Dee Thompson
Madison,WI
Summary
Accomplished HR, Safety, and Compliance professional with over 10 years of experience leading regulatory programs, workplace safety initiatives, and risk mitigation strategies within the transportation and logistics sectors. Proven track record in implementing OSHA standards, managing FMCSA/DOT compliance, and fostering inclusive practices that prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations. Expertise in cross-functional leadership, injury prevention, and workforce development complements a proactive approach to addressing company challenges with innovative solutions. Well-versed in evolving industry trends and employment market demands, with strong capabilities in benefits administration, compensation structuring, and recruitment.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources / HR, Compliance & Safety Manager
Badger Bus Lines / Badger Coaches
06.2021 - 07.2025
- Led all aspects of HR, safety, and regulatory compliance across a multi-location transportation operation. Successfully implemented OSHA and FMCSA programs, managed workers’ comp and vehicle incident claims, and ensured safeguarding best practices in high-impact environments. Acted as a trusted advisor to leadership on compliance risk, workforce development, and injury prevention.
- Directed OSHA program management including injury log tracking, safety audits, compliance reporting, and development of training content for diverse employee groups.
- Facilitated employee safety education sessions, toolbox talks, and incident prevention programs in accordance with OSHA and SVdP-style safeguarding policies.
- Led FMCSA compliance activities including DQ file audits, Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse management, and hours-of-service (HOS) tracking.
- Coordinated workers’ compensation and injury claims; reduced claim durations through early intervention, accurate documentation, and return-to-work programs.
- Implemented employee engagement strategies aligned with safeguarding principles, fostering inclusion and cultural sensitivity among a diverse workforce.
- Researched, refuted, and resolved IRS ACA reporting penalties, saving over $500,000 across two cycles.
- Improved cross-departmental safety reporting processes, increasing issue response time and internal audit preparedness.
Regional Training Center Manager
First Student
10.2023 - 02.2024
- Led the design, launch, and management of a regional training center supporting recruitment, onboarding, and safety compliance training for School Bus Drivers and Monitors across four service areas.
- Established a centralized training facility aligned with FMCSA, DOT, and state-specific compliance requirements.
- Built and supervised a team of certified driver trainers and admin staff; standardized onboarding protocols.
- Developed orientation materials, licensing prep, and documentation systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Partnered with area managers to streamline recruiting and hiring, improving training throughput and consistency.
- Increased new CDL driver output from 1–2 per month to 3 every other week by optimizing schedules and testing access.
Recruiting & Hiring Manager
Badger Bus Lines
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Head of recruitment for three affiliated transportation companies across multiple locations. Directed talent acquisition, recruitment marketing, and onboarding processes for CDL and non-CDL roles.
- Managed full-cycle recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding for drivers, mechanics, and administrative staff.
- Led team of 3 recruiters and coordinated hiring strategy across six locations.
- Developed and executed outreach campaigns, job fair events, and applicant sourcing strategies.
- Improved candidate pipeline and time-to-hire through targeted community partnerships and job board optimization.
- Collaborated with operations leadership to forecast needs and align hiring strategies.
Safety & Training Coordinator
Badger Bus Lines
02.2019 - 07.2019
- Redesigned and implemented a comprehensive employee orientation program focused on transportation safety and compliance.
- Developed SOPs and training curricula still in use today; focused on OSHA and student transport regulations.
- Facilitated weekly onboarding sessions covering job duties, diversity, communication, and behavioral protocols.
- Ensured regulatory compliance with local, state, and contractual safety standards.
Asset Protection Security & Safety Manager
Walgreens Distribution Center
01.2017 - 06.2017
- Led 24/7 safety and security operations at a high-volume distribution center supporting 1,000+ retail stores. Managed hiring, compliance training, incident investigations, and regulatory audit readiness.
- Directed a 14-member security team, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and scheduling.
- Developed SOPs for OSHA compliance, food safety, physical security, and customs/transport regulations.
- Led investigations on theft, workplace violence, and policy violations in partnership with HR and legal teams.
- Maintained relationships with OSHA, DEA, FDA, WI DNR, and other regulatory bodies.
- Received DC Champion of Champions Safety Award for reducing injuries and promoting safety culture.
Skills
- OSHA Compliance
- FMCSA/DOT Safety Oversight
- Safeguarding Policies
- Employee Training & Development
- Workplace Injury Prevention
- Workers’ Compensation
- Risk & Claims Management
- HR Policy & Benefits Administration
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Regulatory Reporting
- Fleet Safety & Accident Investigation
- Compliance management
- Human resources administration
- Benefits and compensation management
- Onboarding, training, and development
- Benefits administration
Timeline
Regional Training Center Manager
First Student
10.2023 - 02.2024
Director of Human Resources / HR, Compliance & Safety Manager
Badger Bus Lines / Badger Coaches
06.2021 - 07.2025
Recruiting & Hiring Manager
Badger Bus Lines
07.2019 - 06.2021
Safety & Training Coordinator
Badger Bus Lines
02.2019 - 07.2019
Asset Protection Security & Safety Manager
Walgreens Distribution Center
01.2017 - 06.2017
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