CHRISTOPHER GOOSTREY
Spring Lake
Summary
Human Resources executive with over 25 years of strategic leadership experience, driving organizational success through development of HR departments, talent management, workforce planning, and cultural transformation in organizations with up to 1,000 employees.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer Leadership
American Red Cross
01.2008 - Current
- Shelter Manager: Oversee disaster shelter operations, ensuring safety and effective response.
- Lead HR Screener: Manage volunteer recruitment screenings, enhancing disaster response capabilities.
- First Responder: Provide immediate humanitarian assistance during crisis situations.
Director of Human Resources
Russ' Restaurants
Holland
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Built Russ' Restaurants first centralized HR department from the ground up, designing policies, HRIS workflows, job architecture and compliance programs, in under six months, unifying 14 locations.
- Strategically lead HR functions supporting 14 locations (~700 employees), aligning initiatives with organizational objectives to significantly increase compliance, employee retention, and morale.
- Enhanced recruitment processes by implementing an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and digital onboarding modules, reducing average time-to-fill by 20%.
- Reduced turnover from 85% to 55% through targeted engagement strategies.
- Implemented an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), with current utilization at 25%, positively impacting employee satisfaction and well-being.
- Conducted regular labor audits ensuring 100% compliance, mitigating legal risks and ensuring zero violations.
Director of Human Resources & Safety Manager
Pearson Foods Inc.
Grand Rapids
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Decreased reliance on temporary staffing from 45% to 3%, resulting in annual savings of $250,000.
- Developed comprehensive safety programs achieving A+ insurance ratings and a 40% reduction in workplace incidents, significantly enhancing workforce stability, operational efficiency, and compliance.
- Managed successful HRIS transition to ADP WFN, improving data accuracy and operational decision-making capabilities.
- Engineered a custom generative-AI workflow (Power Automate + OpenAI) that auto-drafts offer packets, I-9s, and role-specific training plans, cutting HR admin time 40 % and accelerating new-hire readiness by two days across all 14 locations.
Human Resources Manager
Plumb's Valu-Rite Supermarkets
Muskegon
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Streamlined HR processes across multiple retail locations, significantly improving workforce quality, engagement, and retention.
- Improved hiring quality through optimized recruitment strategies, achieving an 89% employee retention rate.
- Negotiated strategic benefit packages, reducing healthcare costs by 15% annually.
- Implemented conflict resolution programs reducing workplace disputes by 25%, enhancing team cohesion and productivity.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resource Management
Southern New Hampshire University
Online05.2026
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Human Resource Management
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MISkills
- Talent Acquisition and Retention
- Leadership Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Performance Management
- Labor Relations
- Compensation Strategy
- Employment Law Compliance
- Change Management
- HR technology and Integration
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Payroll and Benefit Administration
- Diversity and inclusion Strategies
Affiliations
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- Human Resources Group of West Michigan (HRG)
- American Bar Association (ABA) - Labor & Employment Law Section
Open To Remote
True
Volunteer Leadership
American Red Cross, 01/01/08, Present, Shelter Manager, Oversee disaster shelter operations, ensuring safety and effective response., Lead HR Screener, Manage volunteer recruitment screenings, enhancing disaster response capabilities., First Responder, Provide immediate humanitarian assistance during crisis situations.
Thought Leadership And Social Impact
- Author, "Hire Like a Boss: A No-Nonsense Guide to Building a Kick-Ass Restaurant Team", 07/01/25, practical playbook for frontline talent strategy.
- Founder & President, HR for Humanity, 01/01/25, Present, 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing pro bono HR support to small businesses, historically marginalized populations, and individuals impacted by long-term incarceration. Focused on advancing equitable workplace practices through direct support, HR tools, education, advocacy and ethical people strategies.
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Russ' Restaurants
01.2021 - 01.2025
Director of Human Resources & Safety Manager
Pearson Foods Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2020
Volunteer Leadership
American Red Cross
01.2008 - Current
Human Resources Manager
Plumb's Valu-Rite Supermarkets
01.2008 - 01.2016
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resource Management
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Human Resource Management
Ferris State University
Similar Profiles
Parissa ShayestehParissa Shayesteh
BLS Instructor at American Red Cross and American Heart Association CPR, Heart CPRBLS Instructor at American Red Cross and American Heart Association CPR, Heart CPR
Chidima AbaechetaChidima Abaecheta
Blood Processing Technician at American Red CrossBlood Processing Technician at American Red Cross
Nancy CarlsonNancy Carlson
Business Operations Specialist at American Red Cross Virginia RegionBusiness Operations Specialist at American Red Cross Virginia Region
Chloe TanisChloe Tanis
Aphresis Technician at American Red CrossAphresis Technician at American Red Cross
Saqqara VigilSaqqara Vigil
Cashier at Great Steak & PotatoCashier at Great Steak & Potato