Sara Marie Appleman
Kutztown,PA
Summary
Results-driven professional specializing in administrative support, project management, and organizational leadership. Proven ability to cultivate efficient workplace cultures while successfully managing corporate events. Recognized for building strategic partnerships and leading impactful initiatives that drive continuous improvement. Committed to inspiring teams through mentorship and fostering active engagement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Specialist
EnerSys Corporate Headquarters
Reading, PA
10.2022 - Current
- Led United Way initiatives as a community resource and corporate liaison
- Supported executives and leadership teams through strategic planning and administrative excellence
- Planned and executed corporate and team events, including meetings, team-building activities, and dinners for visitors
- Managed employee engagement projects, service award programs, and onboarding orientations to enhance workplace culture
- Organized domestic and international travel arrangements, including itinerary creation
- Administered HR programs, including ticket systems, vendor setup, and AR processes
- Developed and enforced company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
- Created and distributed corporate surveys and communications using Microsoft 365 tools
- Supported campus security and safety initiatives to uphold corporate standards
- Assisted with employee relations and investigations, ensuring confidentiality and resolution
- Guided new hires through systems setup (Baan, Concur) and conducted training presentations for policies and procedures
- Implemented continuous improvement strategies, increasing operational efficiency
- Managed metrics, reports, and systems to support HR objectives and business operations
Customer Service Specialist, Motive Power
EnerSys Corporate Headquarters
, PA
09.2018 - 10.2022
- Entered and created information in SAP and Baan systems to maintain data accuracy and integrity
- Processed EDI and manual entry orders, ensuring seamless order management
- Ran daily reports from SAP to support operational efficiency and decision-making
- Contributed to the successful transition to the SAP system, streamlining workflows
- Processed international and domestic orders, including material returns and credits
- Coordinated scheduling, expediting, and product allocations to meet customer needs
- Acted as a liaison between coordinators, sales teams, and warehouses to ensure smooth operations
- Supported key accounts, including Interco International, Hyster-Yale, OEM, Crown Private Label, Odyssey-Warrensburg, Specialty/Transportation, AutoZone, and NorthStar
- Exercised discretion and independent judgment to resolve customer inquiries and issues effectively
- Planned and organized corporate events to enhance team collaboration and engagement
- Provided logistical support for meetings and events, ensuring seamless execution
HR Assistant
Palram Americas, Inc.
Kutztown, PA
03.2017 - 09.2018
- Managed HRIS and conducted employment verifications to maintain accurate employee records
- Created and maintained Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency in HR processes
- Oversaw recruitment processes, including conducting orientations to onboard new employees effectively
- Trained receptionists and executive assistants, fostering skill development and operational excellence
- Facilitated employee relations and open enrollment processes, ensuring seamless communication and resolution of concerns
- Organized employee events, training sessions, and town hall meetings to boost engagement and morale
- Administered benefits programs and managed Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests, ensuring compliance and employee satisfaction
- Handled payroll processes and generated detailed reports for accurate financial tracking
- Supported performance management initiatives to drive employee development and organizational success
Receptionist
Palram Americas, Inc.
Kutztown, PA
11.2015 - 03.2017
- Managed incoming and outgoing calls, and provided professional reception services, including greeting guests and directing inquiries
- Served as a backup to the Executive Assistant, ensuring seamless support during absences
- Supported the Human Resources department with administrative tasks and special projects
- Planned and coordinated corporate events, including town hall meetings, to enhance employee communication and engagement
- Booked hotels and car services for executives and employees, ensuring smooth travel arrangements
- Assisted executive management with day-to-day tasks, including scheduling and administrative operations
Admissions Advisor
Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy
Allentown, PA
05.2014 - 11.2015
- Managed enrollment processes, including meeting and interviewing potential students to assess their suitability and goals
- Promoted the school through outreach initiatives, including high school visits and informational sessions
- Collaborated with leads to establish appointments and conduct facility tours, increasing prospective student engagement
- Scheduled and participated in new student orientations, fostering a welcoming and informative onboarding experience
- Provided guidance, support, and resources to students, ensuring a successful academic journey and personal development
- Facilitated job placement for graduates by connecting them with employment opportunities aligned with their skills and aspirations
Customer Service Representative
Palram Americas, Inc.
