Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Education Certification
Recognitions Awards
Additional Work History
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic
Lacy DeBerry

Lacy DeBerry

Toledo,OH

Summary

Seasoned senior management professional with 25+ years of experience providing human resources, employee relations, staff development, and educational services. Strategic-thinking individual experienced in turning low-performing organizations into top revenue producers. Offering engaging and pleasant personality with expertise improving customer relationships.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

City of Toledo
04.2022 - Current
  • Leading dynamic program to serve organizations in the community
  • Conducted a work culture where diversity goals were developed and achieved
  • Supervised 4 managers for operations in four divisions
  • Fiscally responsible for $1,000,000 budget annually
  • Introduced software for contract and compliance and incident management tracking
  • Represented organizational objectives at community events
  • Coordinated services with unions, employee groups, departments, etc
  • Developed strategic plans in collaboration with disparity study results
  • Collaborated with HR and other departments to conduct studies and complete investigations.
  • Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.

Employee Relations Consultant II

City of Greensboro
10.2007 - 03.2022
  • Develop strategies that address both internal and external challenges that are likely to adversely affect City of Greensboro ability to achieve the goals and objectives
  • Provide leadership development training that is consistent with the leadership principles and values needed to establish and maintain a positive employee relations climate
  • Develop and install structural systems (e.g
  • Standardized policies and procedures, accountability processes, dispute resolution, employee surveys and other feedback mechanisms) that support a productive and positive work environment
  • Provide timely counsel to site leadership on communications and systems management
  • Provide on-site support to any site experiencing employee relations issues, including but not limited to union issues, management support
  • Provide counsel on hourly compensation, benefits, policies and working conditions.
  • Coached supervisors on effective conflict resolution techniques, promoting a more harmonious work environment for all staff members.
  • Managed exit interviews to gain insight into areas for improvement within the organization.
  • Oversaw investigations into discrimination, sexual harassment or other workplace claims.
  • Improved company culture by fostering open communication and providing training on diversity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination practices.
  • Implemented team feedback to recommend corrective action to senior leadership.
  • Devised robust training programs to strengthen investigatory skills, legal understanding, and motivational strategies.
  • Led cross-functional teams tasked with addressing complex employee relations issues such as harassment claims or workplace safety concerns.
  • Provided expertise on labor and employment laws to help employers make more effective decisions.
  • Developed comprehensive onboarding programs that ensured new hires felt welcomed and supported in their roles.
  • Mediated discussions between employer and employee representatives in attempt to reconcile differences.
  • Promoted employee welfare by maintaining proper protocols throughout investigations and disciplinary procedures.
  • Reduced workplace conflicts by conducting thorough investigations and mediating disputes between employees and management.
  • Reduced grievances and arbitration needs by educating frontline managers on techniques for enhancing interactions between labor and leadership.
  • Developed performance metrics and dashboard interfaces to keep track of internal benchmarking and progress against goals.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction by developing and implementing effective personnel policies and procedures.
  • Facilitated change management processes for organizational restructuring, leading to smoother transitions for impacted employees.
  • Promoted harmonious working climate to boost morale and productivity.
  • Served as a trusted adviser to executive leadership, providing guidance on complex employee relations matters and contributing to strategic workforce planning initiatives.
  • Advised managers on best practices for performance management, resulting in higher employee retention rates.
  • Partnered with legal counsel to ensure company policies adhered to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
  • Evaluated employee engagement survey results and implemented strategic action plans to address areas of concern.
  • Completed in-depth investigations into issues pertaining to discipline and grievance management and recommended strategies.
  • Developed metrics-based reporting tools to analyze employee relations trends and identify areas for improvement within the organization.
  • Created customized training programs that addressed skills gaps identified through performance reviews or job analyses surveys.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.

