Valerie Capers Workman
Austin,TX
Summary
With over two decades of experience designing and executing Legal, Compliance, HR, and Communications strategies, I specialize in helping companies scale efficiently while maintaining strong governance, managing risk, and fostering a culture that drives sustainable growth. I’ve worked across industries including Tech, Engineering, Renewable Energy, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Hospitality, and Construction, bringing a broad perspective and expertise in solving complex challenges.
I’m passionate about using AI-driven strategies to empower organizations to grow sustainably, from expanding a global workforce from 50k to 100K employees to building scalable systems that balance innovation with operational discipline. My expertise includes Governance, Risk and Compliance, Cybersecurity, Insider Threat Management, and Global Expansion. I also have deep experience in shaping public policy through Government Relations and championing inclusive, people-centered programs.
As a public speaker and the author of Quantum Progression: The Art and Science of Career Advancement in the Age of AI, I inspire leaders and professionals to embrace the opportunities of the AI era while navigating its challenges. Above all, I’m committed to creating meaningful impact by guiding organizations through transformative growth and helping individuals access the life-changing opportunities made possible through the responsible and ethical use of AI
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Talent Engagement Officer
Handshake
San Francisco, CA
02.2024 - Current
- I advise employer leadership (CHROs, Talent Executives and CMOs) globally on their Talent Acquisition strategies and provide thought leadership on #TheFutureOfWork leveraging my experience in growing a global, world-class organization from ~50K to ~100K employees, my expertise on the topic of the impact of generative AI on the workforce, my expertise in the Talent Brand function and my passion for democratizing access to opportunity for everyone, everywhere. I consult with executives who want to have conversations around leveraging the benefits of AI, addressing the related intergenerational challenges, managing the governance risks and mitigating the potential for inequity as they design and implement their workforce plans.
I also serve as a thought leader in the intersection of generative AI and workforce dynamics, helping organizations navigate the transformative effects of AI on talent acquisition, employee engagement, and operational efficiency. My insights are rooted in data-driven methodologies and a deep understanding of market trends, enabling companies to build agile, inclusive, and future-ready talent ecosystems.
Additionally, by combining my expertise in Marketing, Communications, Data Analytics and Talent Acquisition, I help organizations strengthen their employer brand and improve their ability to attract top talent. My experience in the Talent Brand function enables me to advise on the creation of authentic narratives that resonate with potential candidates, showcasing what makes each organization uniquely compelling to the top talent they seek to attract. - Media interviews include Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNBC MakeIt and Axios.
- Speaker at global conferences including Forbes, SXSW, SHRM and UnleashHR (Paris)
Chief Legal Officer
Handshake
San Francisco, California
02.2022 - 02.2024
- Led the Legal, Global Support, and Global Trust & Safety teams:
Founded and Led In-House Legal Team.
Vice President, People
Tesla
Fremont, California
07.2020 - 01.2024
- Direct Report to CEO. Known as "Tesla's Top Diversity Advocate".
Led an org of 700+ team members. HR, Recruiting, Employee Relations, HR Compliance, DEI, Talent Development, Learning, Community Relations, Employee Experience, Internal Content & Social Media, Immigration & Mobility, Compensation & Benefits, HR Operations, Physical Security, Workplace (Facilities Services).Led and executed human capital strategies to scale the workforce and accelerate global growth (from 50k to 100K employees.)
Provided counsel and guidance to executive leadership on talent management, organizational development and employee engagement. Partnered with business leaders to identify workforce needs, develop workforce plans, and execute talent acquisition and retention strategies.
Led employee learning and development and performance management initiatives. Championed initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being, implementing programs and resources to support wellness including mental health programs.
Served on the Company's Management Committee, working with other senior leaders to set strategic direction, make key decisions, and drive cross-functional initiatives that supported sustainable growth.
Prepared and delivered reports to the board Compensation and Audit Committees, providing guidance on compensation, benefits, and global regulatory compliance.
North America HR (+EMEA & Non-China APAC)
Tesla
Fremont, CA
12.2019 - 07.2020
- Direct Report to CEO.
Led an org of 700+ team members. HR, Recruiting, Employee Relations, HR Compliance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Talent Development, Learning, Community Relations, Employee Experience, Internal Content, People Operations, Immigration & Mobility, Compensation & Benefits, Workplace (Facilities) and Physical Security.
Restructured the HR Leader functions to enable greater focus on business partnerships for operations leadership with an emphasis on treating employees as the ultimate "customers" of HR services and programs.
Expanded the Employee Relations team to increase channels of communication for employees. Redesigned the Employee Experience team to provide web based engagement and satisfaction programs.
Member of COVID Response Task Force established in December 2019. Created innovative employee protection programs including, extended paid COVID sick-time off (before the legislation), extended paid quarantines (among the earliest, and of the longest duration in the U.S. labor market).
Reported to the BoD Audit and Compensation Committees and served as a Management Committee Member.
Created and led the Employee Experience and Content Teams that produced internal communications and social media content, including live events and videos.
