Logan Craft’s passion for horses isn’t what led her to her career in Human Resources, but it certainly informs the way she serves ECU Health team members.
As a service representative, she plays a key role in supporting team members, from welcoming new hires to answering questions and providing guidance.
“I love customer service,” she said. “I got my degree in business administration with a concentration in management from East Carolina University, and it’s been a great opportunity to work here.”
That care and connection extends beyond Craft’s day job; she learned a lot about patience, responsibility and trust from the horses she trains and competes with.
“When I was five, I started with English riding,” she said, referring to the style of riding that emphasizes balance and precision. “I worked with many talented horses, and the experience shaped my skills and passion for the sport.”
Nine years ago, Craft took those skills and tried barrel racing for the first time.
“I knew some people who did barrel racing,” she said. “I thought it would be fun, so I tried it, and now I’m obsessed. I own three horses and do a lot of training and exercising, along with work and my social life, to compete across the state and the southeast.”
Her commitment has won her a few prizes and belt buckles along the way.
“I was the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) 2020 North Carolina 4D youth state champion and champion and reserved champion in my district a couple years ago,” she said. “I have also qualified for the NBHA youth and teen world championships between 2018 and 2021.”
A lot of Logan’s racing happens along the East Coast and in Benson, North Carolina. She was quick to note that barrel racing in rodeos and barrel racing with divisions differ primarily in structure and competition format.
“In rodeos, the fastest time wins, period,” she said.
Barrel racing with divisions means all riders, regardless of their skill level, run in the same race and have the chance to place. Each race includes four divisions based on time, from Division One (1D) to Division Four (4D).
Race day is a full-day event, from feeding and transporting the horses, to familiarizing the horses with the arena, to the race itself – which is always with three barrels and only lasts about 16 seconds. After everyone has raced, times are entered into the computer and winners of each division are notified.
“It keeps me busy. I take care of the horses and train them, because it’s a special skill to race. Every horse is different and they must stay calm and adapt to different environments,” she said.
Whether she’s guiding a team member through a new role or preparing a horse for competition, Craft approaches both with the same mindset: connection and consistency.
“Horses depend on me every day no matter how busy life gets,” Craft said, “and it’s the same for team members who come to HR for attention and care.”
To learn more about joining team members like Logan Craft at ECU Health, visit our Careers website.