Experience

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  DPI Specialty Foods

  • Hodgkins, IL

  • Director of Human Resources

    • Mar 2015 - Apr 2020
    • Hodgkins, IL

    Hired to provide HR leadership and direction for this $270 million multi-plant distributor of Starbucks products, overseeing a workforce of 525 union and 85 non-union employees, covering 21 states and 2,000+ stores.• Successfully negotiated a three-year contract with the Teamsters union.• Advised supervisors and managers on interpretation of contract language and disciplinary issues.• Investigated grievance complaints and represented the company in the process.• Oversaw the recruitment and staffing for a new facility.• In partnership with the transportation department, designed and implemented a driver training program to promote internal candidates and solve the challenge of finding high-demand CDL drivers.• Collaborated with outside counsel on the resolution of all legal claims against the company.• Ensured a harmonious working relationship with the Business Agents.

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  First Industrial Realty Trust

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Senior Human Resources Manager

    • Jun 2003 - May 2012
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Hired to improve the HR structure and climate for this $318 million REIT, including corporate HQ and 16 regional offices. Provided expertise and leadership as the organization experienced rapid growth and then recessionary market decline.• Negotiated favorable annual contracts with healthcare provider that resulted in an overall increase in premiums of only 9.2% from 2004 to 2012.• Implemented a wellness program with 76% participation rate.• Managed four reductions in workforce affecting 277 employees. • Increased participation in the 401(k) plan from 73% to 84%.• Rolled out company-wide training on diversity, interviewing and sexual harassment.• Upgraded the payroll system from Payroll for Windows to ADP Expert.• Introduced an on-line applicant tracking system that reduced the time to fill open positions.

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  Cardinal Health

  • Aurora, IL

  • Regional Human Resources Director

    • 1999 - 2003
    • Aurora, IL

    Hired to improve HR programs and hiring practices for this $2.7 billion distributor of pharmaceutical and over-the-counter healthcare products.• Reduced the number of workers’ compensation claims through the redesign of the company safety program.• Successfully phased out two distribution facilities ahead of schedule, without any labor issues.• Reduced turnover through improvement in the selection, orientation, and training of all newly hired employees.• Introduced procedures that increased the on-time completion of employee reviews to 99%.• Increased minority/female representation in key supervisory/managerial positions.• Investigated and resolved all claims of harassment and discrimination without any third-party intervention.• Provided counsel on employee relations issues to ensure consistent application of HR policies.

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  Tool and Engineering

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Director of Human Resources

    • 1997 - 1999
    • Greater Chicago Area

    Hired to oversee general HR administration and union relations for this $21 million tier-one automotive supplier. The multi-plant, multi-division firm employed over 220 union and 70 non-union employees.• Reduced administrative expenses by $800,000 through the restructuring of management and professional personnel.• Successfully coordinated the transition of benefits following the acquisition of an engineering services company in Detroit.• Investigated workers compensation claims and implemented safety programs to meet OSHA standards and reduce lost time.• Designed an evaluation process, which improved the assessment of employees’ job knowledge and ability.• Successfully staffed the facility with replacement workers to maintain plant operations during a labor strike.

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  Empress Casino Corp.

  • Joliet, IL

  • Director of Human Resources

    • 1994 - 1997
    • Joliet, IL

    Hired to oversee general administration as well as compliance with collective bargaining agreements for this $200 million gaming facility comprised of 450 union and 1,200 non-union employees. Highlights:• Defeated a union campaign by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 399.• Researched and acquired a new 401(k) provider resulting in a 30% increase in employee participation.• Directed recruitment activities to staff initial 700 positions for second casino.

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  Parker Hannifin

  • Broadview, IL

  • Division Personnel Manager

    • 1981 - 1994
    • Broadview, IL

    Gained early management skills in a union manufacturing environment. Built a strong reputation as a trusted liaison between entrenched field management and the corporate executives. Successfully restructured wage and salary programs, defeated a union campaign by the International Association of Machinists, and instituted a series of policies and programs to improve employee relations across the division.