Shannon Ciortan
Chicago,IL
Summary
Strategic People Operations Manager with advanced degrees in industrial & organizational psychology and general law. Experienced in managing and overseeing HR functions, specializing in talent management, organizational development, and employee relations strategies. Strong communicator and leader with a problem-solving mindset to drive company culture.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
People Operations Manager
Tree House Humane Society
Chicago, IL
11.2022 - Current
- Addressed and resolved employee-related concerns such as grievances, complaints, and disputes.
- Ensured precise documentation of personnel files was consistently maintained.
- Implemented employee onboarding program for seamless new hire transitions to company.
- Advised managers on best practices for enhancing recruitment, hiring, training, coaching, and development of personnel.
- Assessed candidate qualifications through resume reviews and phone screenings to inform hiring choices.
- Implemented and managed HR initiatives, policies, and procedures leading to improved operational efficiency.
- Achieved desired work environment and performance by proactively advising and guiding employees on best practices and overseeing HR training.
- Investigated workplace issues with professionalism and sensitivity and detailed incidents in reports to senior leaders.
- Handled sensitive employee and company information with highest level of confidentiality and discretion.
- Created policies and procedures related to people operations that are compliant with local laws and regulations.
- Collaborated with PEO to optimize the human resources function.
- Managed bi-weekly payroll processes.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant labor laws including minimum wage requirements.
- Identified training programs for existing staff members to improve their skillsets or knowledge base.
- Conducted exit interviews to gain insight into why employees are leaving the organization.
- Engaged in high-level discussions and decision-making processes as a key representative of the organization during union negotiations.
- Supported Board operations by actively participating in meetings and accurately recording minutes.
- Contributed to the Culture, Engagement and Inclusion committee's efforts in monitoring and assessing Tree House's progress on strategic priorities.
HR Manager/Development
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL PATHOLOGISTS
Chicago, IL
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Managed on-boarding process, including recruiting, facilitating mentoring program and new hire orientation
- Functioned as an in-house consultant, researching and implementing HR initiatives based on best practices including a benchmarking for compensation
- Implemented an automated pre-hire assessment tool for job candidate testing
- Provided gap analyses, and redesigned workflow processes and performance appraisal system
- Developed and administered training classes to employees
- Manage annual compliance training program for Protected Confidential Information, Sexual Harassment, and Legal Interviewing training
- Facilitated employee coaching sessions and offer strategic solutions to employee relations issues based on internal policies
- Oversight for legal matters; worked with EEOC and outside counsel to resolve legal claims
- Responsible for managing support staff.
HR Project Management Consultant
EMERGING BUSINESS SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC
Chicago, IL
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Managed project team to develop and implement human resources strategies and policies for a local business
- Created job descriptions, researched federal and state regulations for compliance requirements, designed soft benefits package, performed compensation analysis, designed employee manual.
HR Coordinator & Firm Administrator
LAW OFFICE OF DENNIS W. TACKETT
Warren, OH
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Responsible for managing the human resources function, including benefits, employee relations, and performance evaluations
- Researched, reviewed, and interpreted legal documents for validity, content, accuracy, compliance
- Assisted with the analysis and preparation of case material for trial
- Developed effective marketing and sales programs to attract new clients and grow practice
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired legal staff.
HR Administrator
LAW OFFICE OF REIMER, LORBER, ARNOVITZ CO. LPA
Twinsburg, OH
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired paralegals and support staff
- Supervised all employee orientations, benefits, payroll, discipline, and terminations
- Ensured compliance with federal and state laws
- Trained staff on sexual harassment prevention
- Administered performance testing and performed reference checks.
HR Coordinator & Firm Administrator
LAW OFFICE OF DENNIS W. TACKETT
Warren, OH
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Responsible for managing the human resources function, including benefits, employee relations, and performance evaluations
- Researched, reviewed, and interpreted legal documents for validity, content, accuracy, compliance
- Assisted with the analysis and preparation of case material for trial
- Developed effective marketing and sales programs to attract new clients and grow practice
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired legal staff.
Personnel Supervisor
INFOCISION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
Austintown, OH
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Sourced, interviewed, hired, disciplined and terminated call center employees
- Coordinated employee work schedules, vacation requests, LOA, and overall attendance
- Decreased attrition by managing strategic project that included reward/merit programs
- Developed effective marketing program to attract and retain clients.
Education
Master of Arts - Industrial & Organizational Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, IL01.2010
Juris Doctorate - General Law
Cleveland Marshall Law School
Cleveland, OH01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH01.1999
Skills
- HR Policy Development/Implementation
- Full Cycle Recruitment
- Employee Relations
- Grievance Proceedings
- Immigration Compliance
- Project Management
- Legal Compliance
- Employee Onboarding
- Offboarding/Exit Interviews
- Corrective Action Planning
- Dispute Mediation
- Onboarding and Orientation
- Employee support
- Training development
- Microsoft and Docusign
- ADP Workforce Now
Affiliations
- Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
- Society of Human Resources Professionals – Chicago Chapter (SHRP)
- Chicago Industrial Organizational Psychologists (CIOP)
References
Available upon request
Timeline
People Operations Manager
Tree House Humane Society
11.2022 - Current
HR Manager/Development
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL PATHOLOGISTS
01.2011 - 01.2013
HR Project Management Consultant
EMERGING BUSINESS SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC
01.2009 - 01.2010
HR Coordinator & Firm Administrator
LAW OFFICE OF DENNIS W. TACKETT
01.2006 - 01.2008
HR Administrator
LAW OFFICE OF REIMER, LORBER, ARNOVITZ CO. LPA
01.2004 - 01.2005
HR Coordinator & Firm Administrator
LAW OFFICE OF DENNIS W. TACKETT
01.2001 - 01.2004
Personnel Supervisor
INFOCISION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
01.2000 - 01.2001
Master of Arts - Industrial & Organizational Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Juris Doctorate - General Law
Cleveland Marshall Law School
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Youngstown State University