Ralph Wendle Reels

· Provided Technical Guidance and Advisory Services : Delivered expert advice to Human Resource (HR) Specialists and line managers on complex pay administration, ensuring compliance and efficiency in all compensation-related matters.

· Served as Veteran Affairs (VA) Agency Expert: Acted as the go-to specialist for all Title 38 and Title 5 pay administration, offering deep knowledge and expertise in these areas.

· Monitored Legislative and Regulatory Changes : Kept up-to-date with legislative and regulatory changes in compensation, identifying required updates in policy, regulations, and procedures to ensure continued compliance. Chosen to develop the Critical Skill Incentive (CSI) Policy for VA Employees.

· Conducted Training Programs : Developed and delivered nationwide training sessions on new guidance and regulations related to pay administration, enhancing the knowledge and skills of HR staff within VA.

· Led Ad Hoc Teams : Headed teams to plan, develop, and publish comprehensive policies and guidance concerning significant issues in pay administration.

· Developed Advisory Opinions : Created formal written advisory opinions and whitepapers in response to congressional inquiries, which provided clear and accurate guidance on compensation-related questions.

· Reviewed Manuals and Guidance : Regularly reviewed manuals, appeals files, and guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and VA to maintain current knowledge of pertinent laws and developments in the field of pay administration.

· Administered compensation programs and pay management for the nearly 18,000 Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) employees employed within Title 5, Title 38, and Hybrid Title 38 positions.

· Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Physician Pay, Student Loan Repayment, Debt Forgiveness, and Recruitment & Retention Incentives for the VISN 20 Network.

· Delivered pay-setting recommendations to senior management and facility leadership.

· Conducted compensation training and guided policy implementation at multiple VA medical centers

· Leveraged data analytics to evaluate hiring and retention trends, shaping pay flexibility strategies.

· Maintained personnel records and statistical data to establish accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.

· Conducted routine HR audits to ensure data accuracy in personnel files, payroll records, and benefit enrollments.

· Facilitated onboarding processes for new hires, leading to faster integration into the agency which greatly assisted new staff in transitioning to federal employment.

· Fielded employee inquiries related to pay, insurance, pension plans, vacation and sick leave.

· Streamlined recruitment processes, expediting the hiring of qualified candidates.