CORINNE HARSTAD
Summary
Strategic Human Resources Executive with expertise in talent acquisition, performance management, and organizational development. Drives operational efficiency through effective HR operations, benefits design, and compliance management. Leverages strong communication and leadership skills to foster collaboration and enhance team performance.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Human Resources
Hmong American Partnership
04.2025 - Current
- Led HR function, developed strategic HR plans, ensured compliance, and aligned human capital initiatives with organization’s mission and goals.
- Executed key initiatives in strategic HR leadership, talent management, employee relations, compensation & benefits, compliance and risk management, organizational development, HR operations, and effective use of HR systems.
- Demonstrated leadership and strategic thinking, coupled with strong communication, problem solving, decision making, and analytical skills; built and managed high-growth teams.
- Hmong American Partnership is a nonprofit social services and community development organization that addresses the needs of immigrants and refugees across the Twin Cities.
Director Human Resource
Gartner Studios, LLC
06.2021 - Current
- Developed and executed HR strategies that aligned with business objectives.
- Created initiatives for human capital development, focusing on team leadership training, workforce planning, and enhancing HR operations and workplace culture.
- Managed recruiting efforts and employee retention strategies.
- Develop and manage all total rewards and recognition plans to attract and retain top talent.
- Collaborate with leadership team to ensure alignment with mission and vision of organization.
- Verified adherence to HR regulations and policies.
- Gartner Studios is an innovative product development company providing products for celebrating life’s events to retail organization globally.
Vice President, Human Resources Compensation & Benefits
Connexus Credit Union
07.2017 - 01.2020
- Promoted into newly created position as a result of 20% year-over-year growth of the organization and demonstrative leadership.
- Championed and implemented market-leading base compensation program, enhancing attraction and retention of key talent.
- Designed and secured leadership endorsement for benefit and compensation philosophy aligned with organizational growth.
- Oversaw Total Rewards strategy and administration, including benefits, payroll, compensation structure, and HRIS implementation.
- Modernized healthcare and benefit programs to include consumer driven option, HDHP/HSA affording more choice for employees at a lower premium.
- Successful enrollment of 70% of employees in the first year resulting in a 15% reduction in employer premium costs.
- Led and developed a team of HR analysts/consultants in a shared services environment while providing expertise and strategic direction to leadership.
- Key member of the leadership team instrumental in the merger and integration of three businesses.
- Top 25 Non-Profit Credit Union serving more than 361,401 members across all 50 states. A member-focused cooperative with over $2.62 billion in assets due to year-over-year growth through acquisitions and partnerships.
Director Human Resource
Connexus Credit Union
01.2010 - 07.2017
- Managed all aspects of HR, overseeing daily operations and long-term strategic planning.
- Led and developed a team of human resource professional to work with and counsel all levels of management on talent management, engagement, diversity, career development, performance, employee relations, and total rewards.
- Developed and managed Total Rewards strategy and administration, including benefit plans, compensation philosophy and structure, HRIS, Payroll and compliance.
- Oversaw and developed annual HR budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Collaborate with top leadership to ensure alignment with companywide goals, objectives, and values.
- Also developed systems to obtain metrics and leverage data to drive strategies and meet company goals.
- Built relationships and instilled trust with leadership to foster collaboration and support.
- Top 25 Non-Profit Credit Union serving more than 361,401 members across all 50 states. A member-focused cooperative with over $2.62 billion in assets due to year-over-year growth through acquisitions and partnerships.
Operations – Contract Position
B & R Cattle and Trucking
07.2008 - 01.2010
- Developed internal processes and implemented programs for Human Resources, Accounting, and Compliance to enhance operational efficiency.
- Managed and trained office staff to prepare for future organizational growth.
- Privately held transportation company operating in the Upper Midwest, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast.
Operations – Sales Service Manager
Stanton Group, Inc. (now Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.)
10.2007 - 05.2008
- Oversaw operations in satellite office by providing management and recruitment services to sales personnel and administrative staff.
- Provided oversight for day-to-day workflow, initiated and implemented new policies and procedures, performed annual salary reviews, and maintained personnel files.
- Monitored and analyzed sales reports to ensure accurate tracking and informed decision-making.
- Collaborated with marketing to develop sales materials, organize marketing lists, and report on sales activity.
- Oversaw budget planning for division to ensure financial alignment with organizational goals.
- Produced monthly forecast reports to assist in strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Worked with accounting on A/R, A/P, and all other financial functions.
- Maintained all system changes, worked through system issues and upgrades.
- Cultivated strong relationships with staff, providers, vendors, and internal customers to support operational effectiveness.
- Worked with personnel from other segments of the business to assist in cross-selling initiatives.
- Stanton Group LLC is an insurance company that offers employers comprehensive employee benefit and compensation solutions. The Company designs, procures, and manages group insurance, retirement, and compensation programs.
Business & HR Manager
Leisure, Inc.
03.2005 - 10.2007
- Managed internal business functions, including A/R, A/P, benefit administration, payroll, vendor relations, and internal communications, ensuring seamless operations.
- Supported department managers with HR needs, facilitating efficient team management.
- Analyzed financial records and monthly statements/reports.
- Tracked sales and maintained job/time analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
Office/HR Manager
Stanton Group, Inc. (now Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.)
01.2000 - 03.2005
- Responsible for all aspects of Human Resources including recruiting, employee relations, performance management, payroll, benefit administration, leave administration.
- Coordinated cross-selling, mentoring, training, issue resolution, and performance evaluations to optimize team effectiveness.
- Led team of Account Managers and Health Cost Management Consultants to enhance client engagement.
- Oversaw compensation plan and consultant/partner relations.
- Oversaw vendor relationships, facilitating new product presentations, sales conferences, and opportunities for collaboration.
- Led in the transition of new business partners and acquisitions.
- Managed sales tracking, commission tracking, and reward and recognition tracking.
Skills
- Talent Management
- Organizational design
- Succession Planning
- Organizational Alignment/Design
- Employee Relations
- Recruitment and Retention
- Workforce development
- Performance Measurements
- Employee Development and Management
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Employee development
- HCM/Payroll/Technology
- Benefit administration
- Audit
- Budgeting
- Compliance & Reporting
- Policy Development
- Regulatory compliance
- Policy formulation
- Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Analytical Skills
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Team Building
- Cultivate Positive Culture
- High-Growth Team Management
Professional Development And Affiliations
- PHR Certification, 12/31/26
- SHRM-CP Certification, 12/31/26
- CCP Certification, in progress
- WorldAtWork
- SHRM & HRCI
- Twin Cities Compensation Network
Timeline
Vice President of Human Resources
Hmong American Partnership
04.2025 - Current
Director Human Resource
Gartner Studios, LLC
06.2021 - Current
Vice President, Human Resources Compensation & Benefits
Connexus Credit Union
07.2017 - 01.2020
Director Human Resource
Connexus Credit Union
01.2010 - 07.2017
Operations – Contract Position
B & R Cattle and Trucking
07.2008 - 01.2010
Operations – Sales Service Manager
Stanton Group, Inc. (now Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.)
10.2007 - 05.2008
Business & HR Manager
Leisure, Inc.
03.2005 - 10.2007
Office/HR Manager
Stanton Group, Inc. (now Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.)
01.2000 - 03.2005