GINA RUSSO
Summary
Diligent Regional Human Resources Business Partner with a proven track record in multi-unit and cross functional state support. Adept at implementing strategic HR initiatives that optimize workforce performance and foster positive employee relations. Demonstrated proficiency in talent acquisition and employee development.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Human Resources Business Partner
Bass Pro Shops
12.2023 - Current
- Manage a direct team of HR Managers, oversee 900+ employees and leadership teams all within California.
- Well versed in CA Law and reduced potential litigation risks by over 95%.
- Maintain 88% 180-Day retention rate.
- Investigate and liaise with legal department to respond to complaints of harassment, discrimination, employee grievances, and other sensitive issues and prepared position statements for EEOC.
- Assisted with the creation and roll out of leadership Training program to develop currently 30 newly hired leaders.
- Conduct regular compensation analysis to ensure internal equity and competitiveness within the market, making adjustments as needed to retain top talent.
- Champion change management efforts during organizational restructuring, supporting employees through transitions and maintaining productivity levels.
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
TRIMARK USA LLC
12.2022 - 11.2023
- Delivered HR Support to five business units, spearheading workforce planning, talent acquisition, and employee relations initiatives.
- Partnered with legal counsel to ensure strict compliance with US employment laws, including ADA, FMLA, and EEO, resulting in zero legal violations with 100% audit success rate.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance employee skills and engagement, resulting in 10% decrease in YTD employee turnover rate.
- Oversaw and managed geographically dispersed team of 500 employees spanning California, Arizona, and Montana, achieving 98% employee satisfaction rate.
- Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
Regional Human Resources Business Partner
TASTEA
01.2017 - 12.2022
- Steered HR strategies and business initiatives for 23 franchise locations and seven corporate stores, guiding 1,500+ employees, performance management, succession strategy, employee involvement, and diversity management.
- Served as driving force behind implementation of tracking system for improved management of FMLA, CFRA, Company Leave, Disability and Unemployment Claims.
- Collaborated with legal colleagues where appropriate to quantify risk factors, develop strategies to mitigate potential risk, and share best practices and insights.
- Built workplace safety prevention program that led to stronger OSHA compliance requirements and reduction of work-related injuries of 20%.
- Spearheaded 23 new franchise locations, increasing revenue by over 20% with system implementations.
- Introduced and facilitated exciting new training programs, including 'Building Leadership Skills', 'Train the Trainer', and 'Managing HR Compliance Standards'.
Senior Multi-Unit Operation Manager
TASTEA
03.2015 - 01.2017
- Oversaw the crucial aspects of store operations, including financial management, marketing strategies, and alignment with company culture and missions.
- Maintained financial accuracy while handling over $50k in daily revenue.
- Spearheaded launch of franchise division, which led to 23 new franchise locations.
- Oversaw store set-up accuracy and managed deadlines, training and development, financials and programs, HR necessities, educating on COGS, labor and forecasting, and marketing tactics.
- Fostered enduring relationships with each franchise owner to ensure profitable margins, ROIs, company compliance, and yearly goals were being maintained.
- Executed system implementations to quickly maneuver through COVID impacts, increasing revenue by over 20%.
General Manager
TASTEA
02.2014 - 03.2015
- Championed operational efficiency, guiding personnel through management, industry standards, and organizational protocols
- Oversaw team development, playing an integral role in recruitment, on-the-job coaching, and performance assessment initiatives.
- Managed seven corporate locations with over 100 team members, resulting in approximately 2% annual revenue growth.
- Reduced monthly store waste by 10%, managed delivery schedules, and performed risk analysis to improve overall profitability.
- Created new company training manuals and plans to create stronger training methods for new hires and supported succession plan for team member to become supervisor in under one year.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of La Verne
La VerneSkills
- HR policies implementation
- HR analytics
- Retention strategies
- Onboarding processes
- Labor law compliance
- Performance appraisals
- Talent Acquisition
- Managing employee relations
- Employee retention
- HRIS management
- Work culture enhancement
- Excellent communication
Affiliations
- Society of Human Resource Management
- California Chamber of Commerce
Certification
- SHRM-CP - SHRM Certified Professional, 2023
- SHRM Specialty Credential in CA LAW HR, 2023
- Business Management, UCLA, 2018
Timeline
Regional Human Resources Business Partner
Bass Pro Shops
12.2023 - Current
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
TRIMARK USA LLC
12.2022 - 11.2023
Regional Human Resources Business Partner
TASTEA
01.2017 - 12.2022
Senior Multi-Unit Operation Manager
TASTEA
03.2015 - 01.2017
General Manager
TASTEA
02.2014 - 03.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of La Verne