Cynthia M. Joyner
Bulverde,TX
Summary
Highly accomplished and dynamic Senior Transformation and Learning Leader with over 26 years of experience leading and managing complex transformation projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to project scope, timelines, and budget constraints. Deep expertise leading transformations, leveraging knowledge and experience in the principles of learning and development, change management, organizational effectiveness, performance management, talent readiness project, program, portfolio, risk management, business process, process excellence, organizational and change management. Exceptional in aligning people and programs with organizational goals to drive performance and agility. Deeply skilled in fostering trust and collaboration while driving cultural transformation and identifying growth opportunities. Effective communication and influencing skills. Committed to innovative growth in matrixed environments.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
13
13
Certification
Work History
Lead HR Program and Project Management, Change and Learning Consultant
VACO
San Antonio
05.2025 - 02.2026
- Served as a client-facing HR Program and Project Management, Change and Learning consultant for a rapidly transforming insurance company.
- Led the planning, project management, and execution of large-scale initiatives applying intermediate to advanced Organizational Change Management (OCM) principles to facilitate smooth adoption of change across stakeholders and a complex multi-company environment: Return-to-Work Strategy, Positive Employee Leadership Training, Process and Policy Creation and Optimization, Employee Safety Protocol, Corporate Real Estate Optimization.
- Scoped, defined, implemented and maintained a planning and operational processes for cross-functional teams to effectively execute and deliver work on time, continually iterating, finding new ways to improve so we achieve optimal results.
- Proven ability to drive and own multiple tasks and large cross functional programs simultaneously.
- Partnered with senior leaders to align workplace planning, organizational readiness, and change strategy with organization priorities and compliance requirements.
- Trusted advisor and resource to the CHRO, Senior Leaders in HR, VP Corporate Real Estate and Procurement, Chief Technology Officer, and SVP Ethics/Compliance.
Vice President, Lead Business Execution - HR Strategic Initiatives
Wells Fargo
San Antonio
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Led and supported the creation of the HR Strategic Initiatives Team.
- Owned the HR strategic initiatives learning focused on organizational effectiveness, workforce strategy, HR programs, and large-scale organizational initiatives.
- Partnered across HR Centers of Excellence, HR leaders, and business leaders to develop strategic initiatives, long-term goals and implement HR initiatives and programs. Trusted advisor to the Senior Executive of HR Innovation and Transformation, Senior Director Data Analytics, Senior Director HR Strategic Initiatives, Senior Manager Strategic Change Management.
- Conducted learning needs assessments, performed gap analysis, provided finding and recommendations, and created unified learning roadmap. Led cross-functional teams and developed centralized program infrastructure, including SharePoint Collaboration sites, change management approach, project documentation, and self-service toolkits..
- Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive project tracking system to monitor initiative progress.
Senior Project Manager – Chief Transformation Office (CTO)
USAA
San Antonio
06.2024 - 11.2026
- Leveraged deep organizational knowledge to collaborate with executive sponsors to define and create program and project scopes and requirements, project documentation, manage resources, and ensure alignment with program objectives and stakeholder expectations for strategic Enterprise initiatives.
- Partnered with VP of EPMO, AVP of Business Process Excellence, AVP Program Management, and the Director, Enterprise Learning and Development.
- Initiated the conceptual learning design of an enterprise upskill learning strategy for EPMO roles within CTO.
- Coordinated project and cross functional team while collaborating with project manager to ensure enterprise alignment.
- Employed OCM to ensure alignment with strategic goals. Aligned methodologies and performance. Exec level reports
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget constraints. Delivered on Milestone 21 ahead of schedule.
- Established and managed change management processes to fulfill successful project transitions.
Lead Learning Performance Consultant – Enterprise Learning Center of Excellence
USAA
San Antonio
10.2016 - 06.2024
- Extensive experience leading complex initiatives in the roles of HR and Learning SME, program manager, project manager, and change manager for multiple transformational efforts and programs/projects.
- Partnered with CHRO, multiple HR SVPs, VPs, AVPs, Executive Directors, business executives and leaders, peer learning organizations and HR partners.
- Created end-to-end learning programs using expert skills in learning needs assessments, gap analysis, finding and recommendations, program design, content design, facilitation, stakeholder management, change adoption using OCM and communication, implementation and performance metrics.
- Implemented change management initiatives, ensuring successful adoption of new processes and systems within organizations.
- Spearheaded and managed the learning and change workstreams for multiple long project implementations and programs.
- Workday Performance Management and Advanced Compensation implementation as the Learning Workstream Project Manager and Learning Leader SME. Impacted over 42,000 employees and leaders.
- Multi-year Workday Learning Platform implementation as the Learning Workstream Project Manager and lead learning SME. Ensured a smooth transition from SumTotal to Workday Learning. Led the end-to-end learning activities which impacted over 82,000 employees, leaders, and contractors. Created and implemented the self-service approach to security role learning and certification saving over $150,000 in direct costs, and saved over 1000+ training hrs.
