Katie Russo
Rocklin,CA
Summary
Accomplished HR executive committed to fostering inclusive workplace cultures and driving organizational success. With a track record of strategic leadership and innovation, I specialize in developing and implementing HR strategies that align with business objectives and enhance employee engagement. My experience spans talent acquisition, performance management, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development. I thrive in dynamic environments, leveraging data-driven insights to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. Known for my flexibility, creativity, and ability to develop compelling business plans and cases to support new HR initiatives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director Talent Acquisition
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders
2022.04 - 2023.09
- Developed and implemented comprehensive talent strategies for a nationwide organization, overseeing a 40-person team responsible for recruiting across corporate positions, 200 centers, and three schools
- Advised executive leadership on strategic initiatives, including employee relations, workforce planning, employee development, talent management, technology solutions, compensation, benefits, and training programs
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders and external consulting agencies to drive change management initiatives and implement innovative talent solutions, enhancing organizational effectiveness and efficiency
- Led developing and implementing key metrics and data analysis techniques to identify trends, drive accountability, and optimize recruitment processes, resulting in a 75% reduction in hiring needs, a 50% decrease in costs, and a 300% improvement in time-to-fill roles
- Strategically reduced the talent acquisition team by 50%, achieving significant cost savings while improving results and enhancing employee retention through streamlined processes and optimized resource allocation
- Negotiated contracts and managed the budget for recruiting expenses, fostering improved vendor partnerships and generating annual cost savings exceeding $500,000
- Served as the project manager for integrating a new background check process, ensuring seamless implementation and compliance with regulatory requirements
- Conducted competitive benchmarking and adjusted internal compensation to maintain competitiveness while maximizing cost efficiency
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, enhancing hiring practices and ensuring an exceptional candidate experience for all applicants
- Spearheaded a social media revamp and brand management strategy, resulting in a 20% increase in followers and a 30% boost in website traffic, elevating brand visibility and engagement.
District Director
TJ Maxx, TJX Companies
2020.01 - 2022.03
- Led significant organizational changes to support two markets and successfully managed modifications required by the pandemic
- Recruited, hired, and developed store management, solving operations, human resources, and merchandising issues promptly
- Assessed staff knowledge, skills, and abilities, coordinated regular skill training, and implemented reinforcement techniques to address gaps and opportunities, improving customer satisfaction by 10%
- Used data analysis to determine approaches to improve sales and performance, resulting in a 15% sales increase
- Coordinated and refined business operations for recruiting, interviewing, and hiring district staff, improving people analytics
- Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters and teams nationally to maintain consistent messages and experience for stores and customers.
Senior District Director
Target Corporation
2010.08 - 2019.01
- Oversaw operations for a portfolio of 15 stores across California and Nevada, driving annual sales exceeding $500 million
- Managed P&L control, operational processes, customer service, merchandising strategies, hiring, training, talent development, and culture
- Spearheaded innovative training programs focused on core business strategies, resulting in the district leading the company in year-over-year sales growth
- Chosen as a test market for field structure, providing invaluable feedback for structure and implementation, ensuring successful rollout across 1750 stores nationwide
- Developed and executed intentional succession plans, fostering a diverse bench of talent to support the California and Nevada markets' long-term growth and stability
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership by hiring top-tier candidates and cultivating a culture of empowerment, recognition, and empathy
- Achieved the lowest district-exempt turnover rate out of 175 districts, resulting in a highly engaged and motivated team.
District Director
Target Corporation
2008.11 - 2010.08
- Managed a diverse portfolio of 12 retail stores across Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota, achieving annual sales totaling $450 million
- Provided strategic guidance and support to 75 exempt leaders, fostering a culture of stewardship and accountability to drive business success
- Led efforts to deliver sustainable long-term growth, prioritizing shareholder value through effective operational management and talent development initiatives
- Utilized data-driven insights to navigate and thrive during the economic downturn of 2009, surpassing company-wide sales performance benchmarks
- Implemented innovative organizational structures and streamlined operating processes, resulting in a $9 million increase in sales while reducing salary expenses
- Demonstrated proficiency in succession planning, facilitating ten internal promotions to key leadership positions within the district
- Enhanced profitability and efficiency by leveraging data analysis to identify and address areas of improvement, resulting in notable reductions in shortage and optimization of workplace operations.
