Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sondra L. Hogan

New Orleans,LA

Summary

Human Resources Executive with 30 years of progressive HR experience and advanced knowledge of employment law, compensation, recruitment, and employee relations. Engages with HR service providers and suppliers on HR systems, payroll, insurance, and training and development to promote high-performing organizations with efficient operating systems, professional and skilled staff, and sound financial resources. Maintains strong stakeholder focus and service-oriented attitude with excellent organization and interpersonal skills to excel in a multicultural environment.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Sr. Director of Human Resources

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
12.2021 - Current
  • Manages three (3) business units - racing, gaming operations, and (15) off-track betting parlors.
  • Provides direction in the overall operation of the various human resources functions to ensure the most efficient and profitable operation along with the maintenance of high standards of quality and service.
  • Manages HR staff and oversees the completion of daily tasks and initiatives.
  • Administers the employee relations functions and works closely with labor counsel in the execution of this responsibility.
  • Provides updates on HR policy changes to employees to satisfy compliance and state laws.
  • Fosters cross-functional relationships to connect managers and employees and improve overall efficiency.
  • Interviews potential hires, negotiates salaries and benefits, and oversees the onboarding process.
  • Maintains human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws as well as the Louisiana State Police Gaming Commission.
  • Recommends appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handles disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
  • Coordinates and engages with leadership in planning and organizing calendars, events and activities.
  • Participates at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.
  • Maintains optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
  • Ensures the merit program is properly administered throughout the property.
  • Evaluates human resources structure and plan for continual improvement and offered individuals professional and personal growth opportunities.
  • Collaborates with stakeholders across organization to maintain proper flow of communication and execution of planned initiatives and projects.
  • Develops succession plans and promotion paths for staff.
  • Facilitates management training and development classes as needed.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Followed programs closely to assess effectiveness and make proactive changes to meet changing demands.
  • Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
  • Established critical strategic partnerships with several private equity agencies to provide full HR services to portfolio companies.
  • Directed job fairs to bring in local talent for long term and seasonal positions.
  • Spearheaded shared governance and collaboration on employee relations, HR administration, collective bargaining agreements and related HR topics.

District Human Resources Manager - New Orleans

Home Depot Corporation
09.2011 - 12.2021
  • Managed the core HR functions for (8) retail store locations within the Greater New Orleans area with an employee base of 2,500 associates.
  • Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Reviewed financial reporting the labor forecasting to ensure weekly compliance.
  • Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
  • Coordinated employee grievances and disputes in timely and professional manner by finding constructive solutions.
  • Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
  • Evaluated employee onboarding programs and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
  • Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs.
  • Used technologically relevant digital systems to manage payroll and benefits programs.
  • Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
  • Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
  • Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
  • Recruited top talent to maximize profitability.
  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
  • Fostered a positive work environment through a comprehensive employee relations program.
  • Coordinated technical training and personal development classes for staff members.
  • Coached and counseled senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
  • Updated training processes by reviewing existing documentation, leveraging feedback from associates, and working with legal and compliance teams.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Reduced process gaps while supervising employees to achieve optimal productivity.
  • Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.
  • Utilized compliance tools, corrective actions, and identification of deficiencies to mitigate audit risks.

Adjunct Faculty Instructor

University Of Phoenix - Metairie, LA Campus
05.2008 - 12.2018
  • Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
  • Developed creative and effective teaching methods for course content to capture students attention.
  • Developed and kindled professional relationships with students to better communicate and enhance instruction.
  • Designed and delivered class instruction to meet course competencies.
  • Identified academic strengths and obstacles and developed instructional techniques to accommodate different learning styles.
  • Appraised student understanding by applying course content and gauging comprehension.
  • Completed classroom planning by creating and preparing exams, classroom discussions and lectures.
  • Advised students in academic matters to improve successful course completion.
  • Evaluated and selected instructional materials and texts to prepare course materials and lesson plans.
  • Designed and distributed feedback forms to continually improve teaching skills and develop stronger connection with students.
  • Organized time, space and resources to balance advanced instruction, challenging workloads and stringent deadlines.
  • Demonstrated superb organization skills in classroom and with student records with specific attention to school policies for documentation.
  • Displayed professional demeanor and served as role model for students.
  • Scored exams and graded student performance fairly.
  • Studied program needs and enhanced content and teaching methods to better communicate material.
  • Used a variety of instructional methodologies and technology to keep business courses interesting and engaging.
  • Taught general business, human resources, and management classes within the John Sperling School of Business at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Assisted the School of Business Department Chair in coordinating faculty curriculum development and instruction while serving as Area Chair.
  • Developed and implemented general business, management, and human resources curriculum for improved learning and student performance.

Sr. Employee Relations Manager - Multi State

Fresenius Medical Care NA
03.2009 - 09.2011
  • Promoted employee welfare by maintaining proper protocols throughout investigations and disciplinary procedures.
  • Collaborated with HR team to establish useful implementation of employee relations programs and initiatives.
  • Facilitated communication and collaboration with employees and management to encourage teamwork and rapport.
  • Developed comprehensive employee relations programs and initiatives to increase organizational engagement.
  • Managed conflict resolutions to encourage professional and positive relationships and peace and order.
  • Conducted thorough investigations of employee activities to identify and target operational and behavioral discrepancies.
  • Monitored and enforced company policies and procedures to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Organized and facilitated employee focus groups to gather feedback and insights.
  • Implemented employee recognition and rewards systems to promote positive work environment.
  • Developed performance metrics and dashboard interfaces to keep track of internal benchmarking and progress against goals.
  • Delivered team member services and customized employee programs focused on optimizing labor relations and communications.
  • Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
  • Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
  • Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
  • Fostered positive work environment through comprehensive employee relations program.
  • Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.
  • Updated training processes by reviewing existing documentation, leveraging feedback from associates and working with legal and compliance teams.
  • Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
  • Reduced process gaps while supervising employees to achieve optimal productivity.
  • Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
  • Distributed employee engagement surveys to identify areas of improvement.
  • Coordinated technical training and personal development classes for staff members.

Market Human Resources Manager - Multi Locations

Walmart Corporation
07.2006 - 03.2009
  • Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
  • Coordinated employee grievances and disputes in timely and professional manner by finding constructive solutions.
  • Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
  • Implemented performance reviews and motivational strategies to elevate HR team results.
  • Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs.
  • Used technologically relevant digital systems to manage payroll and benefits programs.
  • Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
  • Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
  • Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
  • Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
  • Recruited top talent to maximize profitability.
  • Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
  • Fostered positive work environment through comprehensive employee relations program.
  • Coordinated technical training and personal development classes for staff members.
  • Maintained current knowledge of industry regulations and legislation to amend policies and promote compliance.
  • Updated training processes by reviewing existing documentation, leveraging feedback from associates and working with legal and compliance teams.
  • Reduced process gaps while supervising employees to achieve optimal productivity.
  • Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.
  • Utilized compliance tools, corrective actions and identification of deficiencies to mitigate audit risks.

Store Human Resources Manager

Home Depot Corporation
04.2005 - 07.2006
  • Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Motivated employees through special events, incentive programs, and constructive feedback.
  • Coordinated employee grievances and disputes in timely and professional manner by finding constructive solutions.
  • Facilitated onboarding sessions and on-the-job training for new hires, bolstering employee job position knowledge and skillset.
  • Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
  • Evaluated employee onboarding programs and presented strategic improvement recommendations to upper management.
  • Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations and diminished financial discrepancies through expert program management.
  • Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
  • Motivated employees through special events and incentive programs.
  • Used technologically relevant digital systems to manage payroll and benefits programs.
  • Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
  • Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
  • Fostered positive work environment through comprehensive employee relations program.
  • Instructed senior leaders on appropriate employee corrective steps.
  • Distributed employee engagement surveys to identify areas of improvement.
  • Reduced process gaps while supervising employees to achieve optimal productivity.
  • Utilized compliance tools, corrective actions and identification of deficiencies to mitigate audit risks.

Human Resources Director

Peoples Health Network
01.1998 - 02.2004
  • Handled on-boarding process for newly hired employees and distributed all paperwork.
  • Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Addressed employee conflicts with appropriate urgency, following all corporate procedures.
  • Oversaw workers' compensation program for employees injured on job.
  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Monitored and handled employee claims involving performance-based and harassment incidents.
  • Monitored administration of benefits program to maintain compliance with employee insurance program.
  • Followed programs closely to assess effectiveness and make proactive changes to meet changing demands.
  • Provided immediate updates to entire employee pool when policies and procedures were altered.
  • Created user-friendly employee handbook that was much easier to update and maintain than prior manual.
  • Developed incentive program for hiring of and retaining of employees.
  • Fostered cross-functional relationships to connect managers and employees and improve overall efficiency.
  • Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
  • Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.
  • Conducted investigations and assisted with handling employee complaints involving Affirmative Action and EEOC to promote equitable workplace.
  • Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
  • Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new employees.
  • Developed succession plans and promotion paths for staff.
  • Managed other HR staff and oversaw completion of tasks and initiatives.
  • Coordinated work activities for HR managers, specialists and recruiting agents.
  • Evaluated human resources structure and plan for continual improvement and offered individuals professional and personal growth opportunities.
  • Provided updates on HR policy changes to employees to satisfy compliance and state laws.
  • Educated employees on company policy and kept employee handbook current.
  • Coordinated and engaged with leadership in planning and organizing calendars, events and activities.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders across organization to maintain proper flow of communication and execution of planned initiatives and projects.
  • Established critical strategic partnerships with several private equity agencies to provide full HR services to portfolio companies.
  • Designed robust compensation and benefits packages to attract top employees.

Education

Doctorate Degree (DBA) - Business And HR Management

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
10.2023

Master of Arts - Organizational Management

University of Phoenix
Metairie, LA
08.2002

Bachelor of Science - Business Adm.

Southern University At New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
05.1993

Skills

  • Recruiting and Hiring Oversight
  • Policy Interpretation
  • Analyzing and Modifying Compensation
  • HR Metrics
  • Human Resources Team Leadership
  • Policy and Procedure Writing
  • Training Development
  • Human Resources Operations
  • Strategic Planning
  • Complaint Handling
  • Workforce Improvements
  • Health and Safety Programs
  • Compensation and Benefits Administration
  • Performance Appraisal Systems
  • Employee Relations Oversight
  • Performance Management Systems
  • Leadership Training
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking

Timeline

Sr. Director of Human Resources

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
12.2021 - Current

District Human Resources Manager - New Orleans

Home Depot Corporation
09.2011 - 12.2021

Sr. Employee Relations Manager - Multi State

Fresenius Medical Care NA
03.2009 - 09.2011

Adjunct Faculty Instructor

University Of Phoenix - Metairie, LA Campus
05.2008 - 12.2018

Market Human Resources Manager - Multi Locations

Walmart Corporation
07.2006 - 03.2009

Store Human Resources Manager

Home Depot Corporation
04.2005 - 07.2006

Human Resources Director

Peoples Health Network
01.1998 - 02.2004

Doctorate Degree (DBA) - Business And HR Management

Capella University

Master of Arts - Organizational Management

University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Science - Business Adm.

Southern University At New Orleans

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Sondra L. Hogan