Rhonda Gatons, PHR

RR#* Box ***, Tower Hill, IL *2571 • h 217-***-**** • c 217-***-**** •

abk4v7@r.postjobfree.com

Human Resources Professional

Accomplished HR Leader with over 17 years of experience developing innovative HR solutions, strategic

planning and tactical execution of HR initiatives in support of business objectives. Expertise in all

functional areas of HR including talent acquisition and retention, benefits and compensation

administration, conflict resolution, change management, regulatory and corporate compliance, employee

relations and organizational effectiveness. Excellent communicator with the ability to develop authentic

relationships with employees at all levels of the organization. Diverse background including healthcare,

manufacturing, corporate settings, and extensive experience in multi-location environments.

Areas of Expertise

Training and Development Organizational Effectiveness Employee Relations

Employee Engagement Conflict Resolution Performance Management

Regulatory Compliance Process Improvement Coaching and Developing

Professional Experience

Midland States Bank Effingham, IL 2010-Present

Director of Human Resources,

Privately held institution operating in 2 states with 30 locations and 500 employees.

Responsible for a staff of 3 HR Generalists (Recruiting, Benefits, & Payroll)

Developed a Leadership Development Training Series for all management within the organization

to educate and establish solid skill sets for all levels of supervision.

Facilitated the compensation structure for the entire organization with the assistance of

McGladrey Consulting. This structure included: job titles, pay levels, pay grades, and job

families.

Created several key policies that were non-existent since my onset: Sign-On Bonus, Relocation

Expenses, Corrective Action, Internship, & Nepotism

Currently in process of developing an Affirmative Action Plan for all locations as well as a

corporate guideline.

Currently in process of evaluating the benefit plans to ensure the competiveness with other

companies and our abilities to attract and retain employees.

BlueCross BlueShield of IL,TX,NM, & OK Springfield, IL 2005-2010

(dba Health Care Service Corporation)

Regional Human Resource Manager,

(Workforce Engagement Consultant)

Largest non-investor owned private health insurance company operating in 4 states with 37 locations and

17,000 employees. Overall responsibility to positively impact the financial success of the company by

leveraging HR initiatives and by serving as a business partner to operational divisions.

Developed and implemented HR processes and tools to increase employee engagement levels.

Realized a 10% increase in employee engagement scores from 2008 to 2009.

Rhonda Gatons, PHR Page 2

Directed the alignment of HR processes and procedures with subsidiaries and new business

acquisitions.

Facilitated talent management initiatives to stabilize the Medical Management operations area.

Designed and delivered several enterprise-wide training programs in support of business

strategies.

Selected as one of the top World Class Consultants for the Human Resources department as

only 15% of the HR staff was selected for this honor and recognition. Designated as a Business

Partner for the entire organization, and in particular with our subsidiaries.

Responsible for all four BlueCross locations in Springfield, IL as well as another regional office in

Mattoon, IL. Approximately 1100 employees in those combined locations.

Identified opportunities to improve/enhance work environment issues through learning &

development, communications, and team building to educate and engage employees.

HR Assist Consulting Pana, IL 2004-2005

President

Start up consulting company that provided on site and off site assistance with human resource strategy,

support, and implementation.

Highly regarded as a HR professional, as the companies I have worked at previous in my career

have called upon my services, since the onset of my consulting business.

Public speaker for several seminars in the local area

Performed audits of employment law compliance

Developed policies & procedures and job descriptions

Created training and development programs to improve the overall work environment

Provided resume development, interviewing assistance, and job searching for other professionals

Safety Storage, Inc. Charleston, IL 2003-2004

Corporate Human Resources Manager

Manufacturer of pre-fabricated steel buildings for the storage of hazardous materials.

Extensive experience in implementing & sustaining safety programs. Improved the OSHA

recordables by 57% within a 1 year period as well as incurred no lost time accidents for 300 days.

Directed the recruiting efforts for senior management positions through a critical needs

assessment.

Built and maintained an environment of high employee satisfaction through communication and

excellent rapport with the employee population.

Interviewed and screened potential job applicants and current employees to fill existing company

openings by matching individuals to best benefit employer and employee.

Promoted trust and confidence in the leadership of the organization by consistent and continuous

administration of policies.

Coached management and supervisors on the utilization and documentation of policy

enforcement and progressive discipline procedures.

Responsible for the development and distribution of the company newsletter which fostered

continued company communication/employee involvement.

Managed comprehensive benefits program.

Responsible for two manufacturing locations for the organization. Knowledge of CA laws and

regulations as well as IL. Traveled approximately 25%.

Trusted and credible member of the executive management team and reported directly to the

President.

Decatur Electronics, Inc. Decatur, IL 2002-2003

Human Resource Manager

Designed, manufactured, and marketed speed measurement products and traffic safety equipment.

Negotiated and established wage rates for new and current job classifications.

Recruited, interviewed, and selected employees at all levels of the organization.

Developed and conducted training sessions for management staff on documenting discipline and

interviewing techniques.

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Managed workers' compensation and OSHA compliance.

Benefits negotiation and administration for health, dental, life, AFLAC, 401(k)

Performed all new employee orientations and administered the company benefit plans.

Launched a new performance appraisal system with demonstrated success.

Member of the executive management team and reported directly to the President.

MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. Arthur, IL 1999-2002

Employee Relations Manager

Fortune 500 Company who manufactured kitchen & bath cabinetry which employed over 1000 employees

in the Arthur location.

Recruited, interviewed, and selected employees to fill all three shift operation hourly

manufacturing positions.

Conducted new employee orientation and company history training sessions.

Developed and maintained all human resource policies and procedures.

Conducted several supervisory training classes: sexual harassment, discrimination, &

disciplinary procedures.

Responsible for the administration of all unemployment claims, hearings, and determinations.

Conducted annual wage and benefit survey to determine competitiveness.

Decreased medical insurance premiums through negotiation, plan selection, and research.

Dependable, credible, and trusted confidant to senior management and employees.

Akorn, Inc. Decatur, IL 1993-1999

Human Resource Manager

Manufactured injectable pharmaceuticals which employed 250 employees in the Decatur, IL location.

Delivered $200,000 in annual benefit cost savings through effective plan selection, negotiation,

and evaluation.

Developed policy and directed human resource activities such as employment, compensation,

benefits, training, and employee services.

Recruited and selected employees to fill vacant positions at all levels of the organization.

Directed the preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of

benefit programs.

Developed a safety incentive program and safety committee company wide. As a result,

accidents decreased by 80% in the first year.

Developed the employee quarterly newsletter to increase overall communication within the

organization.

FORMAL EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Human Resource Management 1993

Millikin University, Decatur, IL

Certifications

PHR Certification 1999

Human Resource Certification Institute

World Class Consultant Certification 2008

Oliver Wyman/Mercer Consulting

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