Tonya Warren
Kokomo,IN
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Human Resources professional with over 10 years of progressive experience across HR business partnership, talent management, payroll administration, and organizational development. Adept at aligning HR initiatives with business objectives to drive employee engagement, compliance, and operational efficiency. Proven success in resolving complex employee relations matters, supporting DEI programs, and leading cross-functional HR projects. Skilled in leveraging data and HR systems (ICIMS, Ceridian Dayforce, Axis, Dynafile, ADP) to inform decisions, manage risk, and improve workforce outcomes. Recognized for influencing leadership, enhancing the employee experience, and driving continuous improvement through hands-on, detail-oriented execution.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Human Resources Business Partner
Starups Energy
01.2025 - Current
- Collaborate with department leaders to align HR strategies with business objectives, driving operational effectiveness and employee engagement.
- Lead talent management initiatives including succession planning, leadership development, and organizational development to build a high-performing workforce.
- Analyze and leverage HR data and workforce metrics to inform strategic decisions and improve employee performance and retention.
- Coach and advise managers and employees on performance management, team dynamics, and employee relations, enhancing workplace culture and compliance.
- Design and supported change management strategies to navigate organizational transformation while maintaining employee engagement and productivity.
- Develop and implemented Employee Resource Group (ERG) programs to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging across the organization.
- Provide day-to-day HR business partner support to a population of 300 salaried employees, addressing workforce planning, organizational design, and employee relations.
- Lead employee relations processes and workplace investigations.
- Play a key role in enterprise-wide HR projects focused on organizational effectiveness, strategic workforce planning, and cultural transformation.
- Manage the full recruitment cycle including onboarding, orientations, as well as terminations and exit interviews.
Hiring and Payroll Administrator
Performance Contracting Inc.
Kokomo, IN
03.2024 - 12.2024
- Managed end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, and payroll for over 400 field contractors, collaborating with hiring Managers, Secondees, Salaried and C-levels, project leads, and union representatives to ensure seamless workforce integration.
- Facilitated onboarding processes using Ceridian Dayforce and ICIMS, streamlining pre-employment tasks including drug screening, orientation, and documentation, while maintaining accurate tracking via Excel dashboards.
- Coded and classified contractor data by job trade, union affiliation, and skill level, ensuring accurate payroll processing, compliance with union agreements, and seamless data transfer between systems.
- Processed high-volume payroll cycles and per diem reimbursements with precision using Axis, ensuring 100% on-time and compliant payments across multi-state projects.
- Digitized employee files, including I-9s and compliance documents, using Dynafile to enhance document accessibility and support internal audit readiness.
- Played a key role in supporting HR compliance by maintaining accurate employee records, tracking certifications, and ensuring alignment with labor law requirements.
Human Resources Director
Aboriginal Films & Media
Kokomo, IN
02.2019 - 12.2023
- Directed the full scope of HR functions for a mid-sized creative organization, overseeing HRIS administration, employee relations, recruitment, benefits, and compliance processes.
- Administered benefit programs, leave management, COBRA compliance, and workers’ compensation claims with precision, ensuring adherence to company policy and employment regulations.
- Designed and implemented a streamlined digital HR infrastructure that reduced manual documentation errors by 99%, improved employee self-service capabilities, and supported reporting accuracy.
- Led recruitment efforts by developing job descriptions, sourcing candidates, managing interview panels, and overseeing background checks and onboarding processes.
- Assessed organizational learning needs and introduced targeted training and development programs to enhance performance and retention, particularly in technical and creative departments.
- Oversaw payroll for a workforce of 75+ employees, ensuring full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, while also managing labor classification and benefit deductions.
Property Manager / Managing Director
Legacy Properties
Kokomo, IN
03.2014 - 02.2019
- Managed daily business operations for multiple residential properties, providing strategic leadership in finance, staffing, regulatory compliance, and tenant relations.
- Oversaw human capital activities such as hiring maintenance staff, conducting employee performance evaluations, resolving workplace issues, and implementing training programs to improve service quality.
- Reduced annual operating costs by 12% through strategic vendor negotiations, while also fostering a positive and productive work environment for property teams.
- Boosted property occupancy rates to 99% through targeted marketing, tenant satisfaction initiatives, and a data-driven referral program, increasing profitability and retention.
- Ensured full compliance with housing laws, safety standards, and labor regulations through regular inspections, audits, and staff education.
Marketing Representative
Kelly Services & St. Joseph Hospital
Kokomo, IN
04.2012 - 06.2013
- Worked alongside leadership and HR teams to promote healthcare services and community outreach events, supporting both internal morale initiatives and external brand awareness.
- Managed digital and field marketing campaigns, using CRM tools and health survey data to tailor messaging, enhance outreach, and support employee engagement programs.
- Increased administrative efficiency by 60% by introducing a digitized archiving system for health data and internal communications materials.
- Organized large-scale public health events such as the “Let’s Pretend Hospital” initiative, enhancing employee involvement and reinforcing company culture.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership & Supervision
Purdue University School of Technology
Howard County, INSkills
- Talent Management
- Employee Engagement
- Workforce Development
- Strategic Planning
- HR Compliance
- Payroll Administration
- Organizational Development
- Employee Relations
- Benefits Administration
- Leadership Coaching
- Succession Planning
- Conflict Resolution
- HRIS Management
- Performance Management
- Diversity Initiatives
- Onboarding Processes
- Change Management
- Labor Relations
- Recruitment Strategy
- Policy Implementation
- Training & Development
Certification
- Managing Employee Compensation
- Recruiting, Hiring and Onboarding Employees
- Project Manager-Lean Processes Certified (PM-LPC)
- Six Sigma Green Belt Certified (CSSGB)
- Certified Management Executive (CME)
Timeline
Sr. Human Resources Business Partner
Starups Energy
01.2025 - Current
Hiring and Payroll Administrator
Performance Contracting Inc.
03.2024 - 12.2024
Human Resources Director
Aboriginal Films & Media
02.2019 - 12.2023
Property Manager / Managing Director
Legacy Properties
03.2014 - 02.2019
Marketing Representative
Kelly Services & St. Joseph Hospital
04.2012 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership & Supervision
Purdue University School of Technology