Naomi Melendez
Human Resource Leader
Portland,OR
Summary
Mission-driven executive leader with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Healthcare Operations, and Community Engagement, with a strong track record in leading inclusive, equity-centered initiatives. Proven ability to build and scale teams, drive organizational effectiveness, and lead with transparency and integrity. Deep experience in nonprofit, government, and public sectors, including strategic planning, budget oversight, people centered framework and board engagement. A proud Portland native with deep roots in the community and a passion for uplifting underserved communities. Skilled in navigating complex systems, aligning people strategies with operational goals, and cultivating partnerships that drive visibility and impact. Energized by people and culture, I bring high emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and a commitment to sustainable, community-centered leadership.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
NW Regional Lead
Washington State Department Of Transportation
Vancouver
10.2023 - Current
- I serve as the professional level expert of a series of responsibility involving the advocacy, outreach, consultation, and compliance for external civil rights as well as other external equity related programs.
- Provide expert consultation on compliance, risk mitigation, and contract administration for multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects.
- Develop and oversee audits, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations governing risk management.
- Conduct training programs to enhance compliance, diversity, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Negotiate and manage partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, ensuring contract obligations are met.
- I provide consultation and guidance to management, leaders, staff, and external organizations concerning engagement of civil rights programs and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Coordinated and conducted training for employees for EEO, affirmative action and civil rights issues.
- I direct, develop, and assesses program effectiveness; provide oversight, monitoring, and contract compliance; ensure compliance for external EEO activities in federal and state programs; ensure program requirements have been met; addresses continued non-compliance.
- I am responsible for developing, negotiation, administering and oversees with other state and regional agencies and stakeholders (federal, state and other local agencies, Labor and Industries, tribal entities, statewide pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs) and other civil rights programs; direct and conduct compliance review activities.
- Led cross-functional teams in continuous improvement projects, resulting in enhanced productivity and reduced costs.
- Travel across Washington an Oregon for conferences, trainings, on behalf of my organization.
- Reviewed complaints and claims from workplaces about civil rights, determined validity and helped build satisfactory resolutions.
- Provide expert consultation on compliance, risk mitigation, and contract administration for multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects.
- Lead cross-functional teams in policy development, regulatory compliance, and civil rights program implementation.
- Develop and oversee audits, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations governing risk management.
- Conduct training programs to enhance compliance, diversity, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Negotiate and manage partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, ensuring contract obligations are met.
Chief Executive Officer
N.Melendez Consulting
Portland
03.2023 - Current
- Develop high-impact business strategies, aligning short- and long-term objectives with organizational goals.
- Provide HR and risk management consulting services to organizations undergoing strategic transformations.
- Oversee compliance, financial strategy, and risk mitigation efforts to optimize operational efficiency.
- Advise on contract administration, insurance policies, and governance structures to ensure sustainable business practices.
- Establish and maintain key stakeholder relationships, including partnerships with private and public entities.
Human Resources Executive
United Way Global Non-Profit
Portland, OR
03.2022 - 03.2023
- Responsible for directing the Human Resource functions of the organization; my work is done through an equity lens.
- I have helped build a foundation and structure for the HR department, I have made changes in policies including a wide range of difficult to complex activities related to talent recruitment, professional development, and management; program development and implementation; and compensation, benefits administration, in accordance with policies and legal requirements.
- Budget management, Oversaw the annual HR department budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, operational needs, and equity priorities.
- Advised executive leadership on fiscally responsible people strategies, balancing budget constraints with workforce sustainability and growth goals.
- Conducted market and pay equity analyses to guide compensation strategy and approve salary adjustments. Collaborated with Finance and Payroll teams to ensure accurate benefit allocations and compliance with wage laws.
- Program oversight, led HR operations and policy development to support community-focused programs, including affordable housing and financial security initiatives.
- Implemented workforce strategies to enhance employee engagement, compliance, and risk management.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for successful international partnerships.
- Ensures all human resource activities are in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, as well as oversee programs related to employee benefits and initiatives.
- Streamlined recruitment processes for increased efficiency and reduced time to hire.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing targeted HR programs and initiatives.
- Bolstered company culture with the introduction of employee engagement events and activities.
- Implemented performance management systems for more effective employee evaluations and feedback.
- Increased workplace safety through the development of thorough policies and procedures.
- Spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives, promoting a more inclusive work environment.
- Conducted internal audits to identify areas for improvement in HR policies, practices, and compliance measures.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with benefit providers, reducing overall costs to the organization.
- Partnered with department heads to address staffing needs, optimizing talent acquisition efforts.
- Facilitated leadership training programs to strengthen management skills across the organization.
