MELISSA TJEPKES
Oak Grove,MN
Summary
Experienced HR technology and data governance leader with a strong background in HRMS operations, enterprise systems strategy, and master data management. Demonstrated ability to build effective teams, support organizational priorities, and lead complex HR system initiatives. Skilled in developing and implementing strategic plans that enhance departmental performance and alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Department Director, HRMS
Anoka County – Human Resources
Anoka, MN
04.2023 - Current
- Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the HRMS division, overseeing HR system platforms, master data governance, and county-wide HR data operations.
- Coach, mentor, and develop leaders and staff to build technical expertise, operational capability, and leadership readiness across the department.
- Serve as senior subject matter expert for HR master data, advising executive leadership on system strategy, governance frameworks, and compliance requirements.
- Lead the planning and execution of the county’s enterprise master data strategy, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and regulatory alignment across HR functions.
- Establish and maintain departmental policies, practices, and procedures aligned with county objectives and long-term organizational goals.
- Oversee department-wide planning, staffing, budgeting, and resource management to support high-quality service delivery.
- Evaluate departmental goals and performance, identifying opportunities to enhance service standards, efficiency, system reliability, and data quality.
- Provide strategic oversight of HR data security and privacy, implementing frameworks to protect sensitive HR information.
- Lead communication and implementation of county-wide HR, talent, payroll, and compliance initiatives.
- Determine executive-level analytics and reporting needs and deliver insights to support county-wide decision-making.
- Assess user needs and lead development of HR system solutions aligned with organizational strategy.
- Develop and approve county-wide HR communications related to employment data, payroll, benefits, policies, and major HR initiatives.
- Direct HR technology strategy, making final decisions regarding configuration, process improvements, and adoption of innovative solutions.
Senior Manager, HRMS
Anoka County – Human Resources
Anoka, MN
06.2022 - 04.2023
- Led the HRMS team, directing supervisors and staff responsible for HR systems, master data management, and complex end-to-end processing.
- Held full authority over hiring, coaching, performance management, and disciplinary decisions.
- Served as senior expert for master data governance, establishing policies ensuring data accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Oversaw county-wide HR data security and privacy practices.
- Partnered with HR leadership to align HRMS systems and governance with long-term county strategies.
- Directed enterprise data strategies, including lifecycle management, governance structure, and quality standards.
- Delivered high-priority analytics and reporting for decision makers.
- Evaluated business requirements and approved system solutions aligned with county strategy.
- Oversaw critical HR communications related to payroll, policy, open enrollment, and HR initiatives.
- Led HR technology initiatives and system improvements supporting evolving legislation and organizational needs.
- Assessed risks and operational impacts of system and policy changes, ensuring continuity of HR operations.
- Influenced HR policy development and governance frameworks.
Manager, HRMS
Anoka County – Human Resources
Anoka, MN
01.2021 - 06.2022
- Managed HRMS staff responsible for master data, HR system platforms, and end-to-end HR data processing.
- Acted as the organization’s main expert on HR master data governance, data integrity, security, and privacy.
- Developed and enforced data standardization strategies to support accurate data collection and reporting.
- Monitored and improved data quality and system reliability across the HRMS environment.
- Supported county-wide HR and talent strategies by aligning systems with operational and strategic needs.
- Delivered high-priority reporting and analytics for leadership.
- Led assessment and design of system enhancements aligned with business needs.
- Supported communications regarding payroll timelines, policy updates, open enrollment, and HR initiatives.
- Analyzed and recommended HR technology process improvements.
- Held full authority for hiring and performance decisions for HRMS staff.
- Evaluated operational impacts, mitigated risks, and supported continuous improvement efforts.
Business Systems Analyst
Anoka County – Human Resources
Anoka, MN
02.2019 - 01.2021
- Analyzed user needs and developed system solutions supporting business strategies.
- Documented requirements, defined scope, and created system specifications.
- Led process testing, system simulations, and UAT cycles.
- Served as liaison between HR, IT, vendors, and end users.
- Coordinated HR technology initiatives, RFP processes, and contract-related activities.
- Led process mapping and solution design for department workflows.
- Supported major HR systems including Open Enrollment, Finance Enterprise, PBRM, ACA reporting, NeoGov, and Workforce Time.
Administrative Services Assistant
Anoka County – Human Resources
Anoka, MN
05.2017 - 02.2019
- Managed documentation for employee relations and payroll processes.
- Ensured compliance with compensation programs, union contracts, and HR policies.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll production for 2,400+ employees with high accuracy.
- Supported recruitment activities including scheduling, exam administration, and candidate communications.
- Provided confidential administrative support and managed department invoicing and records.
Program Support Secretary
Anoka County – Corrections
Anoka, MN
09.2013 - 05.2017
- Supported 15 probation officers and two supervisors with administrative operations.
- Managed office workflow, customer interactions, scheduling, supplies, and documentation.
- Processed background checks, IT requests, access control, and various operational tasks.
Administrative Assistant
Alexandra House
Anoka, MN
10.2009 - 04.2016
- Entered statistical data for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
- Supported HRIS data entry and administrative operations.
- Managed client files, produced correspondence, and handled multi-line phone systems.
Office Support Assistant
Anoka County – Economic Assistance
Anoka, MN
01.2013 - 09.2013
- Maintained electronic case files, processed client documentation, and updated MAXIS records.
- Performed general clerical duties including filing, scanning, and data entry.
Partnered Staffing Account Manager
Kelly Services
Anoka, MN
07.2006 - 03.2009
- Managed a million-dollar staffing account with 30–70 associates.
- Handled hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, payroll, and performance management.
- Reduced turnover through incentive programs; received Customer Service Award.
Staffing Supervisor
Masterson Personnel
Anoka, MN
11.2004 - 07.2006
- Managed staffing operations, recruiting, employee relations, payroll, and client relationships.
- Conducted OSHA safety training and developed client-specific employee testing.
- Supported onboarding of multiple new clients.
On-Site Staffing Manager
Strategic Edge Solutions
Rogers, MN
01.2002 - 07.2004
- Managed a three-million-dollar staffing account with 150–300 associates.
- Oversaw recruiting, coaching, payroll, and training for client operations.
- Promoted from Payroll Clerk to On-Site Manager in eight months; awarded On-Site of the Year.
Education
GED -
State of Minnesota
Skills
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Coaching and mentoring
- Staff development
- Task delegation
- Problem-solving
Timeline
Department Director, HRMS
Anoka County – Human Resources
04.2023 - Current
Senior Manager, HRMS
Anoka County – Human Resources
06.2022 - 04.2023
Manager, HRMS
Anoka County – Human Resources
01.2021 - 06.2022
Business Systems Analyst
Anoka County – Human Resources
02.2019 - 01.2021
Administrative Services Assistant
Anoka County – Human Resources
05.2017 - 02.2019
Program Support Secretary
Anoka County – Corrections
09.2013 - 05.2017
Office Support Assistant
Anoka County – Economic Assistance
01.2013 - 09.2013
Administrative Assistant
Alexandra House
10.2009 - 04.2016
Partnered Staffing Account Manager
Kelly Services
07.2006 - 03.2009
Staffing Supervisor
Masterson Personnel
11.2004 - 07.2006
On-Site Staffing Manager
Strategic Edge Solutions
01.2002 - 07.2004
GED -
State of Minnesota
MILITARY SERVICE
United States Army Reserve - Administrative Specialist
- Provided administrative, personnel, and records support in alignment with Army policies and standards.
- Performed clerical operations, documentation management, and organizational support for unit readiness.
- Gained early experience in structured processes, documentation accuracy, and disciplined workflow management.