Experience

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  G.A. Howell & Associates

  • Amherst, Ohio

  • Principle

    • Jan 2000 - Present
    • Amherst, Ohio

    Human Resources Executive with "in-depth" hands-on generalist experience including change management, organizational staffing and development, and team building. Consistently successful in developing and implementing creative, practical solutions which result in optimized efficiency, productivity and improved company/employee relationships. Proficiency, expertise and accomplishments in: Employee/Recruiting, Developing Policies & Procedures, Short & Long-Term Planning, Equal Employment Assurance, Compensation & Benefit Programs, Training/Development, Safety/Security and Employee Relations.

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  Bettcher Manufacturing Corp

  • Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

  • Director, Human Resources

    • 1998 - 2000
    • Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

    Restructured existing medical program to control escalating costs.Established an employee appraisal program that led to a full pay-for-performance evaluation.Redesigned and implemented new pre-employment physical program that reduced costs by 15%.Reviewed and selected new Human Resources information package.Developed, communicated and implemented the company's first employee handbook.Developed and implemented Human Resources Department at new facility in Reynosa, Mexico.Designed an employee communication program.

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  Cencor Services

  • Beechwood, Ohio

  • Vice Presidentof Human Resources/Regional Vice President of Operations

    • 1993 - 1998
    • Beechwood, Ohio

    Along with the president, planned, directed and controlled the daily operations of the company. Was responsible for sales, customer service, core business services, general management of day-to-day operations and Human Resources.Gave general direction with some direct delegation to Human Resource management, branch management, and service representatives.Reviewed/approved operations budgets, sales plans, investment requirements for expanded business, Human Resources utilization, and other overhead.Developed specific short and long-term plans and programs, together with supporting budget requests and financial estimates.Monitored general business trends and recommended strategy as necessary.Monitored results of sales/expenses against forecasts and recommended plans of action for changes.Reviewed/approved cost controls, cost estimates, along with manpower and facilities requirements. Lobbied governmental agencies/legislatures for decisions and laws favorable to the operations.

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  Invacare Corporation

  • Elyria, Ohio

  • Vice President of Human Resources

    • 1980 - 1992
    • Elyria, Ohio

    Responsibilities at Invacare, a leading manufacturer of durable medical products, Involved management of a full-service corporate Human Resources function. Major focus area in the U.S. with increasing international emphasis. Employed 2,200 people in the U.S. and Europe, with annual sales volume of $230 million.Reduced escalating benefits cost by developing a corporate benefits program at a $5 million cost savings over three years.Reduced Worker's Compensation cost by implementing new safety programs, introducing ergonomics changes, and monitoring medical consultants. Reduced costs by an average 75% for period 1986-1990.Provided competitive wage/benefits, a safe work environment, advancement and development opportunities, and unrestricted workforce/management communication, which enabled Invacare to remain union-free.Negotiated and/or assisted with contract negotiations in Wales, Germany, Mexico and USA.Introduced numerous communication programs, including a bi-monthly newsletter, a "Wall of Fame" (service/quality/safety recognition), and a "Brown Bag Lunch" communication program.Redesigned and implemented a new "Quality Process Review" format for hourly performance appraisal. New format established "quality" as the underlying theme of all employee contributions.Restructured Management Bonus Program to include workforms redesign with conversion to work processing format, addition of market range/compa-ratio data, and records conversion to Lotus 1-2-3.