Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Olympia  Smith

Olympia Smith

HR Manager
Brandon,MS

Summary

Human resources manager offering several years of management experience (military and civilian federal government) and development of high-performing teams through recruitment, training, organizational development and evaluation of performance. Strong record of accomplishment working with senior managers to build organization to meet performance goals. Strong background in directing hiring practices, designing pay structures, developing employee policies, managing employee payroll and benefits and working with executive team to develop talent acquisition and retention goals.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chief Human Resources Officer (remote)

Department of Defense
Los Angeles, CA
10.2023 - Current
  • Developed and implemented effective human resources policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Created and managed annual budget for the Human Resources department.
  • Conducted research to identify trends in compensation and benefits programs.
  • Managed recruitment processes including job postings, applicant tracking, interviewing, background checks, selection of candidates, and onboarding new employees.
  • Partnered with leadership team to ensure alignment between business objectives and HR initiatives.
  • Collaborated with other departments to design training programs that meet their needs while driving organizational goals forward.
  • Organized events aimed at promoting a positive work environment such as teambuilding activities or recognition ceremonies.

Lead HR Business Partner

Veterans Health Administration VHA
Jackson, MS
05.2022 - 09.2023
  • Collaborated with Chief to develop and implement departmental policies and procedures.
  • Provided guidance, direction, and leadership to subordinate personnel.
  • Supervised staff in day-to-day operations of the division.
  • Developed and managed budget for the entire division.
  • Maintained a high level of communication with other divisions within the organization.
  • Investigated complaints against personnel in accordance with established protocols.
  • Provided HR advice to managers on workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development.
  • Conducted performance reviews, managed employee relations issues, and provided guidance on policies and procedures.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive onboarding program for new hires.

Workforce Management Specialist

ERDC
Vicksburg, MS
03.2020 - 05.2022
  • Created reports to track employee performance, attendance, and labor costs.
  • Conducted research on current industry best practices related to workforce management.
  • Analyzed data from time tracking systems to identify trends in workforce utilization.
  • Performed audits of existing payroll processes and identified areas for improvement.

Human Resources Advisor

USACE
Vicksburg, MS
07.2016 - 03.2020
  • Assisted the HR Manager with developing training programs for new and existing employees.
  • Provided advice to managers on a wide range of topics including personnel policies, procedures and labor legislation.
  • Developed job descriptions for all positions within the company.
  • Administered benefits programs such as health insurance, retirement plans and vacation and sick leave policies.
  • Maintained accurate records of employee data using HR software systems.
  • Advised senior management on best practices for managing a diverse workforce.

Various Roles in Leadership

Active Duty Military
05.2005 - 07.2016

Various Roles in HR Leadership (Military)

  • Developed and implemented HR strategies to improve employee engagement and retention.
  • Organized and facilitated team-building activities, including monthly staff meetings.
  • Conducted recruitment process for new hires, including job postings, interviews and background checks.
  • Created and maintained personnel records, such as hiring documents, benefits information and payroll data.
  • Assisted in the development of policies related to human resources management.
  • Monitored attendance records and leave requests for accuracy and completeness.
  • Coordinated training programs for new employees and existing staff members.
  • Collaborated with other departments to create a positive work environment that promotes collaboration among teams.

Education

MBA - Health Administration

University of Phoenix
05-2008

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Jackson State University
05-2004

Skills

  • Key Skills:
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Succession Planning
  • Workforce Planning
  • Retention Strategies
  • Background Checks
  • Performance Evaluation
  • Candidate interviews
  • Onboarding and Orientation
  • Exit Interviews
  • Quality Assurance
  • Onboarding and training

*HR policies and procedures

* Recruitment Strategies

Accomplishments

• Meritorious Service Medal (2) – Recognized for outstanding contributions to situational awareness and decision-making during Iraqi Enduring Freedom (2008)
• Army Commedation Medal (6) – Acknowledged for leading change management initiatives that resulted in improved team cohesion and mission success.

Technical Proficiencies:

• Situational Awareness Systems (e.g., [specific tools/software used in decision support])
• Crisis Management Platforms and Decision Support Systems
• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel, Power BI)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Communication Platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom) for Operational Coordination

Certification

  • PHR Certification (December 24)
  • SHRM-CP (February 2025)

Timeline

Chief Human Resources Officer (remote)

Department of Defense
10.2023 - Current

Lead HR Business Partner

Veterans Health Administration VHA
05.2022 - 09.2023

Workforce Management Specialist

ERDC
03.2020 - 05.2022

Human Resources Advisor

USACE
07.2016 - 03.2020

Various Roles in Leadership

Active Duty Military
05.2005 - 07.2016

MBA - Health Administration

University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Jackson State University
Olympia SmithHR Manager