Lakesha Stewart

Responsible for leading all HR functions for a philanthropic organization committed to strengthening the foundations of our communities. Leader and advocate for the Y’s mission and strategic plan, promoting and protecting the brand and reputation as a global, inclusive organization. Member of the CEO’s senior leadership team. Providing strategic direction and leadership for YMCA operations and initiatives. Responsible for the development and implementation of talent management/human resources policies, plans and services, including benefits, legal compliance, employee recruitment, compensation, employee relations, diversity, employment practices and procedures, employee communications and events, and management of HRIS.

• Planned and executed recruitment events to bring in area candidates.
• Worked with HR department to devise and update policies as needed for corporate accountability and workplace health.
• Developed staffing strategies to fill vacancies and define position allocations.
• Liaised with management and employees to answer inquiries, administer contracts and support problem resolution.
• Devised strategies to orientate, train and direct staff to achieve corporate objectives.
• Assessed personnel performance and provided guidance for continuous improvement.
• Facilitated organizational development initiatives to conduct performance management and talent assessment.
• Analyzed periodic employee relations-related analytical data trends to formulate and implement action plans.
• Created and implemented highly effective and individualized human resource solutions for clients.

• Developed and Lead overall Recruitment strategy to ensure delivery against all open and emerging needs within organization, 12 different programs throughout Portland Metro area.
• Initiated new methods of recruiting including, college recruiting, community partners, referral programs and targeted audiences.
• Decreased open requisitions by more then 70% within one year.
• Implemented procedures to improve occupational health and safety.
• Supervised employee hiring, selection and disciplining procedures.
• Worked with HR department to devise and update policies as needed for corporate accountability and workplace health.
• Monitored organizational compliance with federal, state and local policies and regulations.
• Designed employee performance evaluation process and merit program.
• Facilitated delivery of HR services by establishing and maintaining positive relationships with teams and leadership across organization.
• Created comprehensive orientation program to acquaint new employees with company programs, guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Conducted training for managers and supervisors in conflict resolution and employee management skills.
• Identified staffing and recruiting needs while applying best practices for talent management.

• Responsible for strategic leadership in the following areas: talent acquisition and management, employee and labor relationships, payroll and benefits administration, organizational development, and HR initiatives for a diverse 325 employee workforce
• Developed and Lead overall Recruitment strategy to ensure delivery against all open and emerging needs within organization, 12 different programs throughout Portland Metro area.
• Initiated new methods of recruiting including, college recruiting, community partners, referral programs and targeted audiences.
• Full Cycle Recruitment-Devised hiring and recruitment policies for 325-employee company
• Developed and executed HR policies and programs, workforce and job development, recruitment and hiring, compensation and benefits and employee and labor relations to build staff-focused human resources office culture
• Onboarding: Ensure new employees have a fantastic onboarding experience, including facilitating New Hire Orientation training
• Benefits Administration: Administering benefits to new hires, employee changes and supporting annual open enrollment
• Oversee and operate payroll administration process

• Coordinate a top candidate interview experience for up to 100 candidates per month
• Support Nike's ongoing talent needs by managing all aspects of the candidate interview experience
• Drive Talent Acquisition initiatives, such as inclusive and transparent hiring, diverse slates, and competitive hiring processes
• Serves as the point of contact for candidates throughout the entire interview process
• Utilizing strong communication skills to effectively communicate with candidates regarding interview details, scheduling phone/video interviews, travel and hotel details, invoices, and expenses
• Operated and maintained applicant tracking and candidate management systems
• Full cycle recruitment: Post and manage all job postings for 4 locations
• Development and editing of job descriptions
• Screening and sourcing of all candidates.

• Support employees and management in day-to-day performance or career development conversations
• Compliance: Ensure state/federal requirements (FMLA/OFLA, COBRA, etc.) as well as industry specific requirements are met
• Monitored and handled all employee claims, including performance-based and harassment incidents
• Streamlined HR efficiencies, coordinated new hire orientations and provided onboarding and training for 100+ new employees
• Payroll and Benefits Administration via ADP WFN- Adhered to all federal and state guidelines and managed payroll and benefits for over 100+ employees
• Worked as effective team member while contributing to local and regional HR projects
• Initiated and maintained Workers Compensation cases for tracking, reporting and legal mechanics.
• Prepared and led new employee orientation to familiarize with company policies, procedures, culture and campus.
• Recruited applicants for vacancies to fill open positions with qualified staff.