Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Affiliations
Certification
Generic

KAREN WHIDDON

Gulf Breeze,FL

Summary

  • Dynamic HR Director with 15 years of vibrant experience rocking human resources in Industrial, Hospitality, International Shipping, and Medical industries. I’m a master at crafting bold HR strategies and sparking game-changing initiatives, like rolling out leadership training for 400+ associates that skyrocketed sales by 27% and 34% in back-to-back years. Passionate about igniting talent acquisition, boosting employee engagement, and creating thriving, collaborative workplace cultures, I thrive on driving epic organizational wins with a splash of creativity and adaptability to ever-evolving business landscapes!

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate

Work History

Corporate HR Manager

Conhagen an Ovation Holdings Company
08.2019 - Current
  • Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and reduced administrative workload.
  • Managed benefits administration, resulting in cost savings and enhanced employee retention rates. Full Coverage and Self Funded
  • Coordinated employee engagement surveys, analyzing results to identify areas for improvement and guide future HR strategies.
  • Developed succession plans to ensure smooth transitions during periods of organizational change or key personnel departures.
  • Optimized payroll processing systems for accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
  • Spearheaded initiatives for talent acquisition, attracting top industry professionals to join the team.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution among employees, promoting a harmonious workplace culture.
  • Collaborated with management teams to align HR strategies with overall business objectives.
  • Conducted thorough performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to drive professional growth within the organization.
  • Updated training processes by reviewing existing documentation, leveraging feedback from associates and working with legal and compliance teams.
  • Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.

Director Of Human Resources

New Orleans Cold Storage (Lineage Logistics)
2015 - 08.2019
  • Launched company-wide HR strategies, practices and benefits and compensation policies to drive departmental and business objectives. Created the 1st HR department.
  • Monitored and handled all employee claims, including performance-based and harassment incidents.
  • Created and implemented initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Developed succession plans and promotion paths for all staff.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Devised hiring and recruitment policies for 320 employees ;company located in 3 states, 4 locations, and staff from 6 countries.
  • Created a user-friendly employee handbook that was easy to access and update annually.
  • Worked alongside global business leaders to deploy new training strategies.
  • Counseled leadership and offered actionable initiatives to reduce compliance-related issues addressing equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment.
  • Managed 6 employees across the compensation, benefits, HRIS and payroll departments to ensure optimal productivity.
  • Planned and launched large-scale events that boosted employee participation by 60%.
  • Incorporated employee feedback to improve processes and create long-term business plans.
  • Followed programs closely to assess effectiveness and make proactive changes to meet changing demands.
  • Collaborated with management to build and implement effective, modern employment policies.

Director Of Training/Human Resource Manager/Acting FOM

HILTON PENSACOLA BEACH GULF FRONT
03.2008 - 04.2012
  • Foster an environment in which guests enjoy a high level of service and employees are motivated to deliver excellent performance.
  • Promoted to a management position to recruit, train, and supervise 25+ customer service reps and uniformed service professionals.
  • Reduced staff turnover by 20% from 2010 to 2011, setting improvements in place to ensure staff retention due to the success of employee-development and morale-building programs.
  • Elevated guest-satisfaction index from 85%-97% in less than a year by ensuring swift resolution of customer issues to preserve customer loyalty while complying with company standards.
  • Assisted to Director of Finance in improving payroll methods and procedures.
  • Implemented TimeSaver timekeeping program for the Hilton properties and training management on daily payroll procedures.
  • Served on a special task-force "Blue Energy Committee" that focused on turning around under-performing employees and outlets.
  • Training CSRs and managers in Hilton Hospitality Standards that contributed to significant improvements in guest satisfaction and sales.

Director of Operations Rental Sales/Guest Service Manager

BEACH CLUB RESORT & SPA/PORTOFINO RESORT & SPA
04.2006 - 03.2008
  • Advanced within multiple departments and positions, culminating in a director role with oversight for a full-service resort operation that included; Front Office, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Spa, Human Resources, Accounting, and Gift Shop.
  • Directed 65+ employees.
  • Managed P&L, sales, inventory, marketing, and cost controls.
  • Maintained high standards in sanitation and safety while complying with regulatory guidelines.
  • Introduced a standardized training manual for each department to ensure consistency and minimize re-work.

Director Of Human Resources

SOUTHERN OAKS REHAB AND NURSING
01.2013 - 2015
  • Lead transformation of company perception of bureaucratic Human Resource office to one of value-added service and compassion.
  • Proven experience collaborating with senior management to conduct human resources strategic planning in support of corporate goals.
  • Created effective online record management system to track employee completion of continuing education courses and licensing.
  • Proven skills in labor and employer law including complaint investigation to thwart legal action.
  • Respond to employee questions and served as liaison to third-party agencies coordinating benefits and compensation processes.

Education

Bachelor Degree - Business Administration

PENSACOLA STATE UNIVERSTIY
PENSACOLA, FL

High School Diploma - undefined

SAINT SCHOLASTICA ACADEMY
COVINGTON, LA

Skills

  • Mentoring
  • Training and Development
  • Business Analytics
  • Acquisition Management
  • Marketing
  • Processes Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Conflict resolution
  • Organizational Development
  • Succession Planning
  • Compensation Structuring
  • Quality Assurance Controls
  • Budgeting
  • SHRM-SCP, SHRM Data Analytics

Timeline

Corporate HR Manager

Conhagen an Ovation Holdings Company
08.2019 - Current

Director Of Human Resources

SOUTHERN OAKS REHAB AND NURSING
01.2013 - 2015

Director Of Training/Human Resource Manager/Acting FOM

HILTON PENSACOLA BEACH GULF FRONT
03.2008 - 04.2012

Director of Operations Rental Sales/Guest Service Manager

BEACH CLUB RESORT & SPA/PORTOFINO RESORT & SPA
04.2006 - 03.2008

High School Diploma - undefined

SAINT SCHOLASTICA ACADEMY

Director Of Human Resources

New Orleans Cold Storage (Lineage Logistics)
2015 - 08.2019

Bachelor Degree - Business Administration

PENSACOLA STATE UNIVERSTIY

Affiliations

  • Participated in developing the Alumni Association for Pensacola State College
  • SHRM, NOLA, PENSACOLA, NorCal

Certification

  • SHRM-SCP - SHRM Senior Certified Professional
  • SHRM CA LAW Credential
  • SHRM PQM-People Manager Qualification
  • SHRM People Analytics Credential
  • Extreme Ownership-Certificate and Facilitator
  • WFLO-Graduate
  • Hilton Train the Trainer-Graduate and Facilitator

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KAREN WHIDDON