DEANNA M. WALKER
Englewood Cliffs,NJ
Summary
Dynamic and passionate human resources professional with a proven track record of spearheading strategic and operational initiatives in both startup environments and established corporations. Expertise in contract interpretation ensures accurate and consistent application in alignment with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, fostering a compliant workplace. A hands-on leader adept at guiding teams to exceed organizational expectations while maintaining high levels of focus and productivity. Committed to driving HR excellence through innovative solutions and collaborative practices.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources
The Standard, High Line
02.2016 - Current
- Implements human resources strategies by establishing department accountabilities, including staffing, employment processing, training and development, record management, health and safety, employee relations and labor relations.
- Managed complex employee relations issues, reducing legal risks and maintaining a positive work environment.
- Guides management and employees actions by researching, developing, writing and updating policies, procedures; communicating and enforcing organization values.
- Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new regulation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
- Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, criminal background checks and onboarding.
- Maintained "open door" policy to encourage employee communications and resolution of issues.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant labor laws, protecting both employees'' rights and the organization''s interests.
- Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
Director of Human Resources
The Mark Hotel
08.2013 - 02.2016
- Worked with senior-level management to create fair and consistent HR policies and procedures.
- Facilitated monthly meetings to develop strategies that would positively influence workplace relationships.
- Advised top management on appropriate employee corrective actions.
- Advised managers on organizational policy matters and recommend needed changes.
- Directed personnel, training and labor relations activities.
- Served as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering the union contract and helping resolve work-related problems.
- Created and implemented an objective and systematic interview process for Union employees.
- Guided all personnel issues related to the renovation closing of the hotel in accordance with Federal and State laws.
Director of Human Resources
Loews Regency Hotel
01.2002 - 05.2013
Director of Human Resources
The Martinique, Holiday Inn
06.1998 - 01.2002
Assistant Director of Human Resources & Training
Westbury Hotel
12.1994 - 05.1998
Assistant Director of Training/Personnel Manager
The Plaza Hotel
12.1991 - 12.1994
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hotel & Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RINo Degree - Taking The SHRM-SCP - December 2025
SHRM Certificate of Achievement
Skills
- Benefits management
- Regulatory compliance oversight
- Strategic succession planning
- Skilled in facilitating change initiatives
- Payroll processing
- Workplace relationship management
- Performance evaluation
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 500 in the development of changing to a Hyatt Franchise within the allotted deadline.
- Achieved the implementation of a Learning & Development Training tool by introducing Flow Hospitality for administrating and housing the completing of all training programs, performance evaluation and providing a media notification for employees.
Certification
- SHRM-SCP - SHRM Senior Certified Professional - test 12/2025
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
The Standard, High Line
02.2016 - Current
Director of Human Resources
The Mark Hotel
08.2013 - 02.2016
Director of Human Resources
Loews Regency Hotel
01.2002 - 05.2013
Director of Human Resources
The Martinique, Holiday Inn
06.1998 - 01.2002
Assistant Director of Human Resources & Training
Westbury Hotel
12.1994 - 05.1998
Assistant Director of Training/Personnel Manager
The Plaza Hotel
12.1991 - 12.1994
Bachelor of Science - Hotel & Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University
No Degree - Taking The SHRM-SCP - December 2025
SHRM Certificate of Achievement
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