Hi, I’m
Crystal Starks Montgomery
Calumet City,IL
Summary
People and Human Capital Executive with progressive leadership experience across public education, nonprofit, and corporate environments. Proven ability to design and execute enterprise-level talent strategies that strengthen leadership effectiveness, improve retention, and support organizational growth. Trusted advisor to senior leaders and school administrators, with deep expertise in people systems, performance management, employee relations, and organizational culture. Known for building people-centered, high-performing organizations where employee experience directly supports student outcomes.
Overview
19
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Dolton School District 149
Director of Human Resources
08.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Led the recruitment and selection process for all employee groups, collaborating with administrative staff to ensure the hiring of highly qualified candidates
- Managed staff database to track certifications and endorsements, ensuring compliance with state regulations
- Administered and supported the development of personnel-related policies, ensuring compliance with legal standards
- Developed protocols and procedures aligned with district goals and improved HR department efficiency
- Facilitated benefits administration for all employees, including monthly reconciliation of billing statements
- Provided staff support on pension, insurance, and leave of absence issues
- Ensured adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, including the administration of required annual staff training
- Monitored and submitted reports such as the Illinois Employment Information System (EIS) and maintained RIF and seniority lists for classified personnel
- Oversaw the implementation and maintenance of HR systems, ensuring accurate record-keeping for staff certification, evaluations, and endorsements
- Managed evaluation data in collaboration with the Department of Teaching and Learning
- Conducted labor-management meetings to address operational issues and ensure contract compliance
- Facilitated the resolution of employee concerns and provided technical support related to HR processes
- Managed and resolved complex employee relations issues, including conducting thorough investigations, addressing grievances, and ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable labor laws
- Acted as a trusted advisor to employees and management, fostering open communication and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace culture
- Guided conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary actions to ensure fair and consistent application of policies
- Collaborated with legal counsel and other stakeholders to address compliance-related issues and mitigate potential employee and labor relations risks
- Facilitated training for management and staff on topics such as conflict resolution, workplace ethics, and labor relations best practices
- Monitored and analyzed employee engagement metrics and trends, developing proactive strategies to improve workplace satisfaction and retention
- Partnered with leadership to develop and implement policies and programs that align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements
- Actively participated in the preparation for and execution of collective bargaining negotiations, ensuring the district's interests were represented and agreements were compliant with state and local regulations
- Reviewed and processed all employment legal matters, including FMLA, ADA, Title IX, and EEOC, in accordance with district policies
South Shore Chamber of Commerce
Human Resources Manager
03.2017 - 08.2022
Job overview
- Collaborated with the executive team to develop and execute HR strategies that support the Chamber’s organizational goals
- Conducted regular reviews of HR metrics (e.g., turnover rates, employee satisfaction) and recommended improvements
- Served as employees' primary point of contact regarding HR policies, benefits, workplace issues, and professional development
- Supported community outreach initiatives in collaboration with the Chamber’s leadership and event teams, such as organizing job fairs, networking events, or community service projects
- Addressed and mediated employee conflicts or grievances, promoting a positive and collaborative work environment
- Developed and implemented performance appraisal systems, facilitating regular performance reviews and feedback sessions with employees
- Organized workshops, seminars, or online learning sessions to help employees build relevant leadership, communication, and technology skills
- Developed leadership development programs for potential managers and executives
- Ensured the Chamber complies with all relevant federal, state, and local labor laws, including wage and hour laws, safety regulations, and anti-discrimination policies
- Developed and updated employee policies in the Chamber’s employee handbook, ensuring they reflect current labor laws and organizational culture
Comcast Business Services
Human Resources Specialist
01.2015 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Assisted with posting job openings, reviewing resumes, and coordinating interviews
- Scheduled interviews and communicate with candidates and hiring managers
- Managed pre-employment screening processes (e.g., background checks and reference checks)
- Assisted in onboarding new hires, including preparing paperwork and conducting orientation
- Ensured all employee information is entered into the HR system and updated
- Coordinated open enrollment periods and help resolve benefits-related issues
- Served as a point of contact for employee inquiries, offering guidance on HR policies and procedures
Johnson Publishing Company, Ebony Magazine
Production/Project Manager
01.2007 - 01.2015
Job overview
- Planned, organized, and managed editorial and marketing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring all team members aligned with goals and deadlines
- Coordinate with editorial, design, advertising, sales, and production teams to ensure timely execution of projects
- Ensured all magazine content, including articles, features, photography, and advertisements, were submitted, reviewed, and approved according to the editorial calendar
- Tracked and managed deadlines for writers, photographers, designers, and other contributors
- Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring that all expenses are tracked and maintained within the allocated budget
- Liaise with external contributors, freelancers, and vendors to ensure they meet project deadlines and quality standards
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between the editorial, marketing, sales, and design teams to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and aligned
- Act as a key point of contact between different departments to ensure that all elements of the magazine production, including advertising placements and special features, are
- Assist in planning and managing events or special initiatives related to the magazine, such as conferences, panels, or anniversary issues
- Oversee event logistics, including venue selection, travel arrangements, guest lists, and marketing materials
Education
Roosevelt University
Bachelor of Arts from Business Administration
Roosevelt University
Masters of Science from Human Resource Management
Skills
- Staff Recruitment & Retention
- HR Policy Development
- Compliance with Employment Laws
- Collective Bargaining & Labor Relations
- HR Systems Implementation & Management
- Personnel Records & Certification Tracking
- Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
- Strong Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
- Confidentiality & Ethical Decision-Making
Certification
- Society of Human Resource Management Certification (SHRM-cp)
- Human Capital Leader in Education (pHCLE) Candidate, 02/01/25
Accomplishments
- Successfully implemented HR processes that improved operational efficiency by 50%.
- Spearheaded recruitment efforts that filled the vacancy rate by 70% within school year.
- Developed and maintained compliance with state and federal laws, reducing non-compliance issues by 80%.
Affiliations
- AASPA
- SSHRA
- NPELRA
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Dolton School District 149
08.2022 - Current
Human Resources Manager
South Shore Chamber of Commerce
03.2017 - 08.2022
Human Resources Specialist
Comcast Business Services
01.2015 - 01.2017
Production/Project Manager
Johnson Publishing Company, Ebony Magazine
01.2007 - 01.2015
Roosevelt University
Masters of Science from Human Resource Management
Roosevelt University
Bachelor of Arts from Business Administration