FELICIA NANETTE GROSS
Bowie,USA
Summary
With SHRM-SCP certification and 20+ years of HR experience, I offer extensive expertise in providing strategic and operational support to senior-level executives and employees across the organization. Responsibilities include overseeing recruiting, benefits, performance management, and compensation programs to ensure alignment with the company's vision and values. Regular analysis of HR data and metrics allows me to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. My passion lies in empowering individuals to thrive personally and professionally by utilizing skills in conflict resolution, coaching, and mental health first aid. I facilitate healing and growth, fostering an environment of empowerment and success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
President
VIRTUOUS ENTERPRISE, LLC
05.2023 - Current
- As a consultant, provide strategic and operational HR support to senior-level executives and employees across all levels of organizations in both the private and non-profit sectors
Director, Human Resources
RLJ LODGING TRUST
09.2016 - 05.2023
- Company Overview: a publicly traded, multi-billion-dollar, hospitality REIT
- Responsible for the strategic and operational aspects of Human Resources Management
- Manage the recruiting process inclusive of, working with hiring managers to determine staff needs; prepare job descriptions; interface with search firms; identify potential candidates; and drive salary negotiations
- Manage the company's benefits programs, including 401(k), health insurance and disability insurance programs
- Regularly analyze current benefit offerings in order to modify and enhance benefit programs in a manner that promotes employee retention while minimizing the company's financial responsibilities
- Manage the performance appraisal process, inclusive of reviewing all performance appraisals for effective performance ratings and feedback; resolve grievances regarding the appraisal process; and provide counseling to employees and supervisors as needed
- Manage the compensation program and make recommendations on compensation adjustments per market research; prepare necessary documentation of the adjustments
- Manage compliance by developing and implementing personnel policies and procedures; coordinate annual compliance trainings and/or certifications; respond to internal and external audit requests; and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor-related laws
- In conjunction with the SVP of Administration, develop and implement the company's training and development programs
- Manage employee relations inclusive of carrying out investigations and coaching as appropriate; interfacing with associates to manage morale, employment issues, etc., and develop recommendations on strategies to address; and implement strategies to increase employee satisfaction and enhance employee engagement
- Serve as the primary contact for Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives
- Serve as back-up for Stock & Payroll Administrator in the preparation of payroll; serves as back-up for SVP of Administration in reviewing payroll responsible for communicating salary changes, new hires, and terminations to Stock & Payroll Administrator
- In conjunction with the SVP of Administration, prepare the annual budget for the department; responsible for tracking and managing the HR line items
- Provide management oversight to members of the Administration team
- A publicly traded, multi-billion-dollar, hospitality REIT
Human Resources Manager
NTVI FEDERAL, INC.
05.2015 - 01.2016
- Responsible for the administration of HR Operations inclusive of Compliance Reporting; Learning & Development; Recruitment; Compensation Management; Performance Management; and Employee Relations
- Managed HR Operations staff
- Participated in the implementation of ADP Workforce Now HRIS and Employee Self-Service System
- Participated in the implementation of BizLibrary online learning and development system
- Participated in staffing and compensation components of proposal preparation
- Organized outplacement services for employees impacted by multiple rounds of staff reductions
- Backdate corrections for two years of compliance reporting (VETS-100, EEO1, and AAP)
Sr. Human Resources Business Partner
ENGAGEPOINT, INC.
07.2013 - 04.2015
- Functioned as trusted advisor for senior and executive level management on HR related matters
- Responsible for quarterly appraisal process inclusive of, coordinating timelines, reviewing each appraisal for effective and appropriate ratings and feedback, analyzing end results of all data by department and for overall organization
- Provided coaching to managers on developing Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) when needed
- Tracked and monitored the progress of employees placed on PIPs
- Responsible for learning and development efforts from individual contributor up to manager level
- Responsible for addressing employee relations issues and providing appropriate coaching and counseling
- Responsible for maintaining corporate compliance in areas specific to HR, such as diversity, work authorization and government reporting requirements
- Responsible for compensation management inclusive of ensuring positions are accurately priced, maintaining internal equity, and assisting with promotions
- Responsible for immigration matters (H1B, OPT, L1B, B1, and Green Card)
- This was inclusive of liaising with outside immigration attorney on all immigration matters; tracking, coordinating with beneficiaries, and properly advising executive management and recruiting team on immigration matters
- Partnered with HR Director on strategic corporate initiatives
- Corporate HR point of contact for St
- Paul, MN and Little Rock, AR offices
Human Resources Director
HEALTHCARE IT, INC.
