AMY PETERSEN
Wailuku,HI
Summary
Compassionate Human Resources Executive and community partnership leader with 15+ years of experience across corporate, hospitality, and public sector environments. Expertise in employee relations, workforce development, coaching, training, investigations, and the full employee life cycle. Currently supporting behavioral health disaster recovery efforts on Maui following the Lahaina wildfires, working collaboratively with government agencies, community organizations, and clinical providers to expand access to mental health services. Known for building trusted relationships, coordinating complex partnerships, and fostering inclusive, service-oriented environments in diverse communities.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Project Director
Maui Behavioral Health Wildfire Response, Hawai'i State Department of Health
Maui, Hawai'i
01.2024 - Current
- Coordinate partnerships with FEMA, DCMP, state, county, and nonprofit organizations to expand behavioral health access for Lahaina wildfire survivors.
- Facilitate community service navigation and warm handoffs to behavioral health providers and CCBHC partners.
- Lead outreach and partnership development to increase awareness and availability of mental health services across Maui.
- Manage logistics for visiting clinicians, including travel coordination, scheduling, and service delivery support in Lahaina.
- Collaborate with cross-sector partners to identify and remove barriers to care for disaster-impacted residents.
Regional Director of Human Resources
Makena Golf & Beach Club/North Shore Preserve
Wailea-Makena, Hawaii
01.2017 - 06.2023
- Developed and oversaw all HR functions for both clubs (3 business entities). Managed business growth from 70 employees to 300 employees over 6.5 years.
- On behalf of company, led collective bargaining process. Managed all MOA's, communicated and trained union employees and leadership on contract changes (2017 and 2022 CBA's). Excellent relationship with union business agent.
- Led implementation of project Human Resources Information System. Created and updated union payroll rules to ensure seamless payroll processing at conclusion of negotiations.
- Maintained HR regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws (handled all COVID policies, procedures and communication).
- Coached leadership and offered recommendations for appropriate resolutions to employee concerns, handled disciplinary issues and internal HR investigations.
- Collaborated with VP's, and guided managers through performance management process.
- Created and trained all employees on Club Handbook. Updated and communicated policy changes.
- Managed leaves for ADAA, FMLA, TDI and WC, and processed semi-monlthy payroll for 3 entities.
Assistant Director of Human Resources
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
Lahaina, HI
08.2010 - 01.2017
- 100% Employee Engagement and Teamwork on employee survey for Human Resources, Hotel-wide, 89% Employee Engagement score for 2015 Employee survey (year over year increases in Engagement).
- Compassionately assisted with the transition of two departments being outsourced, resulting in hotel-wide bumping and layoffs of 60+ associates.
- Led the transition of 600+ associates from on-site payroll office to centralized payroll, and later transitioned to a new payroll/time clock system.
- Led Associate Development Program & Management Trainee Program, 90% of ADP graduates transitioned to Management positions.
- Organized employee relations activities to enhance employee morale and foster supportive work environment.
- Led, supervised, guided and trained departmental staff and provided general oversight of employment, payroll and record keeping functions.
- Coordinated work activities for HR managers, specialists and recruiting agents
Executive Assistant, General Manager
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
Lahaina, HI
10.2001 - 08.2010
- Assisted General Manager with calendar, travel, corporate initiatives, and associate initiatives.
- Property Service Culture Trainer (facilitated brand service training for all associates).
- Communicated and coordinated accommodations for long time return guests and corporate VIP requests.
- Resolved guest issues and communicated on GM's behalf to all levels within and outside the organization.
Education
Board Member -
Maui Behavioral Health Resources - Non Profit
Maui, HI06.2017
Certified Mediator -
Maui Mediation Services
Maui, HI05.2015
Professional Human Resources Certificate (PHR) -
HRCI
Honolulu, HI01.2015
Skills
- Community Partnership Development
- Disaster Recovery Coordination
- Behavioral Health Service Navigation
- Cross-Sector Collaboration
- Program Coordination
- Community Outreach
- Provider Coordination & Logistics
- Strategic Relationship Building
- Workforce Development
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Leadership Coaching
Timeline
Assistant Project Director
Maui Behavioral Health Wildfire Response, Hawai'i State Department of Health
01.2024 - Current
Regional Director of Human Resources
Makena Golf & Beach Club/North Shore Preserve
01.2017 - 06.2023
Assistant Director of Human Resources
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
08.2010 - 01.2017
Executive Assistant, General Manager
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
10.2001 - 08.2010
Certified Mediator -
Maui Mediation Services
Professional Human Resources Certificate (PHR) -
HRCI
Board Member -
Maui Behavioral Health Resources - Non Profit