Dena Pruitt
Siloam Springs,AR
Summary
Human Resources Professional with more than 20 years of progressive HR experience and advanced knowledge of employment law, compensation, recruitment and employee relations. Maintains strong stakeholder focus and service-oriented attitude with excellent organization and interpersonal skills to excel in multi-cultural environment. Proactive in meeting company issues head-on with creative and innovative approach.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
2
2
Certificate
Work History
Compensation Manager
Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah, OK
12.2018 - Current
- Implemented new policies to modernize and realign the compensation program for a tribal government with 5,000+ employees.
- Developed compensation strategies to attract top talent and maintain a motivated workforce.
- Conducted a comprehensive market study on all active jobs resulting in 82% of the workforce being brought up to market rates at a total cost of $10.9 Million.
- Consolidated 300 salary structures down to 2 to standardize the compensation process.
- Streamlined the annual merit increase process, resulting in more efficient distribution of funds across all departments.
- Collaborated with HR business partners to assess job descriptions and ensure accurate benchmarking of roles within the organization.
- Managed salary surveys, providing valuable data for informed decision-making regarding compensation adjustments.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state wage regulations, reducing potential legal issues related to pay practices.
- Managed a team of compensation analysts, providing coaching and development opportunities to build their expertise in the field.
- Evaluated data, identified trends and recommended changes in compensation structures.
- Helped HR teams interpret compensation policies for developing staff benefits and salaries.
- Developed and implemented total rewards programs.
- Collaborated with HR and finance departments to ensure alignment of compensation strategies with organizational goals.
Director of Human Resources
Custom Seating, Inc.
Muskogee, OK
03.2017 - 12.2018
- Improved employee retention by implementing strategic HR initiatives and conducting regular staff evaluations.
- Administered a safety program and advised management on OSHA regulations. Represented the company in an unscheduled OSHA inspection and provided the organization's official response resulting in a $60,000 reduction in violations.
- Streamlined recruitment processes for increased efficiency in hiring top talent.
- Developed comprehensive employee training programs, resulting in a more skilled workforce.
- Managed complex employee relations issues, reducing legal risks and maintaining a positive work environment.
- Oversaw benefits administration, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness of offerings.
- Mitigated risk exposure through diligent workplace safety practices and proactive policy enforcement.
- Increased employee engagement with open communication channels and regular feedback opportunities.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, maximizing the value of HR services received while minimizing costs.
- Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
- Wrote employee manual to cover company policies, disciplinary procedures, code of conduct and benefits information.
- Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
- Facilitated successful policy implementation and enforcement to maintain legal and operational compliance.
Human Resources Manager
Zelenka Farms
Hulbert, OK
01.2014 - 03.2017
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align HR initiatives with overall business goals and objectives.
- Developed comprehensive onboarding programs in to facilitate smooth integration of new employees into the organization.
- Executed staffing solutions to ensure production goals were met by transporting 200 temporary workers to and from Tulsa daily during peak season.
- Conducted thorough internal investigations resulting in the recovery of $125,000 in misappropriated funds.
- Represented the company in legal matters and hearings and obtained a favorable decision from the EEOC saving the company $350,000 for a discrimination claim.
- Managed complex benefits administration, ensuring accurate enrollment and timely processing of claims.
- Provided expert guidance on labor laws and regulations, mitigating legal risks for the organization.
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Optimized payroll processing procedures for accuracy and timeliness using advanced software solutions.
- Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs.
Subcontract Coordinator/HR Payroll Specialist
H.B. Zachry Construction
Port Arthur, TX
07.1991 - 07.1998
- Increased efficiency by streamlining coordination processes and implementing new organizational systems for a joint venture environmental remediation project.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Developed multi-million dollar subcontracts for H.B. Zachry, CH2M HILL, and Chevron.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, resulting in seamless project execution and enhanced outcomes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally.
- Contributed to business growth by identifying opportunities for process improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll for 500 employees.
- Reduced errors in payroll calculations with meticulous attention to detail and thorough data verification.
- Managed accurate records of employee time off, leave balances, and attendance for precise pay calculation.
- Handled complex payroll situations such as back-pay calculations, garnishments, and overtime payments with accuracy and professionalism.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Project Management
ITT Technical Institute
Philadelphia, PASkills
- Organizational Development
- Strategic Planning
- Team Building
- Total Rewards Strategy
- Compensation Structuring and Design
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Labor Law Compliance
- Talent Acquisition
- Benefits Administration
- Payroll Administration
- Employee Relations
- Incentive Programs
- Salary Benchmarking
Certification
- Certified Compensation Professional Training Program, World at Work - 2022-present
- Paralegal Certification, Professional Career Development Institute - 1995 - 1998
- PHR Certification, HRCI - 2024
Timeline
Compensation Manager
Cherokee Nation
12.2018 - Current
Director of Human Resources
Custom Seating, Inc.
03.2017 - 12.2018
Human Resources Manager
Zelenka Farms
01.2014 - 03.2017
Subcontract Coordinator/HR Payroll Specialist
H.B. Zachry Construction
07.1991 - 07.1998
Some College (No Degree) - Project Management
ITT Technical Institute