Tara Lahnen
Myrtle Beach,SC
Summary
Dynamic leader with a robust background in human resources and business management, notably at Horry Georgetown Technical College. Offering solid foundation in business principles and passion for teaching, eager to learn and develop in academic environment. Conducts insightful instructional techniques and curriculum development. Ready to use and develop business acumen and instructional skills in Human Resources Adjunct role.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Business Instructor
Technical College of the Lowcountry
08.2024 - Current
- Provided individualized attention to each student during office hours or via email correspondence for additional clarification or support when needed.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating real-world examples and case studies in lectures.
- Served as subject matter expert for specific business topics during guest lectures or panel discussions held at the institution.
- Utilized various technology tools and platforms to enhance student learning.
- Encouraged students to think critically and develop problem-solving skills.
- Selected, organized and distributed materials and supplies to meet classroom instructional needs.
- Maintained regularly scheduled hours in order to assist and advise students on class, program, academic, and vocational plans.
Executive Director Human Resources
Technical College of the Lowcountry
04.2023 - Current
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
Human Resources Manager
Horry Georgetown Technical College
08.2000 - 04.2023
- Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
- Conducted thorough internal investigations, addressing employee concerns with fairness and transparency.
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency, reducing paperwork and manual tasks through automation.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align HR initiatives with overall business goals and objectives.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, resulting in increased job satisfaction and productivity.
- Improved employee retention by implementing effective recruitment strategies and onboarding processes.
- Assisted Human Resources Director in managing and supporting development and operation of HR.
- Oversaw benefits administration, ensuring accurate enrollment and timely processing of claims.
- Led, supervised, guided and trained departmental staff and provided general oversight of employment, payroll and record keeping functions.
- Oversaw and approved offers of employment for salaried and hourly positions to encourage legally compliant hiring process.
- Conferred with supervisors to review, determine and recommend actions relative to human resource matters.
- Managed the HR budget with fiscal responsibility, making cost-effective decisions while maintaining quality services for employees.
- Streamlined HR operations by automating manual tasks and introducing user-friendly software solutions.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws through regular policy reviews and updates.
- Administered employee recognition programs to boost morale and increase motivation levels among team members.
- Coordinated annual performance review process, providing constructive feedback to employees and aligning team goals with organizational objectives.
- Provided guidance on career development opportunities to staff members, assisting them in achieving professional growth within the company.
- Evaluated termination data to review and report on existing or potential trends.
- Supported Human Resources Director and administration by performing research and providing input on policies and procedures.
- Coordinated employee wellness programs that promoted a healthy work-life balance for all team members.
- Enhanced company culture through the creation of various employee engagement initiatives and events.
- Conducted thorough workplace investigations in response to employee complaints or disputes, maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.
- Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new employees.
- Managed other HR staff and oversaw completion of tasks and initiatives.
- Provided updates on HR policy changes to employees to satisfy compliance and state laws.
- Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
- Identified and implemented appropriate strategies to increase employee satisfaction and retention.
- Updated training processes by reviewing existing documentation, leveraging feedback from associates and working with legal and compliance teams.
- Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
Adjunct Instructor HR Management
Horry Georgetown Technical College
08.2005 - 12.2005
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, assignments, and grades, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders regarding academic progress.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills through problem-solving exercises and open-ended questions.
- Examined and graded assignments and assessments to report grades to appropriate personnel.
- Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
- Used lectures, discussions and demonstrations to increase learning and classroom success.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues and administrators, fostering a collaborative educational community.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and educational tools.
- Attended meetings and workshops to refine and enhance instructional skills.
- Taught HR Management courses, providing instruction to up to 20 undergraduate students.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SCAssociate of Arts - General Business
Williamsburg Technical College
Kingstree, SCGraduate Certificate - Leadership/Community College Leadership Alliance
University of South Carolina
Columbia05-2023
Master of Science - Business And Human Relations
Amberton University
Garland, TX09-2005
Skills
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Employee relations
- Strategic planning
- Microsoft office proficiency
- Budgeting and financial management
- Relationship building
- Public speaking
- Business management
- Human resources management
- Education
- Process improvements
- Approachable leader
- Adaptable and flexible
- System development
- HRIS management
Certification
SPHR 09/01/2019 - 08/31/2022
Timeline
Adjunct Business Instructor
Technical College of the Lowcountry
08.2024 - Current
Executive Director Human Resources
Technical College of the Lowcountry
04.2023 - Current
Adjunct Instructor HR Management
Horry Georgetown Technical College
08.2005 - 12.2005
Human Resources Manager
Horry Georgetown Technical College
08.2000 - 04.2023
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of South Carolina
Associate of Arts - General Business
Williamsburg Technical College
Graduate Certificate - Leadership/Community College Leadership Alliance
University of South Carolina
Master of Science - Business And Human Relations
Amberton University
Similar Profiles
Chanin PritchardChanin Pritchard
Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Technical College of the LowcountryAdjunct Clinical Instructor at Technical College of the Lowcountry
Jessica DupreeJessica Dupree
The HUB Assistant at Technical College of the LowcountryThe HUB Assistant at Technical College of the Lowcountry
IMARA SANCHEZIMARA SANCHEZ
Program Director Dental Assistant program at Lindsey Hopkins Technical College, Miami Dade Technical CollegeProgram Director Dental Assistant program at Lindsey Hopkins Technical College, Miami Dade Technical College