Employee Relations Manager

North Carolina A&T State University
09.2005 - 09.2007
  • Promoted a work culture that aligns with the University's mission, vision, and core values
  • Assisted all university employees with performance and staffing concerns, conflicts in the workplace, and the creation and enhancement of a productive work environment
  • Encouraged and strengthened communication between employees and management at all levels, offering confidential consultation to both employees and University management, and workplace interventions
  • Upheld and safeguarded the proper application of all regulatory requirements and University policies, establish and heighten mutual trust and acceptance within the campus community, and provide fair, reliable, compliant and effective solutions in a timely fashion
  • Conducted research on leadership and management training programs
  • Directed investigation of EEOC claims and associate complaints and disputes
  • Provided counseling to associates and management on HR policy and procedure interpretation
  • Reviewed and made decisions regarding employee disciplinary actions
  • Directed employee relations management for discrimination and harassment allegations.
  • Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
  • Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving manager-employee communications, fostering greater trust between team members across the organization.
  • Managed sensitive personnel issues discreetly while adhering closely to confidentiality guidelines outlined in company policies or legal requirements.
  • Championed a culture of recognition by designing and implementing employee rewards programs that celebrated individual and team accomplishments.
  • Maintained current knowledge of industry regulations and legislation to amend policies and promote compliance.
  • Evaluated and updated company policies regularly to ensure compliance with changes in labor laws or industry best practices.
  • Developed performance metrics and dashboard interfaces to keep track of internal benchmarking and progress against goals.
  • Facilitated successful policy implementation and enforcement to maintain legal and operational compliance.
  • Developed strong relationships with department heads, enabling open communication channels for addressing employee concerns swiftly and effectively.
  • Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
  • Leveraged team exercises, group discussions and videos to instruct participants.
  • Developed comprehensive employee relations programs and initiatives to increase organizational engagement.
  • Devised robust training programs to strengthen investigatory skills, legal understanding, and motivational strategies.
  • Implemented employee recognition and rewards systems to promote positive work environment.
  • Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
  • Implemented performance evaluation processes that provided meaningful feedback to employees, contributing to ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Delivered team member services and customized employee programs focused on optimizing labor relations and communications.
  • Coordinated technical training and personal development classes for staff members.
  • Conducted thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct or policy violations, ensuring fair outcomes for all parties involved.
  • Collaborated with HR team to establish useful implementation of employee relations programs and initiatives.
  • Conducted thorough investigations of employee activities to identify and target operational and behavioral discrepancies.
  • Promoted employee welfare by maintaining proper protocols throughout investigations and disciplinary procedures.
  • Designed and implemented orientation programs for new employees, covering job responsibilities, policies, procedures and harassment policies.
  • Organized and facilitated employee focus groups to gather feedback and insights.
  • Provided guidance to management on navigating complex employee issues, resulting in fewer legal disputes and grievances.
  • Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Streamlined internal processes for handling employee complaints, expediting resolutions and increasing efficiency.
  • Devised hiring and recruitment policies for 2000-employee company.

Staff Development Specialist

Winston-Salem State University
01.2002 - 09.2005
  • Supported all aspects of training to include performing and administering training sessions and programs; administering ad hoc health and development programs, as well as employee orientation training
  • Developed courses in conjunction with university Human Resources Director to support the education, training and development opportunities for faculty and staff
  • Coordinated and scheduled training necessary to ensure that employees are proficient in the areas of compliance and development
  • Represented staff concerns to the Administration as an Officer (President- Elect) for Staff Senate.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous learning by encouraging staff members to pursue relevant certifications or additional education opportunities.
  • Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
  • Developed and executed performance management programs to increase employee engagement and productivity.
  • Designed and delivered web-based, self-directed learning materials.
  • Scheduled and coordinated staff development events such as conferences, webinars, and guest speaker presentations.
  • Led the revamp of outdated training materials, ensuring content was up-to-date with current industry standards.
  • Collaborated with management to assess organizational needs and develop targeted training solutions.
  • Managed budgetary constraints within the department while still delivering high-quality developmental opportunities for staff members.
  • Monitored progress of staff through ongoing assessments, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Conducted regular workshops and seminars on various professional development topics, enhancing employee skill sets.
  • Developed and implemented successful onboarding program.
  • Analyzed data from post-training evaluations to identify trends and make necessary adjustments to future trainings.
  • Streamlined onboarding processes for new employees, resulting in shorter time to full productivity.
  • Partnered with external vendors and industry experts to deliver specialized training sessions, broadening employee knowledge base.
  • Established and maintained quality control standards.
  • Enhanced staff development by designing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
  • Utilized variety of instructional design methodologies to create effective learning experiences.
  • Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
  • Evaluated employee performance and identified areas for improvement, leading to increased efficiency and job satisfaction.
  • Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in performance and develop targeted learning solutions.
  • Developed e-learning modules that allowed employees to access training resources at their convenience, increasing overall participation rates.
  • Served as a liaison between company leadership and employees regarding professional development needs.
  • Improved employee retention by fostering a supportive learning environment and addressing individual skill gaps.
  • Oversaw the administration of employee training records, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
  • Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
  • Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
  • Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
  • Trained and mentored 350 new personnel hired to fulfill various roles.

