KRISTAN EATON, MPA
Summary
Accomplished and strategic HR executive with 20+ years of experience in reshaping HR functions, optimizing operations, and leading teams to achieve business goals. Proven ability to partner with executive leadership, drive organizational change, and align HR strategies with overarching business objectives. Skilled in managing complex HR initiatives across large, multi-site organizations, with a focus on employee engagement, performance management, talent acquisition, and workforce optimization. Trusted advisor and thought leader with deep expertise in fostering diverse and inclusive workplace cultures while maintaining high performance and operational efficiency.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director of Human Resources
SIU School of Medicine
01.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: Academic Healthcare, Springfield, IL
- Reporting to the Dean and Provost & CEO, supports 4,000 team members across clinical and academic operations
- Serve as the key HR partner to executive leadership, aligning HR strategies with business goals across clinical and academic functions
- Lead a team of 4 HR leaders and 20 professionals, ensuring HR services are integrated and aligned with organizational priorities
- Utilize data analytics to drive HR decision-making and forecast talent needs in support of strategic initiatives
- Advise leadership on workforce planning, retention strategies, and employee relations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
- Spearheaded change management efforts that resulted in seamless transitions during organizational restructures and new initiatives
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts to enhance organizational culture and associate experience
Director, Human Resources Business Partner
Advocate Aurora Health
06.2020 - 01.2024
- Company Overview: Healthcare System, Burlington, WI
- Supported two community-based medical centers with a combined 2,200 team members
- Partnered with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives, focusing on improving performance and engagement
- Led HR initiatives in talent acquisition, workforce development, and retention, driving operational efficiency and performance
- Collaborated with leadership teams to identify and address human capital needs through strategic workforce planning and DEI programs
- Drove team engagement through recognition programs and safety initiatives, improving associate satisfaction and retention
- Played a key role in strategic planning, advising on HR solutions for talent management, compensation, and benefits
Market Director of Human Resources
MercyOne Central Iowa
01.2019 - 06.2020
- Company Overview: Catholic Healthcare System, Des Moines, IA
- Led HR functions across multiple medical centers and clinics, overseeing 8,000 team members
- Directed all HR functions across multiple locations, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and operational objectives
- Developed and implemented workforce strategies that optimized labor resources, enhanced employee experience, and drove performance outcomes
- Led cross-functional teams in the development and execution of HR programs related to performance management, compensation, and leadership development
- Introduced data-driven approaches to HR decision-making, enhancing the effectiveness of talent management and operational performance
- Worked closely with leadership to create an inclusive, high-performance culture that prioritized employee engagement and retention
Director of Human Resources
Greene County Medical Center
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: Jefferson, IA
- Led HR operations for a critical access medical center with 300 team members
- Collaborated with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals, focusing on improving HR service delivery and operational outcomes
- Spearheaded initiatives to streamline HR processes, including compensation and PTO restructuring, and implemented a fully integrated HRIS/Payroll system
- Fostered a culture of trust and transparency, improving relationships with key stakeholders and driving organizational efficiency
- Led workforce planning and talent management strategies to ensure the center had the right talent to support its mission
Human Resource Manager
Mary Greeley Medical Center
02.2009 - 01.2016
- Company Overview: Ames, IA
- Supported HR functions for a community-based medical center with 2,000 team members
- Led the day-to-day operations of HR, focusing on recruitment, retention, employee relations, and performance management
- Implemented an automated applicant tracking system that reduced hiring time by 66% and improved cost efficiency
- Increased participation in employee engagement surveys, driving improvements in employee morale and performance
- Championed employee recognition and engagement programs, fostering a positive work environment and reducing turnover
Human Resource Generalist II
Mercy Health Systems
04.2007 - 02.2009
Education
Master of Public Administration -
Drake University
Des Moines, IABachelor’s - Human Resource Management
Judson University
Elgin, ILSkills
- Strategic Leadership
- Talent Acquisition Strategies
- Recruitment and Retention
- Engagement and Growth Strategies
- Equity and Inclusion Advocate
- Performance Management & Succession Planning
- Multi-Disciplinary Team Engagement
- Change Management & Organizational Development
- Collaborative Relationship Management
- Data-Driven Decision Making
Certification
SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional), Society for Human Resource Management
Volunteer Community Engagement
- 3-Day / 60-Mile Breast Cancer Fundraiser & Walk, 2011, 2013, 2022
- Member, Annual Employee Giving Campaign and United Way, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
- Co-Chair, Annual Employee Giving Campaign & United Way, 2012
- Core Member, St. Cecilia Catholic Church Lifeteen Youth Program, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- Presenter, Upward Bound Program, 2014
- Volunteer, Nicaragua Mission Trip, 2015, 2016
Timeline
Executive Director of Human Resources
SIU School of Medicine
01.2024 - Current
Director, Human Resources Business Partner
Advocate Aurora Health
06.2020 - 01.2024
Market Director of Human Resources
MercyOne Central Iowa
01.2019 - 06.2020
Director of Human Resources
Greene County Medical Center
01.2016 - 01.2019
Human Resource Manager
Mary Greeley Medical Center
02.2009 - 01.2016
Human Resource Generalist II
Mercy Health Systems
04.2007 - 02.2009
Bachelor’s - Human Resource Management
Judson University
Master of Public Administration -
Drake University
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