Sylvia Choi
Austin,TX
Summary
Strategic Human Resources leader with 15+ years of progressive experience in hospitality. Committed to elevate service excellence, utilizing specialized knowledge and determination to meet organizational targets and pursue career development.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Westin Austin Domain
Austin, USA
04.2022 - Current
- Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute workforce strategies aligned with business goals for a full-service property.
- Lead all HR functions including recruitment, employee relations, engagement, and compliance.
- Drive employee engagement initiatives, including annual surveys and action planning, improving workplace culture and retention.
- Oversee onboarding and orientation processes.
- Collaborate with department leaders on staffing plans, succession planning, and organizational development.
Director of Human Resources
Courtyard/Residence Inn by Marriott
06.2006 - 04.2022
- Played a key leadership role in the successful pre-opening of a 449-room dual-branded property.
- Executed recruitment initiatives, attracting top talent for diverse hotel positions.
- Managed employee relations, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace environment.
- Supported multi-property HR operations, including Marriott Austin South, enhancing regional collaboration.
Human Resources Manager
Courtyard by Marriott Magnificent Mile
Chicago, USA
07.2004 - 06.2006
- Managed full-cycle recruitment, on-boarding, and HR operations for a high-volume hospitality environment.
- Developed and delivered training programs to improve service quality and team performance.
- Led employee engagement initiatives, including orientation and associate events.
- Ensured compliance in Risk Management audit.
Sales Manager
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
Chicago, USA
09.2003 - 07.2004
- Managed daily sales operations and team performance in a luxury hotel environment.
- Developed strategic sales plans to maximize revenue and guest satisfaction levels.
- Updated information received in market research and provided the sales team with client requirements and current trends.
- Conducted online research on companies to identify potential leads and delivered follow-up insights.
Pathways Manager
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
Chicago, USA
06.2002 - 09.2003
- Collaborated with community-based organizations to identify and recruit candidates for Pathways to Independence program, enhancing outreach efforts.
- Executed selection and recruitment process for non-management candidates in Chicago and O’Hare cluster, ensuring alignment with program needs.
- Monitored staff performance, delivering training and support.
- Coordinated guest services to enhance overall customer satisfaction experience.
Payroll Administrator
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
Chicago, USA
08.2001 - 06.2002
- Process payroll for all hotel employees using automated systems.
- Executed weekly payroll processing and transmission for exempt and non-exempt associates.
- Processed off-cycle payroll adjustments and distributed weekly paychecks while performing employment verifications and addressing associates' HR inquiries.
- Verify employee timecards for accuracy and compliance with company policies.
- Maintain employee records and confidential information in secure databases.
Human Resources Recruiter
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
Chicago, USA
01.2000 - 08.2001
- Selected and recruited non-management candidates, enhancing talent pool and ensuring fit with organizational culture.
- Led new hire orientation, facilitating smooth onboarding and integration of new employees into the company.
- Coordinated Pathways to Independence program, delivering essential support and resources to empower participants.
Education
Certificates of Completion - Front Office Operations, Food and Beverage, Food Production Principles
Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association
Skills
- Workforce Planning & Talent Strategy
- Employee Relations & Engagement
- Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
- Leadership Development & Coaching
- Payroll & HRIS Systems
- Training & Organizational Development
- Performance Management
- Hospitality Operations Support
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Westin Austin Domain
04.2022 - Current
Director of Human Resources
Courtyard/Residence Inn by Marriott
06.2006 - 04.2022
Human Resources Manager
Courtyard by Marriott Magnificent Mile
07.2004 - 06.2006
Sales Manager
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
09.2003 - 07.2004
Pathways Manager
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
06.2002 - 09.2003
Payroll Administrator
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
08.2001 - 06.2002
Human Resources Recruiter
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
01.2000 - 08.2001
Certificates of Completion - Front Office Operations, Food and Beverage, Food Production Principles
Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association