Vernita Hinton
South Euclid
Summary
Strategic and innovative HR professional who translates business visions into HR initiatives that improve performance, productivity, profitability, and employee engagement. A leader that understands that human capital is every organization's greatest asset. A reliable, authentic and savvy influencer who thrives on tough challenges and leverages advanced education, real world experience, and business acumen to create goals and achieve results.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Manager
Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services
Cleveland
04.2025 - Current
- Leading a data-driven succession plan for over 1,100 employees in Health and Human Services
- Utilizing performance metrics, employee engagement data, and turnover analysis to pinpoint critical roles and identify high-potential employees.
- Rolling out targeted initiatives such as personalized feedback sessions, tailored professional development programs, and recognition platforms, leading to a 15% increase in employee satisfaction within one year.
- Conducting a comprehensive analyses of performance reviews, leadership potential assessments, and skill gap analyses to pinpoint employees with high leadership potential.
- Creating personalized development plans, including mentorship, training programs, and stretch assignments, to prepare high-potential employees for future leadership roles.
- Implementing ongoing monitoring of progress through regular performance evaluations and feedback loops, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Developing a tiered readiness model, categorizing employees into immediate, mid-term, and long-term readiness for leadership roles, and ensuring a seamless transition when needed.
Director of HR Operations
TRUE HR Consulting Firm
Cleveland
01.2020 - 04.2025
- Directed a team of 5 employees consisting of 3 HR Consultants, 1 Training Specialist, and 1 HR Generalist. Serving clients in the Insurance, Finance, and Healthcare industries.
- Coordinated a downsizing and restructuring initiative.
- Analyzed data to aid in the design of a retraining plan, including, upskilling and re-skilling, leading to retaining 92% of top talent in new and existing roles.
- Constructed a formal succession planning program to identify top talent for key positions and ensure business continuity.
- Formulated and executed a restructuring plan for Chat.
- Transitioned over 170 Chat reps and created WFH Best Practices for managers and supervisors leading virtual teams.
- Developed 'Stay Connected', a virtual program to enhance communication and foster inclusiveness leading to a 23% increase in employee engagement.
- Transitioned Operation Associates and Work Leads from in office to WFH during the pandemic and created virtual workshops on how to improve the effectiveness of virtual meetings.
Sr. Human Resources Consultant
Progressive Insurance
Mayfield Village
02.2013 - 03.2019
- Counseled and advised over 24 Managers and Supervisors in multiple states and supported over 1,400 employees across various business groups including, Claims, IT, Call Center, Chat, Shared Services, Corporate and Finance.
- Proposed and implemented a Centralized Investigation Team to ensure consistent thorough investigations, reduce litigation and increase employee satisfaction.
- Designed and partnered in the facilitation of investigation training for Centralized Investigation Team.
- Designed, implemented, and partnered in the facilitation of a comprehensive Diversity Leadership Development program, which led to a 32% increase in people of color in leadership roles.
- Proactively adjusted policies and strategies using KPI's and Real-time data, which led to a 27% increase in employee engagement, and a 14% increase in productivity.
- Instrumental in the implementation of a Centralized Leave team (FMLA, and ADA), to ensure consistency, timeliness and effective communication, leading to a 18% increase in employee satisfaction and a 7% reduction in litigation.
- Partnered with Sr. Leaders, EAP and Security, to create and facilitate a Mental Health in the Workplace workshop, to better identify concerning behaviors, improve employee resources, and appropriately, and effectively address concerns.
- Conducted a skills gap analysis to create a succession planning program and recognize top talent for critical positions.
- Led HR framework during a reorganization initiative, including career coaching, job enhancements, and internal placement protocol, resulting in a 96% workforce retention.
- Spearheaded the 360-degree performance management process, training over 50 Managers and Supervisors, ensuring the process and objectives were clearly defined.
Human Resources Business Partner
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
Cleveland
03.2010 - 02.2013
- Conducted various complex investigations involving sexual harassment, bullying, theft, and discrimination.
- Revamped safety committee and launched dynamic safety initiatives, leading to a 29% reduction in Workers Comp cases.
- Resolved complex disputes through effectively navigating the mediation process.
- Fostered a positive work environment where employees' rights were respected, and their needs were met.
- Partnered with Legal to prepare accurate and timely responses to collective bargaining matters, negotiations, contract administration, and grievances.
- Launched, 'Before the Grievance' an initiative to bridge the gap between management and union reps, focusing on building trust and credibility, resulting in a 16% reduction in grievance cases.
- Organized Corporate Challenge events leading to a 14% increase in employee satisfaction.
District Human Resources Manager
The Home Depot
Cleveland
05.2007 - 03.2010
- Directed HR initiatives for a 10 store district of over 1,700 associates.
- Leveraged KPI’s to train and develop frontline employees leading to a 12% decrease in customer complaints.
- Created a talent acquisition strategy leading to a 34% district wide increase in employee retention and a reduction in time to fill by 28% across all positions.
- Partnered with store managers to implement flexible work schedules, resulting in a 34% district-wide decrease in employee absenteeism.
- Revamped the Rewards and Recognition program using Time-Based rewards including, Days off, Late starts, and Short shifts.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of Federal/State/Local employment laws Title VII, OSHA, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and EEOC.
Education
Master of Psychology - Organizational Development
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OHMaster of Management - Human Resources
Chancellor University
Cleveland , OHBachelor of Science - Business Administration, Corporate Management
Myers University
Cleveland, OHDiversity & Inclusion Professional (CDP) -
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio, OHTimeline
Human Resources Manager
Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services
04.2025 - Current
Director of HR Operations
TRUE HR Consulting Firm
01.2020 - 04.2025
Sr. Human Resources Consultant
Progressive Insurance
02.2013 - 03.2019
Human Resources Business Partner
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
03.2010 - 02.2013
District Human Resources Manager
The Home Depot
05.2007 - 03.2010
Master of Psychology - Organizational Development
Cleveland State University
Master of Management - Human Resources
Chancellor University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Corporate Management
Myers University
Diversity & Inclusion Professional (CDP) -
Cleveland State University