Brent Debenedet Email & Phone Number

Vergennes, Vermont, United States

• Leading the overall HR functions, development of local HR team and execute strategies for approximately 1000 employees.Collaborates with business unit, department, and functional leadership to develop and implement HR programs that support business goals and drive bottom line results.• Provide support, expert advice and coaching to business leaders.• Act as a liaison between the business and HR Centers of Expertise/Shared Services to ensure proper alignment for locally executed initiatives.• Review key business performance targets and their related talent implications with business leaders to develop actionable people strategies.• Support managers in forecasting, planning, and developing their talent pipeline.• Build organization and leader capability through the delivery of activities, tools, and assessments, aligned to the leadership model, business strategy, and operational goals.• Provide performance consulting to enhance the effectiveness of leaders and teams to increase productivity and employee engagement.• Design and apply change management strategies in support of business objectives and advancing the culture.• Deliver high-impact diversity and inclusion practices and participate in company wide programs and initiatives.

Plattsburgh, New York

 Overall responsibility for all Human Resources functions such as but not limited to; Training, Recruiting, Labor Relations, Arbitration/Litigation Management, Organizational Development, Benefit Administration, Safety and Operation Efficiency at 13 locations- 7 ( 2 in Ontario) unionized facilities and 7 non-union facilities in the United States and 1 union facility in South Korea. Part of senior leadership group for the business to review and recommend to executive team: collective bargaining strategies, pension funds, 401K, benefits, and other HR administration functions. Part of senior leadership group to review acquisitions; to review HR viability in Data Rooms to look for right fit for business and synergies for the business. Also lead the downsizing of 5 facilities and effects bargaining process. The Ontario and South Korea have been permanently shut down in 2017.  Part of senior leadership group to review and monitor tissue project in Calhoun Facility- $500 million capital project Lead consistent HR practices across the pulp and paper business in the HR arena for the business. Coach, Mentor, and Advocate to HR Managers to ensure budgets and business needs are maintained to advance the business. Chief spokesperson for the business for all contract negotiations for the US and Ontario facilities.

Kaukauna, Wi

 Overall responsibility for all Human Resources functions such as; Training, Recruiting, Labor Relations, Arbitration/Litigation Management, and Organizational Development at all Expera locations (4 unionized and 1 non-union facility). Provide leadership (dotted line reporting structure) to five Mill HR Mangers in regards to labor relations management and organizational development and help guide HR Manager(s) with their HR functions to ensure their success in their roles. Over $1M in synergies over past two years through increased employee involvement, improved systems and restructuring of departments at the facilities. developed a Gainshare program for all unionized employees at all Expera facilities to achieve further engagement of the workforce. The payout money is generated by each mill reaching objectives in operational improvements and employee engagement.  Coached/Mentored/Advised: mill managers, production, maintenance and manufacturing leaders and guided local union executive to understand the business needs to advance the business. Labor Relations& Operations leader for the entire business. Lead all employee relations and HR function in coordinating activities related to potential and future acquisitions by Expera.  Lead all aspects in HR arena in shutting down a facility and effects bargaining in Old Town Maine, October 2015 Involved and directed and/or lead in resolution of all legal matters such as: EEOC, ADA, WARN Notice and USERRA

Overall responsibility for all Human Resources functions such as; Training, Recruiting, Labor Relations, Benefit Administration, Arbitration Management, Health and Safety, Security. Bargained six different collective agreements (in the Paper Mill Facility and Woodlands Operations). Seven direct reports and indirectly additional 400 hourly employees. Reduced fixed costs on yearly basis; each year saving-- $100K to over $1M. Increased departmental productivity 2% per year Increase in employee engagement and improving the facility systems and process. Sat at the table as part of the Eastern Canada Bargaining Committee; setting the (negotiations) pattern for Eastern Canada.

 managed a team of Payroll, Safety, and HR professionals to turnaround the key areas and continuous improvement in their respective departments. Labor Relations and Contract negotiations were a core function of the position.Multi- union complex, continued to improve and make changes to the workforce to improve the economy of the operation. Employee engagement was key to the improved efficiency and product performance improvements in less than 1 year.