Christopher Matthews
Tacoma
Summary
Dynamic HR leader with a proven track record at The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, excelling in strategic planning and compliance management. Successfully implemented policies that enhanced employee engagement and fostered a diverse workplace culture. Expertise in benefits administration and talent acquisition drives organizational success and promotes a positive work environment.
Human Resources professional prepared to drive organizational success through effective people management and strategic planning. Expertise in employee relations, talent acquisition, and compliance, with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving measurable outcomes. Adaptable and reliable, skilled in navigating dynamic environments and aligning HR strategies with business goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County
05.2023 - 03.2025
- Partnered with leadership team to ensure alignment between business objectives and HR initiatives.
- Developed and implemented effective human resources policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Analyzed organizational performance metrics to develop strategies for improvement.
- Conducted research to identify trends in compensation and benefits programs.
- Assessed current staffing needs against future growth plans to determine appropriate hiring strategies.
- Ensured compliance with all local labor laws and regulations.
Prepared reports pertaining to various aspects of Human Resources operations such as turnover rate analysis or workforce demographics. - Created process improvements, policies, procedures and knowledge management to resolve employee discrepancies.
- Negotiated collective bargaining agreements with labor unions by highlighting company profit and operational outcomes.
Senior Human Resources Generalist
Washington State Bar Association
02.2021 - 05.2023
- Managed recruitment processes including job postings, interviewing candidates, onboarding new employees, and conducting exit interviews.
- Provided guidance on employment law matters such as disciplinary action, grievances, performance management, and terminations.
- Maintained compliance with applicable laws and regulations by monitoring changes in legislation affecting HR functions.
- Provided advice and counsel to leadership team members on a variety of personnel-related issues such as employee relations, conflict resolution, coaching techniques.
- Organized events for staff development such as team building activities or seminars about workplace safety topics.
- Evaluated job descriptions against actual duties performed by employees; updated job descriptions accordingly.
- Developed and oversaw training courses on sexual harassment and compliance workshops.
- Conducted background checks and orientation, coordinating new employee onboarding process.
- Established and generated various reports to verify HR compliance.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions and mediated disputes between employees, fostering a positive work environment.
- Conducted workplace investigations to address allegations of harassment or discrimination, ensuring a safe work environment.
- Led diversity and inclusion initiatives, promoting an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity.
- Administered employee benefits programs, including health insurance and retirement plans, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Managed HR information systems (HRIS) to ensure efficient data management and accurate reporting.
- Implemented performance management systems, including performance appraisals and goal setting, to boost productivity.
- Maintained employee records in compliance with federal and state laws, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Maintained and updated organizational charts and employee handbooks
Human Resources Administrator
Kent Security Services
03.2018 - 11.2020
- Provided oversight and guidance to subordinate staff members in the Human Resources Department.
- Managed recruitment activities including posting of jobs, screening of candidates, conducting interviews and background checks.
- Assisted with onboarding new hires by providing orientation materials as well as ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
- Coordinated performance evaluation process for employees and developed individualized development plans for each team member.
- Organized training sessions for staff on topics such as safety protocols, harassment prevention, customer service.
- Monitored employee attendance records to ensure accuracy of payroll processing.
- Performed benefits administration tasks such as enrollments and changes, responding to inquiries and resolving discrepancies.
- Maintained confidential personnel files in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Analyzed data trends related to labor costs, turnover rates, absenteeism levels.
- Assessed organizational needs through surveys or focus groups among employees.
- Handled employee discipline and termination to address policy infractions.
- Researched industry trends to inform compensation and performance strategies.
- Scheduled random drug testing for employees to diminish regularity risks.
- Developed and implemented training programs for security officers on safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
- Assisted in developing crisis management plans in order to minimize disruption during emergencies.
- Managed the deployment of personnel resources according to operational requirements.
Director of Human Resources
Crestwood Health And Rehabilitation Center
06.2013 - 01.2018
- Developed and implemented human resources policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Managed employee benefits programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time.
- Developed employee orientation and training programs for new hires.
- Oversaw payroll processing and conducted wage surveys to ensure competitive compensation packages.
- Developed training programs to improve staff development opportunities.
- Created a positive work environment by promoting team building initiatives and resolving conflicts between employees.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategies that would increase employee engagement levels.
- Monitored employee attendance records to ensure adherence to company policies.
- Assisted in the preparation of annual budgets related to staffing needs.
- Reported on workplace health and safety compliance to superiors.
- Scheduled random drug testing for employees to diminish regularity risks.
- Negotiated collective bargaining agreements with labor unions by highlighting company profit and operational outcomes.
Education
BBA - Human Resources Management Concentration (BBA)
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FLSkills
- Benefits Administration
- Strategic Planning
- Compliance Management
- Talent Acquisition
- Employee Relations
- Organizational Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Employment Law Expertise
- Compensation Strategy
- Labor Union Relations
- Policy Implementation
- Cross-functional Collaboration
Certification
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources (2015 - 2026)
- Washington State Notary Public (2021 - 2029)
- Washington State Certified Nursing Assistant (2010 - 2025)
- Fear Free for Shelters (2023)
- American Heart Association CPR Certified (2024 - 2026)
Memberships
- Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA)
- Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County
05.2023 - 03.2025
Senior Human Resources Generalist
Washington State Bar Association
02.2021 - 05.2023
Human Resources Administrator
Kent Security Services
03.2018 - 11.2020
Director of Human Resources
Crestwood Health And Rehabilitation Center
06.2013 - 01.2018
BBA - Human Resources Management Concentration (BBA)
University of Central Florida
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