Marlene Wilkerson
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Seasoned Chief People Officer with a proven track record in human resources management and strategic planning. Skilled at fostering positive work environments, developing talent management strategies and improving employee engagement. Ability to drive business transformation through people-focused initiatives has been demonstrated in previous leadership roles. Brings strong teamwork and collaboration skills to facilitate organizational success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief People Officer
Children With Opportunity
Kansas City, MO
02.2024 - Current
- Developed and led the HR function from the ground up, aligning talent and business strategy.
- Created and launched the Clinical Leadership Academy to develop future leaders internally.
- Guided executive leadership through a comprehensive cultural diagnosis and transformation process.
- Transitioned the organization's retirement offering to a modernized 401(k) plan.
- Refined recruitment strategies to reduce time-to-hire, and elevate talent quality.
- Mentored and coached leaders across departments to improve organizational performance.
- Collaborated with executive management on strategic plans for recruiting top talent in an effort to build a strong organizational foundation.
- Provided guidance on employee relations issues such as conflict resolution, disciplinary actions and workplace grievances.
- Initiated exit interview process for separating employees in order to gather feedback regarding the company's performance.
Chief People Officer
Saving Sight
Kansas City, MO
11.2017 - 11.2023
- Oversaw HR strategy for a leading eye bank with over 130 employees.
- Designed a benefits strategy, including a transition to a self-funded medical plan, reducing spending.
- Recruited and developed an internal HR team, and led organization-wide talent acquisition.
- Managed a $3M 403(b) plan, ensuring compliance, and employee financial literacy.
- Reduced turnover by 10% through enhanced retention and engagement programs.
- Collaborated with executive management on strategic plans for recruiting top talent in an effort to build a strong organizational foundation.
- Provided guidance on employee relations issues such as conflict resolution, disciplinary actions and workplace grievances.
- Created a culture of inclusion through diversity initiatives, employee engagement activities and team building exercises.
- Facilitated change management projects by providing support during periods of transition or restructuring.
Human Resources Manager
Hunt Midwest
Kansas City, MO
05.2016 - 09.2017
- Built the HR function and implemented core HR systems and policies.
- Led culture-change initiatives aligned with the company mission and strategic growth.
- Administered benefit programs and facilitated open enrollment.
- Developed and delivered leadership development programs for managers.
- Maintained employee records in accordance with company policy and applicable legal requirements.
- Identified, screened and interviewed potential employees.
- Created job postings, tracked applicants and maintained applicant database.
- Conducted background checks and reference checks of prospective employees.
- Organized team building activities to foster collaboration among staff members.
- Reviewed job descriptions regularly to ensure accuracy of duties assigned to each position.
- Investigated employee relations matters through interviews with involved parties to ensure a fair resolution.
- Coordinated various benefits programs such as medical insurance, retirement plans and vacation policies.
- Handled employee discipline and termination to address policy infractions.
Senior HR Generalist
Forrest T. Jones & Company
Kansas City, MO
06.2012 - 05.2016
- Implemented HRIS platforms to enhance process efficiency.
- Managed benefit administration, including compliance with 5500 reporting.
- Led company-wide L&D initiatives and talent acquisition across multiple departments.
- Evaluated job descriptions against actual duties performed by employees; updated job descriptions accordingly.
- Managed recruitment processes including job postings, interviewing candidates, onboarding new employees, and conducting exit interviews.
- Organized events for staff development such as team building activities or seminars about workplace safety topics.
- Actively participated in meetings with other senior executives to provide insights from an HR perspective.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
- Reviewed resumes and applications received from prospective candidates; conducted initial screenings before recommending qualified applicants for further consideration.
- Maintained compliance with applicable laws and regulations by monitoring changes in legislation affecting HR functions.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
University of Missouri
Kansas City01.1994
Skills
- Talent Strategy & Acquisition
- Organizational Culture & Change
- Leadership Development & Coaching
- Succession Planning
- Benefits & Total Rewards
- Performance Management
- Conflict Resolution & Compliance
- HRIS Systems & Technology
- Change management
- Diversity initiatives
- Employee wellness
Certification
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
- Society for Human Resource Management
Websites
PROFESSIONAL PASSIONS
- Leadership Mentorship & Coaching
- Culture Transformation
- Empowering Women & Emerging Leaders
Timeline
Chief People Officer
Children With Opportunity
02.2024 - Current
Chief People Officer
Saving Sight
11.2017 - 11.2023
Human Resources Manager
Hunt Midwest
05.2016 - 09.2017
Senior HR Generalist
Forrest T. Jones & Company
06.2012 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Business Administration -
University of Missouri
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