- Led HR Strategic Initiative: Enterprise Leadership Development (composed of 10 projects) impacted 4500+ executives, leaders and 37000+ individual contributors.
- Led Project Apple, an Enterprise Learning and Development Transformation initiative with 8 workstreams and 17 sub-workstreams elevating USAA's learning org. which would impact a population of nearly 82,000+. Led the catalog rationalization as the lead learning SME. Provided guidance and deliverables to the 11 different Learning Centers.
- Owned and managed the HR Mandatory Program, cross-functionally collaborated with over 30 business SMEs, executive sponsors, legal, compliance partners, design teams, and cross-company learning centers. Enhanced program by clarifying the scope and streamlining requirements. Led the change management efforts. Outcome: Impacted 82,000+ employees, leaders, and contractors. Implemented business process improvements saving USAA over $1.5 million and 115,000 hours of training.
- Drove the program management, change adoption and learning for USAA’s Enterprise Learning Governance Program and ensured regulatory compliance requirements were met by 11 different learning centers. Led the stakeholder engagement, education, change management and process enhancement.
- Spearheaded and managed the creation, design, and development of the Rapid Upskilling Program for the Data Analytics Community. Partnered with the SMEs across the Enterprise/LOBs/Staff Agency Data Analytics teams/IT. Created the approach, led the facilitation and execution of that approach. Developed customized participant learning plans for each program participant and created their layered learning pathways. Implemented performance metrics, and developed the overall USAA Data Analytics Phase 1 learning path within 2 months. Led the learning and change management workstreams. Pilot was successful and being utilized.
- Led the implementation of three learning platforms, advised on the implementation of Degreed, and enhanced the licensing process of Articulate 360. Managed vendor relationships and advised leadership on learning metrics.
- Successfully led and managed the transition of 38 compliance courses from Compliance to HR, demonstrating strategic planning and coordination skills, ensuring seamless program execution while collaborating effectively with various executives, key stakeholders, business POCs, and regulatory bodies. Led the change management efforts.
- Implemented performance tracking to monitor scope, associated risk, and milestone adherence. Identified adoption risks early and addressed resistance with clear, actionable solutions. Managed project risk associated with all work efforts, regulatory risk, and company brand risk.
- Led a team of 3 resources and served as the matrixed leader for cross functional teams across all other projects, programs, and transformational initiatives. Interim Director (10-month assignment): Oversaw a team of 10 professionals.
- Oversaw multiple learning technology platforms and vendor relationships, developed metrics for learning engagement and effectiveness, and leverage data insights to support continual improvement for talent strategies.
- Mentored junior resources on the learning team, executive development team, and program/project team.
Senior HR Business Partner
USAA
San Antonio
12.2012 - 10.2016
- Served as a workstream lead, project manager, Change Manager and Learning SME for multiple HR efforts as a Senior HR Business Partner (primary role).
- Strategic HRBP to multiple SVPs, multiple executives, and multiple HR functional areas (Talent Development, Succession Planning, Performance Management, Learning). Served as a trusted advisor to Senior Leaders, providing thought leadership on organizational effectiveness and workforce capability, and aligned HR strategy with overall business objectives for organizational success.
- Partnered with business clients and stakeholders to identify capability gaps and future skill requirements. Clients Groups: Enterprise Security Group, IT Research and Development, Enterprise Transformation and Innovation, Procurement, Bank Strategy and Innovation, Checking and Savings, Consumer Lending, Bank Business Risk, Bank Executive Staff, Ancillary Products.
- Successful executive coaching of multiple SVPs and executives, high potential leaders, and individual contributors.
- Developed client’s succession planning, executive and high potential development plans, identified critical roles, talent pipelines, and readiness gaps. Developed organization views on bench strength, development opportunities, and facilitated discussions for executive development, stretch assignments, and growth projects.
- Implemented talent promotion cycle, talent calibrations, and development programs for broader organization.
- Drove and managed the learning and development workstream as a workstream project manager for an HRIS System Implementation – Workday HCM, Recruiting, Advance Compensation, and Performance Management and HR Transformation. Responsible for developing and leading the training strategy, approach, build and execution of the training initiative. Developed multiple training plans and content, including individual learning plans for HR functional areas and key external stakeholders. Ninety-two percent success rate and learning resources accessible and easy to use
- Drove and oversaw the learning and development for HR Transformation.
- Developed and executed comprehensive training programs to enhance workforce skills and productivity. Designed and developed leadership and executive learning. Facilitated employee engagement surveys to gather feedback and drive actionable workforce improvements.
- Facilitated 47 leadership sessions, created 3 leadership CBT training modules, centralized SharePoint site, all associated training/communication documents and walk-throughs (Workday).
- Performed all responsibilities of an HRBP: Succession Planning, Workforce Planning, Hiring Strategy, People Strategy, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Employee Engagement and Experience, Talent Calibrations, Talent Development and Executive Development Planning, Executive Coaching, reorganizations, org design, change mgt, communication plans, performance management, developed onboarding programs. Supported change adoption using OCM.
