Melissa M. Ward
Eugene,OR
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief People Officer
Arcimoto
05.2022 - Current
- Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
- Facilitated successful policy implementation and enforcement to maintain legal and operational compliance.
- Developed comprehensive interviewing guides to improve candidate quality by evaluating both analytical and interpersonal attributes.
- Provided guidance and consultation to Executives, Directors, and Managers to identify strategies to meet short and long-term business needs.
- Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new employees.
- Managed HR, IT, Facilities & Safety Teams. 6 Direct Reports.
- Improved performance management system and introduced StandOut & GrowthSpace program to develop future leaders of 300 employees.
- Designed employee engagement strategies to improve morale, retain talent and maintain business continuity.
Director Of Human Resources
Arcimoto Inc.
03.2018 - 05.2022
- Assisted executive team with making key decisions including workforce planning, organizational development, policy implementation, retention and succession planning
- Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions, laws, and budget demands
- Managed all aspects of recruitment through posting jobs, reviewing applications, interviewing applicants and hiring through applicant tracking system. Hired over 70% of company
- Maintained company compliance with all local, state and federal laws, in addition to establishing organizational standards
- Set, enforced and explained HR policies to team members to cultivate compliant and satisfied workforce
- Converted legacy system to new technology in smooth, efficient and diligent manner to minimize impacts and proactively address any problems
- Talent management including training, coaching and employee professional growth, and development
Talent Acquisition Manager
Quantum Recruiters
10.2017 - 12.2017
- Outward facing business development representative at networking and executive level social events with goals to increase market awareness and develop new business clients
- Sourced top talent through various online and social media channels such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Ladders, and Recruiter.com
- Utilized company approved recruitment channels to draw in qualified candidates with goals of finding people who fit clients culture and goals
- Interviewed prospective candidates to assess qualifications and capabilities; guide candidates through application process, and notify candidates of results
Short Term Retirement
Melissa Ward
04.2017 - 09.2017
- Attended Insight Seminar I- The power of intentions and creating more of what you want in your life
- Read Self Development Books - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Radical Candor, Love Warrior
- Volunteered at local community events- Food for Lane County, Relief Nursery
- Enjoyed the summer with family and friends
Executive Vice President of Business Development
Gorilla Capital
10.2014 - 04.2017
- Cultivated new business opportunities by effectively communicating company offerings to top Real Estate Investors
- Managed 38% of company's allocated capital for partnerships with returns on investment in excess of 30%
- Spearheaded expansion and growth strategy based initiatives throughout country growing from 6 to 31 states
- Analyzed real estate investment opportunities and worked directly with investors on all financial aspects of relationship including deal underwriting and controlling expenditures
- Managed Marketing Team (2009-2017), oversaw marketing programs and general business solutions, resulting in increased company exposure, customer traffic, and sales by 300%
Human Resources Director
Gorilla Capital
10.2009 - 04.2017
- Developed award-winning culture and work environment by analyzing expectations and needs of employees while meeting company's objectives (100 Best Places to Work in Oregon 2012-2017)
- Analyzed and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements
- Educated and advised employees on group health plans, voluntary benefits, and 401(k) retirement plans
- Acted as liaison between employees and insurance carriers to resolve problems and clarify benefits
- Responsible for all HR functions, including but not limited to; strategic planning, organizational development, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, retention, employee relations, workers compensation, and benefits administration
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology; Minor in Business Administration
University of Oregon
Eugene, OregonAssociates of Arts, Oregon Transfer Degree -
Lane Community College
Eugene, OregonHuman Resources Management Certificate - 6 Courses
Oregon State University
OnlineSkills
- Benefits Creation, Negotiation and Administration
- Culture Recruitment and Retention
- Employee Relations & Coaching
- Equity Management & Software Implementation
- ERP, HRIS Implementation & Administration
- Revenue and Profit Maximization
- Payroll Implementation & Administration
- Investor Relations
- Team Leadership
- Employment Laws and Practices
- Human Resource Policies
- Engagement & Retention
Organizations
Society for Human Resource Management
Lane County Human Resource Association
Notary Public for the State of Oregon
Volunteer Involvement
- Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Eugene: (2011-2015): Participated on the Casino Night Committee. Team member of procurement for silent auction and prize items. Assisted in various setup and organizing tasks for the annual event
- Eugene Marathon: (2007-2017): Coordinated Gorilla Capital's sponsorship of the Eugene Marathon. Volunteered since its inception either with mile markers and/or water and refuel stands
- UIPM: Athlete/Sponsor Liaison (2007-2017): Coordinated with sponsors of the Olympic Sport of Modern Pentathlon and with top world-class athletes from over 30 countries to provide shoes and equipment to athletes competing at World Cup events. Organized and managed the distribution of equipment as well as ensured athletes complied with sponsor requirements
- Volunteer Accredited Official at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, London 2012 Olympics and Rio De Janeiro 2016 Olympics: Hospitality Manager for Union Internationale Pentathlon Modern which included running a hospitality program for sponsors, executive board members, and athlete families. Hospitality program comprising of 200 hotel rooms, 3000 tickets, 50 accreditation's and 20 accredited vehicles
Interests
Oregon Ducks, Wine Tasting, Cooking, Reading, Outdoor Activities, Meditation, Group Exercise, Community Volunteering
Timeline
Chief People Officer
Arcimoto
05.2022 - Current
Director Of Human Resources
Arcimoto Inc.
03.2018 - 05.2022
Talent Acquisition Manager
Quantum Recruiters
10.2017 - 12.2017
Short Term Retirement
Melissa Ward
04.2017 - 09.2017
Executive Vice President of Business Development
Gorilla Capital
10.2014 - 04.2017
Human Resources Director
Gorilla Capital
10.2009 - 04.2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology; Minor in Business Administration
University of Oregon
Associates of Arts, Oregon Transfer Degree -
Lane Community College
Human Resources Management Certificate - 6 Courses
Oregon State University