Catherine Blackmar, PHR
Albany,NY
Summary
Experienced Human Resources professional with 15 years in benefits administration, leave management, employee relations, and compliance within diverse sectors. Managed complex benefits programs, collaborated cross-functionally with legal, IT, payroll, and vendors, and led process improvements to enhance employee experience and operational efficiency.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Specialist
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Albany, USA
11.2022 - Current
- Provide comprehensive HR support, including full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and new hire orientation.
- Collaborated with HR leadership to enhance recruiting and onboarding processes through development of tools and documentation.
- Process employee lifecycle transactions such as promotions, salary changes, and terminations.
- Administered employee leaves of absence, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
- Partner closely with Payroll and Finance to reconcile billing discrepancies and resolve compensation-related issues.
- Mediated workplace conflicts and facilitated resolution of employee relations issues, promoting a positive work environment.
Human Resource Representative II – Benefits Administration
University of Rochester
Rochester, USA
08.2018 - 11.2022
- Administered comprehensive benefits programs, including medical, dental, FSA, and HSA plans.
- Reviewed benefit enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and claims activity, ensuring compliance and accuracy in carrier reports.
- Provided second-level escalation support for complex employee benefits issues and concerns.
- Maintained vendor relationships, resolving discrepancies and addressing complex benefit issues to enhance service quality.
- Partnered with Benefits Data and IT teams to develop online benefit enrollment forms, improving accuracy and employee experience.
- Collaborated with Benefits leadership and Legal to revise and enhance qualifying life event policies, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
- Designed and updated benefits communication materials, including plan booklets and forms.
- Supervised and mentored three team members, providing guidance on complex case resolution.
- Led recruitment for benefits team roles and conducted virtual and in-person new hire orientations.
- Led Open Enrollment preparation and execution for 2020, 2021, and 2022, coordinating activities to ensure smooth enrollment experience.
Human Resources Administrator
L3Harris Technologies
Victor, USA
03.2017 - 06.2018
- Supported recruitment efforts, including candidate prescreening, interview coordination, and reference checks.
- Maintained employee personnel records and processed HR transactions, including hires, terminations, and salary changes.
- Maintained and updated applicant tracking system and HR SharePoint site.
- Provided administrative support to the Director of Human Resources and Ethics Officer.
- Facilitated Open Enrollment processes by coordinating communication and materials for employees. and policy review postings.
Corporate Human Resources
Paychex, Inc.
Rochester, USA
06.2004 - 11.2016
- Leave of Absence & Ergonomic Specialist | July 2014 – November 2016
- Managed employee leaves of absence and ADA accommodations, collaborating with disability and FMLA vendors to ensure compliance and support for employees.
- Ensured timely and accurate employee pay and communications during leave periods.
- Completed state disability documentation for New Jersey and California.
- Conducted ergonomic assessments and managed the Driver Safety Program.
- Employee Service Center Specialist I–III | June 2004 – July 2014
- Provided HR support across benefits, policies, and employee programs via high-volume phone and email channels.
- Processed salary changes, terminations, and new hire documentation.
- Analyzed trends and generated reports that informed management decision-making and improved HR strategies.
- Conducted training for new hires and facilitated local and national orientations, enhancing onboarding experience and integration into company culture.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management (Retail Management)
Cazenovia College
Cazenovia, NYSkills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Recruitment strategies
- Onboarding processes
- Recruitment life cycle
- Benefits administration
- Employee relations
- Compliance management
- Performance management
- Analytical reporting
- Vendor management
- Effective communication
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Presentation preparation
- Benefits administrator
Certification
Professional in Human Resources (PHR), HRCI, 01/01/26
Preferred Name
Katie Blackmar
Timeline
Human Resources Specialist
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
11.2022 - Current
Human Resource Representative II – Benefits Administration
University of Rochester
08.2018 - 11.2022
Human Resources Administrator
L3Harris Technologies
03.2017 - 06.2018
Corporate Human Resources
Paychex, Inc.
06.2004 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Science - Business Management (Retail Management)
Cazenovia College