BRENDA K. SUTHERLAND, PHR

**** ******* ***** • Grand Island, Nebraska 68803

308-***-**** • abl78e@r.postjobfree.com

MANAGEMENT: Human Resources

.

Results-driven human resources professional with a proven track record of developing,

implementing innovative human resources policies / programs designed to enhance strategic

business objectives while remaining cost-conscious. Superior project management skills.

Demonstrated proficiency in team building. Confident, detail-oriented problem solver with strong

communication, mentoring abilities. Areas of proficiency:

Problem Resolution • Team Building & Leadership • Strategic Planning • Benefits Management

Program Development • Labor Relations • Recruitment, Training, Mentoring, Motivation

Management Coaching • Public Speaking, Presenting • Negotiations • Cost Savings

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, Grand Island, Nebraska • 2000-Present

Municipality of 48,600+ people, providing a full range of services to its residents. City employees 500+

people year-round plus 200+ seasonal employees.

Human Resources Director

Manage Human Resources Department for municipal employees. Direct a staff of three in handling

benefits administration, compensation, performance evaluation / improvement, recruiting, labor relations,

training and development, organizational design, project and program management. Integral member of

senior management team that reviews and evaluates issues and determines how best to handle

challenges.

Key Achievements:

• Aggressively reviewed contracts that provided cost savings without negatively impacting employee

benefits.

• Championed municipality’s wellness program that boasted 90% employee participation rate and led

to annual health claim reductions of $250K+ over three years. Program was awarded the Governor’s

Excellence in Wellness Award.

• Achieved reduction in workman’s compensation rating for each of the last three years, resulting in

significant savings in premiums and paid claims.

• Implemented electronic employee evaluation system that improved communication, enhanced

performance and accountability while driving efficiencies.

• Key member of team dealing with sensitive union mediation and negotiations of salary and benefit

programs for the four unions (with seven contracts) representing city employees.

• Supervised recruitment efforts to fill major city positions, including City Administrator and department

directors.

BOSSELMAN, INC., Grand Island, Nebraska • 1994-2000

Family-owned company of 900+ employees that owns travel centers, restaurants, fast food franchises,

convenience stores and an oil enterprise.

BRENDA K. SUTHERLAND, PHR • Page 2 • abl78e@r.postjobfree.com

Human Resources Director

Initially hired as member of the Travel Center division, which employed 650+ in three states. Assisted Oil

Division and went on to oversee human resources for all divisions. Managed performance evaluation /

improvement, recruiting, labor relations, training, development.

Key Achievements:

• Created the company’s first Human Resources Department: developed company-wide human

resources policies and procedures and installed human resources personnel at each of the

company’s major locations.

• Pioneered corporate cultural change that significantly reduced turnover by 60+% from 250% per year

to as little as 67% -- well below the 200% industry standard – by implementing several key initiatives,

including;

Management training and development

First formal personnel policy manual, training videos

Drug testing program

New hire training programs with incentives for trainers

Employee recognition programs

Sound hiring practices

• Collaborated with advertising agency to develop logo / branding for an “It’s All About People”

program to recognize employees for outstanding efforts.

• Regularly advised company President on employment policies.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration

Kearney State College (nka University of Nebraska at Kearney), Kearney, Nebraska

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional Human Resources Certificate (PHR)

Human Resources Certification Institute

Executive Certificate in Negotiation

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Society for Human Resources Management, Central Nebraska Human Resources Management

Association, Great Plains Safety & Health Organization

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