James Michael

• Assisted veterans and their dependents with completing documentation for claims, ensuring timely and efficient access to benefits.
• Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries from veterans, families, and community partners, providing vital information about available support resources.
• Facilitated a community network by connecting government, non-profit, and private veteran service organizations through a board of representatives focused on veteran needs.
• Increased communication and promoted greater cooperation among organizations delivering services to veterans in the Central/Southeastern Kentucky area.
• Collaboratively identified and addressed gaps in programs and services for veterans, ensuring their needs are met.
• Led engaging workshops focused on the resources and services offered by USA Cares and the Department of Veterans Affairs, empowering participants with essential knowledge.
• Fostered strong collaborations with community partners to deliver comprehensive support services to veterans, creating an integrated network of resources and assistance.
• Equipped community board members with information on available resources, enhancing the accessibility and visibility of services.
• Organized community forums, titled “Vets Connecting,” where veterans and service providers could share knowledge and learn from each other.
• Planned and developed community events aimed at raising awareness and support for veterans.
• Advocated for veterans by developing strategies to lobby for essential programs, resources, and legislation that benefit the community.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised a diverse team of chapter managers and volunteers for local and national veteran fundraising events, enhancing operational effectiveness.
• Played a key role in securing over $4.5 million in donations, significantly contributing to programs that assisted more than 2,800 veteran families in crisis.
• Boosted fundraising productivity by 70% through a strategic approach that included innovative community and national events, budgeting acumen, enhanced marketing initiatives, and relationship-building with
  corporations, donors, and government agencies.

• Interviewed individuals to assess their needs and determine eligibility for shelter programs.
• Connected individuals with appropriate shelter programs, housing resources, and support services based on their assessed needs.
• Maintained records of client intake and program participation.
• Worked closely with other staff members, social service agencies, community organizations, and local government to ensure clients received comprehensive support.
• Managed and monitored program activities, oversaw medication management, conducted drug and alcohol testing, taught men's Bible and financial management classes, and provided transportation to appointments.

Senior Advisor
Fort Campbell, KY
09/2022 - 07/2023

• Responsible for the health and welfare, morale, family support, and discipline of over 900+ soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and Contractors
• Analyzed data and generated reports on operational metrics, providing insights for decision-making and process improvement
• Identified areas for improvement within existing processes and developed strategies to address inefficiencies
• Implemented quality control measures to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Led change management initiatives during periods of organizational growth or restructuring, ensuring smooth transitions for employees
• Designed comprehensive training programs for staff members at all levels; ensured consistent skill development throughout the organization
• Collaborated with HR on talent acquisition strategies and participated in the recruitment process for key operational roles
• Facilitated communication between senior leadership and subordinates to clearly understand directives and expectations.
• Mentored junior HR professionals on best practices within the field, contributing to their professional development journey as future leaders in the industry.

Ceremonies Director
Fort Campbell, KY
08/2021 - 08/2022

• Directed ceremonial support for a workforce of over 15,000+ personnel across the second-largest military base in the world.
• Developed detailed event timelines, schedules, and production plans to ensure smooth operations during the event lifecycle.
• Utilized project management software/tools to track progress, manage tasks, and allocate resources efficiently across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Conducted site visits before events to assess logistics requirements such as layout design, audiovisual setup needs, seating arrangements, etc.
• Coordinated transportation logistics, including arranging shuttle services or coordinating parking facilities for large-scale events attended by thousands of participants.
• Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, sponsors, speakers, and vendors, to ensure successful collaboration throughout the event lifecycle.

Assistant Human Resources Director
Fort Campbell, KY
10/2020 - 07/2021

• Led a team of 50+ HR professionals in successfully executing talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations programs.
• Managed all compensation and benefits administration aspects, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and industry best practices.
• Partnered with department heads to identify staffing needs, create job descriptions, conduct interviews, make hiring decisions, and onboard new employees effectively.
• Served as a trusted advisor guiding complex HR issues such as employee relations, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Mentored and coached HR team members to enhance their skills, performance, and career growth opportunities.
• Developed and delivered training programs on sexual harassment prevention, diversity awareness, veteran transition benefits, and leadership development.

Personnel Manager
Sioux Falls, SD
08/2018 - 09/2020

• Led a team of 45 highly skilled employees, delivering exceptional HR support to over 3,000 military recruits each year to support our nation's defense.
• Oversaw daily operations, including physical security and force protection, drug and alcohol prevention programs, equal opportunity, personnel and awards programs, supply management, training management, mail operations, and facilities management.
• Project Manager for multi-million-dollar government contracts for construction, supply, lodging, meals, and transportation while strictly adhering to federal and state laws, timelines, and budgets.
• Mentored and coached operations managers on leadership skills, fostering professional development within the department.
• Led crisis management efforts during emergencies or unforeseen events; ensured minimal disruption to operations while prioritizing employee safety.
• Implemented data-driven decision-making processes, utilizing analytics tools to identify trends and make informed business decisions.

