Judith A. Kennedy
Elmira,NY
Summary
An innovative out-of-the box thinker with 20+ years in human resources management. Proven record of success in interviewing, staffing, training, benefits, wage and salary administration in a variety of sectors including union and non-union environments and Fortune 500 companies. Demonstrated experience initiating cost containment strategies resulting in significant savings. Self-motivated with the ability to excel in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively at all levels; manage competing priorities, and adapt readily to new challenges.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Human Resources
Welliver McGuire, Inc.
11.2021 - Current
- Human Resources point of contact for 150-200 employees including 60 managers
- Provide guidance and direction to management on employee relations, compensation, benefits, training, eeo/ada, diversity, employee development, performance management, policy interpretation, disability assistance, and succession planning
- Developed and implemented an Annual Performance evaluation process based on core competencies which helped to identify training needs
- Administer the onboarding process of newly hired employees by initiating pre-employment checks, drug screening, and first-day orientation to acquaint them within the company’s operational policies and procedures
- Drove the development of a comprehensive job evaluation system to ensure salary consistency and equity across the company to ensure compliance with NYS Pay Transparency laws
- Stay abreast of all applicable legal and regulatory reporting requirements affecting HR activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to employment
- Initiated the automation of OSHA 30, OSHA 10, first aide, hazwoper, CPR, aerial lift, forklift, and sexual harassment training documents.
- Designed and implemented an innovative first-week onboarding program for new hires,fostering cross-departmental collaboration by involving employees from all departments in the training process.
- Leveraged Microsoft Task Planner to streamline onboarding tasks,ensuring an organized and efficient integration experience for new employees.
- Collaborated with IT to develop a comprehensive resume database, enhancing applicant tracking capabilities throughout the hiring process.
- Directed college recruiting efforts by leveraging employees who were alumni of target schools,establishing lasting connections with academic institutions to attract high-caliber talent.
- Collaborated with IT to develop and implement automated PTO request workflows on SharePoint, streamlining the approval process and enhancing operational efficiency.
Director, Human Resources
Woodbrook Assisted Living Residence, Inc.
01.2009 - 11.2021
- Direct all Human Resources activities including hiring, selection/training, benefits/compensation administration, employee relations/events, safety, and HRIS/Payroll for a non-profit healthcare facility
- Ensure compliance with New York State Department of Health Regulations
- Handle employee terminations, grievances and other difficult situations in a sensitive, fair and respectful manner, working closely with the Board of Directors, supervisors, and management
- Organized and revitalized Woodbrook’s Employee Relations program by hiring staff, establishing procedures & protocols, organizing records/files/documentation, and establishing positive relations with the union
- Handled seamless implementation of ADP’s Workforce Now software ensuring data integrity and payroll/labor accuracy
- Provided guidance and coaching to management on company policies, employment regulations, performance management, and disciplining and corrective action
- Initiated programs which included behavioral interviewing and 60 day stay interviews for all new hires
- Developed a Pay-for-Performance system for management which included a rating scale
- Increased Employee morale through Employee Recognition & Incentive Program which included annual awards, anniversary gifts, and appreciation luncheon
- Reduced turnover by 18 percent by developing strategies that addressed 'hiring right' and retention needs
- Completed all Pre-employment testing on new hires which consisted of Fingerprinting, Physical, Drug screen, TB test, reference checks to meet State Audit (Department of Health) requirements
- Reported monthly, quarterly, and annually to the Board of Directors
- Testified on behalf of the Employer during Arbitration Hearing resulting in a win
Assistant Store Manager
Sears & Roebuck
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Responsible for running a $6.5 million apparel business consisting of 9 departments
- Managed 5 Leads and 4 full-time & 15 Part-time non-exempt employees
Senior Human Resources Manager
Kaufmann’s Department Store
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Successfully led and directed a team of 10 Executives in the hiring, training, and staffing of 200 employees for a newly opened $12.8 million store
- Coordinated and implemented internal transfers, and promotions
- Served as an internal consultant
- Managed yearly appraisal process, including training all managers in the appropriate application process
- Managed worker’s compensation programs, including hearings and litigation
- Identified training and development needs of new hires and implemented a 4-week program designed to retain new employees
- Reduced full-time turnover by 79% and part-time by 40% from 2001-2004
- Ensured compliance with the regulatory agencies and labor laws and reduced accidents, keeping all levels of management aware of corporate and individual responsibilities relevant to Workers’ Compensation, ADA, EEO, FMLA, and OSHA
- Recipient of United Way awards in recognition of strong leadership role in increasing participation and dollar donation which helped to increase community campaigns
- Delivered an increase in sales over plan ranking #1 out of 101 stores in the company division in 2005
- Effectively managed Expense/Wage administration, resulting in average in-hire wage $.13 better than goal from 2004-2005
- Created a 'Got Service' campaign which was instrumental in not only increasing employee morale but customer Service by 9.1 points over the previous year
Human Resources Manager
Kaufmann’s Department Store
01.1995 - 01.2000
- Successfully led and directed a team of 8 Executives in the hiring, training, and staffing of 150 employees for a newly opened $15.0 million store
- Managed the 'mystery shop' program and distributed appropriate awards to staff
Assistant Store Manager
Hess’s Department Store
01.1993 - 01.1994
- Responsible for overseeing Operation/Human Resources functions for a $10 million store, including planning and implementation of the store's payroll budget, managed store during liquidation due to sale, effectively maintaining the morale of the employees
Assistant Store Manager
Hess’s Department Store
01.1992 - 01.1993
Merchandise Coordinator
Hess’s Department Store
01.1991 - 01.1992
Assistant Buyer
Hess’s Department Store
01.1990 - 01.1991
Management Trainee
Hess’s Department Store
05.1990 - 08.1990
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University at Buffalo
Skills
- Labor Relations
- Chief Contract Negotiator
- Benefits & Compensation
- OSHA Management
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Federal & State Labor Laws
- Performance Review Compliance
- Facility Management
- Disciplinary Action Issues
- Strategic Human Resources Leadership
- HRIS/ADP Payroll
- Budget Planning
- Internal communications
- Employee relations
- Benefits administration
- HR analytics
- HR technology
- Onboarding programs
- Recordkeeping
- Program development
- Analytical thinking
Affiliations
- Society Human Resources Management (SHRM), Member
- Human Resources Association of the Twin Tiers (HRATT), Member
- Southern Tier Mutual Aid Emergency Management Steering Committee, Member, 01/2015-11/2021
Timeline
Director, Human Resources
Welliver McGuire, Inc.
11.2021 - Current
Director, Human Resources
Woodbrook Assisted Living Residence, Inc.
01.2009 - 11.2021
Assistant Store Manager
Sears & Roebuck
01.2006 - 01.2009
Senior Human Resources Manager
Kaufmann’s Department Store
01.2000 - 01.2006
Human Resources Manager
Kaufmann’s Department Store
01.1995 - 01.2000
Assistant Store Manager
Hess’s Department Store
01.1993 - 01.1994
Assistant Store Manager
Hess’s Department Store
01.1992 - 01.1993
Merchandise Coordinator
Hess’s Department Store
01.1991 - 01.1992
Management Trainee
Hess’s Department Store
05.1990 - 08.1990
Assistant Buyer
Hess’s Department Store
01.1990 - 01.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University at Buffalo
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