AMBER M. GARFOOT
DeForest,WI
Summary
Results-driven Human Resources Business Partner skillful in strategic planning, change management and maximizing organizational effectiveness. Always pursuing innovative ways to maximize efficiency, employee satisfaction, and cost savings.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Human Resources Business Partner
American Family Insurance Enterprise
07.2019 - Current
- Introduced, developed, and integrated a metrics-based performance management system to drive operational efficiency and support business growth.
- Established trusted relationships and enabled C-Level, Vice President, Director, Front Line Leader, and Team levels to achieve customer-driven solutions through the development and implementation of innovative workforce planning and complex process implementation.
- Managed the development and execution of multiple strategies, initiatives, and key performance indicators aligned to strategic plans and goals of the enterprise during a period of rapid growth and culture change.
- Developed and lead the transformation of the Litigation Support Services operating model and organizational structure to drive efficiencies through the centralization of key functions and process resulting in a 2 million dollar cost savings.
- Lead the Enterprise through four large restructures to bring the Corporate Legal, Compliance, Government Affairs, and Claims Litigation entities of five different insurance companies together resulting in 20 million cost savings.
- Developed and deployed several small scale restructures while supporting ten different divisions.
- Utilized HR reporting and analytics to generate insights and present findings back to the business to substantiate the creation and implementation of new recruitment, staffing, and workforce development programs.
- Deployed and championed the use of agile principles to lead large-scale organization change efforts.
- Identify and implement strategic talent solutions in support of a transforming organization; ensuring the overall organization and culture are designed around strategic talent growth with a heavy focus on talent development, succession planning, and culture of inclusion.
Logistics Officer
Wisconsin Army National Guard
11.2011 - 10.2020
- Planned, developed and coordinated all unit training and logistical operations as second-in-command; led 80+ team members.
- Managed and accounted for over $45 million in U.S Government assets.
- Severed as Master Resiliency instructor, a program developed to enhance critical thinking; train Service Members in coping skills for social, emotional, spiritual, family and physical well-being.
- Directed tactical operations in complex and challenging environments.
- Led team in developing strategic plans to meet operational objectives.
Equal Opportunity Employment Manager
Wisconsin Department Of Military Affairs
02.2017 - 07.2019
- Served as the principal advisor to leadership regarding EEO related matters.
- Lead HR staffing processes to identify, recruit, select and hire new employees based on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, transferable skill sets, competencies, and overall fit for the position and team by utilizing unbiased, fair and diversity enhancing recruitment and interview processes and techniques
- Developed and analyzed HR metrics to identify gaps and develop opportunities for improvement
- Lead a positive culture by promoting a diverse cultural and professional background with the goal of inclusion and collaboration of differences to foster innovation and further development of business objectives
- Encouraged a culture of innovative thinking by encouraging input and feedback from team members and partnerships to improve recruitment, retention,processes, policies, training and resources for the organization
- Project managed and implemented solutions, which include the following: onboarding, performance enhancement, diversity and engagement initiatives, employee policies, supervisor/management training program, new recruitment process, corrective action process, establishment of disability accommodation policy, mediation/alternative dispute resolution process
- Developed, implemented and administered HR policies and procedures in compliance with EEOC and legal parameters
- Served as the agent of information for policy guidance on EEO, disability accommodation and all discrimination and/or harassment complaint matters
- Conduct internal employee climate surveys and utilize statistical data for input into affirmative action planning, recruiting development and employment strategies to advise senior leaders on the best course of actions needed for equal employment opportunities and diversity to be achieved
Assistant Vice President /Branch Manager
BMO Harris Bank
07.2016 - 08.2017
- Sourced, recruited, and interviewed talent for banking sales and operational banking positions.
- Hired, trained, mentored and evaluated the performance of sales team while overseeing operations and ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, legal, regulatory, risk management and ethical standards.
- Established and maintained a productive environment through cross-training and evaluating personnel in value-driven sales, service, new program development, and promotion of products and services.
- Developed mutually profitable relationships with community-based organizations and local businesses.
- Analyzed performance indicators, e.g., sales, service, P&L, to continually forecast and improve results through the use of business intelligence, salesforce, and peoplesoft applications.
- Conducted financial audits, prepared reports, developed analytics for strategic planning, presented results and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Recognized for exceptional relationship building skills resulting in business growth and customer loyalty which lead to a market ranking of number 1 during my first rankable quarter.
- Responsible for the onboarding process, performance management, and training for all new employees.
- Assess employee performance and issue disciplinary notices.
- Coached and mentored team members on compensation structure and incentive plan analytics and benchmarks.
Human Resources Program Manager
Wisconsin Department Of Military Affairs
09.2011 - 07.2016
- Managed HR team responsible for providing guidance and counsel to senior leaders, management and team members; administered personnel policies; researched and adjudicated issues in a manner promoting positive employee relations while maintaining legal and organizational standards.
- Conducted workplace investigations, and mediated conflict resolution.
- Oversaw daily operations and initiatives; established goals, priorities, and plans of action for HR.
- Managed, developed and controlled departmental expenditures against the expense budget.
- Developed and directed strategic plans to implement and maintain HR Shared Services Programs.
- Developed and executed personnel training and employee relations activities.
- Mentored staff in onboarding, open communication, training and development opportunities, and performance management processes; counseled on federal, state and local EEO and labor laws.
- Conduct trainings and orientations to foster organizational collaboration toward organizational goals and objectives.
- Identify staff vacancies and recruit, interview and select applicants.
- Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, implementing and explain employee benefits, and helping resolve work-related challenges.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Edgewood College
Madison, WisconsinEEO Professional Course -
Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute
Cocoa Beach, FL2018
Mediation Course
Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute
Cocoa Beach, FL2018
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Change Management
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Employee Engagement & Development
- Data Analytics
- Coaching Leadership
Timeline
Lead Human Resources Business Partner
American Family Insurance Enterprise
07.2019 - Current
Equal Opportunity Employment Manager
Wisconsin Department Of Military Affairs
02.2017 - 07.2019
Assistant Vice President /Branch Manager
BMO Harris Bank
07.2016 - 08.2017
Logistics Officer
Wisconsin Army National Guard
11.2011 - 10.2020
Human Resources Program Manager
Wisconsin Department Of Military Affairs
09.2011 - 07.2016
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Edgewood College
EEO Professional Course -
Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute
Mediation Course
Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute
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