Christopher Durham
Jonesborough,TN
Summary
Experienced HR Information Systems and Employee Relations Specialist with over 25 years of experience in human resources, labor relations, and IT support for the Veteran's Hospital Administration. Proficient in interpreting and implementing federal policies, utilizing HR data for strategic decision-making, and efficiently managing HRIT platforms. Recognized for fostering cross-functional teamwork, delivering accurate reporting, and building positive labor-management relationships.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resource Information Systems Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2023 - 09.2025
- Delivered timely, accurate HR data reports and dashboards to support leadership decisions and organizational performance goals.
- Participated in Community of Practice to share best practices and address cross-functional challenges.
- Analyzed workforce trends to identify opportunities for HR process improvements.
- Oversaw deployment, access control, and maintenance of HRIT platforms, including SharePoint, Microsoft Power Tools, and LEAF.
- Maintained national and internal-facing HR systems, ensuring up-to-date and accessible content across platforms.
- Developed performance improvement reports supporting VISN strategic plans.
- Provided proactive, legally sound advice based on VA regulations and HR best practices.
- Built strong working relationships across VISN to streamline HR modernization efforts.
- Worked remotely
Employee / Labor Relations Specialist, Special Business Unit (SBU)
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2020 - 01.2023
- Served as subject matter expert on ER/LR programs, policies, and procedures.
- Reviewed and processed telework agreements, alternate work schedules, and authorized leave requests.
- Coordinated disciplinary actions and probationary terminations in compliance with federal guidelines.
- Oversaw multiple award programs (e.g., Time-Off, Special Contribution, Servant Leadership, Quality Step Increases).
- Advised supervisors on performance management, counseling, and disciplinary actions.
- Acted as Drug-Free Workplace Program Coordinator, ensuring compliance with federal mandates.
IT Specialist (Customer Support), Office of Information & Technology (OI&T)
Department of Veterans Affairs
10.1998 - 11.2020
- Provided end-user support across hardware, software, and network systems.
- Trained staff and IT personnel on specialized applications and emerging technologies.
- Delivered high-quality technical support via the IT Help Desk.
- Diagnosed and resolved complex IT issues independently to minimize downtime.
Union Representative & Officer
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
01.2010 - 08.2012
- Represented bargaining unit employees in grievances, arbitrations, and labor disputes.
- Interpreted and negotiated provisions of the VA-AFGE Master Agreement with senior leadership.
- Delivered comprehensive training sessions to supervisors on labor policies and procedures.
- Prepared Unfair Labor Practice filings and participated in formal arbitration proceedings.
- Ensured fair application of disciplinary actions across the medical center using Douglas Factors.
- Advocated for employee rights while supporting collaborative labor-management relations.
Education
Northeast State Technical Community College
Blountville, TNEast Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TNDaniel Boone High School, Diploma
Gray, TNSkills
- Microsoft Office applications
- Microsoft Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate
- SharePoint (Administration & Design)
- HR Systems (LEAF, HR Smart, USA Staffing)
- Remote Desktop & Network Troubleshooting Tools
- IT asset management
- Help desk support
- User training
Certification
- VA-AFGE Master Agreement Training
- HR Modernization & HRIT Systems Deployment
- Labor Relations and Grievance Arbitration (as applicable)
Accomplishments
- U.S. Naval Submarine Veteran; Honorably Discharged | 1990 -1994
- Everyday Hero Award | February 2015
- Nursing Services FY2015 Hero Award for Customer Service
- Information Technology Customer Satisfaction Award – 2016
- AFGE Local 1687 Union Steward
- AFGE Local 1687 First Vice President | 2010- 2012
- Nursing Assistant of the Year | 2001
Awards
- U.S. Naval Submarine Veteran; Honorably Discharged | 1990 -1994
- Nursing Assistant of the Year | 2001
- Everyday Hero Award | February 2015
- Nursing Services FY2015 Hero Award for Customer Service
- Information Technology Customer Satisfaction Award – 2016
- AFGE Local 1687 Union Steward, AFGE Local 1687 First Vice President | 2010- 2012
Areas of Expertise
- HR Information Systems (HRIS)
- Employee & Labor Relations
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- HR Policy Interpretation
- HRIT Platform Deployment (LEAF, SharePoint, Microsoft Power Tools)
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Union Representation & Negotiation
- IT Support & Training
Timeline
Human Resource Information Systems Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2023 - 09.2025
Employee / Labor Relations Specialist, Special Business Unit (SBU)
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2020 - 01.2023
Union Representative & Officer
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
01.2010 - 08.2012
IT Specialist (Customer Support), Office of Information & Technology (OI&T)
Department of Veterans Affairs
10.1998 - 11.2020
Northeast State Technical Community College
East Tennessee State University
Daniel Boone High School, Diploma
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