Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Additional Information
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Quote
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Billie Wright

Billie Wright

Chief People Leader
Georgetown,TX

Summary

Accomplished Executive Director of Human Resources offering 20+ years of comprehensive experience developing HR functions, cultivating positive work environments and collaborating with all levels of staff. Expertise in planning and managing employee and labor relations and developing and communicating company-wide policies and procedures. Goal-oriented and personable professional committed to improving talent acquisition and increasing organizational effectiveness. Experience working in highly matrixed, geographically dispersed, remote organizations. Accustomed to managing sensitive and confidential information.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

President, Board of Directors

Austin SHRM
Austin, TX
01.2023 - Current
  • Serves as the Chairperson for a 16-member Board of Directors for an HR professional organization that serves over 700 HR professional members.
  • Develops and implements new strategies and policies in collaboration with executive partners to establish and achieve long-term business objectives, providing company with strong and sustainable organizational leadership.
  • Reduces operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.
  • Assists with identifying and recruiting other board members.
  • Collaborates with other members to seek involvement in policy decisions, fundraising and visibility of organization.
  • Cultivates strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
  • Develops and implements new strategies and policies to establish long-term business objectives and provide strong and sustainable organizational leadership.
  • Monitors financial performance and implements measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
  • Reviews outcomes and metrics to evaluate performance, effectiveness and impact.
  • Served as President Elect in 2022.

Leadership Consultant and Performance Coach

The Leneker Team
Remote, TX
05.2021 - Current
  • Coaches leaders in important skills underpinning current leadership and management goals.
  • Equips executives and senior managers with effective leadership skills through development and deployment of targeted training programs and various assessments to guide and inform coaching goals.
  • Helps clients develop customized internal strategies for promoting and developing leadership skills in current workforce.
  • Assesses potential candidates for suitability for different programs such as management training and leadership development initiatives.
  • Designs and conducts training workshops for professionals in various industries.
  • Manages concurrent client consulting engagements with organized mindset and good multitasking abilities.
  • Transforms skills and success of individual leaders with one-on-one coaching sessions.

Vice President, People Operations

Nava PBC
Remote, TX
11.2021 - 09.2022
  • As a key strategic partner, advisor, and member of the Executive Leadership Team in a high growth, geographically dispersed, civic tech environment, lead the design, implementation, and administration of the organization’s people and culture strategy.
  • Provided oversite and leadership over all HR functions to further organizational and talent development.
  • Identified recruitment and administrative performance metrics and data to analyze trends, drive change, and assess progress.
  • Drove talent acquisition and job placement strategies to attract diverse candidates.
  • Maintained HR regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Used technologically relevant digital systems to structure compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
  • Fostered cross-functional relationships to connect managers and employees and improve overall efficiency.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders across organization to maintain proper flow of communication and execution of planned initiatives and projects.
  • Evaluated HR structure and plan for continual improvement and offered individuals professional and personal growth opportunities.
  • Spearheaded shared governance and collaboration on employee relations, HR administration, collective bargaining agreements and related HR topics.
  • Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen HR services, relationships and mission.

Chief Human Resources Officer

WA State Employment Security Department
Olympia, WA
10.2018 - 12.2020
  • Served as a trusted key strategic partner and member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for the development of organizational plans and programs advising on the potential impact to people, plans, systems, and resources.
  • Led and directed the work activities for a team of 65 HR professionals, managing a departmental budget of $10M.
  • Used data to track key performance indicators to address recruiting, retention, diversity and engagement to align with business objectives and initiatives.
  • Fostered positive labor relations and work environment through comprehensive management/labor relations program.
  • Maintained HR compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Coordinated and collaborated with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution, and employee accountability.
  • Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders across organization to maintain proper flow of communication and execution of planned initiatives and projects.
  • Evaluated HR structure and plan for continual improvement.
  • Spearheaded shared governance and collaboration on employee relations, HR administration, collective bargaining agreements and related HR topics.
  • Served as the agency’s single point-of-contact with the State Attorney General’s Office for all people related, bargaining unit, and other legal and liability issues.
  • Collaborated on the staffing and implementation of statewide Paid Family Medical Leave.

Director of Human Resources

WA State Department Of Labor And Industries
Tumwater, WA
01.2018 - 09.2018
  • As a trusted key strategic thought partner, coach, and member of the Executive Leadership Team, oversaw the development and implementation of organizational practices and programs to maximize employee performance, engagement, and retention.
  • Led and directed the work activities for a team of 60 HR professionals, providing leadership and expertise to agency leadership on the full scope of HR functions.
  • Managed a departmental budget of $6M.
  • Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
  • Coordinated and collaborated with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution, and employee accountability.
  • Maintained HR compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Minimized and mitigated risk exposure by creating best practices and leading/delegating functions across the enterprise.
  • Collaborated on hiring and training of new employees, professional growth of staff and team building and motivation.
  • Spearheaded shared governance and collaboration on employee relations, HR administration, collective bargaining agreements and related HR topics.
  • Followed programs closely to assess effectiveness and make proactive changes to meet changing demands.
  • Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen HR services, relationships and mission.
  • Fostered cross-functional relationships to connect managers and employees and improve overall efficiency.
  • Successfully defended the agency through EEOC hearings and arbitrations resulting in zero monetary impact to the organization.
  • Spearheaded initiatives to implement statewide Paid Sick Leave law.

