RONNA WALKER
Winder
Summary
Dynamic Human Resources and Operations Executive with 20+ years of experience driving transformative HR and operational strategies in private equity-backed environments. Adept in leading large-scale, multi-site operations, optimizing workforce performance, and executing complex integrations in M&A and operational restructuring. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with a proven ability to stabilize high-turnover environments, implement HR technology solutions, and foster leadership development to support organizational growth and business objectives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Acadia Healthcare
03.2024 - Current
- Serve as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team, shaping HR strategies to fuel organizational growth, operational excellence, and employee engagement across a large-scale behavioral health facility
- Spearheaded HR transformation initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies, streamlining processes to enhance workforce productivity and minimize inefficiencies
- Led risk management strategies, ensuring compliance with Joint Commission, DOL regulations, and healthcare standards, improving audit performance and regulatory alignment
- Oversaw talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee relations, and retention strategies, improving employee morale and reducing turnover rates through targeted engagement initiatives
- Enhanced executive coaching and leadership development programs to improve managerial effectiveness, succession planning, and team performance
- Drove the implementation of HR technology and data analytics, optimizing payroll, benefits, and HR processes to increase operational efficiency
- Developed and monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) across HR functions, including turnover rates, employee engagement scores, and compliance metrics, using data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement in workforce performance
Director of Human Resources
Georgia Spine and Orthopedics
09.2022 - 03.2024
- Overhauled HR operations to align with private equity investment goals, driving operational efficiency and strengthening workforce stability across multiple locations in Georgia and surrounding states
- Led workforce stabilization efforts, reducing turnover by 40% through the introduction of competitive compensation structures, employee engagement programs, and leadership development initiatives
- Developed and tracked KPIs across multiple HR functions, including employee retention, talent acquisition timelines, and workforce productivity, using data analytics to guide decision-making and continuously improve workforce performance
- Spearheaded M&A integration, conducting due diligence, and overseeing seamless workforce transitions during acquisitions, ensuring talent retention and aligning HR practices with private equity financial goals
- Implemented comprehensive HR restructuring initiatives, ensuring policies, compliance, and talent acquisition strategies aligned with private equity growth objectives and multi-state operations
- Standardized compensation and benefits models across states, using regional benchmarking and financial modeling to ensure market competitiveness and alignment with business objectives
- Directed the implementation of HR technology solutions, streamlining payroll, onboarding, and benefits administration for greater scalability and efficiency across state operations
- Partnered with senior leadership to design and execute workforce planning strategies, ensuring staffing levels aligned with business needs, regulatory requirements, and organizational growth goals
Regional Human Resources Manager
Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center
08.2019 - 09.2022
- Led HR operations across multiple states, supporting a workforce of 500+ employees in a rapidly growing multi-site healthcare organization with locations in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee
- Monitored and analyzed HR KPIs, including turnover rates, hiring timeframes, employee engagement, and compliance metrics across multiple states, driving data-informed decisions that resulted in a 25% reduction in turnover
- Streamlined recruitment and talent acquisition processes, successfully reducing clinician vacancy rates by 30% and improving hiring timelines through strategic partnerships with local recruitment teams and targeted outreach campaigns
- Designed and implemented multi-state HR policy standardization initiatives, ensuring compliance with state-specific regulations and federal employment laws, as well as ABA therapy regulatory standards across all locations
- Developed and rolled out leadership development programs across multiple states, providing training for clinic directors and mid-level managers on employee relations, compliance, performance management, and conflict resolution
- Led the implementation of HRIS and payroll systems across state locations, improving operational efficiency and reducing administrative inefficiencies in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Launched employee engagement initiatives tailored to the unique needs of each state location, improving overall employee morale and creating a stronger, more unified organizational culture across regions
- Partnered with senior leadership to support strategic growth initiatives, including new clinic openings and expansions into new states, ensuring compliance, workforce readiness, and operational efficiency from day one
Operations Manager
Siwell Dental
01.2015 - 07.2020
- Oversaw operations for nine dental practices, driving significant growth and operational improvements that positioned the company for a successful private equity acquisition
- Led the transformation of Siwell Dental from a single-location practice to a thriving multi-site organization, increasing the number of practices from one to nine during my tenure, optimizing workflows, and establishing standardized processes across all locations
- Implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and improve operational efficiency, including patient satisfaction, revenue growth, patient retention, and staff productivity, driving continuous improvement across all sites
- Spearheaded the integration of new locations, managing the operational and cultural transitions, aligning policies, workflows, and HR practices with corporate standards to ensure seamless scaling of the business
- Developed and standardized HR processes across all locations, improving recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management, resulting in a more consistent and high-performing workforce
- Increased practice collections by 30% through the optimization of billing, insurance claims, and revenue cycle management, significantly improving the financial health of the business
- Reduced turnover across all sites by introducing competitive compensation models, employee engagement initiatives, and professional development programs, contributing to a more stable and motivated workforce
- Implemented a comprehensive supply chain and procurement strategy across the multi-site operation, reducing operational costs by 15% through better vendor negotiations and inventory management
Senior Executive Administrative Assistant
Entergy
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Supported HR and operational process improvements, increasing interdepartmental communication and efficiency
- Conducted internal audits of HR policies, ensuring compliance with company standards and improving effectiveness across departments
HR Manager/Office Manager
Universal Healthcare
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Led full-cycle HR operations including recruitment, performance management, and payroll administration for a diverse healthcare workforce
- Implemented HR technology solutions to streamline employee records management and payroll systems, significantly improving administrative efficiency
Education
Master’s in Human Resource Management -
Southern New Hampshire University
01.2015
Master’s in Finance -
Hampton University
01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Hampton University
01.2006
Skills
- Private Equity HR & Workforce Integration
- HR Strategy & Departmental Restructuring
- Multi-Site Operations & Business Scaling
- Compliance
- Risk Management
- Regulatory Alignment
- Lean Six Sigma Process Optimization
- Workforce Stabilization
- Employee Retention
- Talent Acquisition
- Leadership Development
- HR Technology Implementation
- Optimization
- Compensation
- Benefits
- Financial Modeling
- Change Management
- Organizational Development
Certification
- SHRM-CP - SHRM Certified Professional
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Acadia Healthcare
03.2024 - Current
Director of Human Resources
Georgia Spine and Orthopedics
09.2022 - 03.2024
Regional Human Resources Manager
Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center
08.2019 - 09.2022
Operations Manager
Siwell Dental
01.2015 - 07.2020
Senior Executive Administrative Assistant
Entergy
01.2012 - 01.2015
HR Manager/Office Manager
Universal Healthcare
01.2006 - 01.2012
Master’s in Human Resource Management -
Southern New Hampshire University
Master’s in Finance -
Hampton University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Hampton University
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