Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Memberships
Timeline
Generic
Jacqueline A. Cook

Jacqueline A. Cook

Milwaukee,WI

Summary

Dynamic executive with extensive experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors, specializing in human resources and academia. Proven track record of driving strategic initiatives and delivering impactful results through team collaboration, problem-solving, and adapting to evolving needs. Skilled in project management, stakeholder engagement, and process optimization. Known for reliability, strategic thinking, and leadership in complex environments, with entrepreneurial expertise developed through a passion for human resources, education, and law.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

President/Principal Consultant

J. A. Cook Consulting
04.2017 - Current
  • Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Conduct HR Audits: Strategic, Compliance and Performance
  • Plan, develop, and provide training, staff development using knowledge of the effectiveness of content, delivery methods and learner readiness.
  • Determine and formulate human resource policies and provide strategic and operational direction for public, private and nonprofit organizations.
  • Develop and coordinate comprehensive talent acquisition processes (including creating job descriptions, requisition, sourcing, recruitment, selection, and retention).
  • Conduct Readiness Assessments for DEI initiatives to determine appropriate organizational strategies and alignment to ensure goal achievement.

eCourse Facilitator

Cornell University
07.2022 - 07.2023

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Professional Certificate

Diversity and Inclusion for Human Resource

  • Supported academic success for all learners by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to each student''s unique strengths and weaknesses.
  • Monitored students'' comprehension levels through formative assessments and adjusted instructional strategies accordingly.
  • Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, allowing timely identification of areas requiring additional support.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades, keeping all relevant parties informed about performance trends.

Adjunct Faculty

Concordia University-Wisconsin
08.2016 - 05.2021

Batterman School of Business

Programs and Levels:

  • Business Admin. Human Resource Management, BA
  • Business Administration, BS
  • Business Administration, BA
  • Business Administration - General Business, BA

Faculty

Milwaukee Area Technical College
08.2006 - 12.2019

Wisconsin Technical College Systems - Faculty Quality Assurance Systems Certification Programs:

Human Resource, Business Management, Supervisory Management and Leadership, and Related Business

  • Supported academic success for all learners by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to each student''s unique strengths and weaknesses.
  • Monitored students'' comprehension levels through formative assessments and adjusted instructional strategies accordingly.
  • Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, allowing timely identification of areas requiring additional support.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades, keeping all relevant parties informed about performance trends.
  • Strengthened student retention rates by providing ongoing academic support and resources.
  • Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, catering to individual needs for optimal results.

MATC Core Committees (Shared Governance) 2000-2016

  • Shared Planning and Decision Making
  • Human Resource Core Committee
  • Certification Committee
  • Certification and Credentialing Joint Committee

Hiring Committees 2007-2016

  • HR Faculty, Chair
  • Director of ER and Diversity, Chair
  • Dir. Talent Acquisition and Diversity, Chair
  • Dean of Business, Co-Chair
  • Business Administration Faculty
  • Supply Chain and Logistic Faculty, Co-Chair
  • Marketing Faculty

AFT Local 212 Committees 2007-2010

  • Executive Committee
  • Collective Bargaining
  • Grievance Committee, Chair

HR Department Chair

Milwaukee Area Technical College
08.2013 - 08.2017
  • Lead the development of a program-to-program articulation agreement between UW-Milwaukee School of Education's Training and Development, BS Program (2014-2018). Over fifty students matriculated into the program transferring sixty-five credits.
  • Established a partnership agreement with the University of Milwaukee Lubar School of Business and SAP University Competence Center to incorporate enterprise resource planning (ERP) and practical application into the curriculum.
  • Awarded top-tier MATC Foundation Grant and developed the first multifunctional classroom/student lab in the School of Business.
  • Administered the charter process for the HR Student Organization; the first in the history of Wisconsin Technical College System
  • Recruited industry leaders for the HR Business Advisory Committee and responsible for all aspects of the committee including submission of required reports for publication.
  • Lead department in updating Course Outcome Summaries Process: Two-year cycle, reviewed by Advisory Committee, presented to curriculum department, and publication.
  • Prepared and presented HR program status report to MATC Board of Directors as needed.
  • Represented HR academic program for divisional, system-wide, and state required meetings

HR Program Coordinator

Milwaukee Area Technical College
08.2010 - 08.2013

Program Development

Curriculum Development & instructional Design

Courses Developed: Strategic Management, Business Ethics, Legal Issues and Employment Law, Recruiting and Selection, Training and Development

Courses Modified: Diversity and Change, Human Resource Management, Employee and Labor Relations.

