Sonja Maher, Sphr, Shrm-Scp Email & Phone Number

Greater Denver Area

As part of Cox Enterprise, a $22B a year company, Cox Automotive is the only company in the world that offers a complete set of solutions for the automotive dealer. We go further to connect pillars of our industry to drive results for our full universe of clients, including dealers, lenders and consumers.• On-site support and consultant to a diverse population of associates working in lot operations from body, mechanic and detail shops along with internal and external commercial sales (dealer services and title work) • Execution of “Bootcamp” a year-long program exposing high potential associates to leadership challenges and solutions while building a bench of future managers.• Spearheading a Diversity, Inclusion and Equity committee as well as a Chairperson of “Women with Drive”. The WWD program is a platform to empower and encourage growth and development of female associates in the automotive industry. • Strategic Partner in the areas of performance management, leadership development, organizational design and associate engagement.

Westminster, Co

Alliance Data is leading global provider of tailored marketing and loyalty solutions, delivered through branded credit card programs that drive more profitable relationships between our brand partners and card members. We offer private label, co-brand, and commercial products to many of the world's most recognizable brands. • Joined the organization when it consisted of 150 collections associates. Supported the business as we grew to over 700 associates in less than two years.• Respond to organizational changes and facilitate the successful transition of those changes to three sites and 1100 associates (consisting of in-house and work at home associates) Direct communication to and support of 2 Vice Presidents, 1 director, 3 operations managers, 5 department managers and 60 supervisors• Assisted in the creation of a Leadership Development Program which is used in enhancing the skill set of new leaders and well as seasoned leaders needing a refresher course• Identify critical metrics and action around the area's of turnover, employee engagement, performance management, succession planning• Supervise one HR Business Partner

Westminster, Colorado

Partner with the business in implementing initiatives related to attracting, developing and retaining a talented and committed workforce. Key area's of responsibility include associate relations, organization development/effectiveness and training, talent and performance management, rewards and recognition and communication. Serve as a facilitator for various development initiatives.

As an Associate Relations Consultant for the Western Region (New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado, and Idaho) I provided a bridge between the organization and the associate though the consultation process. Promoted associate engagement, handle and mediate associate disputes, and contribute to the development of programs to promote associate retention. This is achieved by the following:Initiate and conduct timely thorough investigations in response to associate complaints, e.g. EEOC, Wage and Hour, Harassment, ADA, Discrimination, FMLA, associate disputes, etc. Develop, schedule, and conduct coaching/training and problem solving strategies to address the one of a kind, complex or less frequent associate relations issues while ensuring consistent support with established HR policies, procedures, and applicable laws. Relationship Management and Coaching: Consult with associates and managers to address the root causes of business and human capital issues.Data CollectionPerformance Analysis and Administration HR Communication/Branding: Practice and promote integrity and ethical behavior Support. Provide project support for various HR initiatives and ad hoc projects as needed. This includes Domestic and Workplace Violence initiatives.

Greater Denver Area

Served as a strategic business partner to the Vice President of Operations, Western Division.. This also included support to three Regional Directors of Operations, and 11 District Managers. Supervised three HR Business Partners and one trainer while maintaining my own territory encompassing 97 stores, located in 5 states, with 800 team members.• Created investigation, progressive discipline, interview and appraisal processes which were adopted as best in practice for EZCorp.• Analyzed statistical data and reports to identify and determine areas of opportunity (e.g vacancy rates, turnover and talent gaps). Developed and implemented action plans for specific areas of improvement in partnership with field management.• Completed two successful business acquisitions resulting in minimal turnover of team members.• Spearheaded Community Service Initiatives leading to the donation of over 1000 hours of community service and $100K in monetary support.• Continuous reinforcement of leadership development, performance management and the open door policy led to a 4% increase in team member retention over 2014.• Collaborated with District Managers in the execution of recruiting, interviewing, on- boarding and succession planning to ensure open positions were identified, assessed, and filled in a timely manner.• Responsible for investigating all team member complaints, ensuring a timely and fair resolution.

• Supported 450+ employees in multiple sites• Coordinated with department heads and supervisors to recruit for open positions in accordance with the City’s policies and employment regulations. Collaborated with department heads and supervisors to develop applicant evaluation and testing methods and tools. • Processed and managed unemployment claims for the city. Won 100% of contested claims which is important, as the city’s unemployment expenses are self funded.• Conducted needs analyses, developed training classes, located appropriate instructors, scheduled classes and maintained training records. Achieved 98% compliance. •Responsible for conducting investigations regarding employee complaints. • Served as the authority concerning position classifications and position requirements necessary to fulfill essential duties and Fair Labor Standards Act designation for all positions within the City. Conducted reviews of all reclassifications.

• Supported an employee footprint of 1800+ covering 3 states and 73 stores• Recruited by the PetSmart executive HR team to provide human resource support, guidance and coaching to seven (7) District managers through collaboration and fostering relationships/ teamwork.• Promoted operational excellence by identifying and tracking key metrics to determine overall effectiveness of associate relations initiatives.• Reduced employee attrition by 10% resulting in a savings of $667k in employment costs.• Increased 90 day retention by 3% resulting in employment cost savings of $200k• Improved employee engagement thereby reducing employee complaint calls by 42%; the largest percent drop in the company • Executed and completed all employee investigations partnering at times with legal counsel to implement a fair resolution.

Denver, Co

• Led and supported an employee base of 800+ associates in 34 locations and 4 states as well as Colorado Distribution Center. Managed one HR Generalist.• Collaborated with senior business leaders to implement solutions aligning with corporate direction, culture and values while understanding the business, correlating results, and communicating the impact on business operations.• Executed the tactical implementation of HR functions including employee relations, investigations, employee communications, staffing, retention, workforce planning, training, compliance, safety and leaves of absence.• Reduced worker’s compensation injuries by 12% via work safety awareness program• Participated in the creation of the corporate HR Scorecard; researched and identified attainable/sustainable metrics

Denver, Co

• Supported 850+ employees in a single site environment• As the highest-ranking HR executive on location, I selected, trained, developed, and managed the performance of four direct reports (three recruiters and one HR generalist) in the areas of recruiting and employee relations. • Provided direction for work groups encompassing benefits, payroll, leaves of absence, progressive discipline and fair labor practices. • Researched and selected a pre-screening tool to determine employee viability and suitability in a call center environment resulting in a 33% decrease in employee turnover and $423k in new hire savings• Won 95% of all contested unemployment claims filed; a savings of $895k•

Englewood, Co

Human Resource Manager – Comcast 2000-2006Supported an employee base of 600+ in a single site locationPromoted from Human Resources Coordinator role into the HR Manager position after 18 months. Collaborated with Sr. Vice Presidents, Sr. Directors, Sr. Managers and corporate staff. Developed and supervised one payroll lead and HR coordinator.• Managed all recruitment and selection processes. • Maintained employee turnover at roughly 3% due to training, counseling, coaching and development of managers and senior leadership dealing with employee performance and conduct issues resulting in positive employee engagement• Achieved 100% compliance in administration of training programs• Championed job analysis project within the National Engineering Technical Organization (NETO) resulting in job description consolidation and salary banding Accountable for reporting regulatory and compliance data including, but not limited to Worker’s Compensation claims, OSHA logs, short term disability and FMLA. • Maintained FCC applicant tracking records and other regulatory information and compliance materials. Monitored performance evaluations and pay practices to ensure consistency.

Education record

B.S., Business Administration, Economics