DANA L. PETERSON
Glenwood Springs,Colorado
Summary
Accomplished Human Resources Executive proactive in meeting company issues head-on with creative and innovative approach. Compassionate and empowering leader committed to continuous improvement with the perspective and appreciation that human capital is every organization’s greatest asset. Genuine influencer who thrives on tough challenges and translates visions and strategies into actionable, value-adding opportunities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resource Director
Mountain Family Health Centers
12.2021 - Current
- By creating an effective talent acquisition program and positive and responsive work environment, raised employee retention rates by over 10% in 2 years to achieve greater than 70% retention rate.
- Developed compensation philosophy and new compensation schedule and salary crosswalk for all positions.
- Grew HR Team and refocused responsibilities according to interest and talents.
- Managed workforce grants of over $1M catering to needs of funders and spend-down of budgets
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
- Developed comprehensive supervisor training programs, resulting in higher employee satisfaction levels and performance improvements.
- Implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and company regulations.
- Managed benefits administration, ensuring cost-effective coverage options for employees while staying within budget constraints.
- Oversaw annual performance review process, providing guidance to managers on setting goals and measuring employee progress.
- Maintained updated Employee Handbook including sometimes tri-annual revisions according to State of Colorado law revisions and updates
- Developed Diversity, Inclusivity, Belonging, Equity, and Engagement (DIBEE) Committee and led them to increase minority promotion and recruitment into high level positions and fostering welcoming workplace environment for all staff members.
- Oversaw new onboarding procedures to facilitate smooth transitions for new hires into organization.
- Conducted thorough compensation analyses to maintain competitive pay structures within industry market standards.
- Championed change management projects specifically around new Strategic Plan and staff roll-out, effectively communicating new policies or processes throughout organization.
- Optimized HRIS systems for better data accuracy and ease of use by both HR professionals and employees.
- Evaluated HR metrics regularly to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
- Oversaw workers' compensation program for employees injured on job.
- Addressed employee conflicts with appropriate urgency, following all corporate procedures.
President and CEO
Indigo HR Consulting
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Helped businesses better exemplify their missions and achieve their goals through meaningful and impactful improvements in their organization’s human resources capacity including revising benefits programs and handbook best practices.
Human Resources Director
City of Glenwood Springs
06.2019 - 09.2021
- Directed and led City of Glenwood Springs’ HR Department in staffing, recruitment, benefits, compensation, training, leadership development, succession planning, HRIS/ERP implementation, DEI, and regulatory compliance including safety and wellness programming.
- Lead City’s COVID-19 pandemic response including mass layoffs, furloughs, policy writing, and change management and messaging surrounding unprecedented difficult and emotional time.
- Enhanced employee engagement and retention by implementing best-practice HR programs and initiatives.
HR Business Partner
Garfield County
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Directed and planned day-to-day operations of over $10 million in group benefits programs (group health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, wellness plans, etc.).
- Provided top-notch customer service to 350+ employees and continually considered improvements and revisions to ensure best benefits experience for everyone.
- Coordinated and improved benefits processing with Finance Department and in Tyler’s New World system.
- Developed and implemented new and highly successful Wellness Program including all program communication, marketing, and participation engagement influencing staff to lose hundreds of pounds and make lasting lifestyle changes.
- Promoted to HR Business Partner to conduct 360 Reviews and to assist with Employee Relations, building morale and trust across 250-mile area.
Senior Benefits Administrator
Garfield County
08.2016 - 07.2018
Director of Human Resources
Mountain Valley Developmental Services
09.2011 - 07.2016
- Improved employee retention and engagement through dynamic interactions and caring personally across four-county service area in rocky mountains.
- Increased accountability and developed workflows for Coordinating Agency Benefits, Administering personnel policies and procedures, Administering Affirmative Action/EEO policies, Worker’s Compensation, Compliance with DOL regulations, FLSA, FMLA, Hiring, Retention, Compensation, Benefits, and Strategic Planning.
- Designed and conducted trainings for management staff including compliance, workers compensation, performance management, and sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviors
- Enhanced company culture by promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Human Resources Generalist
Mountain Valley Developmental Services
02.2009 - 09.2011
Education
Master’s Certificate - Human Resource Management
Villanova University
Villanova, PAMaster of Divinity - World Religions, Feminist Theology, & Pastoral Care
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TNBachelor of Arts - World Religion and Communication
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NCSkills
- Human Resources
- New Employee Training
- Workforce Improvements
- Training Programs and Development
- Recruitment and Hiring
- Personnel Recruitment
- Team Building
- Performance Management
- Training and Development
- HR Policies Implementation
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Leadership Development
- Compensation and Benefits
- Proficient in ADP, Tyler Munis, Tyler New World
Certification
- SHRM-SCP Certification, 2015-Present
- HRCI-SPHR Certification, 2015-Present
Community Affiliations
- Founding Member, Elevate HR Professional Organization, Spring 2019-Present
- Member, Society of Human Resource Management, Spring 2009 – Present
- Vice Chair, Glenwood Springs Parks & Recreation Commission, Spring 2018 – Summer 2019
- Member, Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce, Spring 2009 – Present
- Secretary, Garfield County Human Services Commission, Summer 2019 – Summer 2016
- Member, Aspen POD (Human Services for Pitkin County), Spring 2009 – Summer 2016
- Vice President, United Way Battlement to the Bells, Winter 2013 – Summer 2016
Activities
- Running
- Literature
- Ballet
- Yoga
- Skiing
- Traveling
- Cooking
Timeline
Human Resource Director
Mountain Family Health Centers
12.2021 - Current
President and CEO
Indigo HR Consulting
09.2021 - 12.2021
Human Resources Director
City of Glenwood Springs
06.2019 - 09.2021
HR Business Partner
Garfield County
08.2018 - 06.2019
Senior Benefits Administrator
Garfield County
08.2016 - 07.2018
Director of Human Resources
Mountain Valley Developmental Services
09.2011 - 07.2016
Human Resources Generalist
Mountain Valley Developmental Services
02.2009 - 09.2011
Master’s Certificate - Human Resource Management
Villanova University
Master of Divinity - World Religions, Feminist Theology, & Pastoral Care
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor of Arts - World Religion and Communication
Wake Forest University
- SHRM-SCP Certification, 2015-Present
- HRCI-SPHR Certification, 2015-Present
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