Group Operations Director
Target Corporation
2007.02 - 2008.11
- Directed business operations and logistics strategies across expansive territory spanning eight states, generating annual revenues of $3 billion
- Collaborated closely with distribution center partners to optimize logistics efficiency and accelerate sales/productivity within region
- Provided strategic guidance to 7 Senior District Directors and 81 Store Directors, fostering culture of excellence and accountability
- Spearheaded pilot programs to drive operational excellence, offering valuable feedback to ensure successful implementation before company-wide rollout
- Cultivated collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders to swiftly identify and address market gaps, resulting in significant improvements to top-line sales and profit margins
- Recognized as company trainer for Operational Directors, contributing to enhanced business process performance and organizational effectiveness
- Led operational improvements that eliminated need for offsite storage facilities, delivering annual cost savings of $4 million.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Justice Systems
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO05.2001
Skills
• Strategic Partnerships
• Tactical Planning
• Business Plans Development
• Business Cases Preparation
• Workforce Planning
• Performance Assessment
• HRIS Workday Integration
• Employee Engagement
• Employee Relations
• Talent Management
• Compensation and Benefits
• Recruiting
• Collaborative Team Leadership
• Creative Problem-Solving
• Presentation Skills
• Cultural Awareness
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Healthcare
• Complex Program Implementation
• Brand Marketing
Websites
Accomplishments
- Exceptional Team Building: Cultivated high-performing, engaged teams, achieving best-in-class results by fostering collaboration, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose. Empowered individuals to excel and collectively drive organizational success.
- Strategic Process Optimization: Spearheaded initiatives to streamline operations, create best practices, and reduce workload and costs. Leveraged data-driven insights and cross-functional collaboration to identify inefficiencies, implement innovative solutions, and optimize workflows.
- Transformational Leadership: Led by example in driving transformative change across various organizational functions. Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration to improve processes and enhance employee and candidate experience.
- Empowering Coaching and Development: Played a pivotal role in coaching and developing leaders and employees to maximize their potential and deliver exceptional results. Provided guidance, support, and mentorship to equip individuals with skills and confidence.
- Strategic Cost Reduction: Implemented strategic initiatives to reduce costs while maintaining or improving operational efficiency and effectiveness. Achieved significant cost savings exceeding $500,000 annually through renegotiating contracts, optimizing vendor partnerships, and process improvements.
- Business Plans and Cases: Developed comprehensive business plans and cases to support new HR initiatives, securing approval and funding from senior leadership.
Community Service
- Community Relations Leader, Target Corporation, 2012, 2018
- Event Coordinator and Social Media Manager, National Charity League, 2023, 2024
Hobbies and Interests
- Walking, Hot Yoga, and Fitness Classes: Committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity, including daily walks, hot yoga sessions, and various fitness classes.
- Rescue Dogs: Passionate about animal welfare and actively involved in rescuing and fostering dogs, providing them with loving homes.
- Volunteering with National Charity: I regularly volunteer with my daughter for the National Charity, instilling the values of community service and empathy.
- Traveling: I am an enthusiastic traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures and destinations, which broadens my perspective and enriches my personal growth.
Timeline
Senior Director Talent Acquisition
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders
2022.04 - 2023.09
District Director
TJ Maxx, TJX Companies
2020.01 - 2022.03
Senior District Director
Target Corporation
2010.08 - 2019.01
District Director
Target Corporation
2008.11 - 2010.08
Group Operations Director
Target Corporation
2007.02 - 2008.11
Bachelor of Science - Justice Systems
Truman State University
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