Kara Duncan, Phr, Shrm-Cp Email & Phone Number

Atlanta Metropolitan Area

• Coaches managers and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention to enhance employee engagement and successful business outcomes; assists managers with employment decision and workforce planning (hiring plans, staffing, terminations)• Assesses and recommends employee relations practices to reinforce a supportive employer-employee relationship while promoting the importance of accountability and business results• Help prepare, review and analyze data to identify trends and recommend solutions to improve performance, retention and employee experience• Manages and resolves complex employee relation issues, conducting effective, thorough and objective investigations• Identifies learning and development opportunities for designated business segments and recommends appropriate programs; conducts training sessions as needed; conducts new hire orientation• Recommends new approaches, guidelines and procedures to effect continual improvements in the department and services performed• Strategize, lead and create global well-being program initiatives

Atlanta Metropolitan Area

• Coaches managers and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention to enhance employee engagement and successful business outcomes; assists managers with employment decision and workforce planning (hiring plans, staffing, terminations)• Assesses and recommends employee relations practices to reinforce a supportive employer-employee relationship while promoting the importance of accountability and business results• Help prepare, review and analyze data to identify trends and recommend solutions to improve performance, retention and employee experience• Manages and resolves complex employee relation issues, conducting effective, thorough and objective investigations• Identifies learning and development opportunities for designated business segments and recommends appropriate programs; conducts training sessions as needed; conducts new hire orientation• Recommends new approaches, guidelines and procedures to effect continual improvements in the department and services performed

Greater Atlanta Area

• Directed Fan Experience team and operations of one of Atlanta’s most engaging and interactive attractions; Led the strategy for the organization’s largest department of 65 Team Members (including six Managers).• Created and developed a positive team culture that embodies our Guidelines for Guest Service.• Understood the importance of guest satisfaction and continually monitor levels of satisfaction and experience. Identified standards to measure guest experience and ensure that the organization reaches those goals.• Understood patterns and trends as it relates to attendance and plan accordingly.• Led by example and provided timely training, coaching and recognition to Team Members.• Worked cross-functionally with other departments including Marketing, Operations and Infrastructure, Sales and Events to ensure effective execution of operations.• Continued to oversee strategy and execution of Human Resource initiatives with the assistance of the HR Coordinator.

Atlanta, Ga

In addition to the responsibilities of the HR Manager also managed the below responsibilities:• Collaborated with executive leadership to guide human resource practices, which included: adherence to legal standards in the areas of compliance, hiring, training and development, managing performance, employee relations and terminations.• Maintained positive employee relations through team building exercises/events and coaching/development of various team members.• Streamlined and ensured full execution of practices such as new hire onboarding, employment verifications, I-9 compliance, benefits administration, performance management, employee relations, team building and leadership development.• Conducted ongoing training and development for various team members (from entry to executive level) to develop personal and leadership growth that will ensure the organization’s continued success.

Atlanta, Ga

• Developed and executed strategies for recruiting, including employer promotion in the marketplace, interview process management, candidate filtering, diversity sourcing and candidate assessments.• Developed, facilitated and managed annual and mid-year performance review process. Through this process assist leaders in establishing SMART goals that align back to the organizations KPI’s.

Atlanta, Ga

HR Business Partner that works closely with business leaders to:• Translated the business strategy into the human capital strategy and requirements for the business• Actively participated as member of business leadership team contributing to the creation of strategy and operation of the function• Supported organizational design, development, talent management and succession• Provided coaching and support for leaders and organizational changes• Drove culture, diversity, and other actions that foster engagement & organizational effectiveness• Provided on-going leadership and employee coaching to drive performance• Implemented standards for policies, initiatives and legal/regulatory compliance• Facilitated the implementation of business and enterprise-level initiatives

Atlanta, Ga

• Responsible for Home Office employee relations. Thoroughly investigated all issues and worked to bring not only the short term solution, but the long term solution as well. Advised both managers and employees in such a way to ensure a productive and motivated work environment.• Managed Campus Recruiting Program by attending and coordinating over fifteen on-campus recruiting events. Worked with various locations to determine internship and entry level full time opportunities. Responsible for coordinating the annual Internship Training event at the end of each summer to further promote RockTenn to both interns and senior leadership.• Certified trainer for Achieve Global. Facilitated Achieve Global modules for various training events to promote the development of company leaders. Conducted new hire orientation for Home Office employees.• Other responsibilities include background check adjudication, leave management, co-chair of Community Committee and various projects as assigned.

West Chester, Oh

• Coordinated hiring and recruiting efforts as outlined under the “Nowlin Selection Process”.• Administered company policies and procedures.• Educated and assisted employees in company benefits and compensation structures.• Developed and maintained positive employee relationships and open lines of communication; assisted employees as needed.• Conducted new hire orientation ensuring that new employees were engaged and educated about RockTenn from day one.• Coordinated wellness activities and influenced employee engagement to ensure good participation.• Maintained payroll by ensuring timesheets were accurate and all adjustments were entered correctly.• Assisted Management and Supervisors in completion of performance reviews for both hourly and salaried employees.• Business partner; worked closely with facility management to understand current business conditions, trends and projects so that my position could positively affect change.• Other responsibilities included management of workers compensation claims; unemployment claims; monthly staffing reports; STD/FMLA claims; backup for Safety Manager.

St. Louis, Mo

• Recruited for all open positions in company; reviewed submitted resumes, conducted initial phone interview, and arranged in-person interview with branch contact.• Reviewed and approved background checks for all applicants; maintained hiring paperwork.• Developed and maintained all communication relating to career opportunities.• Designed, built, and launched new hire orientations.• Served as corporate liaison regarding human resources issues.• Communicated and administered annual rollout of employee benefit plans. • Facilitated company benefits including health, dental, vision, long term disability insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401K, EAP, and wellness.• Reviewed and monitored all worker’s compensation claims and created a plan for return to work.• Approved, monitored, and tracked all leaves of absences including FMLA.