Chief Learning Officer

WA State Employment Security Department
Olympia, WA
09.2014 - 12.2017
  • As a member of the HR Executive Leadership Team, provided leadership, direction and guidance regarding employee engagement, performance management, organizational development, diversity strategies, and culture and change transformation.
  • Administered and managed the agency’s learning and development programs with delegated authority over the review and approval of all agency course curriculum and design, and related training policies and procedures.
  • Implemented and administered succession planning and end-to-end executive coaching and leadership development programs for executive leaders, senior managers, and early-stage leaders.
  • Administered the annual employee engagement statewide survey process, using a variety of analytical and statistical solutions to optimize employee engagement survey results.
  • Drove change management practices to enable organizational effectiveness and incorporate diversity and inclusion strategy to foster culture of inclusion to maximize competitive advantage and skills of workforce.
  • Participated on organization-wide committees that focused on projects that moved organization forward and towards meeting strategic goals.
  • Impacted enterprise performance via organizational transformation, enhanced personnel engagement and effective alignment of HR strategy with business goals.
  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Wrote, developed and delivered successful presentations and facilitated training to individuals and groups.
  • Prepared action plans to address concerns discovered through surveys, classroom observations and conversations with stakeholders.
  • Reviewed and refreshed curriculum to continuously improve quality of instruction.
  • Alternated training methods to diversify instruction, strengthen learning opportunities, and enhance program success.
  • Conducted research and analysis of learning needs of employees to develop targeted training programs.
  • Collaborated with other departments to align training programs with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Spearheaded design and implementation of multiple training courses to establish successful onboarding of new employees.
  • Streamlined HR efficiencies, coordinated new hire orientations and provided onboarding and training for new employees.
  • Drove departmental performance and achievement of service levels through focused team development workshops, structured coaching, and managing to enterprise targets.
  • Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.

Director of Human Resources

Hill Country Transit
Belton, TX
01.2014 - 08.2014
  • As a key member of the operations leadership team, supported operations of an urban transit authority, maintaining federal, state, and local government compliance.
  • Responsible for the administration of all HR programs and operations, maintaining EEO/affirmative action plans, policies and procedures, and the administration of drug and alcohol programs.
  • Oversaw payroll operations, HR information systems, and leave administration.
  • Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and directing each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding.
  • Coordinated and collaborated with management on performance evaluations, supervisory practices, dispute resolution, and employee accountability.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Maintained HR compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Conducted investigations and recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
  • Spearheaded shared governance and collaboration on employee relations, HR administration, and related human resources matters.
  • Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen HR services, relationships and mission.
  • Developed and implemented employee handbook to address company policies, disciplinary procedures, code of conduct and benefits information.
  • Directed job fairs to attract talent for long-term and seasonal positions.

Sr. Human Resources Consultant

Department Of Labor And Industries
Tumwater, WA
01.2007 - 12.2010
  • Served as single point-of-contact to assigned executives, managers, supervisors, employees, and union shop stewards on a variety of HR related matters.
  • Interpreted collective bargaining agreements, policy and procedures, regulations, civil service rules and employment laws.
  • Led, directed and managed innovative and comprehensive HR services delivery that served to frame and advance company mission.
  • Facilitated requests for paid and unpaid leaves of absence and short-term and long-term disability to minimize workflow disruption.
  • Assisted with employee development program design and execution and advanced initiatives to encourage staff participation.
  • Conducted exit interviews and periodic exit analyses and provided key themes to leadership.
  • Implemented and updated compensation program by rewriting job descriptions and conducting and reviewing merit increases.
  • Developed and implemented human resources policies and procedures and disseminated through employee handbooks, communications and meetings.
  • Oversaw investigations for employment-related claims and provided investigation and consultation support to managers.
  • Contributed to business and HR functions by identifying, prioritizing and building organizational capabilities, behaviors, structures and processes.
  • Drove change management practices to enable organizational effectiveness and incorporate diversity and inclusion strategy to foster culture of inclusion to maximize competitive advantage and skills of workforce.
  • Participated on organization-wide committees that focused on projects that moved organization forward and towards meeting strategic goals.
  • Impacted enterprise performance via organizational transformation, enhanced personnel engagement and effective alignment of HR strategy with business goals.
  • Partnered with senior leadership to establish and develop corporate and HR policies and procedures.
  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Wrote, developed and delivered successful presentations and facilitated training to individuals and groups.
  • Partnered with leaders on HR and business functions using consultative approach to proactively identify and address issues and concerns.
  • Represented and successfully defended the agency in multiple mediations, arbitrations, tort claims and other litigations.