- Developed succession planning strategies for key positions throughout the company.
- Oversaw legal compliance matters related to employment law, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Managed employee relations issues effectively, resolving conflicts professionally and efficiently.
- Optimized payroll processes for increased accuracy and timely compensation delivery to employees.
- Coordinated workforce planning efforts to align with organizational growth goals.
- Introduced flexible work arrangements that improved productivity while supporting employee work-life balance.
- Led change management initiatives during organizational restructuring or merger situations.
- Championed continuous learning opportunities within the organization by establishing professional development workshops.
- Educated employees on company policy and kept employee handbook current.
- Performed administrative and customer service functions by responding to general employee inquiries, addressing employee relations issues and scheduling meetings.
- Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new leaders, employees, and contractors.
- Managed other HR staff and oversaw completion of tasks and initiatives.
- Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
- Wrote employee manual to cover company policies, disciplinary procedures, code of conduct and benefits information.
- Spearheaded shared governance and collaboration on employee relations, HR administration, collective bargaining agreements and related HR topics.
- Evaluated human resources structure and plan for continual improvement and offered individuals professional and personal growth opportunities.
- Coordinated work activities for HR managers, specialists and recruiting agents.
- Collaborated with stakeholders across organization to maintain proper flow of communication and execution of planned initiatives and projects.
Operations Executive
Multnomah County Health Department
Portland, OR
12.2015 - 03.2022
- Lead the largest County Health Center that included; primary care clinic, refugee clinic, pharmacy, dental clinic, WIC, and eligibility team.
- Responsible for supporting, informing, and coordinating the Health Center's operational needs through the beginning of the pandemic.
- Supervisor to all operational teams.
- Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring smooth workflows and timely completion of tasks.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and addressing employee concerns promptly.
- Implemented quality control systems to reduce errors, resulting in increased customer satisfaction rates.
- Contributed to long-term strategic planning discussions within the leadership team to help shape future direction for the business unit.
- Developed strong relationships with key customers to better understand their requirements and tailor services to reflect the communities it services.
- Onboarding physicians and operational teams, orientation, exit interviews quality assurance, and compliance.
- Initiated cost-saving initiative by renegotiating supply chain contracts, resulting in improved margins.
- Boosted employee morale and engagement through development of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Improved safety standards by conducting regular audits and training sessions, resulting in fewer workplace accidents.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, leading to enhanced operational workflows and staff satisfaction.
- Spearheaded task force to address and resolve recurring operational bottlenecks, significantly improving process efficiency.
- Adhering to the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) requirements, as well as providing workforce support & development, and operational oversight.
- Partners with employees and management to communicate HR policies, procedures, laws, standards, and governmental regulations.
- Responsible for fostering the integration of LEAN processes and analyzing all employee performance-related issues.
- Equity and inclusion are a big part of my work, specifically cultivating an understanding of the importance of staff engagement to build trust through positive relationships.
- Assists with staff personnel issues, as well as responding to staff & client concerns and recommendations.
- A member of multiple internal and external committees to support effective operations across the organization.
- Spearheaded a multi-year & multimillion work force equity imitative that was supported and signed by Multnomah County Chair and Commissioners.
Business Operations Specialist
Providence Health & Services
Portland, OR
10.2003 - 11.2015
- Multiple disciplines over a decade
- Call center lead
- Front desk lead
- Patient care operations
- Streamlined business operations by implementing effective process improvements and cost reduction strategies.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and implementing feedback-driven improvements.
- Meeting facilitation
- Led cardiologist teams for operations efficiency
- Billing and coding in Epic-EMR
- Medical Records-HIPAA practices
- Customer service in both English and Spanish, in person and virtual
- Patient surgery and procedure scheduling
- Committee member for multiple employee groups
- Led the first patient-centered program
- Event planning and execution
- Operations for billing systems transition to EPIC
Human Resources Officer
Portland Impact
Portland, OR
01.2000 - 09.2003
- Streamlined recruitment processes to enhance candidate experience and reduce time-to-hire.
- Developed training programs to improve employee engagement and professional development.
- Implemented HR policies that aligned with organizational goals and promoted workplace diversity.
- Led performance management initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous feedback and improvement.
- Mentored junior HR staff, promoting knowledge sharing and professional growth within the team.
- Supervised job interviews and conducted exit surveys to verify compliance with HR best practices.
- Coordinated onboarding processes for new hires, integrating them seamlessly into the workplace environment.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of current HR systems; identified areas requiring enhancement or replacement.
