Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteOn-SiteLocation: Old Bridge, NJ
Open to relocation: No
Michelle Liquari
Matawan,NJ
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic HR leader with a proven track record in aligning talent management strategies with organizational goals. Expertise in reducing turnover rates through effective compensation structures and fostering a positive company culture. Committed to developing high-performing teams and optimizing HR operations to enhance overall organizational performance.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
VP of Human Resources
Encon
09.2025 - Current
- Oversaw all human resources operations, developing strategies that aligned talent management with company goals. Key duties include leading recruitment, managing compensation and benefits, ensuring legal compliance, fostering employee relations, and mentoring the HR team to drive organizational performance and culture.
- Strategic Planning: Collaborating with executive leadership to develop and execute HR strategies that support company objectives.
- Talent Management: Overseeing recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training initiatives.
- Performance & Development: Leading performance appraisal systems, talent development, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Ensured adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, mitigating legal risks and promoting a compliant workplace.
- Managed conflict resolution and grievances, fostering a positive company culture and enhancing employee satisfaction.
- Compensation & Benefits: Overseeing payroll administration, benefits programs, and compensation structures.
- Department Leadership: Managing the HR team, setting department goals, and managing the budget
VP of Human Resources
First Atlantic Federal Credit Union
12.2021 - 09.2025
- Developed and executed human resource strategy to support the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, focusing on succession planning, talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, training, and development, and compensation. Articulated HR needs and plans to the executive management team and the board of directors.
- Realigned salary structure and grades to align with market data, contributing to reduced turnover.
- Reduced turnover rate from 30% to 10%.
- Cultivated a strong company culture that enhanced employee retention and engagement.
- Implemented monthly wellness and employee appreciation events to boost morale and foster community.
- Plans and directs activities of staff in carrying out such functions as developing sources of qualified applicants, conducting interviews, background and assessment testing, onboarding, orientation and training of newly hired employees. Keeping records concerning recruitment, interviews, hires, transfers, promotions, and terminations. Updated all job descriptions for all positions.
- Oversees all payroll software, HRIS system, procedures, balancing payroll accounts and ensuring accuracy.
- Ensure company is in compliance with FMLA, ADA, HIPAA, FLSA, EEOC, and other federal and state laws.
- Completed all reporting for 401 K NDT testing, 5500, and workers compensation audit.
- First Atlantic Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution.
VP of Human Resources & Office Operations
CTR Towing & Recovery
06.2019 - 12.2021
- Managed HR, accounting, billing, corporate customer service, and claims departments, ensuring alignment with CEO's vision.
- Created a new hire process using ADP HRIS. Managed training programs for all new employees, including orientation, disciplinary procedures, safety, etc. Streamlined new hiring process. Cut related manpower 50% and maintained compliance.
- Streamlined invoicing and payroll. Devised processes for invoicing and sales receipt, payroll, and expenses including daily data entry. Provided timely accurate management reports. Enabled senior level decision making to be based on accurate state of the business.
- Oversaw documentation processes, designed and implemented business documents, built a library of stock letters, and handled customer and vendor inquiries on behalf of CEO, leading to a 90% improvement in customer service ratings.
- Coordinated operations across multiple states for a team of five employees, optimizing resource allocation and workflow.
VP Property Manager
Express Management
01.2018 - 06.2019
- Recruited to direct the design, planning, construction and maintenance of company facilities, retail locations and properties. Managed all building systems, including mechanical, electrical, fire/life safety, plumbing, and waste management. Managed facility projects (new construction and modification, equipment installation).
- Tightened control of maintenance expenses and improved service across 120 locations by creating weekly expense reporting forms and implementing a Facility Request for Repair Program. Achieved 40% savings in wages, gas, mileage, and vehicle wear while streamlining planning and reducing repeat visits.
- Assembled a database of repair service vendors and negotiated favorable rates, tracking performance to replace substandard or overpriced services. Achieved average savings of $100 per maintenance call.
- Converted a warehouse adjacent to the main office into new office space to accommodate growth. Disposed of non-essential items and organized secure storage, providing expanded space for IT, four new offices, and an additional conference room.
