Laura Isenberg
New Tripoli,PA
Summary
Versatile HR and Benefits specialist with deep expertise in managing complex healthcare and retirement plans across North America. Strong analytical skills support compliance management and operational decision-making, while fostering cross-functional relationships to resolve intricate benefit inquiries and enhance employee support.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Benefits Specialist
Brenntag North America
Reading, PA
01.2023 - Current
- Administered and managed U.S. healthcare and retirement benefit plans in collaboration with senior HR leadership.
- Served as technical subject matter expert for assigned benefit plans across North America.
- Facilitated employee communications, coordinated enrollment activities, and resolved complex inquiries.
- Ensured accurate processing documentation and provided employee support for assigned benefit plans.
- Coordinated with payroll operations to maintain timely and accurate benefit-related data submissions.
- Partnered with payroll, HR operations, vendors, consultants, and auditors to address administration issues.
- Analyzed plan-related data to generate compliance reports and inform operational decisions.
- Monitored regulatory changes and communicated updates to the team.
Labor Relations Intern
Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM)
New Haven, CT
05.2006 - 08.2026
- Conducted research and analysis on bargaining unit contracts for personnel and labor relations reports.
- Updated collective bargaining provisions for 450 bargaining units to enhance contract database accuracy.
- Assisted in researching municipal policies and legislative updates for informed decision-making.
- Compiled data and prepared comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Supported coordination of municipal workshops and training sessions to ensure successful events.
Regional Payroll Specialist
Brenntag North America
, PA
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Spearheaded transition to biweekly payroll cycles, replacing weekly and monthly schedules.
- Implemented ADP Workforce Now for payroll and timekeeping, reducing errors with a paperless system.
- Processed multi-state payroll for Northeast companies, supporting approximately 600 employees.
- Collaborated with HR and finance teams to ensure compliance with payroll regulations.
- Managed payroll adjustments including wage garnishments, deductions, and 401(k) contributions.
- Addressed inquiries from employees and stakeholders regarding payroll policies.
- Developed training materials on payroll changes to enhance employee understanding.
- Conducted annual retirement plan contribution analysis in accordance with federal regulations.
Human Resources Manager
Brenntag Specialties, LLC
Allentown, PA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Processed full-cycle payroll for 187 employees, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Administered employee benefits programs, managing communications during annual open enrollment.
- Reclassified 30 employees to non-exempt status to maintain FLSA compliance.
- Conducted training sessions on wage and hour procedures for employees and managers.
- Coordinated offer letter preparation and new hire orientation to improve onboarding experience.
- Partnered with management and legal teams to address employee relations issues effectively.
- Managed in-house COBRA administration for eligible employees, ensuring timely communication.
Human Resources Representative
Brenntag North America, Inc.
Reading, PA
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Resolved benefit plan inquiries by coordinating with HR teams and insurance providers to address claims issues.
- Administered both fully insured and self-insured plans, managing open enrollment communications and documentation.
- Facilitated transition to high-deductible health plans with HSAs through effective employee communication.
- Created comprehensive benefits guides, ensuring clear information on available options.
- Achieved $15,000 savings in administrative fees for a self-insured plan during annual review reconciliation.
- Collaborated with United Healthcare to oversee flexible spending account administration for eight companies.
- Managed COBRA administration, ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance.
- Supported operations for 120 employees across North America and eight operating companies.
Recruiter / Staff Supervisor
Hobart West Solutions
Hartford, CT
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Managed recruiting and staffing processes for temporary and direct-hire positions to fulfill client requirements.
- Collaborated with branch leadership to create targeted recruiting strategies that aligned with operational goals.
- Cultivated client relationships, generating new business opportunities and enhancing service offerings.
- Acted as liaison between clients and employees, addressing employment terms, attendance, and performance issues.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA05-2027
PayTrain Fundamentals Certificate -
Penn State Lehigh Valley
01-2016
Master of Science - Labor Relations
University of New Haven
West Haven05-2006
Bachelor of Science - Labor and Industrial Relations
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA05-2005
Skills
- Benefits management
- Health and Welfare benefits planning
- Benefits compliance
- Regulatory compliance
- Compliance management
- Employee relations
- Payroll management
- Multi-state payroll processing
- HRIS management
- ADP expertise
- Enrollment management
- Excel proficiency
Affiliations
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
- SHRM Lehigh Valley Chapter
Certification
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification
Timeline
Senior Benefits Specialist
Brenntag North America
01.2023 - Current
Regional Payroll Specialist
Brenntag North America
01.2017 - 01.2023
Human Resources Manager
Brenntag Specialties, LLC
01.2016 - 01.2017
Human Resources Representative
Brenntag North America, Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2015
Labor Relations Intern
Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM)
05.2006 - 08.2026
Recruiter / Staff Supervisor
Hobart West Solutions
01.2006 - 01.2007
Master of Business Administration -
DeSales University
PayTrain Fundamentals Certificate -
Penn State Lehigh Valley
Master of Science - Labor Relations
University of New Haven
Bachelor of Science - Labor and Industrial Relations
Pennsylvania State University