Personnel Manager
Fort Knox, KY
07/2016 - 07/2018

• Oversaw an organization of nine directorates and sixteen special staff sections, employing 8,500 personnel to support eight brigades and 275 battalions throughout the United States and U.S. territories.
• Managed all operations for a multi-location organization, including budgeting, staffing, and performance management.
• Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality across all locations.
• Developed and implemented employee training programs to enhance skills and knowledge within the organization.
• Conducted regular performance evaluations of staff members, providing feedback and coaching for professional development.
• Implemented comprehensive safety programs to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and U.S. Army and OSHA regulations.

Senior Human Resources Manager
Fort Knox, KY
03/2015 - 06/2016

• Provided human resources and logistical support to over 3,500 soldiers, DA civilians, and contractors
• Managed new hire programs, awards, evaluations, vacation requests, talent acquisition, personnel accountability, promotions, and HRIS.
• Created and delivered training programs on diversity and inclusion, sexual harassment prevention, and leadership development.
• Conducted audits of HR processes to ensure compliance with company policies and federal/state regulations.
• Developed and maintained HR metrics dashboard to track key performance indicators such as turnover rate, time-to-fill, and training effectiveness.
• Served as a strategic partner to the senior leadership team, providing guidance on HR matters that align with business objectives.

Program Manager
Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
03/2014 - 03/2015

• Assisted in the functional design and development of the U.S. Army's groundbreaking Integrated Personnel and Pay System (IPPS-A), a $1.67 billion project that transformed military payroll and personnel management.
• Collaborated closely with senior military leaders and government officials to improve the understanding and implementation of human resources policies and programs across the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard.
• Served as the primary subject-matter expert on military human resources functions, utilizing strong analytical skills and advanced problem-solving techniques to effectively address and resolve complex operational challenges.
• Rewrote, edited, collected, and consolidated 31 stovepipe business processes into one re-engineered business process that utilizes the U.S. Army's first-ever HR Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution.
• Developed and maintained program documentation, including reports, schedules, and status updates.
• Provided support and guidance to program participants, addressing their concerns and needs.

Senior Human Resources Manager
Fort Knox, KY
06/2012 - 03/2014

• Provided Human Resources support to 700+ personnel,
• Supervised and trained 12 HR professionals and managed $5.5 million in equipment,
• Coordinated and facilitated personnel readiness to deploy 400 soldiers to support deployment to Afghanistan.
• Investigated employee complaints or concerns related to discrimination or harassment allegations, ensuring prompt resolution.
• Developed and facilitated diversity training programs promoting an inclusive workplace culture,
• Served as a strategic partner to the senior leadership team, guiding on HR matters that align with organizational objectives,
• Managed daily office operations, including scheduling appointments, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence.
• Collaborated with the higher-level HR department to ensure compliance with employment laws/regulations and maintain accurate personnel records,
• Managed inventory of office supplies and replenished stock as needed to ensure smooth operations,
• Managed, sorted, and distributed incoming and outgoing mail to appropriate departments, ensuring timely delivery.

Recruiter
Manchester, NH
10/2009 - 05/2012

• Conducted phone and face-to-face interviews to assess applicants' relevant knowledge, skills, experience, and aptitudes
• Contacted leads, conducted interviews, performed reference and background checks, and counseled applicants on career paths
• Organized job fair events that attracted diverse talent pools, increasing the U.S. Army's reach within local communities
• Managed a team of recruiters, providing guidance, training, and mentorship to improve overall performance and achieve departmental goals
• Ensured compliance with all applicable local, state, and Federal laws and regulations
• Analyzed market trends and competitor data to identify areas for improvement in recruiting strategies
• Identified qualified candidates through various channels such as colleges, staffing agencies, social media, job referrals, and recruitment events
• Established the U.S. Army tutoring program to help academically challenged individuals pass the aptitude test for military enlistment

• Tank Platoon Supervisor responsible for the discipline, training, morale, health, and welfare of a team of 16 members, four M1A1 Main Battle Tank Crews, and assigned equipment valued at over $10 million.
• Provided comprehensive training to U.S. Army soldiers and foreign allies in advanced combat strategies and techniques, physical fitness, and marksmanship training programs.
• Performed combat operations and provided security in various environments, including urban, desert, and mountainous terrain, while maintaining composure under high-stress conditions.
• Increased mission success rate, utilizing effective reconnaissance tactics to gather valuable intelligence on enemy positions.
• Managed risk factors effectively, applying keen situational awareness to mitigate potential hazards during operations.
• Directed collection, organization and application of field intelligence and combat data to enhance troop safety and operational success.
• Provided humanitarian aid by coordinating relief efforts with local partners, distributing supplies, and offering emotional support to affected individuals.
• Maintained high physical fitness levels to meet demanding operational requirements and ensure optimal performance under challenging circumstances.
• Supported career advancement opportunities for subordinates, providing guidance on professional development plans.