Education

Master of Science - Management And Leadership

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
11.2015

Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
05.2014

Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management

Central Texas College
Killeen, TX
09.2008

Skills

  • Human Resource Management
  • Employment Law Compliance
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Leadership
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Budgeting
  • Culture Transformation
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Relations
  • Interpersonal Communications
  • Change Management
  • Project Management
  • Performance Management
  • Consulting
  • Strategic planning
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Onboarding
  • Workforce Planning
  • Labor negotiations
  • Training and Development
  • Benefits and compensation management
  • Organizational Development
  • Succession planning
  • Servant Leadership
  • Emotional Intelligence

Accomplishments

  • Applying a human-centered approach, used change management process to support the successful replacement and implementation of three major information technology systems in an ever-evolving work environment.
  • Using both qualitative and quantitative measurements, optimized employee engagement survey by 38%, receiving statewide recognition, Employer of Choice designation and Governors Leadership Award
  • Cross-collaborated on the development and implementation of the stay interview process to address retention, resulting in process improvements, improved working relationships, and a career pathing process.
  • Cross-collaborated on the design, development, and implementation Washington State’s first competency-based leadership development training program.
  • Developed a talent acquisition dashboard to track key performance indicators to address DEI, recruiting and retention to align with business objectives.
  • Named 23 Top Mentors 2023 by professional mentorship organization, UpNotch.

Affiliations

  • Board Member | Austin SHRM (Present)
  • Member | Society of Human Resource Management (Present)
  • Advisory Board Member | HR.com/DEI (Present)
  • Mentor | UpNotch Business Mentorship (Present)
  • Board Member | Community Youth Services (2018-2019)
  • Governing Body Member | Seattle Chief HR Officer Evanta Summit (2018-2019)
  • Co-Chair | Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone, Olympic Region (2018-2019)

Certification

  • Certified Crucial Conversations Trainer
  • Certified Project Officer (CPO)
  • Coaching Certification
  • CompTIA Project+
  • DEI in the Workplace
  • Human Centered Design Practitioner
  • Human Synergistics 360 Practitioner
  • Leadership Practices Inventory Coach
  • Professional in HR (PHR)
  • Professional in HR (SHRM-CP)
  • Prosci Change Management Practitioner
  • WorkHuman Certified Professional

Additional Information

Leading with a people first mentality, I am a purpose driven leader with over 20 years diversified, balanced, and demonstrated experience leading, directing, and developing high-performing diverse teams to deliver best in class HR and people services. Ten of those years were at the executive or senior level leading complex, cross-functional programs across multiple HR disciplines, i.e., talent acquisition, talent management, performance management, learning and development, etc.


I am deliberate and intentional about understanding and applying fundamental diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging concepts, using data, metrics, and the employee experience to build an inclusive and diverse work environment. I have a clearly documented record of linking purpose to culture, aligning and transforming culture to business strategy to increase performance and optimization of business operations.


Recently listed as 23 Top Mentors of 2023 by professional business mentor organization, UpNotch, I am known for my exceptional relationship management, interpersonal and communication skills, all of which are needed to build and sustain meaningful relationships. As an executive-level coach, I’m accustomed at helping leaders and others recognize their untapped potential.


As someone with a strong business acumen having managed operational budgets up to $10M, I have a clear understanding of how business and financial models impact the ability to attract and retain talent, implement succession planning, and forecast staffing needs. Using my change management skills, I am comfortable using data to track key performance indicators (KPIs) to address recruiting, retention, diversity and engagement that align with business objectives and initiatives.

Work Availability

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Quote

Have courage and be kind.
Cinderella

Timeline

President, Board of Directors

Austin SHRM
01.2023 - Current

Vice President, People Operations

Nava PBC
11.2021 - 09.2022

Leadership Consultant and Performance Coach

The Leneker Team
05.2021 - Current

Chief Human Resources Officer

WA State Employment Security Department
10.2018 - 12.2020

Director of Human Resources

WA State Department Of Labor And Industries
01.2018 - 09.2018

Chief Learning Officer

WA State Employment Security Department
09.2014 - 12.2017

Director of Human Resources

Hill Country Transit
01.2014 - 08.2014

Sr. Human Resources Consultant

Department Of Labor And Industries
01.2007 - 12.2010

Master of Science - Management And Leadership

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management

Western Governors University

Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration And Management

Central Texas College
Billie WrightChief People Leader