Lara Blackert
Olathe
Summary
HR executive with 18 years of experience in global organizations, focusing on aligning human capital strategies with business goals. Expertise in M&A and organizational transformation, achieving significant improvements in employee experience and performance metrics. Proven ability to build high-performance teams and establish strategic partnerships. Committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative workplace culture.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Human Resources Officer
Cerris
Overland Park
05.2024 - Current
- Led HR and People strategy for $1.5B construction and mechanical engineering firm with 2,200 employees.
- Developed and implemented HR strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Oversaw 14-member HR team across Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and Employee Experience.
- Directed human capital strategy for acquisitions and integrations.
- Executed employee compensation and benefits programs, achieving $1M in savings.
- Advised Board of Directors on ESOP and succession planning strategies.
- Managed HR systems implementation and facilitated change leadership initiatives.
- Drove strategic workforce planning to support organizational development in high-growth context.
- Created and managed annual budget for the Human Resources department.
- Partnered with leadership team to ensure alignment between business objectives and HR initiatives.
Vice President, Human Resources
CVS Health
Dallas
06.2021 - 05.2024
- Directed human capital strategy for CVS Health’s $8B acquisition of Signify Health.
- Executed enterprise-wide transformation of HR systems, processes, and programs.
- Oversaw global HR operations and led transformation initiatives for 2,500 employees.
- Integrated systems, culture, and talent following Caravan Health acquisition.
- Collaborated with CHRO on strategic planning and board-level communications.
- Led strategic workforce planning to synchronize talent with organizational goals.
Head of HR
Caravan Health
Kansas City
06.2019 - 06.2021
- Spearheaded people strategy for high-growth healthcare startup, scaling workforce from 40 to over 200 employees in two years.
- Led HR strategy development to align with organizational goals and culture.
- Facilitated acquisition preparation and Series C funding for private equity-backed firm.
- Secured $2M in capital for strategic HR initiatives through board-level advisory.
- Overhauled six HR systems, achieving annual savings of $900K.
- Implemented DEI strategies, resulting in 5–10% annual improvement in talent mobility.
- Reengineered wellbeing programs, increasing employee engagement by 30%.
- Transitioned health and disability plans to self-funding model.
- Reduced turnover by 18% through targeted retention strategies.
Corporate HR Director
Compass Minerals
Overland Park
11.2018 - 05.2019
- Directed HR Centers of Excellence for 3,500 global employees across US, UK, Canada, and Brazil.
- Developed and implemented HR strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
- Oversaw comprehensive HR Operations, including Talent Acquisition and Compensation.
- Achieved progressive promotions through three leadership roles, amplifying strategic influence.
- Assisted executive leadership in formulating long-term strategic planning goals.
- Enhanced employee engagement through targeted performance and development initiatives.
Talent Management Director
Compass Minerals
Overland Park
08.2016 - 11.2018
- Promoted to lead global talent management, driving strategic contributions across functions.
- Spearheaded enterprise-wide performance and succession planning initiatives, focusing on executive succession.
- Established and launched an online learning academy for organizational development.
- Designed global leadership programs aimed at nurturing high-potential talent.
- Achieved progressive promotions through three leadership roles, showcasing enhanced strategic impact.
HR Business Partner
Compass Minerals
Overland Park
08.2013 - 08.2016
- Implemented effective HR practices for over 500 employees at US manufacturing facilities.
- Facilitated employee relations by addressing concerns and resolving conflicts effectively.
- Led initiatives to improve workplace culture and employee engagement efforts.
- Collaborated with leadership to develop HR strategies aligned with business goals.
- Delivered strategic solutions targeting recruitment, employee engagement, and change management.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KSSkills
- Executive leadership
- Board engagement
- Strategic partnerships
- M&A integration
- Human capital strategy
- Organizational design
- Transformation initiatives
- Talent management
- Succession planning
- Diversity, equity, inclusion strategy
- HR systems implementation
- Compensation and rewards
- Employee experience and wellbeing
- Workforce analytics
- Strategic planning
- Global HR operations compliance
- Workday, Oracle HCMS, ADP, UKG, SuccessFactors, Lattice, E*TRADE, Ceridian, Cornerstone, Litmos platforms
Websites
Awards
- Becker’s Top 150 Healthcare Companies, 2022
- Tiny Pulse Employee Satisfaction Award, 2020
- Holleran’s Highest Honors for Engagement, 2010–2012
- Kansas City Business Journal Nex Gen Leader Nominee, 2019
Strategic Competencies
- Executive Leadership & Board Engagement
- Strategic Business Partnerships
- M&A Integration & Human Capital Strategy
- Organizational Design & Transformation
- Talent Management & Succession Planning
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy
- HR Technology Systems Implementation & Optimization
- Compensation & Total Rewards Strategy
- Employee Experience & Wellbeing
- Workforce Analytics & Strategic Planning
- Global HR Operations & Compliance
Certification
- SPHR
Timeline
Chief Human Resources Officer
Cerris
05.2024 - Current
Vice President, Human Resources
CVS Health
06.2021 - 05.2024
Head of HR
Caravan Health
06.2019 - 06.2021
Corporate HR Director
Compass Minerals
11.2018 - 05.2019
Talent Management Director
Compass Minerals
08.2016 - 11.2018
HR Business Partner
Compass Minerals
08.2013 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
University of Kansas