Mardell Criddell
Human Resource Leader
Houston,Texas
Summary
PHR-certified professional with extensive expertise in employee relations, talent acquisition, payroll, compliance, leave management, workforce planning, and HR operations. Committed to implementing efficient, employee-centered practices that foster organizational growth and enhance workplace culture. Proven ability to navigate complex HR challenges while maintaining a focus on strategic alignment and operational excellence. Dedicated to creating a positive employee experience that drives engagement and productivity.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior HR Generalist / HR Operations Lead
YMCA of Greater Houston
HOUSTON, Texas
04.2018 - 10.2026
- Acted as a strategic HR partner supporting multi-site operations for one of the nation’s largest YMCA associations, providing guidance on employee relations, compliance, leave administration, workforce planning, and HR operations.
- Supported enterprise recruiting initiatives resulting in over 3,000 annual hires while reducing average time-to-hire to 7-9 days and strengthening workforce readiness across multiple business units.
- Administered FMLA, parental leave, ADA accommodations and related leave programs, processing an average of 100 leave cases annually.
- Developed dashboards and reporting tools, enhancing visibility and accountability in HR processes.
- Administered FMLA, parental leave, and ADA accommodations, efficiently processing an average of 100 leave cases annually.
- Helped to drive payroll cost savings of nearly $200,000 through workforce management improvements, policy compliance, and process optimization.
- Delivered HR compliance support through EEO reporting, audits, and policy administration, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
- Facilitated HR systems training and supported enterprise HRIS initiatives, improving adoption and data integrity.
Corporate HR Associate/ Payroll Administrator
HVJ Associates Engineering
HOUSTON, Texas
11.2015 - 04.2018
- Directed statewide payroll operations, payroll audits, reconciliations, tax reporting, and benefit administration across multiple Texas locations.
- Managed HR functions, including benefits, while collaborating with executive leadership to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Managed all areas of HR, including benefits while collaborating with executive leadership to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Led migration from Paychex to ADP Workforce Now, overseeing testing, training, and change management to ensure seamless transition.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state regulations (FLSA, HIPAA, ACA) and maintained audit-ready documentation for OSHA and workers compensation.
- Coordinated business insurance renewals by reviewing policy terms and liaising with insurance providers.
HR Generalist / Recruiting Experience
Allied Barton Security and US Security Associates
09.2005 - 11.2015
- Led full-cycle recruiting and onboarding, supported employee relations, ensured compliance, processed payroll, and provided workforce support for high-volume operations.
- Developed recruitment strategies, coordinated candidate sourcing and interviews, facilitated onboarding, and maintained licensing compliance.
- Managed employee relations cases, resolving policy issues and documenting corrective actions.
- Administered onboarding, background checks, and new-hire paperwork for security staff.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Human Resource Management
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH12-2027
Skills
- Employee Relations
- HR Compliance
- FMLA/ADA Administration
- Workforce Planning
- Talent Acquisition
- Benefits Administration
- Statewide payroll management
- Performance Management
- Organizational Development
- HR Analytics
- Change Management
- HRIS
- Implementation
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Excel
Accomplishments
- Generated more than $400,000 in unemployment liability savings while maintaining a 95%+ favorable claims outcome rate.
- Contributed to $200,000+ in payroll savings through process improvements, workforce management enhancements, and payroll controls.
- Supported hiring of 3,000+ employees annually while helping reduce average time-to-fill to 7-9 days.
- Reduced payroll timesheet exceptions from over 24,000 to approximately 4,200, significantly improving payroll accuracy and operational efficiency.
Certification
- PHR Certification
- HCRI | Graduated: 2021
- Professional Human Resources Certification
ACHIEVEMENTS
Presidents Award, YMCA of Greater Houston | 2024, Awarded for remarkable efforts and commitment, recognizing distinguished service to the YMCA community., Certification Of Recognition, YMCA of Greater Houston | 2020, Celebrated for instrumental problem-solving skills in bridging payroll gaps, producing detailed reports, and prioritizing accuracy alongside regular responsibilities.
Timeline
Senior HR Generalist / HR Operations Lead
YMCA of Greater Houston
04.2018 - 10.2026
Corporate HR Associate/ Payroll Administrator
HVJ Associates Engineering
11.2015 - 04.2018
HR Generalist / Recruiting Experience
Allied Barton Security and US Security Associates
09.2005 - 11.2015
Bachelor's Degree - Human Resource Management
Southern New Hampshire University
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
HybridOn-SiteRemoteLocation: Houston, Texas
Open to relocation: Yes