I am a creative and curious individual with a solutions-oriented mindset and over 10 years of experience in employee benefits strategy. I possess excellent time management skills, and my background includes budget management, financial analysis, team building, project management, and process improvement. I have a proven track record of developing and implementing mental health and wellness programs while effectively leading teams. I excel in strategy, project management, and problem-solving, particularly within global manufacturing and nonprofit organizations. As an adaptable and innovative leader, I prioritize continuous improvement. My expertise includes implementing Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and a deep understanding of total rewards packages designed to attract, retain, and motivate top talent while ensuring compliance with relevant policies and legislation. I am self-motivated and thrive whether working independently or collaboratively in small and large groups.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National Sr Director of Total Rewards
Southwest Key Programs, Inc.
12.2023 - Current
I oversee total rewards programs, which include setting strategic direction, planning, designing, and communicating these initiatives
I develop new employee benefits philosophies and programs to address organizational and competitive concerns while ensuring their relevance
I lead a team that manages compensation, FMLA, ADA, LOA, health and welfare plans, open enrollment, and retirement plans
Manage vendors and negotiate contracts for wellness and recognition programs
Design, implement, and oversee wellness programs aimed at improving employee wellbeing
These programs include physical fitness, nutrition, stress management, health screenings, and mental health support
Evaluate and establish metrics that align with both strategic and operational goals
Build strong partnerships across functional teams to ensure compliance and enhance operational efficiency
Collaborate with cross-functional business leaders to advocate for proposals and recommendations to executives
Effectively manage relationships with vendors and carriers to ensure and maintain high service levels
Stay updated on benefits policies, procedures, and regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, DOL, and IRS guidelines
Comply with all relevant government rules and regulations, including retirement plan filings and Form 5500 submissions
I have a thorough understanding of audits and compliance-related filings
I stay informed about local market practices, trends, and requirements to maintain our competitiveness while ensuring adherence to financial and legal compliance standards
I develop communication materials about benefit programs, procedures, changes, and government-mandated disclosures
Additionally, I create, review, and revise Summary Plan Descriptions and related communications, as necessary
Conduct total rewards training and presentations directly for staff across the organization
Develop quantitative measures to evaluate benefits and wellness programs, ensuring we meet our performance goals
Focus on scalability by documenting and standardizing processes to achieve consistent, high-quality outcomes
Oversee strategy, analysis and administration, broker and carrier management, retirement plans, open enrollment, and vendor implementation
Coordinate the annual plan testing and gather information as the Third-Party Administrator (TPA) requested
I also manage the yearly audit of the 401(k) plan by the external audit firm and provide necessary information to the auditor
Assist with the bi-annual benefits request for proposal process and be available to address and resolve employee benefits issues as needed
Collaborate with the VP of Human Resources, CFO, and Director of Finance to manage the benefits budget
Manager, Total Rewards
Wilsonart
09.2021 - 12.2023
I analyzed survey data on market trends to ensure that the company's compensation strategy aligns with our objectives and goals while remaining competitive
I led the development, implementation, and administration of various employee benefit plans, policies, and procedures
This included the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) compliance, leave and accommodation policies, wellness programs, and management of self-funded and fully insured medical, dental, and vision plans
Additionally, I oversaw Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), dependent care, the onsite health clinic, Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), as well as 401(k), Roth, and Safe Harbor retirement plans
I evaluated vendor and third-party administration relationships to ensure they provide quality services, comply with internal processes and requirements, and meet service expectations
I also ensured that the company's compensation practices aligned with all relevant laws and regulations
In collaboration with my colleagues, I developed effective communication strategies to enhance employee awareness and understanding of our total rewards system
I also assisted in assessing and implementing new processes, technologies, and systems to improve HR operations and resource utilization
Working alongside global HR leaders and senior management, I designed and implemented compensation structures and incentive programs to drive performance and retention, including bonuses, commissions, and equity-based compensation
I participated in crucial initiatives such as annual merit and bonus programs, harmonizing job grades and levels, creating position-specific pay ranges, and evaluating technical and career ladders
This collaboration with business and HR leaders ensured consistency and internal and external equity
I contributed to developing and maintaining our global pay structure, considering the dynamic survey landscape, regional practices, and specific challenges faced by the company in various markets
I continuously monitored external trends and made recommendations for changes as needed
Director, Benefits
Southwest Key Programs, Inc.
08.2015 - 09.2021
I oversaw planning, designing, implementing, maintaining, and managing all benefits programs at Southwest Key Programs
I stay current on benefits policies, procedures, and regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, DOL, and IRS
Compliance with all relevant government rules and regulations, such as retirement plan filings and Form 5500s, is essential
Manage the daily operations and vendor relationships for all employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, spending accounts, and retirement plans
I educated employees about benefit plans to help maintain low costs for self-funded medical PPO plans
I managed a team of seven staff members, including a Benefits Coordinator and six Benefits Specialists
I provide guidance and support to regional HR leaders on all benefits-related matters
I developed and maintained strong working relationships with all HR leaders, HR business partners, payroll and finance teams, and other internal groups supporting the organization's HR department
I managed relationships with brokers and collaborated with them to continuously review plan designs for effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with market trends and regulations
I ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements, including year-end compliance testing for 401(k) and 457(b) plans, non-discrimination testing, ACA compliance, 1095-C Forms, plan audits, and required notices
Manager, Benefits
Goodwill Industries of Central Texas
11.2006 - 07.2015
I managed and administered various employee benefit programs, including life insurance, medical coverage, dental and vision plans, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) support, and short and long-term disability benefits
I configured the HR system to streamline the open enrollment process and manage qualifying events using Ultipro/Ultimate Software
I collaborated closely with payroll to create an accurate auditing system for employee deductions
I assisted employees with their 403(B) enrollment, loans, distributions, and rollovers and facilitated the annual audit of our company's 403(B) retirement plan
I ensured timely and accurate year-end compliance testing for the 403(B) plan
I played a role in employee retention and other human resources functions, overseeing the financial process for all benefits accounts and coordinating the annual renewal process
I conducted employee benefits orientation sessions during open enrollment and weekly new-hire orientations
I educated employees about their benefit options to help maintain low costs on self-funded medical PPO plans
I served as the primary point of contact for insurance companies, brokers, and employees, ensuring compliance with all regulations related to benefits throughout the year
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Saint Edwards University
Austin, TX
Skills
Proficient in HRIS Implementation
Extensive knowledge of total rewards packages, policies, and legislation
Self-motivation
Ability to work autonomously
Excellent communication skills
Respect for compliance and confidentiality
Creativity
Curiosity
Solutions-based mentality
Excellent time management skills
Strategy development
Team building strength
Project management
Process improvement
Execution
Excellent conflict resolution skills
Collaborative leadership
Team management
Policy development
Culture transformation
Managing Employee Benefits, Self-funded and Fully Insured
Retirement Plan Compliance and Implementation
Accomplishments
I worked with a team of ten to implement UKG Pro.
I collaborated with a team of twelve to implement UKG Dimensions.
I also partnered with a team member to automate the Ultipro Benefits and Employment Verification implementation through The Work Number.