Head of HR and Information Technology with overall responsibility and accountability for developing and implementing SFSL’s people, culture, and information systems strategy while leading the execution of HR & IT operations across all business units. Serves as the senior level trusted advisor and partner to the SFSL President and Leadership team while being an associate champion and change agent.

Provided HR consulting services to a diverse set of business clients. By partnering with clients, I identify and recommend strategies to improve productivity, strengthen employee management, and boost efficiency while implementing cost-efficient processes, enforcing compliance, and devising plans to decrease risk.

As Vice President of Talent, I provided vital human resources leadership services to the $1.5B casual dining restaurant with 500+ locations in 23 states. In this position I supervised a team of 6 directors, managers, and specialists who oversaw all recruiting, training, and HRIS functions. By partnering with senior leadership, I strengthened talent and culture during a series of company transition periods. Additionally, I crafted strategic and operational plans for employee benefits, compensation, and employee relations while ensuring strict adherence to company, industry, and legal standards.Selected contributions include…~ Teamed with Chief Strategy & Chief People Officers to develop and monitor progress of turnaround plan, implemented company-wide to drive accountability~ Ensured optimal staff performance by implementing and executing skill and leadership assessments, succession planning, individualized and team training plans, and performance reviews.~ Reduced manager turnover 33% while increasing staffing levels 15% by conceiving innovative retention action plans and implementing pre-hire assessments to ensure new hires met minimal operational expectations.~ Lowered direct and indirect costs $1.5M by raising management staffing levels to align with operational goals.

While employed at Jo-Ann, I progressed through a series of high-level HR roles for the $2B specialty retailer with 850+ locations across 49 states. In this position, I supervised a team of six HR COE managers and HR business partners while serving as the Senior HR Business Partner for the executive leadership team. I also spearheaded talent acquisition, leadership development, training, succession, performance, and HR information systems while serving as an instrumental facet to strategic planning and implementation of company operational objectives.Major achievements include…~ Established leadership, diversity and talent development programs to amplify staff growth, progression, and future success. Programs demonstrated high success rate in preparing next level promotions and transitions.~ Effectively reduced turnover rates by partnering with operational leaders to devise and execute retention plans, emphasizing communication, training, and manager accountability.~ Accelerated new employee onboarding processes and productivity by redesigning training programs to emphasize business-wide employee engagement.~ Secured $200K+ annual savings and significantly reduced administrative and labor costs by fully automating select human resources processes.~ Successfully developed 83% of interns into full-time positions by providing individualized coaching and mentorship.~ Listed as “Ready Now” in CHRO succession plan due to exemplary performance.~ Participated as essential member of the IT Steering Committee and the Office of Data Security.

In this position, I functioned as an integral component to the daily and long-term human resources functions while directly leading a team of six HR managers and their teams. I was tasked with guiding and coordinating all facets of employee benefits, compensation, payroll, disability, workers compensation, safety, work/life, wellness, travel, and the cafeteria. During major company transitions, I oversaw development of cost-efficient program expansion plans.Some selected accomplishments…~ Strategically reduced annual employee benefit administrative costs 60% through effective vendor management, implementing automated processes, streamlining communications and improving plan designs.~ Uncovered $2M+ savings by evaluating and managing workers compensation lost time claims and instituting loss prevention practices.~ Slashed travel costs more than 20% by selecting and implementing an online travel management program.~ Boosted employee engagement and collaboration by envisioning and developing a company-subsidized cafeteria.

In this position, I oversaw varying human resources functions, including administering benefits, workers compensation, ensuring workplace and staff safety, implementing HRIS, and managing company travel and EE café. Forging and fostering solid relationships with staff, managers, executives, and stakeholders encouraged transparent communication at all levels.Additional Experience~ Human Resources Manager and Specialist Roles: Jo-Ann Fabrics, Inc., Hudson, OH (1995-2003)