Education
Associates Degree - Arts in Organizational Dynamics
Warner Pacific College
Portland, ORBachelor Degree - Business Administration
Warner Pacific College
Portland, ORSkills
- Executive HR Strategy & Policy Development
- Workforce Planning & Change Management
- Budget Oversight & Financial Stewardship
- Board & Executive Team Collaboration
- Cross-Functional Stakeholder Engagement
- Equity-Centered HR & DEI Integration
- Culture Building & Employee Resource Group Leadership
- Civil Rights & EEO Compliance
- Culturally Specific Program Development
- Community Engagement & Partnership Building
- Employee Engagement & Retention Strategy
- Onboarding, Offboarding & Talent Lifecycle Management
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development
Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Transformation
Employee Experience & People Operations
- Performance Management & Leadership Development
- Training Design & Facilitation
- Organizational Culture & Climate Improvement
- Collective Bargaining & Union Partnerships
- Grievance Resolution & Conflict Management
- Employment Law & Policy Compliance
- Internal Investigations & Audit Preparedness
- Risk Management & Policy Enforcement
- Benefits & Compensation Strategy
- HR Technology & Process Optimization
- Lean, Quality & Business Process Improvement
- Contract & Vendor Management
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) Communication
Labor Relations & Compliance
HR Infrastructure & Operational Excellence
- Contract & Vendor Management
- Lean, Quality & Business Process Improvement
- HR Technology & Process Optimization
- Benefits & Compensation Strategy
HR Infrastructure & Operational Excellence
- Risk Management & Policy Enforcement
- Internal Investigations & Audit Preparedness
- Employment Law & Policy Compliance
- Grievance Resolution & Conflict Management
- Collective Bargaining & Union Partnerships
Labor Relations & Compliance
- Organizational Culture & Climate Improvement
- Training Design & Facilitation
- Performance Management & Leadership Development
- Onboarding, Offboarding & Talent Lifecycle Management
- Employee Engagement & Retention Strategy
Employee Experience & People Operations
- Community Engagement & Partnership Building
- Culturally Specific Program Development
- Civil Rights & EEO Compliance
- Culture Building & Employee Resource Group Leadership
- Equity-Centered HR & DEI Integration
Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Transformation
- Cross-Functional Stakeholder Engagement
- Board & Executive Team Collaboration
- Budget Oversight & Financial Stewardship
- Workforce Planning & Change Management
- Executive HR Strategy & Policy Development
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development
- Executive HR Strategy & Policy Development
- Workforce Planning & Change Management
- Budget Oversight & Financial Stewardship
- Board & Executive Team Collaboration
- Cross-Functional Stakeholder Engagement
- Equity-Centered HR & DEI Integration
- Culture Building & Employee Resource Group Leadership
- Civil Rights & EEO Compliance
- Culturally Specific Program Development
- Community Engagement & Partnership Building
- Employee Engagement & Retention Strategy
- Onboarding, Offboarding & Talent Lifecycle Management
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development
Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Transformation
Employee Experience & People Operations
- Performance Management & Leadership Development
- Training Design & Facilitation
- Organizational Culture & Climate Improvement
- Collective Bargaining & Union Partnerships
- Grievance Resolution & Conflict Management
- Employment Law & Policy Compliance
- Internal Investigations & Audit Preparedness
- Risk Management & Policy Enforcement
- Benefits & Compensation Strategy
- HR Technology & Process Optimization
- Lean, Quality & Business Process Improvement
- Contract & Vendor Management
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) Communication
Labor Relations & Compliance
HR Infrastructure & Operational Excellence
Timeline
NW Regional Lead
Washington State Department Of Transportation
10.2023 - Current
Chief Executive Officer
N.Melendez Consulting
03.2023 - Current
Human Resources Executive
United Way Global Non-Profit
03.2022 - 03.2023
Operations Executive
Multnomah County Health Department
12.2015 - 03.2022
Business Operations Specialist
Providence Health & Services
10.2003 - 11.2015
Human Resources Officer
Portland Impact
01.2000 - 09.2003
Associates Degree - Arts in Organizational Dynamics
Warner Pacific College
Bachelor Degree - Business Administration
Warner Pacific College
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Executive Leadership Highlights
- Spearheaded a multi-year, multimillion-dollar workforce equity initiative adopted by Multnomah County Board.
- Founded and led employee resource groups and cultural programs to advance DEI and staff engagement.
- Directed large-scale operations for Portland’s largest public health center, overseeing clinic, pharmacy, dental, and community health services.
- Developed and implemented HR infrastructure at United Way, aligning people strategy with affordable housing and equity-focused programs.
- Built and sustained public-private partnerships with chambers, apprenticeship programs, and advocacy organizations.
- Successfully consulted with state agencies on contract administration, EEO compliance, and civil rights enforcement.