Education

Bachelor of Science -

Winston-Salem State University
Winston-salem, NC
05.1983

Skills

  • Key Leadership role in organization as a Department Director
  • Exhibits excellent group dynamics management, leadership and organizational skills
  • Creative problem solver, recognized for getting most of out of limited resources
  • Incomparable ability to prioritize and carry out multiple DEI projects and deadlines concurrently
  • Proficient in administering corporate DEI initiatives, providing a broad level of decision making on contract and compliance, investigations of discrimination and harassment complaints, disability and gender equity and handling complex situations with professionalism and confidentiality
  • Advanced management skills that include excellent customer service and teamwork skills, the ability to identify and resolve inquiries, draw sound conclusions, take effective actions, and an even temperament are required competencies to be successful in this role
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Training Management
  • Goal Setting
  • Team Leadership
  • Budget Control
  • Friendly, Positive Attitude
  • Critical Thinking
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Organizational Skills

Education Certification

Master's Degree, Organizational Development, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, 2025-05-01, Bachelor of Science Degree, Urban Affairs, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC, UNC School of Government-City and County Manager Program, 2020, National Forum for Black Public Administrators Executive Leadership Institute, 2013, Certified Workplace Big 5 Evaluation, Paradigm Personality, 2008, Adjunct Equal Employment Opportunity Institute Instructor, NC Office of Human Resources, 2006, Certified Mediator, NC Office of Human Resources, 2004

Recognitions Awards

  • Order of the Long Leaf Pine (1980)
  • Kentucky Colonel (2013)

Additional Work History

  • Education Consultant, CenterPoint Human Services, Winston-Salem, NC, 1999-01-01, 2002-01-01
  • HR Development Instructor, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1996-01-01, 1999-01-01
  • Program Manager/Adjunct Instructor, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC, 1995-01-01, 1996-01-01
  • Senior Trainer/Facilitator, University of Louisville/USED, Louisville, KY, 1993-01-01, 1995-01-01
  • Education Consultant, NC Department of Public Instruction, Raleigh, NC, 1991-01-01, 1993-01-01
  • HR Training Specialist, NC Office of State Personnel, Raleigh, NC, 1989-01-01, 1991-01-01
  • Program Consultant, New Hanover County Schools, Wilmington, NC, 1988-01-01, 1989-01-01
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, NC DHHS/Div. of Voc. Rehabilitation, Butner, NC, 1983-01-01, 1988-01-01

Certification

  • Workplace Big 5 Training - 2008
  • Mediation-2004
  • Adjunct EEOI Instructor-2006

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 10 staff members.
  • Graduated from City and County Government-UNC School of Government (2020)
  • Graduated from Executive Leadership Institute-National Forum for Black Public Administrators (2013)

Timeline

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

City of Toledo
04.2022 - Current

Employee Relations Consultant II

City of Greensboro
10.2007 - 03.2022

Employee Relations Manager

North Carolina A&T State University
09.2005 - 09.2007

Staff Development Specialist

Winston-Salem State University
01.2002 - 09.2005

Bachelor of Science -

Winston-Salem State University

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Lacy DeBerry