Excel Fitness (PE backed) owned over 90 Planet Fitness locations across 6 states with 1,600+ employees at the time.As the second in command to the Vice President of Human Resources, I played a pivotal role in the company's growth from 30 locations to over 90 during my tenure. I collaborated with key stakeholders and senior leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate people-centric policies, procedures, and processes that support the company's vision and mission, including those specific to acquisitions. I worked closely with executive leadership to create an HR agenda that aligns with organizational goals, focusing on long-range strategic talent planning and daily functional strategies to meet management objectives. Additionally, I coached and mentored a team of HR Generalists who reported directly to me, ensuring they provided exceptional internal customer service.Key responsibilities and achievements:• Partnered with Operations Management to advise, guide, and train operations teams, supporting company-wide strategic initiatives and enhancing internal customer service.• Played a key role in mergers and acquisitions, integrating new franchise groups and ensuring seamless transitions through effective HR strategies.• Fostered a culture of continuous learning and performance improvement.• Delivered annual HR programs, including performance reviews, promotions, succession planning, and action plans based on employee and manager feedback, ensuring all business units received the support they needed.• Identified and recruited key operations and technical talent for critical roles, building a strong bench of internal and external talent focused on meeting the needs of our employees and the organization.

Head of Human Resources for an investor-backed aerospace company specializing in reusable rocket engines and space tourism, supporting over 250 employees across two facilities in California and Texas.I led all HR activities, including payroll, educational outreach, event organization, investor liaison, and communication. Additionally, I maintained relationships with an overseas subsidiary, providing HR support and advice as needed.Key achievements and responsibilities:• Created and executed the company’s first leadership training program, driving performance improvement across all management levels from junior managers to senior executives, aligning with business objectives. • Ensured compliance with Federal and State employment law and strategic alignment with HR objectives.• Advised the hiring managers of strategies to identify business needs and objectives and frame the position requirements, accordingly, resulting in better candidate applicants and streamlined selection processes.• Resolved employee relations issues and provided guidance to managers, including training on sexual harassment, motivation of employees, counseling, and periodic performance reviews.• Drove team building initiatives and overall support for maintenance of organizational culture and employee morale.• Developing and overseeing all employee reward and recognition programs.• Designed, implemented and managed programs including the employee handbook, medical, dental, vision, 401k, and PTO.

After my experience at Macy's, I decided to redirect my career path to focus solely on Human Resources, leveraging my operations background to support dynamic companies and their leadership.At Macy's, I oversaw 13 store locations, deeply involved in store operations, crafting plans and strategies to grow the business and create thriving environments for private label brands. I spearheaded in-store special events, handling marketing collateral, customer surveys, public relations, coaching and development, and staffing needs. Additionally, I played a key role in product development for fast fashion, collaborating with design and merchandising teams to ensure timely and trend-right product launches. In this role, I emphasized leadership development by mentoring team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and providing ongoing training in HR best practices. My efforts not only enhanced employee engagement and satisfaction but also contributed to the success of the top-performing region in the country.

Directed and led the highest volume and top-performing store in the New England District for a leading millennial brand. Transformed the store and its staff through development and mentoring, integrating new operations and fostering a positive culture change for a team of 100+ employees. Established team and individual goals with clear KPIs, and trained emerging store leaders in HR responsibilities, store operations, and leadership development, resulting in five assistant managers being promoted to lead their own stores under my guidance.

As the General Manager of a high-volume location, recognized as one of the top-performing stores among over 2,000 nationwide, I consistently exceeded sales plans and was honored with awards for top performance. I managed all HR responsibilities, resulting in the store achieving the lowest turnover rate and a high employee satisfaction rating.