Carmen Zayas
Cedar park,TX
Summary
Results and data-driven executive with a human-centric approach to employee development, company success, and competitive growth. Energetic, analytical, and empathetic professional with solid experience who builds trust in leadership roles. Adept at designing and implementing impactful people strategies, driving growth, adding value, and improving all aspects of the employee experience. An adaptable and resilient leader focused on continuous improvement, change management, and the transformation of company cultures. Successful execution of world-class people initiatives in public, private, and non-profits, from start-ups to large corporations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President of People
Merit Advisors
06.2023 - 09.2024
- Company Overview: US Tax Consultancy in Energy Field
- Reinforced and elevated the company culture and people philosophy by liaising with the other executives to create and champion enterprise-wide initiatives that contributed to the company's market competitiveness and staff's high performance.
- Designed the organization's first People Strategy, a strategy informed by business needs and culture – focused on purpose, engagement, and personalized employee experience. Roadmap to align people initiatives.
- Created and implemented a leadership development program for our Managers and Sr. Managers. Resulted in greater efficiency and effectiveness of our managers.
- Deployed Employee Engagement survey analyzed results, which informed leadership action plans. Introduced Coaching as a key part of managerial success.
- Compiled a Development Matrix that delineated technical, people, and leadership skills needed at every consultant level, as well as resources that addressed those needs.
Vice President of People
8th Light
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Company Overview: International, multi-office, mid-sized cyber breach response technology company.
- Designed organization's first People Strategy, which led to increased employee engagement and increased retention.
- Championed agile talent acquisition programs that resulted in recruitment of top performers in highly competitive tech industry.
- Deployed Gallup Employee Engagement survey & other feedback tools that increased data-driven decisions. Created metrics dashboard to keep BOD abreast of people initiatives/strategies/outcomes.
- Overhauled compensation/performance review process to recognize and reward high-impact top performers. Results included increased staff performance, equity, inclusion, and retention.
- Successfully led organization-wide transition effort from office to remote status while increasing employee engagement, retention, and continued productivity.
- Refined benefits administration to be more accountable and improved open enrollment processes that increased employee knowledge/better utilization of benefits offered.
Director of HR
All Clear ID
03.2017 - 01.2021
- Company Overview: Fast-paced data breach response / digital ID protection tech company
- Selected based on stellar reputation to direct all HR strategies for 150-200 employee fast-paced data breach response / digital ID protection tech company headquartered in downtown Austin and branch in Oslo, Norway
- Demonstrated profound expertise when providing guidance and strategies to improve HR processes regarding Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Employee Development, Leadership Training, Employee Relations, and succession planning
- Successfully led organization-wide transition effort from office to remote status, while increasing employee engagement, retention, and continued productivity
- Drove successful corporate culture transformation: Coached Leaders on performance management, stay interviews, interview techniques, and employee relations
- Refined benefits administration to be more accountable and improved open enrollment processes that increased employee knowledge/better usage of benefits offered
Vice President of Human Resources
Clean Scapes, LP
01.2014 - 06.2016
- Company Overview: Multi-branch commercial landscape company, $36M revenues, 400+ employees
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align human resources strategy with overall business objectives, driving improved organizational performance. Increased retention by 10%.
- Provided guidance and leadership to the HR team on payroll, talent acquisition, employee relations, employee engagement, benefits, and workforce analytics
- Vetted HRIS vendors and led the implementation of a new HRIS system
- Built HR governance capability to ensure that the HR function is in 100% compliance.
- Played an instrumental role in opening the Dallas branch.
- Utilized excellent contract negotiation skills to achieve an ACA-compliant healthcare plan that saved $60k
- Managed complex labor relations issues. Successfully negotiated the DOL penalty from $26k down to $0
- Significantly lowered TWC percentage (lowest rate possible).
Vice President of Organizational Development
Goodwill Industries of Central Texas
02.2006 - 10.2013
- Company Overview: Central Texas social entrepreneur non-profit organization, multiple retail stores. $73M in revenues, 1,400+ employees.
- Led and directed the activities of ~15 HR, benefits, talent acquisition, and talent development professionals and allocated responsibilities for 25 in-store trainers. Significant impact on all aspects of organization and staff performance.
- Conceived and executed an award-winning Leadership Development Program and OD initiatives that reduced attrition by 15% and increased internal promotions by 70%.
- Led compensation strategies with the Board of Directors. Established strong relationships internally and within the community.
- Formed strong multi-departmental partnerships to tackle all HR-related concerns and drive organizational goals.
- Introduced new Internship Program that added an extra ~3,000 hours of service to the organization while developing better leaders in our community
- Advocated for and defended all EEOC, NLRB, OFCCP, OSHA, and TWC claims, achieving a 95%-100% win rate
- Valued as a key contributor on various committees such as the Executive team, Strategic Planning, Board of Directors Executive Committee, Baldridge Quality Team, IT Steering Committee, and the Lead Change Management Dream Team.
Regional People Manager
ServiceMaster International
03.2000 - 10.2005
- Company Overview: National Business unit within an International service company. HR leader over four states (TX, OK, CO, AZ) and 1500+ employees
- Coached and led former owners of businesses competing with one another in Central Texas into a cohesive team that exceeded revenue, customer satisfaction, and employee growth numbers
- Liaison between division and corporate headquarters on all people-related activities. Successfully implemented people initiatives throughout the region/division.
- As a divisional leader, played a significant role in people initiatives and employee development that led to the Region surpassing budgetary, retention, customer service, and safety goals.
- Valued member of three national best practices committees– Recruitment, Benefits, and H2B Visas that developed best practices implemented nationally.
Education
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership & Ethics
St. Edward's University
Austin, TXSkills
- Strategic, Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Empathetic Leadership / Builds Trust
- Project Management / Business Acumen
- Change Management & Culture Transformation
- Performance Management & Compensation
- Talent Acquisition & Talent Development
- Employment Law & Employee Relations
- People Analytics, Metrics & Dashboards
- People Operations Technologies
Certification
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
People Analytics (SHRM)
Strategic Workforce Planner (HCI)
Timeline
Vice President of People
Merit Advisors
06.2023 - 09.2024
Vice President of People
8th Light
01.2021 - 12.2022
Director of HR
All Clear ID
03.2017 - 01.2021
Vice President of Human Resources
Clean Scapes, LP
01.2014 - 06.2016
Vice President of Organizational Development
Goodwill Industries of Central Texas
02.2006 - 10.2013
Regional People Manager
ServiceMaster International
03.2000 - 10.2005
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership & Ethics
St. Edward's University
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