Dawn Stauffer Hyde, Founder
Dawn S. Hyde, the founder of Berkshire Associates Inc., succumbed to her battle with progressive dementia, and passed away on May 11, 2012 at age 57. A business leader and innovator of human resource technology, Dawn spent nearly three decades as president of Berkshire. She was an influential figure in the human resource industry and, among other accomplishments, is credited with breaking new ground in affirmative action planning technology.
In 1983, with the assistance of her father, Donald Stauffer; Dawn started Berkshire Associates on Berkshire Road in Baltimore, MD. Under Dawn’s leadership, Berkshire made tremendous strides in the area of HR product and process innovation. Dawn’s courage to take chances with new technology made her a pioneer in an industry that lagged behind the rest. She turned her ideas into action, and ultimately moved Berkshire from a home office, to her own 26,000 sq. ft. facility in Columbia, MD. Today, Berkshire has over 50 employees and is one of the foremost providers of affirmative action solutions.
Reflecting her interest in diversity and equal employment opportunity, Dawn also helped to establish, and was the long-time President of the Maryland Association of Affirmative Action Officers. True to her passion to help young girls and women, Dawn served as chair of the board of the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland from May 2006 to October 2008. For many years, Dawn was also active in Network 2000 and served a term as president.
Recognized for her professional contributions, Dawn received numerous awards including Inductee, Circle of Excellence Award for being the recipient of several Maryland Top 100 Women Awards, Howard County Equal Business Opportunity Achievement Star Award, and Bravo Business Achievement Award.
Beth Ronnenburg, a 16-year employee and Dawn’s mentee, succeeded Dawn in June 2011. Beth will carry out Dawn’s plans for a successful and profitable future for Berkshire. The company does not anticipate any changes to day-to-day operations, and Berkshire will remain under the ownership of the Hyde family.
Dawn is survived by her husband of 23 years, Jonathan Hynson Hyde; a son, Henry Hyde; two daughters, Nora Hyde and Caroline Hyde.
Memorial Service
A public memorial service is planned for Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at The Gathering Place, 6120 Day Long Lane, Clarksville, Maryland 21029.
The family is requesting that donations in lieu of flowers be made to: Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, Dawn Hyde Memorial Fund, 4806 Seton Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215
If you wish to send a card, please send them to: The Hydes, c/o Berkshire Associates, 8924 McGaw Court, Columbia, MD 21045.
If you have any questions, please contact Berkshire Associates at 800.882.8904 or bai@berkshireassociates.com