like heck to make my way out,” she said. “However, the universe had other plans. I met my husband here and started a family. I have been given so many more opportunities here in Owensboro than I ever was in Louisville. Owensboro has been great for my career, family, and overall happiness and health.”
For more information or to learn more, call Walker at 502-445-7477 or email her at [email protected].
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a membership benefit of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
