Shari Blackman Email & Phone Number

As shared with the Kinsley team by the company President, David Kinsley, "I’m happy to share that Shari Blackman has a new title at the company: VP, Human Resources. The new title reflects her outstanding contributions behind the scenes and direct support at the company for many years. She’s universally recognized as an anchor of Kinsley Group and an extremely valued part of the company. The new title also sends a message about her seniority and respect at Kinsley and as a Leadership Team member. Shari is beloved for her wisdom, people-centric approach, breadth of perspective, sense of urgency and big heart."

East Granby, Ct

I was recruited into the Kinsley Group for my “common sense” approach to Human Resources, passion for success and history of being a top contributor and collaborator in high performance team cultures. I have a reputation for building strong, respected and sustainable Human Resources departments that are solution-based, empathetic and fair. My passion for mentoring employees, both inside and outside of Human Resources helps to keep my focus on what matters most – people.

At Six Flags New England I am the top human resources executive responsible for mass recruiting, training, retention, labor optimization and culture building programs for both the 115 full time and 3,000 seasonal staff. I am also responsible for all benefit administration, payroll and labor law compliance. My responsibilities also include furthering the safety culture aimed at maximizing profits and minimizing loss. I have managed a budget of over $2M and am responsible for ensuring that $30MM in profits are deposited into the bank. Under my leadership, Six Flags New England has increased its recruiting pool by 500+ applicants, reduced turnover, standardized training and enhanced a team building culture.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER: I was immediately promoted to my current position of Director of Human Resources and Administration after 7 months as Human Resources Manager. I am a hands-on leader that was responsible for creating a sense of ownership in the department by the full time and seasonal staff and creating credibility within the property. I brought a common sense approach to recruiting, training and retention that addressed the business need of the industry and ensured that all interactions were positive and professional, regardless of the circumstances. My dedication and goal driven attitude resulted in the park becoming 100% staffed for opening day and increased the quality of employees that resulted in an increase of Guest Satisfaction Survey Results for Employee Service. These successes, as well as my dedication and pursuit of perfection and Loss Prevention experience resulted in my promotion to Director of Human Resources and Administration.

LOSS PREVENTION MANAGER: In 1999, it became a corporate mandate to create a Loss Prevention Program at each property. My work ethic, good working relationships with all other management, along with my drive to succeed made me the ideal choice to build the department and the Loss Prevention culture. I was directly responsible for all internal and external investigations, including pre-employment interviews, background verifications and harassment investigations. My unique combination of common sense, confidentiality, professionalism and ability to see the “big picture” made me the “go to” person for sensitive and potentially litigious situations. Under my leadership, company per caps increased and my department was recognized as the company’s top performing department for its efforts. My attitude, attention to detail, and parallel job responsibilities in the hiring process led to me being asked to step into Human Resources and challenged to replicate the Loss Prevention results.

Master'S, Education

Activities and Societies: Graduate Assistant in the Athletic Director's Office

B.S., Marketing

Activities and Societies: UConn Softball Team, All-America Award, Women's College World Series Participant