Instructional Design: Courses were delivered in-person, online, or hybrid formats. Teaching methods included: direct instruction, modeling, role play, debates, group assignments, assessments and tests, and a practical application project for all core HR courses.

Program Management

  • Built smooth and productive working relations positively impacting department operations.
  • Spearheaded interdisciplinary collaborations to foster a well-rounded educational experience for students.
  • Implemented assessment tools to measure learning outcomes, informing data-driven decision-making within the department.
  • Collaborated with other departments on cross-discipline projects, creating enriching academic experiences for students across campus.

Adjunct Faculty

Concordia University Wisconsin
09.2005 - 12.2012

Batterman School of Business

Programs and Levels:

  • Business Administration, BS
  • Business Administration, BA
  • Business Administration - General Business, BA

Continuing Education and Professional Development

Certificates:

  • Fundamental Principles of Management
  • Leadership Development
  • Effective Business Communications


Adjunct Faculty

Cardinal Stritch University
09.2005 - 12.2012

School of Business

Programs and Levels

  • Business Administration, BBS
  • Business Management, BBA
  • Business Administration, AAS
  • Business Management, AAS
  • Small Business and Entrepreneurship, AAS

Continuing Education & Professional Development

  • Human Resource Management Certificate

HR Manager Special Projects/Sr Consultant

We Energies
05.2001 - 11.2004
  • Facilitated successful organizational restructuring, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption to operations.
  • Conducted comprehensive HR audits to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, mitigating risk of legal issues.
  • Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
  • Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
  • Presented findings and recommendations to executive-level stakeholders, effectively communicating key insights and action plans.
  • Designed and executed leadership development programs, preparing high-potential employees for future management roles.
  • Promoted diversity and inclusion within the workplace by initiating targeted training programs and implementing inclusive hiring practices.
  • Developed tailored training programs to enhance team skills and performance, addressing specific organizational needs.
  • Optimized payroll processing procedures for accuracy and timeliness using advanced software solutions.

We Energies June 1978 – November 2004

HR Consultant April 1999 – May 2001

HR Associate April 1998 – April 1999

Staff Assistant-Work Group Leader April 1993 – April 1998

Payroll Supervisor March 1990 – April 1993

Payroll Clerk July 1978 – March 1990

Reason for Leaving: Voluntary service to pursue career in higher education.



Education

Certification - Expires January 2027

Society of Human Resource Management
Alexandria, VA

Master of Legal Studies - Human Resources Management

Trinity Law School
Santa Ana, CA
12.2021

Professional Certificate - Diversity And Inclusion For HR

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
06-2021

Master of Science - Administrative Leadership - Continuing & Adult Education

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
08.2005

Bachelor of Arts - Management and Communications

Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, WI
05.2001

Skills

    Human Resource Management

  • Strategic and Human Resource Planning
  • HR Compliance and Risk Management
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Talent Acquisition and Management
  • Performance Management
  • Employee and Labor Relations
  • Change Management

    Human Resource Development

  • Training and Development
  • Performance Development
  • Career Planning and Development
  • Technology

  • Human Resources: ADP, Workday, and SAP ERP
  • Learning Management System: Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle

Professional Memberships

Society of Human Resource Management, March 2000 - Present

The Business Council, May 2019 - Present

African American Chamber of Commerce May 2019 - Present

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority - Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter, April 2005 - Present

American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, August 2010 - Present

American Association of Educators in Higher Education, August 2005 - Present

Milwaukee Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, April 2019 - December 2023

American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Professional Member,

December 2020 - December 2023


Timeline

eCourse Facilitator

Cornell University
07.2022 - 07.2023

President/Principal Consultant

J. A. Cook Consulting
04.2017 - Current

Adjunct Faculty

Concordia University-Wisconsin
08.2016 - 05.2021

HR Department Chair

Milwaukee Area Technical College
08.2013 - 08.2017

HR Program Coordinator

Milwaukee Area Technical College
08.2010 - 08.2013

Faculty

Milwaukee Area Technical College
08.2006 - 12.2019

Adjunct Faculty

Concordia University Wisconsin
09.2005 - 12.2012

Adjunct Faculty

Cardinal Stritch University
09.2005 - 12.2012

HR Manager Special Projects/Sr Consultant

We Energies
05.2001 - 11.2004

Certification - Expires January 2027

Society of Human Resource Management

Master of Legal Studies - Human Resources Management

Trinity Law School

Professional Certificate - Diversity And Inclusion For HR

Cornell University

Master of Science - Administrative Leadership - Continuing & Adult Education

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Bachelor of Arts - Management and Communications

Concordia University Wisconsin