Denise Rodriguez
Denver,United States
Summary
Dynamic Human Resources professional with 18 years of extensive experience driving strategic HR initiatives across diverse organizations. Expertise includes leadership, talent acquisition, and employee engagement, all aimed at optimizing workforce performance and satisfaction. Proven track record in enhancing recruitment processes, developing comprehensive training programs, and implementing effective employee recognition systems underscores a commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture aligned with organizational objectives. Consistently leveraging data-driven insights to improve retention and productivity while navigating complex employee relations and legal compliance contributes to a thriving and compliant work environment.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Stonebridge Companies - DoubleTree DTC
09.2022 - 11.2025
- Developed and implemented a human resources strategy that attracted top talent and improved employee engagement
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive on-boarding program for new hires, resulting increase in employee retention
- Analyzed employee data to provide insights into trends in retention, and promotions
- Comprehensive employee training program that resulted in a increase in employee productivity
- Created an employee engagement survey that identified areas for improvement and resulted in a increase in employee satisfaction and top scores within the company.
- Led the recruitment process for the property resulting in the successful hiring qualified candidates
- Established a compensation system that was competitive in the marketplace and attracted top talent
- Employee recognition program that improved employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented SOPs for the property to increase revenue within areas of the company.
Director of Human Resources – Property/Renaissance, Human Resources Manager – Corporate Office
Stonebridge Hospitality Associates LLC
01.2017 - 09.2022
- Operate and manage all HR functions for 1,300 employees within 65 properties. Maintained in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to daily management of employees to minimize legal risks and ensure regulatory compliance. Addressed and resolved complex employee relations issues and partnered with corporate legal department as needed.
- Support 65 hotels in 13 states plus the District of Columbia with Talent Acquisition, employee relations, total rewards and training on Human Resources systems.
- Communicated effectively with General Managers on all employee relations for each property.
- Keep properties informed of developments within systems affecting their functions.
- Evaluated trends and metrics, programs and policies, developing solutions to meet gaps that were identified.
- Partnered with hotel leaders to design employee retention practices. Supported annual talent review process, worked with managers to develop talent management strategies, and contributed in business workforce and succession planning.
- Enhanced employee onboarding experience by ensuring each employee was treated with 'platinum rule' by implementing 'All About Me' form for experiencing company's dual bottom-line philosophy where each employee was empowered to release full human possibility that was co-equal to success of the business.
- Analyzed training needs alongside Corporate Learning and Development Department leaders, evaluating and monitoring success of development programs and adjusting as needed.
- Completed all training requirements for all associates. This includes annual safety and harassment training, human trafficking, and active shooter training.
- Manage Payroll and Benefits processes for all associates.
- Completed Marriott & Stonebridge HR Audits with 90% or higher.
Human Resources Manager
THE ART, A HOTEL
04.2015 - 01.2017
- Oversaw HR functions for Denver, Colorado for a combined 125+ employees, including employment, affirmative action, benefits, compensation, performance appraisal programs, personnel record keeping, unemployment claims, employee relations, training, and HRIS. Administered Workers' Compensation program, working with employees, management, medical providers, and third-party administrators. Investigated employee relation issues, such as employee grievances and complaints and harassment allegations and recommended appropriate action.
- Provided employee counseling and problem solving for managers and employees, ensuring productive work environment, and remaining consistent with company values / policies and adhering to state / federal regulatory law.
- Advised, counseled, and trained managers and supervisors on performance-based issues, including corrective action plans, terminations, and severance agreements.
- Partnered with executive team to plan and implement programs that met HR requirements in support of short and long-term business needs.
- Managed all Payroll functions.
- Administered benefit plans for entire hotel staff.
- Participated in the opening of a brand-new hotel.
Human Resources Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
06.2006 - 04.2015
- Assisted in providing HR functions for 700 employees, including overall delivery of HR programs and services to all areas. Assisted and monitored legal claims, employee liability, and lawsuits with outside counsel. Handled personnel policies and procedures and employee-relations issues. Administered payroll and benefits.
- Partnered with executive team to plan and implement programs that met HR requirements in support of short and long-term business needs.
- Developed and executed effective strategies, strengthening employee engagement, retention, and recruitment.
- Coached department managers and senior hotel leadership in carrying out responsibilities in creating safe, supportive work environment that fostered individual accountability and ownership in resolving issues.
Education
High School Diploma -
South High School
Denver, CONo Degree - Business Management
Community College of Denver
Denver, COSkills
- Effective communication
- Analytical problem-solving
- Project execution management
- HR systems management
- Recruitment expertise
- Employee onboarding
- Mentoring team members
- Training & Development
- Labor law compliance
- Effective time management
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Stonebridge Companies - DoubleTree DTC
09.2022 - 11.2025
Director of Human Resources – Property/Renaissance, Human Resources Manager – Corporate Office
Stonebridge Hospitality Associates LLC
01.2017 - 09.2022
Human Resources Manager
THE ART, A HOTEL
04.2015 - 01.2017
Human Resources Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
06.2006 - 04.2015
High School Diploma -
South High School
No Degree - Business Management
Community College of Denver