Dynamic Human Resources Professional, with over twenty years experience--in increasingly responsible roles--across multiple industries and business cultures, effectively partnering with management and supporting diverse and talented employee populations. A strong Generalist, with demonstrated agility moving across the spectrum of HR specialties. Able to effectively adapt to new environments & expectations and design effective stratigies to address challenges by creatively applying knowledge and experience gained through diverse and challenging work/life experiences and continuous learning. Adept at relationship-building; gaining the trust, respect and influence necessary to effectively parner with management, while upholding the confidence and trust of staff--focusing on deliverables tied to organizational goals, while mitigating potential liability and legal exposure through employee relations expertise. Able to effectively lead and manage multiple projects and priorities, to provide a broad range of human resources services in fast-paced, and challenging environments.
Specialties: SPECIALTIES: Strategic HRM, EE Relations, Investigations, Start-up's, HR/Compliance Review; Full-Cycle Recruiting, Retention Strategies; Performance Management; Leaves Administration; Policy, Procedures, Systems, HR Tools & Forms Development; Analysis, HR Metrics.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE: Entertainment/Media, Resort/Hotel, Non-Profit-Social Service, Education, Relief/Development/Advocacy, Architecture, Aerospace & Engineering, Energy, IT/Technical, Insurance, Call-Center, Retail, Manufacturing
HR Director (interim) @ Sr. HR Generalist, and member of the senior management team at organizations requiring HR compliance review, assessment and remediation to address compliance exposures, update policies, programs and systems; recommend and implement strategies to reduce exposures, reduce costs, increase engagement and productivity, streamline systems, and define user-friendly solutions--across all HR functions. Hands-on practitioner, with a wealth of experience proactively identifying, addressing and resolving employee relations concerns; leaves management, return-to-work programs; LOA/ADA Accommodation; Benefits Administration; Performance Management; Full-Cycle Recruiting; EHS/Safety/Risk Management; Program, policies, procedures and systems development, roll-out, monitoring, tracking; Coaching, Training & Development. From November 2014 to August 2015 (10 months) Oakmont Country Club; Mission Valley BankSr. HR Generalist @ Sr. HR Generalist and team leadership responsibilities, w/heavy emphasis on employee relations, performance management, leadership development, full-cycle recruiting, absence management and interaction w/Benefits Specialist on LOA's associated with Workers' Comp, ADA, and other concerns. Implemented increased functionality of Taleo recruiting/applicant tracking system. Sole recruiting responsibility for identifying top-tier candidates for up to 40 open positions. Filled over 150 jobs w/in 1st year of employment. Initiated a requisition system; created forms, tracking tools and developed policies and procedures to help reduce redundancy, streamline processes, and effect greater transparency and communication in meeting organizational goals. Effectively partnered with management to align HR actions with organizational goals, including proactively addressing employee relations concerns. From September 2013 to September 2014 (1 year 1 month) Altadena, CACorporate Human Resources Manager @ "At the table," as a key member of the Executive Team, developing and managing strategic HR initiatives that directly impacted bottom-line deliverables for a premier, utility-truck and equipment manufacturer. From July 2009 to November 2011 (2 years 5 months) Multi-state--Western United StatesHR Generalist/Project Manager - WVI People & Culture (Contract through HR International) @ Project management for Comp & Benefits initiatives, policy and program development and administration. Partnered with International contacts across the globe to amass, formulate, analyze and present data necessary to ensuring fair & equitable distribution of donor dollars. Research, development and administration of policies & procedures in support of the Strategy Directors & VP of People & Culture. From May 2008 to December 2008 (8 months) International NGO - WVI Global Center, Monrovia, CACorporate Human Resources Manager @ HR Business Partner, engaged by the Board of Directors to identify, recommend, and implment creative talent acquisition and retention strategies. Partnered with the regional directors to understand their challenges and goals, and acted to propose, gain organizational support, and develop a targeted, multi-faceted program, including an expansion of low/no-cost employee benefits; in-house, full-cycle, strategic staffing initiatives that dramatically reduced cost-per-hire; multiple platforms to communicate Total Rewards necessary to effectively attract and retain high-caliber talent; and, initiation of a management training program, which actively eroded "silos," and supported greater alignment of employee and departmental efforts toward bottom-line results, and Nadel's organizational goals--mission, vision and values. From December 2006 to March 2008 (1 year 4 months) Multi-state, multi-division, with affiliate offices in China & the Middle EastHuman Resources Manager @ In-Store HR Manager and Business Partner--responsible for achieving measurable results through effective HR Management practices. Led and managed the HR team. Executed on HR Dashboard accountabilities: Reporting, monitoring and controlling functions, which contributed to the Store and Company’s bottom line--continually exceeding sales plan. Handled workforce planning, staffing management, Leaves Management, Workers’ Comp, Benefits Administration, Performance Management, Compensation, Safety, and T & D. From March 2004 to December 2005 (1 year 10 months) Marina del Rey - The largest Home Depot location, and Baldwin ParkHuman Resources Supervisor - Recruiting & Employee Relations @ Acted as the Department lead in the absence of the HR Director. Supervised a staff of 3 – 6 Specialists and HR Assistants—leading, coaching and developing highly-engaged, motivated associates. Managed the full-cycle recruiting process—responsible for up-to 60 open requisitions (reducing average to 20); reducing days-to-fill and turnover ratios, while increasing candidate quality, productivity and retention. Assisted in the development of an applicant