I'm a regional HR manager for xpedx, a division of International Paper.

I was the mill HR manager for our Terre Haute, IN, papermill. We closed the mill in October of 2007 and I was responsible for all the HR closure activities.

I was an HR generalist at our Riegelwood papermill. During my time at Riegelwood, the HR team negotiated a new contract with our union.

xpedx is North America's largest marketer and distributor of printing papers and packaging supplies and equipment. With 2009 annual sales of $6.5 billion, xpedx employs 6,500 people in more than 230 locations.Responsible for region of distribution business covering 18 locations including 5 operations in Mexico and more than 900 employees. 2009 sales of $600 million.Responsible for managing a team of two HR generalists.Reduced labor expenses in 2009 totaling more than $2 million and 50 FTEs.Successfully negotiated union contract with United Steelworkers and maintained positive nonunion relations in 13 domestic locations.Managed the people development process for region resulting in improved benchstrength and increased productivity.

Terre Haute produced 200,000 tons of corrugating medium per year. It is a manufacturing mill with 185 employees.Responsible for providing HR leadership for 185 employees including 140 United Steelworkers members. Managed one HR Specialist.Managed the mill closure program including placement efforts through local and outplacement resources. Successful closure resulted in minimized expense and retention of key talent.Bargained with the United Steelworkers the closure effects to a successful agreement including the settlement of twenty outstanding grievances, open labor agreement and four pending arbitration cases.Obtained DOL TAA benefits for displaced workers.Led improved employee performance through attendance and discipline management, grievance avoidance and leadership development.

Riegelwood is a paper mill that produces 876,000 tons of paper per year. It is a manufacturing mill with 760 employees.Led a strike contingency committee resulting in comprehensive contingency plan for contract negotiations with the United Steelworkers.Led first-line leader roadmap process including classroom training.Filled key salaried vacancies in maintenance, engineering, finance.Led mill engagement process including impact planning, structure architecture, quality-check assessment, and survey administration.

Participated in local contract negotiations with the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union.Researched and investigated 40 proposals pertaining to jurisdictional restrictions, filling vacancies, premium costs, shift differential eligibility, retiree healthcare, wage rate adjustments, substance abuse policy.Actively participated with arbitration, grievances, and negotiations with a maintenance department of 294 employees.

Responsible for union-free distribution business of 100 employees.Created a bilingual, monthly newsletter that increased communication, improved morale, and broke the language barrier.Implemented peer review alternative dispute resolution to ensure consistent interpretation and enforcement of policy.