Gweneth Kaminskas
Human Resources Leader
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced HR leader and strategic partner with expertise in aligning HR initiatives with business objectives to drive growth and efficiency. Skilled in navigating complex organizational challenges and providing guidance to cross-functional teams in finance, asset management, sales, marketing, legal, compliance, IT, and operations. Demonstrated success in building scalable HR infrastructure and implementing streamlined processes to optimize overall performance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
23
23
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Interim Chief People Officer
Blue Alliance
Cincinnati, OH
10.2024 - 02.2025
- Led development and execution of the organization’s people strategy to establish a foundation for scaling and future growth
- Reported to President and CEO, leading a team of three HR professionals, including the Director of People Operations, People Operations Coordinator, and Talent Manager
- Provided support to over 250 employees across five subsidiary companies
- Assessed all human resources functions, identified key gaps, and implemented targeted solutions across processes, procedures, technology, talent management, total rewards, compliance, performance reviews, career pathing, learning and development, and the employee lifecycle, resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness
- Reorganized the HR team to align individual strengths, skills, and capabilities with the organization’s strategic business objectives
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive performance review process, utilizing a performance review platform to streamline and automate operations
- Successfully executed the process within three months and achieved a 99% participation rate
- Consolidated technical tools from 10 to 4, resulting in annual savings of over $40K for the organization
- Lead the shift in moving benefit renewals from mid-year to a calendar year, aligning all subsidiary companies on the same renewal schedule helping to streamline and simplify the process for employees
- Enhanced and automated both the onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure consistent and comprehensive experience across all subsidiary companies
- Developed and executed comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures for HR-related tasks, ensuring clarity and consistency for both internal teams and external clients
- Collaborated with the VP of Communications to develop and implement communication plans, ensuring consistent and clear messaging regarding changes, action items, and updates impacting employees
- Advised leadership on best practices
- Proactively networked to build relationships outside of the organization to help identify potential future partnerships
- A rapidly growing MSP investment firm with private equity backing
- Collaborated cross-functionally with other departments to support organizational alignment on people strategy goals and objectives effectively.
- Supported organizational growth by designing scalable human resources strategies that aligned with business objectives.
- Streamlined HR operations for improved efficiency through the implementation of modern technology platforms and tools.
- Facilitated successful policy implementation and enforcement to maintain legal and operational compliance.
Senior HR Advisor
INTALEGENCE Consulting
Chicago, Illinois
02.2024 - 09.2024
- Provide solutions to private-equity and private-equity-backed portfolio companies on HR Core Functions: HR Strategy, Talent Road Mapping, HR and Talent Functionality, Performance Management and KPIs, HR Technology, and HR Processes and Procedures
- A Chicago based People Solutions firm that serves Small to Mid-Cap Private Equity, and their portfolio companies, with EBITA ranging from $4M to $20M
- Conducted thorough workforce analyses to identify skill gaps and address future staffing needs proactively.
VP, Human Resources
Sterling Bay
Chicago, Illinois
07.2021 - 01.2024
- Reported to the CEO, managed a team of three while supporting up to 200 employees across multiple departments including marketing, leasing, asset management, legal, accounting, property management, and development services
- Implemented technology to support HR initiatives including Paycor, a robust human capital management tool; Circa (formerly DiversityJobs), a talent acquisition tool and HR compliance tool for diversity recruiting; Lattice, a performance review platform; and Wex, a benefits administration platform for pre-tax reimbursements and COBRA administration, resulting in increased efficiencies and streamlined processes
- Designed and implemented performance review process: 360 reviews, upward reviews (employee reviews manager), and traditional downward reviews (manager reviews employee), which resulted in robust, measurable data to help leaders make better informed decisions regarding staffing
- Developed and led processes for employee lifecycle: recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding
- Hired over 50 full-time employees in the first year
- Collaborated with CMO on branding onboarding presentations, company swag, and HR materials
- Collaborated with CFO, CCO, and General Counsel to create and implement company policies
- Identified and set goals for recruiting, educating staff, and increasing community involvement to align with ESG policy
- Built Behavioral Threat Assessment Team and Emergency Preparedness Team through collaboration with Head of Security and Managing Director of Risk Management resulting in clearly defined policies around managing an emergency and reporting concerning behavior
- Trained in using WAVR-21, an assessment tool for determining a threat-level, and well-versed potential solutions to concerns
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
Human Resources Manager
Flexpoint Ford
Chicago, IL
09.2020 - 07.2021
- Reported to Chief Administrative Officer, managed three team members while supporting over 50 employees across accounting, finance, and operations in both Chicago and New York City
- Led HR function and managed all HR responsibilities
- Implemented HRIS, Paylocity, and pre-tax benefit administrator, HealthEquity
- Collaborated with Fidelity to implement more robust retirement benefit offerings
- Created recruiting, hiring, and onboarding processes resulting in successfully placing five full-time employees
- Developed and streamlined performance review process resulting in higher participation and increased engagement
- Managed and vetted employee relations concerns, conducted investigations, mediated disputes, and resolved issues
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align HR initiatives with overall business goals and objectives.
- Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
- Implemented customized performance management systems, providing ongoing feedback and development opportunities for employees.
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency, reducing paperwork and manual tasks through automation.
Human Resources Partner
Willis Towers Watson
Chicago, Illinois
09.2019 - 09.2020
- Reported up to Human Resources Director, supporting over 200 employees in investment, risk, and reinsurance (IRR) across the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain
- Led training for People Managers and Colleagues on utilizing global HR technology (Oracle), WTW tiered HR model
- Created professional development presentations; presented on HR data analytics: attrition, retention, and market trends
- Led compensation calibration sessions with Talent Advisors and IRR Leaders for mid-Year and year-end compensation decisions
- Advised on severance packages related to reduction in force and involuntary terminations
- Managed all global mobility activity (cross-border moves) for IRR line of business ensuring work visas were issued and employees were compliant with laws and local jurisdictions
- Developed policies and procedures that aligned with company values while maintaining legal compliance in all HR-related matters.
- Collaborated with leadership teams to identify workforce planning needs and create effective staffing strategies.
- Supported organizational change initiatives by facilitating clear communication between employees at all levels during times of transition or restructuring events.
- Conducted exit interviews with employees leaving company to gauge areas of success and opportunities for improvement.
Human Resources Business Partner
CallisonRTKL
Chicago, Illinois
07.2016 - 08.2019
- Reported up to CHRO, oversaw two team members, supporting up to 100 employees across multiple departments: commercial, residential, healthcare, hospitality, workplace, and interior design
- Collaborated with VPs to identify skill gaps on teams and recruiting needs
- Led recruiting, hiring, and onboarding processes
- Drove performance-related discussions, including 30/60/90-day check-ins with new hires, semi-annual and annual talent review calibration sessions with senior leaders, and informal one-on-ones with staff
- Identified high potential, high performing employees for succession planning and/or promotion determination and skills deficits that required training or development
- Advised on incentives, compensation, and bonus potential for new hires and performance-related increases/promotions
- Directed monthly all staff meetings; wrote and delivered meeting agenda, communicated local and firmwide updates, celebrated employee/project achievements, and shared strategy behind decision making
- Created learning and development opportunities, which ranged from identifying outside vendors offering continuing education credits, to facilitating mentoring on a micro and macro level; matching mentors with mentees, coordinating small group discussions, hosting large group events, and office-wide activities
- Managed open enrollment and employee benefit offerings medical, dental, wellness, FSA, HSA, FMLA, STD, LTD, 401(k), and commuting
- Built and managed annual Chicago office operating budget
Human Resources Manager
Westward360
Chicago, Illinois
01.2010 - 07.2016
- Reported to President, managed a team of five employees while supporting over 50 employees across multiple departments: property management, real estate, customer service, accounting, operations, and legal
- Implemented Paychex Flex: managed payroll, approved all paid time off requests, organized employee reviews, took new hires through the onboarding process, and assisted employees with selecting and signing up for health insurance and 401K benefits
- Managed recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding employees
- Developed and implemented cross-departmental training program and wrote corresponding training manual
- Created performance review template, implemented, and managed performance review process
- Researched and designed total rewards program
- Led non-profit organization: managed all event planning and gift giving for WESTarity
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align HR initiatives with overall business goals and objectives.
- Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset.
- Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
- Implemented customized performance management systems, providing ongoing feedback and development opportunities for employees.
- Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
DePaul University
Chicago, IL 09.2006 - 06.2025
Associate of Arts - Communications
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 09.1998 - 12.2002
Skills
Strategic leadership
Onboarding programs
HR technology
Workforce planning
Organizational development
Talent management & Succession Planning
Performance management systems
Recruitment strategy & Talent acquisition
Team collaboration
Effective communication
Leadership development & Coaching
Exit interviews and processes
Verbal and written communication
Adaptability and flexibility
Excellent communication
Problem-solving abilities
Time management
Onboarding, training, and development
Creative problem-solving
Certification
PHR - Professional Human Resources Certificate, HRCI
Timeline
Interim Chief People Officer
Blue Alliance
10.2024 - 02.2025
Senior HR Advisor
INTALEGENCE Consulting
02.2024 - 09.2024
VP, Human Resources
Sterling Bay
07.2021 - 01.2024
Human Resources Manager
Flexpoint Ford
09.2020 - 07.2021
Human Resources Partner
Willis Towers Watson
09.2019 - 09.2020
Human Resources Business Partner
CallisonRTKL
07.2016 - 08.2019
Human Resources Manager
Westward360
01.2010 - 07.2016
Master of Arts - Education
DePaul University
09.2006 - 06.2025
Associate of Arts - Communications
University of Iowa
09.1998 - 12.2002