- Championed change management initiatives during periods of organizational transformation, mitigating potential resistance from staff members. Advised senior management on organizational development and change management initiatives.
Learning Performance Consultant – Enterprise Professional Development Department
USAA
San Antonio
01.2011 - 12.2012
- Collaborated with all levels of USAA management, internal stakeholders and regional offices to address learning-related challenges, offered solutions, and executed complex work assignments across various HR disciplines.
- Led cross-functional teams, conducted data analysis and root cause analysis, and developed learning strategies and plans to address identified needs.
- Developed performance improvement frameworks to assess and enhance training effectiveness across departments.
- Managed stakeholder feedback loops refining learning programs ensuring alignment with business needs.
- Utilized data analytics tools evaluating program impact driving decisions optimizing learning outcomes for employees.
Coordinated with external vendors designing specialized training modules tailored specifically to departmental objectives. - Implemented and facilitated the delivery of training solutions, fostering internal business partnerships to proactively resolve business challenges and ensure effective communication.
- Created onboarding programs, toolkits, communication plans, oversaw communication, and was an internal consultant to HR and the enterprise.
- Lead and managed the Professional Learning Series impacting over 6,000 individual contributors and 4800 Leaders and executives. Bridged professional development, leadership development, and executive development.
- Partnered with the SVP of the vendor company and requested they redesign courses to meet USAA’s initial requests.
HR and Business Consultant
THE UPS STORE
Pleasanton
04.2010 - 12.2010
- Responsible for all store HR practice and business consulting with new business owner.
- Developed comprehensive business strategies for business, leading to improved market positioning. Outcome: 58th to 13th in region within 6 months.
- Developed strategic partnerships with local businesses to drive community engagement and increase foot traffic in stores.
HR Manager
AMSTAR INC
San Antonio
09.2008 - 02.2010
- HR Leader responsible for all HR Functions in the construction industry. Optimized business processes and provided HR consultation to Executive Management/Owners across various HR disciplines
Employee Learning and Development
AIR FORCE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
San Antonio
03.2001 - 02.2007
- Learning Leader responsible for spearheading the creation and implementation of the training organization, strategy, and operations for a $200M+ credit union. Created and facilitated training for all levels of employees. Led the implementation of the service and sales culture. Led the learning and development for an IT system implementation – Symitar. Developed a volunteer learning program with an 85% participant rate. Led the employee learning and member awareness of the credit union name change (from Lackland Air Force Federal Credit Union to Air Force Federal Credit Union).
Executive Team Leader – Team Relations (HR Manager)
TARGET CORPORATION
San Antonio
11.1998 - 02.2001
- HR Leader responsible for leading a team of 8 HR employees, indirectly leading 160+ employees, and responsible for all HR Functions, community volunteer programs, store operations, employee training and the San Antonio District United Way operations. Facilitated in Target’s manager business college, mentored junior executives, and was responsible for all United Way campaign activities.
Education
MBA - Business Administration With A Focus in Leadership
ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY
San Antonio, TX06.2005
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY
Murray, KY12.1997
Skills
- Change Strategy and Adoption
- Humans Resources, Learning and Development
- Team Dynamics and Talent Development
- Enterprise Program Management Knowledge
- Communication and Change Strategy
- Cross-functional Leadership Expertise
- Jira, Rally, Asana, MS Project
- Stakeholder Management and Executive Stakeholder Alignment
- Leadership Coaching
- Executive Coaching
- Assessment Tools (Project, Change, and Learning)
- Client relationship management
- Documentation Management
- Mentoring and Developing Others
Certification
- SHRM-SCP, Society of Human Resources Management
- PMI-PMP, Project Management Institute
- PROSCI, Certified Change Practitioner
- Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Gallup
- ICF- Level2 Master Certified
- Master Certified Executive Leadership Coach (MCELC)
- Master Certified Career Coach (MCCC)
- Certified Organizational Development Coach (CODC)
- Certified Change Coach
- Certified Executive Coach
- Certified Leadership Coach
- Certified Life Coach
- Certified Transformational Coach
Timeline
Lead HR Program and Project Management, Change and Learning Consultant
VACO
05.2025 - 02.2026
Vice President, Lead Business Execution - HR Strategic Initiatives
Wells Fargo
12.2024 - 05.2025
Senior Project Manager – Chief Transformation Office (CTO)
USAA
06.2024 - 11.2026
Lead Learning Performance Consultant – Enterprise Learning Center of Excellence
USAA
10.2016 - 06.2024
Senior HR Business Partner
USAA
12.2012 - 10.2016
Learning Performance Consultant – Enterprise Professional Development Department
USAA
01.2011 - 12.2012
HR and Business Consultant
THE UPS STORE
04.2010 - 12.2010
HR Manager
AMSTAR INC
09.2008 - 02.2010
Employee Learning and Development
AIR FORCE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
03.2001 - 02.2007
Executive Team Leader – Team Relations (HR Manager)
TARGET CORPORATION
11.1998 - 02.2001
MBA - Business Administration With A Focus in Leadership
ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY