Susan Was

Oversee Member Service Operations, Human Resources, Learning & Development, & AAA Driving School

Executive Strategy & Financial

• Collaborate with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
• Develop and manage operational plans to ensure the successful execution of strategic projects.
• Manage financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
• Play a key role in developing and managing annual departmental budgets & forecasting.
• Present business plans to board of directors on quarterly basis.
• Represented organization at industry conferences and events.

People & Culture

• Spearhead multiple performance management initiatives to drive specific organizational objectives each year.
• Foster a collaborative working environment and develop strategies to ensure top talent retention.
• Develop and implement a variety of innovative initiatives to improve associate engagement and morale.
• Executive Sponsor for all Associate Resource Groups and spearhead the Diversity, Equity Inclusion Group & all DEI goals for AAA WCNY.
• Successfully lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive enterprise human resources strategy and policies.
• Lead organizational change for the successful implementation of new technology solutions.
• Collaborate with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.

Operational

• Analyze and optimize existing business processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency
• Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
• Supported Executive Team in reviewing, identifying, and prioritizing strategic initiatives.
• Set clear goals to monitor targets and offered real-time input on performance and motivation.

Oversee Human Resources, Learning & Development

• Successfully led the development and implementation of a comprehensive human resources strategy and policies.
• Developed and implemented a variety of innovative initiatives to improve associate engagement and morale.
• Managed the full-cycle of the employee life cycle, including onboarding, training, and separation.
• Developed and maintained a comprehensive benefits package to ensure AAA remains competitive in the market.
• Conducted comprehensive compensation reviews to ensure market competitiveness and compliance with internal policies.
• Developed and implemented effective HR strategies and practices to ensure the consistent application of employment policies.
• Cultivated a collaborative working environment and developed strategies to ensure staff retention.
• Oversee the design and delivery of custom learning and development programs to enhance employee performance.
• Developed and implemented innovative training technologies to improve learning outcomes.
• Facilitate workshops and trainings on topics including leadership, communication, and change management.
• Managed a team of Learning & Development specialists to ensure successful delivery of training programs.
• Conducted investigations and assisted with handling associate complaints involving Affirmative Action and EEOC to promote equitable workplace.
• Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
• Recommended appropriate resolutions to associate relations concerns and handled disciplinary issues and investigations of misconduct.
• Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new associates.
• Discovered and resolved complex employee issues that affected management and business decisions.
• Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase associate satisfaction and retention.

• Talent Acquisition - Manage team of recruiters responsible for delivering and executing annual Talent Acquisition model consisting of job fairs, Plastics Sales Professional Program, driving team to meet annual recruitment objectives for Curbell Plastics, Curbell Medical, Curbell, Inc
• Focus on reduction of time to fill for critical roles, employee referral program and new hire onboarding process
• Leadership & Employee Engagement - Develop a culture of high performance and employee engagement by inspiring, developing, and motivating internal talent
• Facilitate effective discussions with employees in order to understand their professional goals and aspirations
• Create an environment of open communication that fosters upward feedback and suggestions
• Make well informed decisions, demonstrate initiative, exhibit autonomy and execute on organization initiatives
• Organizational Development - Ensure alignment of employee systems and organizational structure to meet evolving business demands
• Work with managers to develop strategies for retaining key employees including training and development needs
• Build effective working relationships by leading engagement efforts, managing employee relations and facilitating open communication across the company
• Implement and facilitate high potential development programs
• Training & Development - Responsible for development & execution of annual Curbell Learning Experience Project plan based on each business's objectives
• Partner with companywide training team to deliver and execute on annual goals
• Drive learning environment through the Cornerstone Learning Management System
• Provide data and reporting on online training benefits and usage to management
• Corporate Compliance and Legal - Advise managers on legal obligations in order to insure company-wide compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations related to employment and healthcare law
• Responsible for annual Affirmative Action Plan preparation, audit and delivery
• Responsible for ensuring progress and delivery on all Affirmative Action goals