DONNA GRAVES
Houston,TX
Summary
Dynamic HR leader with a proven track record at driving talent management and change initiatives that enhanced employee satisfaction to 98.7%. Expert in workplace investigations and compliance training, leveraging strategic planning and conflict resolution skills to foster organizational success and mitigate risks.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Consultant
HR Consulting
01.2024 - Current
- Consultant providing human resource expertise in the energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and legal industries in the areas of talent strategy and leadership, talent acquisition, leadership development, training and development, talent planning, performance management, succession planning, employee engagement, employee relations and legal compliance.
- Conduct complex workplace investigations related to employee relations, discrimination, retaliation, fraud, conflicts of interest, and compliance violations.
- Provide investigation strategy, root cause analysis, and remediation recommendations to clients.
- Advise on ethics and compliance programs, policy development, and best practices for handling workplace misconduct.
- Train HR and leadership teams on investigation techniques, fraud prevention, and compliance reporting.
- Coach and mentor managers at all levels, from frontline supervisors to senior executives, providing guidance on leadership development, employee relations, and performance management to support organizational success.
Managing Director, Human Resources
BGE, Inc.
09.2020 - 12.2023
- Director responsible for developing and executing human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, specifically in the areas of talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, training and development, succession planning, benefits, and compensation.
- Led high-risk employee relations investigations, ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies.
- Developed a centralized investigation process, improving efficiency and documentation of employee related issues.
- Collaborated with legal (outside counsel) to address discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims, ensuring risk mitigation.
- Implemented data analytics reports to track investigation trends and improve decision making.
- Conducted a 401k audit that resulted in a 5-year plan correction and IRS approval (VSP).
- Developed and executed human resource strategy aligned with organizational goals, focusing on talent management, change management, organizational design, and performance management.
- Spearheaded talent development initiatives, including a company-wide mentoring program resulting in a 96.3% positive survey score by participants.
- Partnered with senior leaders to build long-term vision for talent programs and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Oversaw all aspects of HR policies, objectives, and initiatives, ensuring compliance with governmental requirements.
- Lead initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction, resulting in a 98.7% employee satisfaction rating.
- Partnered with Talent Acquisition Team to maintain a robust pipeline of diverse talent through strategic sourcing and partnerships.
- BGE, Inc. is an engineering consulting firm providing services in civil engineering, construction management, environmental services, landscape architecture, water resources, and industrial development. BGE, Inc. conducts business across the U.S. with revenues ~$507M | ~1,000 people.
Sr. Director, HR Operations & Talent Management
Diamond Offshore Drilling
09.2019 - 04.2020
- Senior Director of HR Operations and Talent Management responsible for leading a broad set of HR responsibilities for the Company’s US-based HR Operations, Learning and Development, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition and HR Analytics.
- Led HR operations, talent management, and talent acquisition for US-based HR operations during a period of bankruptcy and layoff.
- Developed recruitment marketing strategies and service-level agreements to optimize talent acquisition processes and minimize cost-per-hire.
- Managed employee relations investigations in a complex, high-risk global environment, including compliance violations and workplace misconduct.
- Led HR compliance initiatives, including training on anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and whistleblower policies.
- Directed learning and development initiatives, including technical and leadership skill development curricula.
- Supported refinement and execution of talent management strategy in collaboration with the CHRO.
- Diamond Offshore (public at the time) provides offshore oil drilling services. The company is $646.4M | ~1900 people.
VP Human Resources, Buildings & Components
Cornerstone Building Brands (CBB)
Houston, USA
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Provided strategic direction while overseeing all HR activities for the commercial side of the business.
- Provided strategic direction for HR activities for the commercial side of the business.
- Drove performance culture initiatives resulted in a 20% increase in management and employee satisfaction.
- Ensured compliance and mitigated risks while meeting business needs.
- Developed leadership team through coaching, mentoring, and leadership assessment tools.
- Managed talent development and succession planning for 2,500 employees.
- CBB is a manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. They are $5.9B | 22,000 people.
Director, HR, and Communications - Global E & C Solutions, Americas
Air Liquide
Houston, USA
06.2010 - 12.2018
- Oversaw all HR activities including employee relations, talent leadership and management, program development, talent acquisition, mobility, training, compliance, and compensation.
- (Healthcare, Electronics, R & D, Specialty Gas, Industrial Merchants, and Engineering/Construction entities)
- Oversaw all HR activities for multiple entities within the Americas zone, including talent leadership, program development, talent acquisition, and compliance.
