Xavion Lay
Chief Human Resources Officer
Memphis,Tennessee
Summary
Seasoned HR executive with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience driving strategic human resources initiatives across diverse industries. Expertise in transforming HR functions, aligning talent strategies with business goals, and fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and engagement. Recognized for designing scalable systems, driving operational efficiencies, and achieving measurable results in employee relations, talent acquisition, compliance, and change management.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Human Resources Officer
Good Day Farm
03.2020 - Current
- Operates as the most extensive cannabis producer with network expanding over 7 factories and 95 retail sites.
- Expanded workforce from 93 to over 5,500 employees.
- - Oversee all HR functions, including Talent Acquisition, DEI, Payroll, Training & Development, Compliance, and Employee Relations
- Optimized hiring strategies, accelerating time-to-hire periods.
- - Enhanced the employee benefits plan, increasing offerings while reducing costs through strategic partnerships
- Reduced claims costs and incidents through effective workplace injury mitigation strategies.
- - Developed comprehensive employee handbooks, onboarding programs, and standard operating procedures
- - Achieved a 100% success rate on EEOC claims through proactive training and policy enforcement
Vice President of Human Resources
Thompson Hospitality
05.2010 - 03.2020
- Holding the top position as a minority-owned entity, Thompson Hospitality specializes in managing food services and facilities.
- Directed operations in HR across Mid-Atlantic business units focusing on workforce planning.
- - Provided strategic counsel to C-suite executives on workforce planning, policy issues, and organizational development
- - Drove diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring compliance with EEO and affirmative action regulations
- - Led labor relations strategy, including collective bargaining agreements and grievance resolution, maintaining positive employee relations
- - Streamlined HR processes, reducing operational inefficiencies and enhancing service delivery
- Implemented performance management systems to monitor employee progress, providing actionable insights for improvement opportunities.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes within the HR department, improving effectiveness in various functional areas such as recruitment and performance management.
- Enhanced company culture through the development of diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering a more inclusive work environment.
- Established succession planning frameworks to prepare employees for future leadership roles within the organization.
- Managed the successful integration of acquired companies into existing HR structures, minimizing disruption during periods of rapid growth or change.
Human Resources Director
Tyson Foods
02.2006 - 05.2010
- - Collaborated with business leaders to align HR strategies with organizational objectives in a unionized environment
- - Designed competitive compensation and benefits policies to attract and retain top talent
- - Authored and submitted Affirmative Action Plans, ensuring compliance with federal requirements
- - Played a key role in contract negotiations and employee relations, addressing grievances and fostering a positive work environment
- Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Established onboarding procedures to facilitate smooth transitions for new hires into the organization.
- Oversaw annual performance review process, providing guidance to managers on setting goals and measuring employee progress.
Chief Executive Officer
ATL HR Mgmt & Consulting, Inc.
01.2004 - 02.2007
- Advised healthcare clients on HR strategy.
- Created and applied HRIS solutions optimizing processes in HR departments.
- Redesigned organizational procedures to optimize performance outcomes.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers and vendors, ensuring cost-effective procurement processes.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
Regional Human Resources Manager
Walmart, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2004
- - Managed HR operations for10,000 employees across30 locations
- - Conducted HR audits, EEOC investigations, and harassment prevention training
- - Delivered leadership development programs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
- Implemented successful change management initiatives, supporting employees during organizational transitions.
- Conducted thorough employee evaluations, providing feedback and guidance for professional growth.
- Enhanced employee engagement by implementing innovative HR programs and initiatives.
- Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
- Coordinated implementation of people-related services, policies and programs through departmental staff.
Education
Ph.D. - Organizational Psychology
New York University
New York, NYMBA - Business Administration
Leonard Stern School of Business
New York, NYBachelor's - Human Resources Management
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GASkills
- Strategic Workforce Planning
- Talent Acquisition & Retention
- Employee Engagement & DEI
- Union Relations & Collective Bargaining
- Compensation & Benefits Design
- Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Organizational Development
- Leadership Development & Coaching
- HRIS: Workday, ADP, Kronos, PeopleSoft, Ceridian, UltiPro
- MS Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Project
- Additional Tools: BrassRing, Quest, SQL, ExpenseWire
Accomplishments
- - Reduced workplace injuries by 45% through targeted safety training and policy enhancements.
Timeline
Chief Human Resources Officer
Good Day Farm
03.2020 - Current
Vice President of Human Resources
Thompson Hospitality
05.2010 - 03.2020
Human Resources Director
Tyson Foods
02.2006 - 05.2010
Chief Executive Officer
ATL HR Mgmt & Consulting, Inc.
01.2004 - 02.2007
Regional Human Resources Manager
Walmart, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2004
Ph.D. - Organizational Psychology
New York University
MBA - Business Administration
Leonard Stern School of Business
Bachelor's - Human Resources Management
Georgia State University
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