Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Media & Speaking Engagements
Work Availability
Timeline
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Kynnee  Golder Wallace

Kynnee Golder Wallace

Chicago

Summary

Knowledgeable HR Executive and Operational Leader with strategic vision and extensive background driving organizational growth and operational efficiency in multinational settings. Led transformative initiatives that streamlined processes, fostered innovation, and advanced scalable workforce solutions. Provided full organizational oversight of a $30M workforce development initiative, cultivating partnerships and navigating complex systems to drive impact across programs, communities, and institutions. Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills as a trusted advisor to boards and senior teams, consistently leveraging analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to align people, systems, and culture with corporate objectives.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
3
3

Certifications

Work History

CEO/Principal Consultant

Global HR Business Solutions
02.2021 - Current

Company Overview: A boutique HR consulting firm specializing in organizational transformation, workforce development, and compliance for enterprise and mid-sized organizations.

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to executives across industries, aligning HR strategies with organizational objectives and enterprise-wide change initiatives.
  • Lead design and deployment of HR analytics dashboards and reporting systems to inform leadership decisions and drive workforce performance.
  • Guide clients through complex organizational transformations, including compensation restructuring, leadership pipeline development, and global mobility programs.
  • Develop DEI frameworks and corporate social responsibility initiatives to position clients as employers of choice in competitive markets.
  • Led organizational design and workforce planning for multi-site operations across North America, EMEA, and APAC.
  • Deliver national workshops, trainings and presentations on leadership development, advancing workplace inclusion and building equitable workforce development systems.
  • A boutique HR consulting firm specializing in organizational transformation, workforce development, and compliance for enterprise and mid-sized organizations.
  • Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
  • Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Established new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products or services.

Executive Director

548 Foundation
11.2023 - 03.2025

Company Overview: A $30M workforce development nonprofit advancing clean energy and equitable job creation across Illinois through multi-site training programs and strategic partnerships with government and industry.

  • Served as chief executive, driving organizational initiatives, developing enterprise HR strategy, delivering programmatic and operational excellence
  • Acted as primary organizational ambassador, cultivating strategic partnerships with government agencies, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to advance influence and resource development
  • Designed and launched innovative workforce programs, including the CEJA Clean Jobs Workforce Network and Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship, impacting over 300 participants annually.
  • Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
  • Scaled operations from one to seven locations across Illinois and grew core staff from five to 30+, while building and leading a high-performing executive team spanning HR, finance, operations, and program delivery.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
  • Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
  • Directed HR strategy organization-wide, driving talent acquisition, succession planning, DEI initiatives, and alignment with multi-jurisdictional compliance standards.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
  • Oversaw complex grant management and financial governance processes, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
  • Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
  • Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
  • Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
  • Evaluated program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions.
  • Optimized performance management systems for better alignment with organizational goals and employee expectations.
  • Maintained compliance with employment laws and regulations through continuous monitoring of legal updates and prompt implementation of required changes.
  • Increased diversity within the workforce by promoting inclusive hiring practices and supporting various diversity initiatives.
  • Supported succession planning efforts by identifying key roles within the organization that required proactive talent pipeline development strategies.
  • Promoted a culture of learning within the organization by offering various professional development opportunities to employees at all levels.
  • Developed comprehensive onboarding procedures to ensure smooth integration of new hires into the organization.
  • Developed effective internal communication strategies, keeping employees informed and engaged on company updates, policies, and initiatives.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive human resources policies and procedures in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

Board Member

Chimes Foundation
08.2021 - 06.2023

Company Overview: A nonprofit supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, employment, and community living.

  • Contributed HR and operational expertise at the board level, supporting governance and strategic initiatives.
  • Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decision making.
  • Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
  • Assisted with development of organizational budgets and resource allocation plans.
  • Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
  • Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.

Board Member

I Believe in Me Mentoring Program (IBIM)
01.2017 - 01.2022

Company Overview: A youth-focused nonprofit that mentors underserved boys through structured academic, emotional, and leadership development.

HR Policy & Program Advisor (2021 – 2022):

  • Advanced HR policy, program development, and mentor recruitment.
  • Enhanced board effectiveness by implementing innovative strategies and best practices.

Director of Fundraising and Program Development (2017 – 2020):

  • Led strategic fundraising and program scaling efforts.
  • Reviewed financial reports, budgets, and audit results to monitor the organization''s fiscal health.
  • Strengthened governance structures, reviewing and updating policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.

HR Business Partner

Johns Hopkins Medicine
05.2016 - 09.2021
  • Partnered with executive leadership and board members to align HR strategy with organizational goals and enterprise-wide initiatives.
  • Independently directed the organization's global mobility program supporting international expatriate assignments and compliance in the United Kingdom, Middle East, South America and China.
  • Led performance management initiatives and succession planning strategies to align talent development with institutional objectives.
  • Facilitated communication between employees and management by conducting regular feedback sessions and addressing concerns proactively.
  • Conducted thorough job analyses to develop accurate and detailed job descriptions for new hires.
  • Identified HR training needs and conducted training for employees and leadership while recommending approaches to effect continual improvements in business objectives, productivity, and within company to reach business goals.
  • Administered benefits programs, optimizing cost-effectiveness while providing valuable offerings to employees.
  • Advised senior management on organizational development and change management initiatives.
  • Investigated and liaised with legal department to respond to complaints of harassment, discrimination, employee grievances, and other sensitive issues and prepared position statements for EEOC.
  • Partnered with legal counsel to ensure compliance with employment regulations, reducing potential liability risks for the organization.
  • Managed conflict resolution processes to maintain a positive work environment and resolve employee disputes effectively.

Education

MBA - Human Resources Management

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
10.2026

Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts

Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD
08-2001

Skills

  • Effective decision making
  • Operational excellence
  • Client focus
  • Strategic visioning
  • Leadership and people development
  • Operations management
  • Executive leadership
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Media relations
  • Systems organization
  • Human resources
  • Policies and procedures

Certification

  • SHRM-CP, Society for Human Resources Management, 2015 - present (expires 8/31/2028)
  • PHR, HR Certification Institute, 2015 - present (expires 8/31/2028)
  • Just Culture Champion and Trainer, Outcome Engenuity, 2019 - present

Media & Speaking Engagements

Featured Presenter

  • Workshop: How to Structure an Apprenticeship Program for Solar Installers and Technicians – Midwest Solar Expo (2025)
  • Workshop: Advancing Workplace Inclusion: Addressing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity – EEOC EXCEL Training Conference (2024)
  • Presenter: G-Force Mastermind : From Good to Great Elevating Entrepreneurial Success – (2022)


Panelist

  • Baltimore Means Business: Contracts, Negotiations & Business Tools Panels (2022, 2023)


Media Features

  • SunCast Media (2025): Building a Diverse Solar Workforce Through Partnerships
  • Chicago Sun-Times (2024): 548 Foundation’s Solar Training Program Prepares Chicagoans for Clean Energy Jobs
  • Energy News Network via Canary Media (2024) The Sky is the Limit: Solar Program Opens New Opportunities for Chicago Trainees
  • Lattice (2022): How to Be Transparent About Compensation

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Executive Director

548 Foundation
11.2023 - 03.2025

Board Member

Chimes Foundation
08.2021 - 06.2023

CEO/Principal Consultant

Global HR Business Solutions
02.2021 - Current

Board Member

I Believe in Me Mentoring Program (IBIM)
01.2017 - 01.2022

HR Business Partner

Johns Hopkins Medicine
05.2016 - 09.2021

MBA - Human Resources Management

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts

Coppin State University