Yontae Johnson
Elizabeth,CO
Summary
Strategic HR leader with extensive experience in enhancing workforce growth and compliance in multi-state environments. Proven skills in employee relations, compliance, performance management, and leadership development across diverse sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing. Committed to resolving workforce challenges through collaboration with stakeholders and implementing effective HR strategies.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
HR Consultant
Elev8Equity LLC
Denver, USA
11.2024 - Current
- Consulted on employee relations, mediation, and HR processes for small businesses, enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Delivered mediation and conflict management services that improve workplace communication and reduce escalations.
- Advised clients on policy development and compliance, ensuring alignment with industry standards.
Global HR Culture & Capability Partner
Cochlear Americas
Denver, USA
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Led culture, capability, and compliance initiatives in a federally contracted medical device manufacturing environment.
- Implemented onboarding, performance, and workforce communication systems, improving employee engagement scores significantly.
- Advised North American leadership on ADA, EEO, and multi-state compliance standards, reducing policy-related escalations.
Director of People & Belonging (HR Operations)
The SSA Group
Denver, USA
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Led the company’s first People & Belonging function, overseeing 3 HR managers, HR operations, employee relations, compliance, performance management, and workforce initiatives across a multi-state workforce of 8,000+ employees.
- Implemented performance management, development, retention, and compensation support initiatives that improved leadership accountability, succession readiness, workforce engagement, and internal mobility by 15–20%.
- Developed HR infrastructure, governance frameworks, and workforce systems that supported organizational growth.
- Rewrote policies, standardized procedures, and revised governance structures to align with Federal Executive Orders, contractual requirements, and multi-state compliance standards.
- Conducted multi-state employee relations investigations and standardized investigation and documentation processes that enhanced manager compliance and strengthened documentation quality.
- Redesigned compliance training processes and implemented workforce development modules that increased training completion by 15% and enhanced manager accountability.
- Developed HR workflows and escalation processes that improved responsiveness and reduced operational inconsistencies across teams.
- Partnered with operational leadership on OSHA compliance, workplace safety initiatives, and risk mitigation efforts.
- Supported high-volume hourly recruiting, seasonal workforce hiring, leadership recruitment, and operational staffing initiatives in partnership with the Talent Acquisition team.
- Managed the national People & Belonging operational budget.
- Contributed to the organization earning its first Leaders in Diversity Award from the Denver Business Journal.
Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator / Executive Office Support to COO
CoBank
Denver, USA
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Increased employee giving participation from 72% to 96% and volunteer participation from 17% to 45%.
- Designed and launched CoBank’s first ERG Community Giving & Engagement Program, contributing to the organization earning the B:Civic 50 Award.
- Supported expansion of the Sharing Success program, strengthening partnerships across the U.S. Farm Credit System and generating public recognition through industry leaders and government stakeholders.
- Collaborated with senior leadership on employee experience initiatives promoting work-life balance, inclusivity, and organizational culture.
- Oversaw a $16M+ operational budget aligned with recruiting, higher education, workforce engagement, and community development initiatives.
- Supported executive office initiatives and workforce engagement programs tied to employee retention, professional development, and community impact.
- Developed workforce analyses, executive presentations, communication materials, and ROI reporting used in executive decision-making and reporting to the U.S. Congress.
- Launched a mentorship program that expanded due to employee participation interest and supported succession planning and internal mobility efforts.
Executive Assistant to the SVP
CenturyLink
Littleton, Colorado
01.2017 - 02.2018
- Collaborated with human resources to enhance recruitment and promotion processes for specialized skill sets.
- Monitored project budgets assigned to SVP, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
- Facilitated communication among senior management to address various issues and ensure project alignment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO12-2027
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Arapahoe Community College
Littleton, CO01-2019
Skills
Education Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management, Colorado State University Pueblo, In Progress, 05/01/27
- Associate of Arts Degree, Arapahoe Community College, 05/01/19
- Legal Mediation Certification, ADR Mediators, 01/2024
- Coach to Lead Certification, Behavioral Essentials Coaching, 01/2023
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Certificate, Cornell University, 12/2022
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Project Management Institute, 08/2017
Accomplishments
- Cochlear — Denver Business Journal Best Places to Work Contributor | 2026
- Cochlear — Global HEAR Award Nominee | 2025
- SSA Group — Leaders in Diversity Award Contributor, Denver Business Journal | 2024
- CoBank — Most Community Minded Organizations, B:Civic | 2021
- CoBank — GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Award | 2019
Timeline
HR Consultant
Elev8Equity LLC
11.2024 - Current
Global HR Culture & Capability Partner
Cochlear Americas
01.2024 - 01.2026
Director of People & Belonging (HR Operations)
The SSA Group
01.2022 - 01.2024
Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator / Executive Office Support to COO
CoBank
01.2018 - 01.2022
Executive Assistant to the SVP
CenturyLink
01.2017 - 02.2018
Bachelor of Science - Human Resources Management
Colorado State University Pueblo
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Arapahoe Community College