Kutztown, PA
01.2012 - 05.2014
- Delivered detailed product knowledge to customers, ensuring informed purchasing decisions
- Managed commissions, rebates, and pricing structures to support sales objectives
- Provided backup support for Home Depot and Application Inside Sales Representatives, maintaining seamless service continuity
- Logged purchase orders, performed data entry, and processed orders with accuracy and efficiency
- Entered and created information in SAP, ensuring proper documentation and workflow alignment
- Generated and analyzed daily and weekly reports to assist in operational planning and decision-making
- Assisted executive management and the Sales Administration Manager with administrative tasks and reporting
- Collaborated with the Technical Department to resolve claims, ensuring customer satisfaction and issue resolution
Career Planning Coordinator- Confirmer
Empire Education Group
Pottsville, PA
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Conducted 150 manual outbound dials daily to prospective clients, ensuring consistent engagement and outreach
- Achieved a 30% conversion rate for no-show appointments, surpassing industry averages and team expectations
- Consistently met or exceeded team goals, maintaining a daily confirmation rate of 75% or higher
- Skillfully addressed and overcame objections, securing appointments and fostering client interest
Career Planning Coordinator- Agent
Empire Education Group
Pottsville, PA
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Scheduled visits for prospective students, providing personalized support to align with their career goals
- Engaged with students to create excitement about starting their new career, fostering motivation and commitment
- Informed prospects about the school’s programs and offerings, tailoring messaging to individual needs and interests
- Contacted new leads consistently, ensuring a steady pipeline of prospective students
- Successfully met and exceeded enrollment goals through effective communication and follow-up strategies
- Rescheduled appointments as needed to accommodate student availability, maintaining high conversion rates
- Accurately inserted and updated information in internal systems, ensuring data integrity for reporting and follow-up
Student Account Coordinator
Empire Education Group
Pottsville, PA
06.2007 - 01.2009
- Processed student payments in the Class and FASL systems, ensuring accurate and timely updates
- Handled voiding of NSF checks and appropriately charged student accounts for reconciliation
- Managed monthly statements for both Empire and FASL, providing detailed financial reporting
- Posted credit card payments and entered collection payments, maintaining accuracy in financial records
- Prepared deposits for the bank and processed wire transfers efficiently to support operational needs
- Applied SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) matches to student accounts, ensuring compliance with financial aid requirements
- Provided exceptional customer service to schools, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly
- Notified schools of incorrect or invalid student addresses to maintain accurate records and communication
- Sent critical account information to Experian for credit reporting, ensuring regulatory compliance
- Processed incoming mail and integrated relevant data into the Class system to maintain data integrity
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Business Administration, Organizational Leadership
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH11.2024
Associate in Specialized Business Degree - Allied Health - Medical Assistant
Lansdale School of Business
North Wales, PA01.2006
Skills
- Recruiting
- Customer service delivery
- HRIS updating
- Benefits administrator
- Career pathing
- Confidential document control
- Pre-employment screening
- Presentation preparation
- Onboarding and orientation
- Operational leadership
- Collaborative leadership
- Networking strategies
- Team building
- Market tracking
- Interview coaching
- Career counseling
Training
- Leadership Development, Leadership Berks, Dale Carnegie Course
- Professional Skills, Time Management, Advanced Excel Training (Palram Americas), Customer Service (Lehigh Carbon Community College), Effective Communication (Fred Pryor Seminar), Field Offensive Call Training
- Admissions & Process Improvement, Admissions Essentials (Hagen Williams), Enrollment Resources (Joe Girard), Career Planning Specialist Training, LEAN Six Sigma Certification (Palram & EnerSys)
- Technical Knowledge, Motive Power Battery & Chargers 101 (EnerSys Headquarters), Human Resource Certificate Series (Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers)
Leadershipandcommunityinvolvement
Friend, Inc. Community Services, Kutztown, PA, Board Member, 06/24, Present, Contribute to organizational strategy and decision-making to support community services., Actively participate in board meetings, providing oversight for programs, financials, and policies., Collaborate with other board members to drive fundraising initiatives and strengthen community partnerships., Advocate for the organization’s mission to stakeholders, enhancing visibility and support within the community.
Accomplishments
Leadership Development:
Leadership Berks, Dale Carnegie Course
Professional Skills:
Time Management, Advanced Excel Training (Palram Americas), Customer Service (Lehigh Carbon Community College), Effective Communication (Fred Pryor Seminar), Field Offensive Call Training
Admissions & Process Improvement:
Admissions Essentials (Hagen Williams), Enrollment Resources (Joe Girard), Career Planning Specialist Training, LEAN Six Sigma Certification (Palram & EnerSys)
Technical Knowledge:
Motive Power Battery & Chargers 101 (EnerSys Headquarters), Human Resource Certificate Series (Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers)
Affiliations
Friend, Inc. Community Services, Kutztown, PA – Board Member, June 2024 - Present
- Contributed to organizational strategy and decision-making to enhance community services
- Actively participated in board meetings, providing oversight for programs, financials, and policies
- Collaborated with board members to drive fundraising initiatives and strengthen community partnerships
- Advocate for the organization’s mission to stakeholders, enhancing visibility and support within the community.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Human Resources Specialist
EnerSys Corporate Headquarters
10.2022 - Current
Customer Service Specialist, Motive Power
EnerSys Corporate Headquarters
09.2018 - 10.2022
HR Assistant
Palram Americas, Inc.
03.2017 - 09.2018
Receptionist
Palram Americas, Inc.
11.2015 - 03.2017
Admissions Advisor
Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy
05.2014 - 11.2015
Customer Service Representative
Palram Americas, Inc.
01.2012 - 05.2014
Career Planning Coordinator- Confirmer
Empire Education Group
01.2011 - 01.2012
Career Planning Coordinator- Agent
Empire Education Group
01.2009 - 01.2011
Student Account Coordinator
Empire Education Group
06.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor’s Degree - Business Administration, Organizational Leadership
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate in Specialized Business Degree - Allied Health - Medical Assistant
Lansdale School of Business
Similar Profiles
CAROLYN OSBORNCAROLYN OSBORN
Training and Development Specialist at Stater Bros. Corporate HeadquartersTraining and Development Specialist at Stater Bros. Corporate Headquarters
Valerie HernandezValerie Hernandez
Department Administrator, Business Credit at Nevada Corporate HeadquartersDepartment Administrator, Business Credit at Nevada Corporate Headquarters
Charles GoodeCharles Goode
Customer Service Operator at Fun Town RV Corporate HeadquartersCustomer Service Operator at Fun Town RV Corporate Headquarters