Karen E Burton

*** ****** **** *****

Madison, AL 35756

Mobile: 615-***-****

Email: ac4kc1@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY: Human Resource Manager and Generalist who is an expert communicator and negotiator with strong conflict resolution skills. Extensive background in all areas of federal human resources management, training and development.

SKILLS: alternate dispute resolution (ADR), employee relations, employment law knowledge, interviewing expertise, performance management strategies, employee development, supervisory training and development

PROFESSIONAL HR EXEMPT-LEVEL WORK EXPERIENCE:

NASA - Marshall Space Flight Center

Huntsville, AL

March, 2013 to present

(Human Resources Manager (GS-15)

I serve as the manager of a group of 28 human resource professionals (civil servants and contractors), providing a full range of human resources management services, including recruitment, placement, classification, employee relations, performance management, position management, compensation, labor-management relations, and employee assistance programs. In addition, I provide management guidance and support in the areas of leadership, policy development, strategic planning, priority development, and advisory and consultation services for various interrelated Human Resources functional areas.

NASA - Marshall Space Flight Center

Huntsville, AL

October, 2010 to March 2013

Assistant Human Resources Manager (GS-14)

I served as a consultant for a full range of human resources management services, including recruitment, placement, classification, employee relations, performance management, position management, compensation, labor-management relations, and employee assistance programs. In addition, I provide management guidance and support in the areas of leadership, policy development, strategic planning, priority development, and advisory and consultation services for various interrelated Human Resources functional areas.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Washington, DC

July, 2009 to October, 2010

Supervisory HR Program Manager (GS-15)

I was responsible for oversight and supervision of five GS-14 Program Analysts who recruit for senior level positions in the Veterans Health Administration. This includes announcement of positions, determining qualifications, verifying licensure and credentials when appropriate, and preparing packages for review by the Executive Resources Board before selections were approved by Department of Veterans Affairs. I was responsible to evaluating the effectiveness of recruitment efforts, identification of barriers and development of processes for improvement for marketing, recruitment, assessment of candidates, and nomination and approval processes. I utilized a web-based program to extract information on trends for analysis and preparation of various reports that I provide to management, including use of SES-Equivalent positions unique to VA (Title 38, Section 7306). I also managed the ceiling for GS-15 positions, reviewing and evaluating requests to establish new GS-15 positions and providing advice to management regarding decisions to approve or disapprove. I was also responsible for oversight of award programs and supervised staff that processed awards for the Veterans Health Administration Central Office in Washington, DC. I was responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the awards programs in VHA and development of guidance to ensure the most effective and efficient use of incentives. I was a full participant in the development of the VHA Workforce Management and Consulting Office's Strategic Plan and Workforce Succession Plan (we projected our plans out for 5 years and re-evaluated and updated our plans every year). I provided consultation and recommendations to senior program officials on strategies to meet the Secretary's Transformation of Health Care to the 21st Century initiatives (these include workforce analysis, update of position descriptions and functional statements, organizational re-structuring, and revisions of workforce succession plans).

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Linthicum, MD

June, 2008 to July, 2009

Workforce Development/HR Manager (GS-15)

I was responsible for oversight of several programs for VA Medical Centers within our Network. These programs included Leadership Development, the Network Education Board, Workforce Analysis, Employment Trends, Succession Planning, Strategic Planning and Human Resources. I provided training and HR oversight and evaluation for the Human Resources departments within the Network for the VA Medical Centers in Baltimore and Perry Point, MD, Martinsburg, WV and Washington, DC. I also served on the Veterans Health Administration department-wide New Employee Orientation and Human Resources training initiative work groups. I also participated in conference calls and face-to-face meetings with medical center leadership and labor partners on a regular basis. I processed all grievances and appeals, including data requests from unions; I was successful in resolving all complaints, therefore avoiding any ULP claims being filed with the FLRA. I participated in pre-decisional meetings regarding a major restructuring and consolidation of medical billing staff throughout the Network. This involved preparing all the documentation for, and requesting authority from OPM to receive buy-out authority, which was granted.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Murfreesboro, TN

February, 2007 to June, 2008

Human Resources Consultant (Staff Development) (GS-14)

I served as the team leader for the Veterans Health Administration HR staff development and new supervisor training. I was a key player in developmental planning of competency assessment, training needs assessment, presentation strategies to employ adult learning principles, and preparation of tools to evaluate the effectiveness of all the training programs. I developed content-specific training materials on numerous HR topics (employee and labor relations, position management, recruitment, performance management, discipline, coaching and mentoring, team building, etc.), and presented training to HR Staff at various levels (from new HR Interns, to HR Managers). I also did the same for new supervisors, seasoned supervisors, and HR staff at national training sessions for the "Nuts and Bolts of Supervision" curriculum (a VA-wide national supervisory training program).