- Oversaw daily operations for 120 properties from Maine to Florida.
AVP
The Bank of Princeton
06.2011 - 01.2018
- In charge of 25-person HR, Security and Facilities team for this 21-branch, 125-employee bank with $1.6B in assets.
- Managed facilities operations, ensuring safety and efficiency. Oversaw design, planning, and construction of new bank branches and refurbishment of existing branches, as well as relocation of corporate offices, while overseeing cleaning, preventive maintenance, and repairs of facilities and equipment.
- Brought order to project management. Projects were late and consistently over budget. Designed a project plan and gave all parties access to a share-drive. Chaired weekly coordination meetings. Managed, led, and coordinated 10 projects. Achieved an average completion rate of four weeks ahead of schedule.
- Developed security protocols for office operations and asset protection. Established procedures for opening and closing offices and safeguarding valuables, enhancing security measures across the organization.
- Created, coordinated, and implemented bank-wide Security Program. Provided initial and continuing training. Selected and installed appropriate security devices. Served as liaison with law enforcement offices.
- Administered and enforced HR policies and programs. Developed and managed recruiting, pay, and benefit programs, fostering a diverse work environment and ensuring compliance with HR legal requirements and government reporting regulations.
- Developed the company's first onboarding and new hire process. Created a checklist, orientation schedule and onboarding plan. Ensured a positive experience for the new hire leading to an 80% retention rate.
- Enhanced compliance through the development of targeted training programs. Oversaw the creation of compliance training programs for each department. Contributed to increased productivity and supported 75% revenue growth.
- A suburban commercial bank
Director of Retail Offices
Ashley Furniture
10.2006 - 10.2009
- Led 25-person team to standardize basic accounting functions across all locations; developed SOPs to ensure consistency.
- Developed and implemented performance evaluation and improvement plans to enhance employee effectiveness.
- Turned around underperforming office manager by creating performance improvement plan outlining areas for growth and required training; conducted weekly follow-up meetings resulting in 100% performance improvement and promotion to Regional Manager.
Director of Human Resources
Dependable Auto Shippers, Inc.
12.1992 - 10.2006
- Oversaw HR functions for multi-state auto shipping service provider, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Established infrastructure and team to support rapid growth; developed corporate policies and procedures for recruitment, interviewing, hiring, termination, and orientation, while authoring mission and vision statements to enhance HR credibility and effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented HR policies aligning with company goals and industry standards.
- Led recruitment efforts to attract top talent for various positions across the organization.
- Managed employee relations, resolving conflicts and promoting a positive work environment.
Education
Compensation And Benefits Analyst Professional Certificate - Human Resources
Coursera
On Line08-2026
HRCI Human Resource Certification - Human Resources
Coursera
On Line06-2025
Human Resources Certification - Human Resources Management
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck, NJ02-2018
AS - Business
Union County Community College
01-2003
Skills
- Talent management
- Recruitment strategies
- Onboarding programs
- Performance management
- Compensation analysis
- Benefits and compensation management
- Payroll administration
- Employee relations
- Workforce engagement
- Organizational development
- Strategic planning
- Labor relations
- HR policies and procedures
- Policy development
- HR technology
- Team building
- Employee retention
Personal Information
Title: Operations and Administrative Manager
Timeline
VP of Human Resources
Encon
09.2025 - Current
VP of Human Resources
First Atlantic Federal Credit Union
12.2021 - 09.2025
VP of Human Resources & Office Operations
CTR Towing & Recovery
06.2019 - 12.2021
VP Property Manager
Express Management
01.2018 - 06.2019
AVP
The Bank of Princeton
06.2011 - 01.2018
Director of Retail Offices
Ashley Furniture
10.2006 - 10.2009
Director of Human Resources
Dependable Auto Shippers, Inc.
12.1992 - 10.2006
Compensation And Benefits Analyst Professional Certificate - Human Resources
Coursera
HRCI Human Resource Certification - Human Resources
Coursera
Human Resources Certification - Human Resources Management
Fairleigh Dickinson University
AS - Business
Union County Community College