LaDawn Givens
Broadview,IL
Summary
Benefits and Retirement Administration professional with 25+ years of experience supporting employee benefits operations in a complex, highly regulated public-sector environment. Extensive expertise in retirement and pension administration, claims processing, eligibility determinations, data reconciliation, audit accuracy, and policy interpretation. Strong background in benefits systems support, vendor coordination, SOP development, and process improvement initiatives that enhance accuracy, compliance, and employee experience. Highly analytical and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to translate complex benefits information into clear guidance and collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT, and leadership.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Benefits Department Analyst
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
Oak Brook, USA
08.2019 - 06.2025
- Managed retirement and survivor benefits to comply with state statutes, pension regulations, and internal policies.
- Reviewed, audited, and reconciled member retirement data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper benefit distribution
- Administered retirement benefits for local government employees, ensuring accurate eligibility determination, benefit calculations, and timely payments
- Responded to member, employer, and internal stakeholder inquiries regarding benefits eligibility, service credit, and retirement timelines.
- Collaborated with internal departments and external municipal employers to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate member records
- Detected data inconsistencies and process gaps, enhancing documentation and streamlining benefits processing
- Supported system testing and implementation of benefits administration systems ensuring accurate benefits processing and reporting
- Analyzed requirements of department and allocated tasks to maximize overall production
Senior Past Service Data Examiner
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
Oak Brook, USA
03.2017 - 08.2019
- Reviewed pension benefit applications for accuracy and compliance with regulations
- Analyzed pension benefit applications verifying compliance with regulations and accuracy requirements
- Performed detailed analysis and validation of member service records to ensure adherence to state pension regulations and eligibility requirements
- Reviewed and analyzed data, resolved discrepancies to enhance data integrity and accuracy in pension records
- Investigated complex issues in cases involving multiple parties or unique circumstances to ensure compliance and proper resolution
- Assisted in developing training materials to streamline benefits administration processes
Member Data Examiner
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
Oak Brook, USA
04.1999 - 03.2017
- Reviewed and assessed retirement benefit eligibility, ensuring compliance with governing laws and plan requirements to support member access to benefits
- Explained retirement benefit determinations to members with clarity and empathy, enhancing their understanding of complex policies and outcomes
- Researched and interpreted information to accurately identify retirement benefit eligibility, aiding members in navigating their options
Hub Training Supervisor (Part-Time)
United Parcel Service (UPS)
10.2017 - 02.2018
- Conducted training needs assessments to align individual skills with required competencies for roles
- Evaluated employee performance and delivered constructive feedback to enhance skill development
- Monitored compliance with safety regulations during training sessions to ensure a safe learning environment
Pre-loader UPS Specialist (Part-Time)
United Parcel Service (UPS)
08.2017 - 10.2017
- Managed package loading and sorting to ensure accurate distribution across delivery routes, contributing to timely deliveries
- Operated sorting equipment and collaborated with warehouse teams to achieve daily shipping targets, enhancing overall workflow
- Followed safety protocols to maintain a secure work environment, fostering team safety and compliance
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Human Resource Management
DeVry University
Naperville, IllinoisSkills
- Benefits & Leave Administration (Pension / Retirement Focus)
- Employee Benefits Operations
- Data Analysis & Quality Control
- Business Process Optimization
- Analytical problem solving
- Verbal and written communication
- Claims Processing & Eligibility Determinations
- Training & Knowledge Transfer
- Data Reconciliation & Audit Accuracy
- Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
- Policy Interpretation & Regulatory Compliance
- System Testing & Implementation Support
Enterprise Projects & Leadership Contributions
Enterprise Systems Modernization (Horizon Implementation)
Project Contributor | Subject Matter Expert (SME)
- Supported organizational change efforts through participation in a multi-phase enterprise system implementation, contributing business expertise, process improvement insights, and cross-functional collaboration
Continuous Process Improvement – Leadership Committee
Committee Member
- Participated in cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving processes, strengthening employee engagement, and supporting organizational change
Trainings And Certificates
- Certificate in Human Resources Leadership & HR Management Strategies – Stellenbosch X
(Expected Completion: February 2026) - The Art of Collaborative Leadership, DeVry Works, 2025
- Emergency Care & Safety Institute Course, ECSI & AAOS, 2022
- Microsoft Excel 2016 Advanced Essentials, 2020
Key Recognition
Consistently recognized for accuracy, reliability, and contributions to process improvements within benefits administration.
Affiliations
Volunteer Mentor, Link Unlimited Scholars Mentor Program
Oct 2024 – Aug 2025
Oct 2024 – Aug 2025
Timeline
Benefits Department Analyst
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
08.2019 - 06.2025
Hub Training Supervisor (Part-Time)
United Parcel Service (UPS)
10.2017 - 02.2018
Pre-loader UPS Specialist (Part-Time)
United Parcel Service (UPS)
08.2017 - 10.2017
Senior Past Service Data Examiner
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
03.2017 - 08.2019
Member Data Examiner
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
04.1999 - 03.2017
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Human Resource Management
DeVry University