- Managed mobility and staffing models for the Americas zone.
- Led HR integration for a $265m acquisition and implemented talent succession planning processes.
- Negotiated and managed labor contracts for industrial/specialty gas/healthcare facilities.
- Saved $1.6 million in reduction in force costs during global restructuring.
- Air Liquide is a world leader in gases, technologies & services for Industry & Health. They are $32.5B | ~66,400 people.
HR Director, Business Services (Corporate)
Energy Future Holdings (EFH)
Dallas, USA
03.2008 - 06.2010
- Provided strategic guidance to address talent needs for EFH Corporate Services.
- Championed high-performance culture and developed performance management plans.
- Partnered with Compensation to ensure competitive salaries for candidates and internal promotions.
- Managed the HR budget and identified cost-saving opportunities.
- EFH was a holding company that owned several electric utilities in Texas. It was formed in 2007 when private equity firms KKR & Co., TPG Capital, and Goldman Sachs acquired TXU Corp., the largest electric utility in Texas.
Human Resource Consultant
DM People Solutions
Dallas, USA
11.2006 - 12.2009
- Human Resource Consultant providing services in the areas of staffing, employee relations, project management & business development for multiple clients in accounting, tax, architecture, manufacturing, medical and dental industries.
Area Human Resource Director (Southwest)
KPMG LLP
Dallas, USA
10.2003 - 10.2006
- Area Human Resource Director with the responsibility of leading and directing experienced hire recruitment, workplace solutions and human resource management for the fourth four largest accounting, tax, and advisory firms in the US.
- Led HR, recruitment, and workplace solutions for the fourth-largest accounting, tax, and advisory firm in the US.
- Developed and implemented HR strategies aligned with firm and regional objectives.
- Managed HR policies and procedures compliance and led employee satisfaction initiatives.
- KPMG Corporate Finance LLC is a subsidiary of KPMG LLP. It is an SEC registered broker-dealer and adviser, which provides a range of investment banking and financial advisory services to domestic and international clients. KPMG US is $4.9B | ~33k people.
Education
BBA - Management - Healthcare & Communications
Texas A&M University
Corpus Christi, TXLabor Relations & Union Avoidance Training - Labor Relations & Union Avoidance Certification
Cornell University
Ithaca, NYEmployee Relations and California Law Training - Certification Prep
SHRM
Las Vegas, NVSkills
- Operations analysis
- Employee relations
- Leadership development
- Talent acquisition
- Performance management
- Conflict resolution
- Compliance training
- Workplace investigations
- Change management
- Project management
- Processes and procedures
- Project implementation
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Strategic planning
- Forecasting and reporting
- Business planning
- Project leadership
- Business presentation
- Stakeholder engagement
Certification
• SPHR Certification, 06/01/14 - 2025
Memberships Awards
- Advisory Board Member – Cancer Champions, 2024 - Present
- SBISD Continuous Improvement Committee/Rummel Creek, 2023 - 2025
- Rummel Creek PTA Board Selection Committee, 2024
- United Way Campaign Chair (EFH), 2008
- Court Appointed Special Advocate - Dallas CASA, 2002 - 2011
- KPMG LLP Chairman’s Award Winner, 2004, nominated 2006
- Received 5 KPMG LLP Encore awards (National Projects)
- Member of the Society for Human Resource Management
- Member of HR Houston Association
Timeline
Consultant
HR Consulting
01.2024 - Current
Managing Director, Human Resources
BGE, Inc.
09.2020 - 12.2023
Sr. Director, HR Operations & Talent Management
Diamond Offshore Drilling
09.2019 - 04.2020
VP Human Resources, Buildings & Components
Cornerstone Building Brands (CBB)
01.2019 - 12.2019
Director, HR, and Communications - Global E & C Solutions, Americas
Air Liquide
06.2010 - 12.2018
HR Director, Business Services (Corporate)
Energy Future Holdings (EFH)
03.2008 - 06.2010
Human Resource Consultant
DM People Solutions
11.2006 - 12.2009
Area Human Resource Director (Southwest)
KPMG LLP
10.2003 - 10.2006
BBA - Management - Healthcare & Communications
Texas A&M University
Labor Relations & Union Avoidance Training - Labor Relations & Union Avoidance Certification
Cornell University
Employee Relations and California Law Training - Certification Prep
SHRM