Ariel S. Fells
Sebring,United States
Summary
Accomplished and dedicated public service professional with managerial experience and ambiguity. I have demonstrated successful leadership in executive level positions, and I possess a strong knowledge in Human Resources and business operations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Sun 'n Lake Improvement District
Sebring, FL
08.2021 - Current
- Plans, leads, develops, and implements policy and training to support the District’s compliance and strategy needs.
- Administer employee benefits programs and savings programs– including life, disability, and health insurance plans, financial savings programs, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
- Prepares, implements, and coordinates the annual open enrollment of all District employees.
- Oversees and administers risk management and liability policies, and collaborates with District Counsel to identify risks that may impede the District's reputation, safety, security, or financial success.
- Identifies and analyzes loss exposures, develops plans to minimize liability, and prepares for losses as they occur.
- Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding.
- Implements, maintains, and reviews payroll processing to ensure timely and accurate payroll transactions – including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
- Participates in local, statewide, and national professional organizations and attends conferences to maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, and regulatory changes in the workplace.
- Developed succession plans and promotion paths for staff.
- Coordinated and worked with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution and employee accountability.
Director of Community Services
Sun 'n Lake Improvement District
Sebring, FL
06.2018 - 08.2021
- Manages recreation operations including District facilities such as the public pool, pickleball and tennis courts, fitness center, rental facilities, recreation staff, and facility maintenance.
- Oversight of marketing campaigns and contracted agencies to create, deploy and optimize effective campaigns for the District.
- Works with a contracted community resource management firm to locate and apply for local, state, and federal grant funding on behalf of the District.
- Formulates and oversees annual budgets for Recreation and Community Services departments, and recommends purchases of equipment, service, and capital improvements.
- Creates marketing objectives by constructing communication initiatives and branding strategies to increase new resident outreach.
- Coordinates all internal and external communications through various media - including news releases, email blasts, District website, printed consumer publications, and social media outlets.
- Attends and participates in District Board of Supervisor meetings to give department updates and participate in high-level decision-making processes for various District functions.
- Research and source vendors, negotiate contracts, and manage relationships with District business partners.
Sebring Drag Racing Event Manager
Sebring International Raceway
Sebring, FL
08.2016 - 06.2018
- Organized sub-events to enhance the guest experience.
- Coordinated with external agencies to produce “The FaceOff,” a premiere drag racing and drifting event.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, staffing, and event promotions.
- Oversaw preparation and management of event budgets to deliver at or below projected costs.
- Managed sponsor accounts and delivered contractually obligated assets.
- Created marketing collateral - print, broadcast, and digital - to advertise events.
- Solicited feedback from clients to assess event success and uncover opportunities for improvement.
Manager of Marketing
Sebring International Raceway
Sebring, FL
01.2015 - 06.2018
- Served as point-of-contact for corporate partners and oversaw contractual deliverables from planning to fulfillment.
- Managed partner assets such as signage, media broadcasting, and print and digital advertisements.
- Created partnership proposals for new partners and renewed partners based on available asset inventory and partnership needs.
- Assisted with sponsorship acquisitions and oversaw corporate sponsorship management.
- Planned and oversaw event and facility promotions and executed on-site sponsor assets and experiences.
- Developed an annual marketing plan and budget.
- Assembled sponsor portfolios and event summaries, with meticulous attention to detail, to submit to high-profile sponsors.
- Compiled and maintained a database of sponsor contracts to track and deliver contractual assets.
Education
MBA -
Warner University
Lake Wales, FL05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Business Supervision And Management
South Florida State College
Avon Park, FL05.2014
Skills
- Compensation and Benefits
- Payroll Coordination
- Company Organization
- Records Management
- Training Development
- HR Strategy
- Payroll and Benefits Administration
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Employee Morale Building
- Strategic Planning
Certification
Certified HR Manager - December 2022 to December 2024
Affiliations
Florida Public Human Resources Association (FPHRA)
Public Risk Management of Florida (PRM)
Highlands County Insurance Committee
Highlands County Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Sun 'n Lake Improvement District
08.2021 - Current
Director of Community Services
Sun 'n Lake Improvement District
06.2018 - 08.2021
Sebring Drag Racing Event Manager
Sebring International Raceway
08.2016 - 06.2018
Manager of Marketing
Sebring International Raceway
01.2015 - 06.2018
MBA -
Warner University
Bachelor of Science - Business Supervision And Management
South Florida State College