Natalie Cooke
MS
Summary
Dynamic professional with proven expertise in leading HR functions, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, and organizational development. Adept at devising and implementing HR strategies aligned with business objectives, spearheading change initiatives, and ensuring compliance with federal employment laws and regulations, such as FMLA, ADA, EEOC, and FLSA. Well-versed in overseeing benefits programs, enhancing employee engagement/retention, and streamlining HR processes to increase overall productivity and employee satisfaction. Strong leadership abilities, with track record of steering cross-functional teams, cultivating high-performing workforce, and fostering inclusive environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Director
Mississippi Security Police
08.2021 - Current
- Ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, EEOC, and FLSA, by interpreting federal staffing and placement laws/policies and disseminating information to supervisors for effective communication with direct reports
- Promote consistent job practices and increase operational efficiency by assisting in establishing new standard operating procedures for multiple job positions
- Mediate employee-supervisor relations by utilizing conflict resolution strategies and performance review analyses to resolve workplace disputes
- Enable informed decision-making by employees by leading open enrollment activities, including communication campaigns, educational sessions, and online enrollment systems
- Drive seamless operations by spearheading all employee benefits programs, including health and life insurance, for diverse workforce of 100+ employees
- Boost morale and team cohesion by directing change management initiatives and organizing company events based on employee feedback
- Offer expert guidance on benefit inquiries, plan options, eligibility requirements, and enrollment processes for employees as main point of contact
- Analyze personnel data for workforce exceeding 500 to identify trends in recruiting/retention, interpret company culture, and devise strategies to elevate workforce engagement and progress
- Support organization's key objectives, including acquiring and retaining top talent through execution of human resources initiatives and programs
- Implement and manage Paylocity HRIS and payroll systems, ensuring seamless payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws
- Streamline HR processes by leveraging Paylocity's automation tools, reducing administrative burdens and improving accuracy in employee records and reporting
- Lead open enrollment activities and benefit programs, acting as the primary contact for employee benefits inquiries
Transportation Operations Manager
DOT Transportation
03.2018 - 08.2021
- Steered team of transportation professionals in managing daily operations of federally regulated transportation system, while adhering to DOT regulations and agency policies
- Partnered with stakeholders to integrate transportation activities with agency objectives and mission requirements
- Verified compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements through maintenance and inspection of vehicles and equipment
- Conducted audits to confirm compliance with DOT regulations, including driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, and hours-of-service requirements
- Liaised with regulatory agencies and industry partners to stay updated on transportation regulations, technology advancements, and best practices
- Optimized resource utilization and facilitated on-time delivery of goods/services by formulating transportation plans
- Uphold high level of professionalism and competency by providing expert leadership to transportation staff through targeted training, coaching, and performance evaluations
- Augmented efficiency, reduced costs, and minimized environmental impact by supervising transportation operations and uncovering areas for improvement
Port Security Manager
04.2014 - 03.2018
- Led security team in development and enforcement of protocols to safeguard port facilities, assets, and personnel from potential threats
- Cooperated with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as port personnel, to drive security efforts and intelligence sharing
- Maintained security technology systems, including access control, surveillance cameras, and intrusion detection systems, to effectively examine and respond to security incidents
- Executed security incident investigations, gathered evidence, documented findings, and applied corrective actions to prevent recurrence
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations, including Maritime Transportation Security Act and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, through successful implementation of security measures
- Increased port's readiness to respond to security threats, natural disasters, and other emergencies by developing robust security, contingency, and emergency response plans
- Raised security awareness and preparedness across organization by arranging security training and drills for port personnel, security staff, and other stakeholders
- Strengthened port security posture by performing comprehensive security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities, and devising robust mitigation strategies
Administrative Assistant
11.2006 - 04.2014
- Boosted operational efficiency by delivering administrative support to security personnel/management team
- Streamlined calendar/logistics management by planning security staff meetings, appointments, and training sessions through Microsoft Outlook and scheduling tools
- Enhanced internal communication by preparing and distributing correspondence, reports, and presentations with accuracy/professionalism
- Aided in formulation of security policies, procedures, and training programs in alignment with company and federal security requirements
- Performed data entry and managed databases using software systems, such as Microsoft Excel and Access, to maintain accurate and up-to-date records
- Supervised timekeeping and scheduling operations for security staff, leveraging software to monitor work hours, overtime, and leave allocations
- Optimized skills/knowledge of security staff by facilitating training sessions and professional development programs
- Contributed to improved security infrastructure by assisting in orchestrating security-related projects and initiatives, including access control system upgrades, security camera installations, and emergency response drills
- Organized confidential files and records, including security documentation, personnel records, and incident reports, in conformance with company policies and federal regulations
- Enabled accurate payroll processing by reviewing timesheets, calculating hours worked, and submitting payroll reports to accounting department
Education
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Phoenix
AZ10.2024
Bachelor of Applied Science - Human Resources Certificate
University of Phoenix
AZ10.2022
Associate Degree - Human Services
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Gautier, MS05.2019
Skills
- Human Resources Management
- Talent Acquisition & Retention
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Diversity & Inclusion
- HR Policies & Programs
- Labor Law Compliance
- Benefits Administration
- HRIS & Payroll Systems: Paylocity
- Team Training & Leadership
Certification
- Human Services Certificate
- Human Resources Certificate
- Facility Security Officer (FSO) Certificate
- DOT & NON-DOT Drug & Alcohol Certificate
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Certification Statement
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of my statements are true, correct, complete, and made in good faith.
Timeline
Human Resources Director
Mississippi Security Police
08.2021 - Current
Transportation Operations Manager
DOT Transportation
03.2018 - 08.2021
Port Security Manager
04.2014 - 03.2018
Administrative Assistant
11.2006 - 04.2014
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Applied Science - Human Resources Certificate
University of Phoenix
Associate Degree - Human Services
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
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