HR Manager

Avia A. Graves, MA, PHR

**** **** **, *********, **** 45227

513-***-**** cell

**********@*****.***

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Results-oriented, highly organized Human Resource professional with a proven 10 year track record in a fast-paced, corporate environment. Recognized as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor with proven ability to drive results. Strong project management capacity with the ability to inspire accountability and commitment. Works collaboratively to produce results that align HR initiatives and programs with long-range business goals.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Ariva Distribution Inc. (A Domtar Inc.), Covington, Kentucky October 2006 – Present

Distributor of Fine Paper, Packaging & Digital Supplies

Corporate Employee Relations Manager (June 2010-Present)

Member of Ariva HR leadership team for publicly held, $684M distribution business. Responsible for providing overall leadership and guidance to management for 17 US locations in the areas of employee/labor relations, performance management, talent management, change management, and strategic workforce staffing. Manages a corporate staff of 3 inclusive of Payroll Coordinator and two HR Generalists.

Key Accomplishments:

• Researched and developed a training needs assessment program and corresponding support strategy to serve the field’s education needs.

• Supported the sales compensation restructure project (move from commission only to business strategy focused compensation model).

• Implementation of an HR Resources Library for management.

• Designed and implemented new employee onboarding program.

• Served on multiple HR task forces of parent company, Domtar Inc., to better align overall HR functions with the business strategy.

• Supported the rebranding of the Domtar Distribution Group business to Ariva inclusive of change management and launch.

• Launched Vision, Mission & Values for parent company (Domtar) and all businesses inclusive of a cultural transformation initiative.

• Member of Domtar team responsible for research, development and launch of a global wellness program.

• Led training initiative to educate managers on Domtar’s compensation management process.

• Named 2011 Best Place To Work – Kentucky Large Employer Category.

Corporate Employee Relations Coordinator (October 2006 – June 2010)

Provide guidance to senior and field management for 18 business units across 11 states (staff of 600+) in the areas of employee/labor relations, health & safety, training & development, employment legislation and disability management.

Key Accomplishments:

• Led project to develop and implement the organizations first Affirmative Action Plan.

• Researched and developed a new legally compliant employee handbook.

• Developed and implemented an Internship Program to guide HR and location management through analysis of intern relationships.

• Created an HR newsletter to bridge the gap for HR and the employees. This led to the support of the development of companywide SharePoint.

• Conducted research, provided analysis, trained management and employees and implemented steps to ensure compliance with existing and emerging legislation and coordinate necessary risk analysis, training programs and action plans to respond.

• Led project for complete review and harmonization of company policies to ensure consistent application, compliance and best practices.

• Led payroll conversion project (transition from “pay current” to “pay in arrears”).

The Crossroads Center, Cincinnati, Ohio February 2003-September 2006

Behavioral and Substance Abuse Center

Human Resource Generalist (July 2003- September 2006)

Plan, administer, review and monitor all personnel actions within a Joint Commission Accredited Behavioral Healthcare agency (staff of 120+). Additionally, implementation of three new employee recognition programs to improve agency morale.

• Provide support to management and staff on employee relations and policy and procedure interpretation, implementation, and compliance.

• Compile, maintain, and analyze affirmative action information and statistics to develop, implement, and communicate EEO policies and programs.

• Participate in improving organization performance through recommending areas or approaches for improvement activities, performing new procedures, collecting data and providing input to department discussions.

• Review and develop policies, procedures, benchmarks, and standards to improve service and organizational effectiveness.

• Provide benefits administration, OSHA training, as well as participate as a member on various committees, i.e., Clinical Privileging, HIPAA Implementation, Employee Recognition, Safety, Fundraising/Marketing, and Merit Review.

Administrative Assistant to VP of Development (February 2003 – December 2003)

• Assisted in grant writing process bringing in $870,333.

• Supported activities related to the Capital Campaign, created a Marketing Fundraising Committee (Fundraising Co-Chair) and began the development of two marketing videos to send out to potential funders.

Mecklenburg Gardens, Cincinnati, Ohio 1999-2002

Family Owned German Restaurant

Front of the House Manager & Event Coordinator

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Masters in Labor and Employment Relations - University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2006 GPA 3.96

Bachelors of Arts, Anthropology - University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2002 Dean’s List, Graduated with Departmental Honors

Business Management - Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 1997-1999

Professional in Human Resource Certification - June, 2005

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

• Masters Labor & Employment Relations (MALER) Program University of Cincinnati Mentor 2007- 2010

• Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cincinnati, Ohio Volunteer 2007- 2008

• Green Memorial Hospital, Xenia, Ohio Volunteer/Office Assistant in HR Office, logged 532+hours

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 2004-Present

• Northern Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (NKYSHRM) 2006- Present

TECHNICAL APTITUDES

SAP, People Track Software, Office Suite (Word, Excel PowerPoint, Access, Explorer, Publisher), SPSS Version 10&11

Professional references available upon request.

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