William J. Lyons, IV
Director, Safety & Security
Southfield,MI
Summary
Experienced Director of Safety & Security with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and executing strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth. Successfully directed cross-functional projects resulting in significant process improvements and operational efficiencies. Demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills in fostering collaborative environments and delivering impactful results. Strategic-thinking individual with a wealth of experience in transforming low-performing organizations into top revenue producers. Known for an engaging and pleasant personality, with expertise in improving customer relationships. Personable, analytical, and cost-conscious senior-level executive offering broad-based experience in providing excellence in human resources leadership. Considerable expertise in creating innovative benefit and wellness programs, developing leading-edge training programs, and implementing strategic HR functions for high-growth organizations. Superior project management, implementation, follow-up, negotiation, and consensus-building skills. Able to keep a diverse group of strong sales leaders on track. Extremely focused on creating training that delivers above-average ROI. Proven ability to investigate and resolve highly complex and sensitive workforce complaints while ensuring internal and regulatory compliance. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, ADP/HRB, Ultimate Software Payroll/HRMS. Recognized for identifying critical issues and implementing effective solutions. Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills as evidenced by developing, leading, managing, and motivating highly effective teams. Professional with a robust background in directing and managing large-scale operations, consistently driving success through strategic planning and execution. Adept at implementing innovative solutions that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. Known for fostering teamwork and adapting to evolving business needs while ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Safety & Security
The Guidance Center Inc.
02.2024 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
Human Resources Business Consultant/Contractor
Weaver & Associates, PLC
04.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: A human resources consulting firm dedicated to helping companies make better use of their human capital by structuring policies, procedures and processes to enable business sustainability and improved operating efficiencies
- Partnered with senior leaders and managers to provide strategic human resources expertise and direction for 250+ employees on diverse technology and business teams
- Position requires business development, strategic planning and fulfillment of client requests for customized human resources solutions
- Implemented on-line skills assessment tools, background investigation tools and improvements in recruiting and interviewing techniques which resulted in 200% decrease in employee turnover
- Managed organizational restructuring of a acquired company which resulted in 20% manpower efficiency improvement saving $400,000 annually
- Audited, analyzed and presented a comprehensive plan to client including policy, program and procedure modifications producing $1 million in annual savings
- A human resources consulting firm dedicated to helping companies make better use of their human capital by structuring policies, procedures and processes to enable business sustainability and improved operating efficiencies
Director, Criminal Convictions/Background & Live Scan Unit- DPSCD Police Department
Detroit Public Schools Community District
08.2017 - 04.2021
- Company Overview: A school district that covers all public schools in the city of Detroit, Michigan and includes 55,000 students
- Responsible for development and implementation of strategic and tactical security planning initiatives, including a proactive and efficient approach to risk reduction, incident response, intellectual property safeguards, and liability mitigation
- Direct staffing and retention, metrics, and compliance
- Ensure alignment with overall organizational goals, while managing a team of 10+ in delivering support for talent management, CCTV/command center operations, access control administration (100+ locations), credentialing, background checks, and reporting
- Spearheaded the implementation of the $6M+ PeopleSoft HCM suite to support 15K+ current and former staff; acted as Subject Matter Expert and Security Access Administrator
- Partnered with leaders on performance management, employee relations, compensation, and succession planning
- Provided direction and leadership on the development of the People Goals focused on engagement and retention of key talent
- A school district that covers all public schools in the city of Detroit, Michigan and includes 55,000 students
- Developed collaborative partnerships with Facilities partners, Security Intelligence & Investigations, Systems Security, Legal, Human Resources, and Internal FB Communications Teams
- Provided leadership to identify shared goals and successful solutions
- Applied operational, tactical, and strategic vision to a diverse group of internal & external partners to safeguard the districts assets
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Emergency Response Plans (ERP), Key Performance Indicators (KPI), applicable metrics and enhanced training programs for the Contract Physical Security Team
Manager, Human Resources Operations/HRIS
Detroit Public Schools Community District
02.2007 - 07.2017
- Collaborated with management on opportunities to improve organizational development and structuring for 100+ schools and 6000+ employees
- Led change management activities, as well as promotions and succession planning
- Consulted in the effective selection of candidates, including job descriptions and equal opportunity programs
- Recruited and interviewed prospective hires; made recommendations on and oriented new hires
- Orchestrated the complete restructuring of the HR department in less than one year; developed a new employee handbook; crafted a new mission statement; wrote new training and orientation programs; and created a system to match skills to current job openings
- Oversaw the Criminal Convictions & Investigations Unit, including fingerprinting and background checks for 7500 employees; led to increased felony conviction rate; saved the school district $2M in judgments; and achieved 78% increase in crime disclosure rate
- Designed new performance measurement metrics, leading to a 56% increase in customer service satisfaction year over year
- Introduced HRIS and SAP systems that led to lead and implemented the performance measurement methodologies
Director, Human Resources Administration
Weaver & Associates, PLC
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Provided expert guidance on labor relations matters, mitigating potential legal risks while fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Developed comprehensive process for new hires and reviewed new hire productivity, optimizing onboarding effectiveness.
- Collaborated with legal and compliance teams to review paperwork, obtain feedback, and procure available information for new training processes.
- Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
- Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
Manager, HR Fleet Services Administration
Delta Airlines
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Education
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice, Homeland Security Policy & Coordination
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN01-2026
MS - Intelligence Analysis & Security Administration
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MI05.2005
BS - Criminal Justice Administration
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MI12.2000
Skills
- Developing & Executing Strategic HR Goals
- Implementing HR Management System Upgrades
- Communicating & Administering HR Policies & Programs
- Providing Advice/Counsel to Senior Management & Staff
- Spearheading Key Projects, Initiatives & Rollouts
- Providing Employee Training & Support
- Ensuring Regulatory Compliance with State & Federal Laws
- Employee development
- Team management
Certification
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: IS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incident
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Awards
- City of Southfield Commissioner - Administrative Civil Service Commission, 2006-2011
- City of Southfield Commissioner - Retirement Pension Board, 2006-2012
- City of Southfield Commissioner - Retirement Benefits Board, 2006-2011
- Joint Fraternal Development Corporation - Board Member, 2005
- Brush Park Development Corporation - Board Member, 2005, 2023
- President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Lambda Chapter, 2004-2006
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Presidential Award of Merit, 2012
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Leadership Award, 2015
Timeline
Director, Safety & Security
The Guidance Center Inc.
02.2024 - Current
Human Resources Business Consultant/Contractor
Weaver & Associates, PLC
04.2021 - Current
Director, Criminal Convictions/Background & Live Scan Unit- DPSCD Police Department
Detroit Public Schools Community District
08.2017 - 04.2021
Manager, Human Resources Operations/HRIS
Detroit Public Schools Community District
02.2007 - 07.2017
Director, Human Resources Administration
Weaver & Associates, PLC
01.2004 - 01.2007
Manager, HR Fleet Services Administration
Delta Airlines
01.2002 - 01.2004
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice, Homeland Security Policy & Coordination
Walden University
MS - Intelligence Analysis & Security Administration
University of Detroit Mercy
BS - Criminal Justice Administration
University of Detroit Mercy
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