Executive Sponsor For Employee Resource Group: Black At Tesla.
Associate General Counsel (Head of Compliance)
Tesla
Fremont, CA
02.2018 - 12.2019
- Head of Legal Compliance and Direct Report to the VP Legal (2018) and then to the Acting General Counsel (2019)
Designed, implemented and managed Tesla’s compliance program update including creation and leadership of the Corporate Compliance Group comprised of functional leaders; creation and management of the Compliance Risk Working Groups managing risks related to Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and creation of the Global Investigations Working Group to foster co-ordination of investigations between leaders from HR, Internal Audit, Employee Relations, Information Security, Physical Security and Environmental Health & Safety. - Led highly confidential internal investigations, ensuring outcomes that safeguarded business integrity and upheld Tesla’s ethical standards.
Led the legal response to attempted breaches and insider threats as part of Tesla’s InfoSec Response Team instrumental in fortifying Tesla’s resilience against cybersecurity risks. Worked directly with InfoSec leadership to design and deliver education and prevention programs to enhance enterprise security.
Worked to help ensure; company-wide compliance with national and international laws and regulations; adherence to Company policies and procedures, and the promotion of behavior that is ethical and consistent with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Emphasis on top compliance risks including FCPA/Anti-Bribery, OFAC,AML and Global Payments processing regulations including SEPA.
Responsible for New Market Entry compliance program development including creation and oversight of the compliance program for the construction of the Shanghai and Berlin Gigafactories.
Direct report to the General Counsel and deliver quarterly and ad hoc reports to the Audit Committee and External Auditor.
Executive Sponsor of the Employee Resource Group: Black at Tesla.
Vice President, Legal
Focus Brands (Go To Foods)
Atlanta, GA
08.2015 - 02.2018
- Corporate Counsel Licensing & International (2015 -2016) Advised on legal matters and third-party risk issue management for global FOCUS Brands, subsidiaries, and affiliates. Manage, mitigate and address corporate compliance issues (FCPA, OFAC, FDA/USDA and Consumer Product Safety Commission)
- Drafted and negotiated commercial contracting with global brands including global manufacturing and supply chain agreements: Walmart ,General Mills, Pillsbury, Kroger’s, Mondelez, Burger King, etc.
Vice President Franchise Compliance
Realogy Holdings Corp.
Parsippany, NJ
01.2013 - 08.2015
- Government/Regulatory Compliance:
Wrote and provided training on screening process to ensure compliance with federal and global regulations; Global Watch List Screening, AML, Anti-Bribery, including OFAC and FCPA screening, training and investigations. Monitored pending and new regulations to ensure compliance with a wide range of applicable laws.
Vice President Compliance & Government Relations
Wyndham Worldwide Corporation
Parsippany, NJ
06.2006 - 12.2012
- Direct Report to the Chief Financial Officer then to the General Counsel. Promoted through multiple roles due to exemplary performance and leadership. Mentored and led Legal Admin team members in US, UK, and Hong Kong. Administered $3.2M annual departmental operating budget and team of 32 full-time employees. Supported general counsel in public company governance regulatory requirements. Wrote and presented monthly and ad hoc legislative updates to C-Levels.
National Manager HR Policies & Procedures
KPMG Global Services
Montvale, NJ
05.2001 - 06.2006
- National Manager, HR Policies & Procedures, 2004 – 2006
Associate Director, Marketing, 2002 – 2004
Manager, Marketing, 2001 – 2002
Education
J.D. - Law
St. John's University School of Law
New York, New YorkBachelor of Science - Communications
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NYSkills
- AI-Enabled Global Workforce Planning
- Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Cybersecurity and Insider Threat
- Cultural and Brand stewardship
- Global Expansion Expertise
- Government Relations
- Public Speaking & Thought Leadership
Accomplishments
- NYSE Board Services and NASDAQ Center For Board Excellence: Vetted, Board-Ready Candidate Database
- 2024 Diversity Champion - St. John's University School of Law
Certification
- Admitted to practice law in New York, Texas and Washington, D.C.
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Non-Profit Board Service
- Huston-Tillotson University Board of Trustees (As of May, 2024)
Timeline
Chief Talent Engagement Officer
Handshake
02.2024 - Current
Chief Legal Officer
Handshake
02.2022 - 02.2024
Vice President, People
Tesla
07.2020 - 01.2024
North America HR (+EMEA & Non-China APAC)
Tesla
12.2019 - 07.2020
Associate General Counsel (Head of Compliance)
Tesla
02.2018 - 12.2019
Vice President, Legal
Focus Brands (Go To Foods)
08.2015 - 02.2018
Vice President Franchise Compliance
Realogy Holdings Corp.
01.2013 - 08.2015
Vice President Compliance & Government Relations
Wyndham Worldwide Corporation
06.2006 - 12.2012
National Manager HR Policies & Procedures
KPMG Global Services
05.2001 - 06.2006
J.D. - Law
St. John's University School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Syracuse University
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