GEORGE D. SYLVESTER II
Douglasville,Georgia
Summary
Experienced Senior Associate with analytical and flexible approach to solving problems. Decisive leader driven to optimize processes and streamline operations for team efficiency. Proven track record of excelling in employee relations and change management. Expert in driving diversity initiatives and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Skilled in HR analytics, fostering high-performing teams, and implementing leadership development programs, resulting in improved employee engagement and retention.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr Associate People Experience Principal
Further Worldwide, LLC
10.2024 - 08.2025
- Defined and executed HR strategies aligned with business objectives, improving organizational effectiveness and productivity.
- Led talent acquisition initiatives, supporting diversity goals and organizational needs.
- Designed and implemented leadership development programs, fostering high-performing teams.
- Drove change management during restructuring and mergers, ensuring smooth transitions.
- Advocated for DEI initiatives, improving employee engagement and retention.
- Conducted complex investigations and recommended disciplinary actions.
Sr. Human Resources Business Partner
ClearCaptions, LLC
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Strengthened talent capability through coaching and leadership development.
- Facilitated employee relations and conflict resolution, ensuring compliance with legislation.
- Developed and analyzed HR metrics to drive improvements in employee relations and talent management.
- Led high-level investigations and collaborated with legal and compliance teams.
- Standardized HR policies and processes for scalability and efficiency.
Sr. Employee Relations Partner, The Americas
Medtronic, Inc.
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Counseled and partnered with employees and management across all levels on a wide range of employee relations matters, ensuring alignment with company practices, policies, and local labor legislation.
- Developed and led proactive workplace initiatives and strategies, including workplace investigations, performance improvement and discipline processes, end-of-employment/restructuring, labor relations, crisis management, and conflict resolution.
- Managed high-level investigations and presented recommendations to the Global Employee Relations team for further action.
- Collaborated with Compliance to ensure risk mitigation and contributed to positive work environments by leveraging data, addressing areas of opportunity, and minimizing risk.
- Played a key leadership role in restructuring initiatives, resulting in employee transitions.
Regional Employee Relations Partner, Central Region (COVID Employee Relations Experience)
Medtronic, Inc. – Remote Contractor
12.2020 - 09.2021
- Provided expert guidance and partnership to employees and management on COVID-related matters, ensuring compliance with Medtronic practices, policies, and local labor legislation.
- Advised site leaders and managers on COVID cases and workplace concerns, including administration of ELP/ETO vs PTO.
- Managed escalated COVID matters, including diagnosed cases, and ensured appropriate actions regarding cleaning, contact tracing, and communication.
- Collaborated with Medical Affairs and Legal Counsel to ensure compliance with Medical/CDC guidelines and initiate risk avoidance.
- Advised leadership on corrective measures to deter abuse of Leave Programs and identify frequent users.
- Recommended policy and process improvements, acknowledged high-performing case managers, and conducted weekly audits to identify errors in case reporting and health status.
- Managed a team of 2–5 direct reports.
Regional Employee Relations Consultant/HRBP – Southeast and Midwest Regions
AmTrust Financial Services Inc.
07.2019 - 08.2020
- Provided expert consultation and guidance to managers and employees on diverse and complex employee-related matters, including performance management, attendance issues, disability ER issues, corrective action, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, progressive discipline, workplace investigations, policy violations, and terminations.
- Facilitated resolution of employee concerns to mitigate legal exposure and maintain a fair, safe, and engaging work environment that delivers strong business results.
- Led complex, high-risk confidential investigations related to employee issues and claims, prepared investigative summaries, and made recommendations on next steps and appropriate actions.
- Identified and analyzed employee relations data and metrics for themes, trends, and root cause identification.
- Shared findings with key partners to develop and deliver integrated plans that link to organizational and people strategies.
- Acted as a trusted advisor to management, providing strategic guidance on sensitive employee relations cases and ensuring compliance with company policies and employment laws.
- Developed and implemented solutions to address recurring employee relations issues, contributing to improved workplace culture and reduced risk.
- Collaborated with HR centers of excellence and legal teams to ensure thorough investigations and appropriate resolutions.
- Delivered training and coaching to managers on best practices for handling employee relations matters and progressive discipline.
- Utilized data-driven insights to identify trends and proactively address potential issues before escalation.
- Advised management on employee relations policies and procedures.
- Analyzed employee feedback to improve workplace culture.
Human Resources Business Partner
Delta Dental Insurance Company
07.2016 - 03.2018
- Supported talent management, career planning, and organizational development for 700+ employees, ensuring alignment with business goals and employee growth.
- Designed and implemented cross-functional HR solutions to address organizational needs, streamline processes, and improve overall HR service delivery.
- Partnered with department leaders to identify workforce gaps, develop succession plans, and facilitate leadership development programs.
- Advised managers and employees on HR policies, compliance, and best practices, ensuring adherence to company standards and employment laws.
- Facilitated employee relations and conflict resolution, promoting a positive and productive work environment.
- Analyzed HR metrics and data to identify trends, recommend improvements, and support strategic decision-making.
- Led initiatives to enhance employee engagement, retention, and performance management processes.
- Collaborated with management to align HR strategies with business goals.
- Facilitated employee relations by addressing concerns and resolving conflicts.
Education
Master’s - Human Resources Management
DeVry University
10-2013
BS - Education & Management
Florida State University
12-2000
Skills
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- Talent acquisition and workforce planning
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Change management and organizational restructuring
- Leadership development and coaching
- HR analytics and metrics
- Compliance and risk management
- Performance management
- Succession planning
- Policy development and standardization
Certification
- SHRM-CP (Society of Human Resources Management), 07/01/14
- Currently Pursuing SHRM-SCP, 2026
Timeline
Sr Associate People Experience Principal
Further Worldwide, LLC
10.2024 - 08.2025
Sr. Human Resources Business Partner
ClearCaptions, LLC
10.2023 - 09.2024
Sr. Employee Relations Partner, The Americas
Medtronic, Inc.
09.2021 - 07.2023
Regional Employee Relations Partner, Central Region (COVID Employee Relations Experience)
Medtronic, Inc. – Remote Contractor
12.2020 - 09.2021
Regional Employee Relations Consultant/HRBP – Southeast and Midwest Regions
AmTrust Financial Services Inc.
07.2019 - 08.2020
Human Resources Business Partner
Delta Dental Insurance Company
07.2016 - 03.2018
Master’s - Human Resources Management
DeVry University
BS - Education & Management
Florida State University