ELIZABETH ABEND
Human Resources Professional
New York,NY
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
COHEN & COHEN PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM
NY, NY
06.2025 - 12.2025
- Building human resources functionality from the ground up in a growing law firm
- HR tech review including benefits, compliance, ATS, HRIS, LMS
- High volume recruiting environment
- Conduct HR audit and inaugural employee engagement survey
Director of People & Compliance
SWEAT440
NY, NY
06.2025 - 12.2025
- Building human resources functionality in a rapidly expanding boutique fitness franchise
- Licensing, benefits, and compliance for new studio openings
- High volume recruiting environment, reducing time to hire by 15 days
- System development and creation for effective operations within existing studios
HR Director
FHITTING ROOM
NY, NY
09.2019 - 07.2024
- Coached executives and senior leadership through significant changes including extended studio closures during the pandemic, an acquisition, and subsequent workforce optimizations and studio closures
- Researched and conducted cost benefit analysis for payroll and HR systems, transitioned the organization to a Professional Employer Organization in three months, saving $10K in annual employment expenses while increasing benefit options for staff
- Led the full cycle human resources function for quickly expanding organization while creating learning & development opportunities for staff and re-vamping performance management program
- Created and led Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Group
- Talent development including recruiting, onboarding, continuous learning, and offboarding
- Won Top Workplace in NYC 2020
HR Manager
EPI BREADS
Dallas, TX
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Drove positive culture shift within the bakery, including reduction in turnover (115% to 75%) and increased engagement
- Managed human resource function for 250 employees while developing relationships with management from two other plants
- Restructured and created new systems for human resource department
- Developed and facilitated Leadership Training program for plant leadership
- Ensured payroll, benefits, worker's comp, unemployment, and recruiting process was streamlined and effective
- Employee relations activities including celebrating anniversaries/birthdays, event coordination, investigations, and employee appreciation days
HR Generalist
EARTHBOUND TRADING COMPANY
Grapevine, TX
07.2016 - 08.2017
- Developed and facilitated Leadership Training program for home office employees including Transitioning from Peer to Supervisor, Effective Feedback, Customer Service, Performance Appraisals, Delegation, and Coaching for Performance
- Facilitated Focus Groups monthly to help navigate organizational change and brainstorm solutions to common issues; make recommendations to stakeholders
- Managed staff of four to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and new hire onboarding process for 1500 employees
HR, Ajilon Staffing
FABRICLEAN SUPPLY
Dallas, TX
01.2016 - 07.2016
- Conducted a needs assessment and plan for training initiatives in a multi-state facility
- Created human resource structure and processes for a company that recently experienced rapid growth
- Administered payroll and benefits for all employees
- Improved compliance, particularly in the areas of ADA, employee documentation and I-9 accuracy
HR Generalist
CFCU COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
Ithaca, NY
01.2013 - 01.2015
Education
Master of Professional Studies - Organization Development and Change
01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Human Resource Concentration
01.2012
Certificate - Studio Program
01.1999
Skills
- ADP
- Lever
- Taleo
- Workday
- PeopleMatter
- TriNet
- PeopleSoft (Oracle)
- Kronos
- PayCom
- Paylocity
- PayChex
- Aetna
- United
- Cigna
- Lincoln
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CUNA Mutual
- Fidelity
- Mac
- PC
- Microsoft Office
- GoogleSuite
Professional Development
- Professional in Human Resources, 2026-10-31
- SHRM-CP, 2025-10-31
Summary
Strategic HR leader with deep experience building and scaling human resources functions in high-growth and complex environments, including legal services, fitness, retail, and manufacturing. Proven track record in full-cycle talent management, organizational development, and HR systems optimization, with a strong focus on recruiting, employee engagement, and performance management. Skilled in guiding executive leadership through change, improving operational efficiency, and driving measurable outcomes such as reduced time-to-hire and turnover. Adept at aligning HR strategy with business objectives while fostering inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.
Certification
- SHRM-CP - SHRM Certified Professional
- PHR - HRCI
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Director of Human Resources - COHEN & COHEN PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM
06.2025 - 12.2025
Director of People & Compliance - SWEAT440
06.2025 - 12.2025
HR Director - FHITTING ROOM
09.2019 - 07.2024
HR Manager - EPI BREADS
08.2017 - 05.2019
HR Generalist - EARTHBOUND TRADING COMPANY
07.2016 - 08.2017
HR, Ajilon Staffing - FABRICLEAN SUPPLY
01.2016 - 07.2016
HR Generalist - CFCU COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
01.2013 - 01.2015
Pennsylvania State University, World Campus - Master of Professional Studies, Organization Development and Change
Empire State College - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Human Resource Concentration
The American Musical & Dramatic Academy - Certificate, Studio Program