Mariah Garnes
Columbus
Summary
Dynamic, people-focused Human Resources professional with over 10 years of experience driving organizational success in fast-paced, multi-site environments. Expertise in employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, and workforce planning ensures a comprehensive approach to HR challenges. Recognized for effectively balancing compliance and operational efficiency while fostering a positive employee experience and serving as a trusted partner to leadership. Committed to leveraging strategic insights to enhance workforce engagement and organizational performance.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Benefits Administrator
SK Food Group
07.2022 - 02.2026
- Led administration of comprehensive benefits programs for over 1,000 associates across multiple manufacturing sites, supporting medical, dental, vision, COBRA, disability, life, supplemental, and retirement plans in a high-volume environment.
- Researched market trends and benchmarked plan designs to ensure competitive, cost-effective benefits offerings.
- Negotiated with carriers, vendors, and third-party administrators to secure favorable rates, plan options, and service-level agreements.
- Played a key role in transitioning the organization from a fully insured to a self-insured benefit model, driving compliance and cost efficiency and reducing total benefits costs by 37% annually.
- Served as the primary point of contact for benefits vendors, resolving escalated issues and ensuring contractual and service compliance.
- Coordinated daily benefits administration including enrollments, terminations, qualifying life events, loans, hardships, compliance testing, and billing reconciliation.
- Partnered closely with Payroll to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee deductions and employer contributions.
- Led employee education efforts on benefits programs, improving understanding, utilization, and overall satisfaction.
- Independently researched, proposed, and implemented new benefits offerings, strengthening the organization’s total rewards strategy.
- Performed monthly reconciliation of benefit provider invoices, to resolve discrepancies and ensure timely, accurate payments.
- Maintained accurate records, reports, and documentation in compliance with federal, state, and vendor regulations.
Human Resources Generalist
SK Food Group
10.2021 - 07.2022
- Supported HR operations for 500+ employees across multiple locations in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Served as a trusted HR partner to managers, providing guidance on employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, and corrective action.
- Conducted employee relations investigations, gathered documentation, and collaborated with leadership to ensure fair, consistent outcomes.
- Addressed employee concerns related to attendance, conduct, and workplace policies, ensuring timely and compliant resolution.
- Collaborated with Payroll, Operations, and leadership to maintain accurate employee data and ensure HR compliance.
- Supported onboarding, performance reviews, and employee development conversations for frontline and leadership roles.
- Contributed to change management initiatives and operational improvements.
- Identified trends in turnover and employee engagement, recommending solutions that helped reduce attrition and improve retention.
Human Resources Associate
Concord Counseling Services
04.2017 - 10.2021
- Delivered end-to-end HR generalist support, including onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and compliance across a fast-paced environment.
- Served as a trusted advisor to managers, resolving complex employee relations matters while reinforcing organizational policies, expectations, and values.
- Led exit interview processes and trend analysis, providing data-driven recommendations to leadership to improve retention and engagement outcomes.
- Partnered with leadership on recruiting and workforce planning strategies, driving a 20% reduction in employee turnover.
- Planned and executed the organization’s first two on-site career fairs, reducing recruitment costs by 15% while strengthening talent acquisition efforts.
- Supported learning and development initiatives, employee communications, and engagement programs to enhance employee experience and organizational alignment.
Education
MBA - Human Resources Management
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH04-2017
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership & Business Administration
Wright State University
Dayton, OH12-2014
Skills
- HRIS management
- Employee relations management
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Interdepartmental teamwork
- Experienced in American Sign Language communication
- Strong verbal communication
- Benefits administration expertise
- Employee benefits administration
- Payroll processing experience
Certification
Excel for HR Training
Languages
American Sign Language
Professional Working
Timeline
Benefits Administrator
SK Food Group
07.2022 - 02.2026
Human Resources Generalist
SK Food Group
10.2021 - 07.2022
Human Resources Associate
Concord Counseling Services
04.2017 - 10.2021
MBA - Human Resources Management
Tiffin University
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership & Business Administration
Wright State University