tracking tool, allowing effective management of a large applicant pool; metrics reporting to validate HR Department’s value-added actions and programs, rapid identification of a candidates for current and future openings, recruiter and manager notes regarding candidates’ capabilities. Supported the HR Director in conducting investigations and addressing employee concerns. Earned strong support of management and staff toward achieving organizational goals through a culture of interdependence, respect, and for-profit sensibilities; resulting in increased employee engagement, efficiency, productivity, and maximized service delivery per donor dollar. From March 2001 to October 2003 (2 years 8 months) Multi-site - San Fernando Valley, Antelope ValleyHR Administrator - Benefits (formerly Cinesite Digital Studios, a Kodak Company) @ Reporting to the Manager and Vice President of Human Resources—supported organizational effectiveness and employee/stakeholder communications through efficient Department administration including: Benefits Administration & Orientation; compilation/dissemination of informational packets (New Hire, Benefits, 401-K, Exit, Supervisor), travel arrangements/relocation, responsive to temporary staffing needs; maintain current Company organizational charts; all employee status changes in HRM system; coordinate with carriers and TPAs; balance benefit bills; conduct respectful exit Interviews and provide meaningful feedback; Support efficient Staffing and Payroll functions. From July 2000 to February 2001 (8 months) Hollywood, CARecruiting Specialist for Go.com, a Walt Disney Company (Contract through AppleOne Employment) @ (Go.com had been the former "Disney's portal to all things Disney.") Handled high-volume, full-cycle recruiting/support for this booming, Disney “.com” venture. Specialized in both Management-level positions (including business development and marketing) as well as technical positions (including web-design and production). Reviewed, processed, managed, referred and tracked applicants in coordination with management and senior staffing management; created Job Descriptions; posted positions; phone screening, interviewing & assessment. From February 2000 to July 2000 (6 months) Glendale, CATraining & OD Representative - Warner Bros. Corporate Human Resources @ Supported the Department VP and Director, and acted as liaison to the Director of Diversity Programs; Point-person to Division Management, Consultants and Vendors. Key accountabilities included: Coordination of the Corporate Training Program--scheduling, facilities/audio-visual/catering; Training-tracking and metrics reporting. Collaboration on the instructional design and development of facilitator and participant training materials, and Performance Review Forms. Development and administration of Climate Surveys; analysis of results. Management of the Tuition Reimbursement and Continuous Learning programs—formulating policy and procedures, tracking/reporting participation, liaison to Universities/schools, with heavy employee interaction. Initiation/development of Company Services & Procedures Guide. From August 1994 to December 1999 (5 years 5 months) Burbank, CAAdministrative Assistant to the General Manager (formerly Sierra Summit Mountain Resort) @ Held numerous seasonal positions (between TPI Contracts & Manpower interim assignments), and gained tremendous experience within the Hotel/Resort industry--holding a record for the number of positions held, including Administrative Assistant to the Area Manager, Ski Instructor, Sport Shop Sales Rep, Marketing Rep, Child Care Center Supervisor, Day Lodge Cashier, Dining Room Server, Cocktail Server, Rental Shop Customer Service & Repair Technician, Security Associate, and Group/Individual Ticket Sales Rep. From November 1980 to April 1994 (13 years 6 months) Lakeshore, CAOverseas Production Supervisor/Line Captain @ Int’l, Theatrical Dance Production Company, providing professional productions primarily at Five-Star resort hotels as well as casinos, private clubs and other venues primarily in Japan, and also other parts of Asia and United States. Responsible for up to 20 theatrical production members--ensuring production integrity, quality and contract compliance. Conducted rehearsals, regular classes; and directed any necessary re-staging for contract-add-on's in coordination with the theater management and technical staff. Acted as the point-person to Hotel Management, and liaison to Entertainment Agency representatives, and reporting to the Production Company Owners/Management--handling customer relations, and providing exceptional service and satisfaction and support of the ongoing business relationship. Addressed and resolved employee relations concerns. Ensured that all Company property was properly maintained and secured upon contract completion. From December 1979 to January 1994 (14 years 2 months) Burbank, CAEngineering Student IV (Jr. Programmer) - for Litton Data Systems @ Litton Data Systems, NICS-TARE Project - Jr. Programmer (Secret Clearance), programming in JCL; supporting Sr. Engineering staff; drawing upon CSUN education focus on MIS (Management Information Systems), and knowledge of Fortran, Basic, and COBOL. From 1979 to 1980 (1 year) Van Nuys, CAPersonal Lines Supervisor @ Gained and utilized foundation HR & Office Communications/Management skills. Provided exceptional customer service, supporting requests for Auto, Homeowners and General Liability insurance quotations; submitting new business; managing renewals and claims. Part of a high-functioning team that grew the Encino office of independent Agent, Armand L. Pepe, to being one of the largest independent agencies in the San Fernando Valley and LA County. From 1973 to 1979 (6 years) Encino, CA - PT/FT work while pursuing BS Degree
BS, Business - Management/HR-Management @ California State University-Northridge From 2004 to 2006 Certificate, Human Resources Management @ California State University-Northridge From 1997 to 1998 Athena Bressel-Garrett SPHR is skilled in: Performance Management, Personnel Management, Policy, HR Metrics, Analysis, Start-ups, Retention Strategies, Employee Relations, HR Compliance/Audit, Full-Cycle Recruiting, Environmental, Health &..., Internal Investigations..., Total Rewards Program..., Leadership Development, Absence Management, Rewards & Recognition, Return to Work Programs, Corporate Communications, Human Resources, Organizational..., Training, Change Management, Management, Employee Benefits, Recruiting, Talent Acquisition, Interviews, Applicant Tracking...