Corey Johnson
North Little Rock,AR
Summary
- Emerging HR professional with 24 years of leadership experience in retail, call center operations, and military administration. Currently completing my Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management at Southern New Hampshire University (GPA 3.987, graduation May 2027), with academic training in employee relations, talent acquisition, HR compliance, compensation, and HRIS systems. In my leadership roles, I've consistently applied HR principles to real-world challenges, from recruiting and onboarding, to performance management, employee engagement, and conflict resolution. I've led large teams, built recognition programs that reduced turnover, improved training and morale, and created inclusive, high-performing environments. My military background further strengthened my skills in policy compliance, administrative accuracy, and personnel support. I'm passionate about helping organizations and employees thrive through ethical practices, proactive talent development, and people-first leadership. I'm currently seeking an entry-level HR Coordinator, Generalist, or Talent Acquisition role, where I can contribute immediately while continuing to grow and learn. I'm also preparing to pursue my PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification, and the AI for HR certification, to strengthen my skills in both foundational HR practices and technology-driven HR solutions.
- Open to on-site roles in Little Rock, AR, and fully remote opportunities across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and Norway.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
HR Career Transition | Student - Human Resource Management
Southern New Hampshire University
North Little Rock, AR
01.2023 - Current
- Actively pursuing a career transition into Human Resources while completing a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management at Southern New Hampshire University (GPA: 3.987, Est. Grad: May 2027).
- Gaining academic training in employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation, training & development, HR compliance, and HRIS/ATS systems.
- Currently preparing for PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification and exploring specialized credentials such as AI for HR to expand strategic and technical HR capabilities.
- Engaged in ongoing job search for entry-level HR roles, including HR Coordinator, Talent Acquisition Specialist, and HR Generalist positions.
Retail Operations Manager
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Little Rock, AR
2019 - 2025
- Led daily retail operations and managed a large team while executing HR-focused responsibilities such as training, performance management, employee engagement, and workforce planning.
- Acted as a people-first leader with a strong focus on team development and operational excellence.
- Key Highlights: Reduced employee turnover by 40% through targeted mentorship, training, and employee engagement strategies.
- Improved customer satisfaction and team morale by implementing tailored training and performance improvement initiatives.
- Developed and managed staffing strategies that increased team productivity by 20% and cut operational costs by 15% in one fiscal year.
- Ensured compliance with HR and financial policies while fostering a positive, high-performing work environment.
Call Center Sales Manager
Terminix
Dallas, TX
2015 - 2019
- Led a high-performing inbound sales team within a fast-paced call center environment.
- Responsible for employee performance, engagement, training, and team development.
- Applied HR-aligned practices to reduce attrition, improve morale, and increase productivity through effective leadership and coaching.
- Key Highlights: Reduced department attrition by 22% by launching a reward and recognition program and prioritizing employee engagement strategies.
- Delivered consistent double-digit performance increases by leveraging individual coaching, performance metrics, and team development.
- Earned President's Club recognition as a top-performing sales manager based on annual revenue performance.
- Analyzed KPIs (AHT, CAR, ACW, CSAT) to deliver data-driven coaching, enhance customer experience, and improve employee outcomes.
District Manager
Pier 1
Memphis Metropolitan Area, TN
2011 - 2015
- Oversaw operations for seven retail locations, managing multi-site teams and driving $25 million in annual sales volume.
- Championed talent development and succession planning initiatives while ensuring operational consistency and performance excellence across the district.
- Key Highlights: Designed and implemented a district-wide succession planning initiative, mentoring 15 high-potential associates, with 7 promoted into leadership roles within 18 months.
- Conducted regular operational, merchandising, and employee engagement audits, using findings to drive coaching, recognition, and corrective actions.
- Partnered with store managers to improve talent management, reduce shrink from 3% to 1.6%, and exceed the company benchmark.
- Fostered a consistent, customer-focused culture across all locations, enhancing employee morale and service delivery.
General Manager
Gap
Memphis, TN
2004 - 2011
- Led all aspects of store operations, team leadership, and customer experience.
- Known for building high-performing teams, executing strategic merchandising, and driving consistent sales growth through people-focused leadership and employee development.
- Key Highlights: Managed hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes to develop a strong, service-oriented team.
- Implemented training programs and recognition initiatives that enhanced employee retention and engagement.
- Ensured full compliance with company policies and procedures, maintaining a safe, inclusive, and customer-focused environment.
- Elevated customer satisfaction and brand loyalty through team coaching and daily operational oversight.
Department Manager
Sears
Memphis, TN
2003 - 2006
- Led the Soft-lines sales department with a strong focus on team development, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw hiring, training, coaching, and performance management while ensuring compliance with corporate policies, merchandise presentation, and regulatory standards.
- Key Highlights: Managed the full employee lifecycle for department staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, disciplinary action, and performance development.
- Directed daily operations with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, coaching team members to deliver a high standard of service aligned with company expectations.
- Developed and executed staffing plans, sales strategies, and scheduling processes to achieve weekly and monthly department goals.
- Led productivity and process improvement initiatives, boosting operational efficiency and overall department performance.
- Ensured compliance with all company policies, merchandising standards, safety protocols, and federal/state regulations, creating a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
Administrative Support Specialist
US Navy
, United States
02.1999 - 02.2003
- Provided administrative and personnel support services in a high-compliance, detail-oriented military environment.
- Maintained operational readiness by managing critical documentation, training coordination, and internal communication systems.
- Key Highlights: Maintained confidential personnel records, prepared official correspondence, and ensured documentation compliance with Navy protocols and federal regulations.
- Supported onboarding and training logistics for new personnel and administrative staff.
- Conducted audits of records and administrative processes to maintain organizational accuracy and readiness.
- Contributed to policy enforcement and internal communications in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH (Online)05.2027
Skills
- Human resources (HR)
- Talent acquisition
- Employee relations
- HR compliance
- Training and development
- Leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
- Conflict resolution
- Customer service excellence
- Operations management
Certification
- HR Ethics Series: Common Ethical Challenges; Issues in the Workplace
- Applied Marketing Strategies (Badge)
Personal Information
Title: Emerging HR Professional | Talent Acquisition & Employee Engagement | Retail & Call Center Leadership | BS HRM '27
Open To
On-site roles in Little Rock, AR and fully remote opportunities across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and Norway.
Timeline
HR Career Transition | Student - Human Resource Management
Southern New Hampshire University
01.2023 - Current
Administrative Support Specialist
US Navy
02.1999 - 02.2003
Retail Operations Manager
Academy Sports + Outdoors
2019 - 2025
Call Center Sales Manager
Terminix
2015 - 2019
District Manager
Pier 1
2011 - 2015
General Manager
Gap
2004 - 2011
Department Manager
Sears
2003 - 2006
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Southern New Hampshire University