05.2009 - 05.2013
- Responsible for building the organization's human resources department from the bottom up
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for all HR functions
- Developed and maintained the employee handbook to ensure that all policies are written in a manner that provides clarity, is compliant with federal and state laws, and minimizes liability to the organization
- Developed necessary training, inclusive of benefits orientation and policy awareness
- Functioned as a strategic business partner by advising executive management on HR related compliance matters, participate in strategic planning sessions, and advise on the overall impact business decisions will have on the organization
- Managed the recruitment, on-boarding, and employee relations activities of infrastructure employees as well as employees assigned to work on-site at client locations
- Implemented and managed the performance management process
- Implemented and managed rewards and recognition programs
- Implemented and managed the organization's community involvement initiative
- Redesigned the organization's benefit offerings in a manner that met the needs of current employees and attracted potential employees while minimizing costs
- Functioned as benefits administrator
- Managed the relationship of employees with both each other and management, resolved behavioral and performance related disputes, and maintained ethical compliance
- Conducted salary analysis in order to assess the organization's standing with the general marketplace and made salary recommendations to hiring managers based on experience, market rates, and internal equity
- Developed and updated job descriptions
- Conducted exit meetings of voluntarily terminating employees in a manner that allowed me to capture information that was helpful to reducing attrition while involuntary terminations were carried out in a manner to make certain that employment laws were followed, and employees maintained a level of dignity in a difficult situation
- Performed responsibilities associated with processing of general ledger accounting, accounts receivable & accounts payable, payroll, and taxes
- Arranged and prepared for audits as required and/or appropriate
Independent Consultant - Human Resources & Administration Management
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF THE NATION'S CAPITAL
12.2008 - 05.2009
- Wrote employment policies that minimized liability and complied with federal and state laws in a manner consistent with organizational culture
- Developed and implemented procedures to improve efficiency, minimize costs, and provide maximum effectiveness throughout the organization
- Analyzed HR and Operations practices in order to identify deficiencies and implement corrective measures
- Advised CEO on resolving high level employment relations issues
Human Resources Generalist
HELLER EHRMAN LLP
12.2007 - 10.2008
- Company Overview: Firm Dissolved 11/08
- Responsible for Human Resources operations for Washington, DC and Madison, WI offices
- Managed full cycle recruiting process for professional staff
- Managed new hire on-boarding process, inclusive of proper grade classification; new hire orientation; and background investigation process
- Administered reward and recognition programs
- Coached managers on effective performance management practices and disciplinary processes
- Investigated charges of compliance issues, policy and procedure violations and made (and implemented when necessary) appropriate recommendations
- Documented and managed Leaves of Absences and/or work accommodations in compliance with firm policy as well as federal and state laws such as ADA and FMLA
- Coordinated the professional staff performance review process, providing managers with consultation on appropriate documentation and accurate ratings
- Provided guidance and support to all staff in the areas of employee relations, compensation, benefits, and proper interpretation of firm policies and procedures as well as employment law
- Firm Dissolved 11/08
Human Resources Coordinator
GRANT THORNTON LLP
03.2006 - 08.2007
- Maintained data integrity by ensuring personnel data entry activities occurred accurately and on schedule
- Identified systemic or processing issues and recommended new procedures and/or controls to resolve
- Provided regular data reporting and analysis as well as responded to ad hoc information requests
- Ensured the consistent application of policies and procedures that relate to the HR function
- Managed the on-boarding process of new employees
- Reviewed completed background investigations and brought resolution to discrepancies and violations
- Managed the quarterly employee recognition program
- Coordinated various in-house learning events and functioned in the role of Logistics Administrator for both firm and non-firm sponsored learning events
- Tracked, processed, and provided guidance on Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements
- Tracked, processed, and ensured compliance for the Educational Assistance Reimbursement program
- Functioned as HR representative on various special projects
Sr. Office Administrator
NATIONAL ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL ASSOCIATION
11.2004 - 10.2005
- Managed the administrative support staff
- Tracked employee leave and prepared monthly leave reports
- Assisted the Meeting Planning department on an as needed basis
HR Coordinator II
XO COMMUNICATIONS
10.2000 - 11.2004
- Was responsible for being well versed in all of the HR policies and procedures in order to inform and assist employee base of 5,000+
- Managed the company's ethical compliance complaint process
- Prepared business unit, specific HR reports and/or presentations as needed to assist senior executives with making key business decisions
- Collected, formatted, and analyzed data to support various HR activities, such as reorganizations and severance activities
- Used project management tools and technology to assist with managing various projects and activities
Staffing Coordinator
XO COMMUNICATIONS
10.2000 - 11.2004
- Was prime liaison between 100+ hiring managers, national recruiting team of seven, and multiple 3rd party vendors
- Performed staffing coordinator duties for nine departments throughout 27 geographic areas
- Drove overall streamlining of recruiting process
- Managed the company's pre-employment background investigation & drug screening process
- Processed staffing requisitions and job postings
- Processed offer packages for new hires
- Updated all applicant status changes in the Oracle HR system
- Worked with the HR Data Integrity team to ensure that all applicants were transferred to employees
Education
Doctor of Ministry - Soul Care
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC05-2023
Master of Divinity - Urban Ministry And African American Church Studies
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC05-2019
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
University of Maryland University College
Adelphi, MD05-2014
Skills
- Leadership team building
- Organizational leadership
- Strategic planning
- Operational excellence
- Integrity and ethics
- Employee relations
- Operations oversight
- Vendor sourcing and negotiations
- Crisis management
- Staff training
- Company representation
- Strategic visioning
- Process improvement
Affiliations
- Society for Human Resource Management
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Community of Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church
Certification
Society for Human Resource Management - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Prepare/Enrich Facilitator
Timeline
President
VIRTUOUS ENTERPRISE, LLC
05.2023 - Current
Director, Human Resources
RLJ LODGING TRUST
09.2016 - 05.2023
Human Resources Manager
NTVI FEDERAL, INC.
05.2015 - 01.2016
Sr. Human Resources Business Partner
ENGAGEPOINT, INC.
07.2013 - 04.2015
Human Resources Director
HEALTHCARE IT, INC.
05.2009 - 05.2013
Independent Consultant - Human Resources & Administration Management
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF THE NATION'S CAPITAL
12.2008 - 05.2009
Human Resources Generalist
HELLER EHRMAN LLP
12.2007 - 10.2008
Human Resources Coordinator
GRANT THORNTON LLP
03.2006 - 08.2007
Sr. Office Administrator
NATIONAL ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL ASSOCIATION
11.2004 - 10.2005
HR Coordinator II
XO COMMUNICATIONS
10.2000 - 11.2004
Staffing Coordinator
XO COMMUNICATIONS
10.2000 - 11.2004
Doctor of Ministry - Soul Care
Wesley Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity - Urban Ministry And African American Church Studies
Wesley Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
University of Maryland University College
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