As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for providing strategic leadership, direction and oversight, leading all people functions and programs, to maximize employee engagement and contributions. A strong collaborator and influencer in leading a data driven team and refining legacy processes and systems related to people and culture to enhance inclusion, engagement, transparency, and accountability.Accomplishments in this position include reorganization and streamlining of HR processes and best practices. Project managed HRIS system implementations including company-wide Applicant Tracking and On Boarding system, payroll system conversion and automation of the benefit and employee self service functions to increase the quality and reliability of employee related data and information.Extensive emphasis on Employee Relations and Investigations with heavy consultant, training and advisory responsibility for EEOC, DIR and DOL related issues. Responsible for full management of a 3+ year long EEOC Consent Decree with data and reporting responsibility to internal/external legal counsel and an EEOC independent third party monitoring team.

Executive Director, Corporate Human Resources April 2010 – PresentPalace Entertainment, Newport Beach, CA Responsible for the strategic management of HR, Payroll, and Benefit related functions including HRIS systems and all HR operational matters across 40 locations in 11 states with over 12,000 employees in peak season; development and administration of HR strategy, policies, procedures and programs; making and recommending appropriate courses of action.

Diedrich Coffee was a $60M specialty coffee roaster/manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer and was the fastest growing stock in the history of the NASDAQ in 2009. As part of the Executive Team, responsible for the leadership and overall direction of all HR, Benefits and Payroll related functions within multiple states including the home office, retail locations, manufacturing facility and two (2) shipping/distribution facilities. Partnered with the CEO and Executive Team to provide overall strategic and operational direction and management of the organization including support of HR initiatives and strategic objectives while ensuring employment legal compliance and managing company risk and mitigating liability. Routinely maintained relationships from the employee level up, administering initiatives, programs, training and incentives as well as providing guidance and direction in all areas of HR management.Maintained all lines of insurance including Healthcare Benefits, General Liability, D&O and Workers Compensation policies.

Multi-site field Human Resources Manager responsible for 137 restaurant sites (approximately 3500 employees) throughout the Southern California region. Provided functional business unit leadership and support to Regional VP and District Managers on HR related issues with a heavy emphasis on employee relations and investigations. Extensive consultant, training and advisory responsibility. Conducted formal training classes and guidance to field managers on company policy and interpretation, recruiting and hiring strategies, performance and discipline, safety and wage and hour laws. Worked with outside counsel on the swift settlement of a class action CA Meal and Rest Period lawsuit. Developed a comprehensive Employee Handbook for field Team Members and Restaurant Managers. Participated in local and regional job fairs and internet recruiting for management talent.

Direct responsibility for extensive recruitment, benefits and compensation programs, workers' compensation, disability and employee relations functions. Implemented and administered several new HR Programs including a fully integrated HR/Payroll Information System, a 401(k) Plan, Employee Incentive and Bonus Programs. Extensive employee relations and complaint resolution, training and development of staff.

Responsible for this bringing start-up company into compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Built the HR/Payroll function from the ground up, consulted with senior management team on resolution of employee relations issues. Implemented new benefit programs including medical, dental, vision, life and disability programs, a 401(k) savings plan for employees with company match, and developed a comprehensive Employee Handbook

Managed a client base of 1,100 employees in a multi-site sales and customer service environment for the Western States Human Resources Organization. Partnered with HR Consultants to provide HR services to regional employees. Benefit and 401(k) administration including conducting employee enrollment meetings and health fairs. Personnel file maintenance and HRIS data and personal data changes.