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Nashville, TN

January, 2005 to February, 2007

Human Resources Manager (GS-14)

I served as the HR Manager and HR Training consultant for the Mid South Healthcare Network (VISN 9). I was responsible for all HR and training programs through the Network and HR components of the Strategic Plan and Succession Planning for the Network. I was also responsible for HR oversight and accountability for all HR and training programs for all 6 VA Medical Centers in the Network. In my third week on this job, I found out that the Office of Personnel Management was coming to investigate some specific allegations of violations of merit principles at our largest facility in the Network. I took a proactive approach and participated fully with the OPM evaluation team in identifying the issues, developing a accountability plan, conducting just-in-time training for HR staff and management officials, and provided on-site monitoring and electronic review (through use of a share-point site) for all internal and external recruitment files for a 9-month period to ensure that the facility was in full compliance. Development of an extensive recruitment file checklist was a "best practice" outcome from this endeavor.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Fayetteville, AR

November, 2002 to January, 2005

Human Resources Specialist (ER/LR) (GS-13)

I was an HR Specialist (Generalist), for several clinical and administrative services and a consultant for Employee Relations and Labor Relations (ER/LR) for medical centers in the South Central VA Healthcare Network (11 in all). I assisted with administrative investigations and was a primary contributor in developing a training assessment tool and a training program for supervisors and managers (Cornerstones of Effective Management) and HR specialists (VISN 16 HR University), and serving as an instructor.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Decatur, GA

December, 2001 to November, 2002

Human Resources Liaison (GS-13)

I initially served as the Asst. Chief of Human Resources; there was no Chief of Human Resources. My duties were essentially the same as those of a Human Resources Officer at a large, complex facility. Effective April 7, 2002, the Southeast Network (VISN 7) consolidated HR activities network wide. At that time my role changed to HR Liaison for the Atlanta VAMC for coordination of all HR activities for the Atlanta VAMC with the Network (VISN 7). As the Liaison, I had the same duties; I just forwarded my decisions to the appropriate Division Manager at the VISN 7 level and then following up to ensure that the work was accomplished by the appropriate division. I remained a member of local Medical Center committees, such as Resource Allocation, Partnership and Compliance. I attended all Director Staff meetings as the HR representative.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Benefits Administration

Jackson, MS

July, 2000 to December, 2001

Personnel Management Specialist (GS-13)

I started in this position in July, 2000, as an Employee Development Specialist, GS-235-13. However, most of my duties were in the area of Labor Relations. With the issuance of a new classification standard, my position description was re-written and classified as a GS-201-13 (Personnel Management Specialist, Labor Relations). I served as the primary contact for employee and labor relations advice for thirteen VBA Regional offices that we serviced, and provided personnel management specialist duties for the New Orleans station. I supervised the retirement and benefits and workers’ compensation areas. I participated in several training projects, including assessment of training needs and planning and preparation of materials for several employee and labor relations courses. I had the honor of participating in a joint Labor Relations video presentation project with VHA and VBA staff from headquarters and VBA and VHA field stations. I served as one of the instructors for Labor Relations for supervisors and managers. The training is presented on an on-going basis at the VBA Training Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. In collaboration with my supervisor, a monthly newsletter on Employee and Labor Relations topics was developed, for which I was the primary author. I kept track of common errors/concerns and wrote "just in time" articles for the newsletter, titled the ER/LR Connection which is still published monthly by the Jackson Human Resources Center.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Jackson, MS

November, 1998 to July, 2000

Assistant Human Resources Officer (GS-13)

I served as the Team Leader for Employee and Labor Relations and as the Assistant Chief of Human Resources. As the ER/LR Team Leader, I had primary program responsibility for labor relations, suitability issues, disciplinary and adverse actions, performance management, workers’ compensation and retirement. As the staff members were new to the HR generalist concept, I provided guidance and training to the other specialists for various program areas. I conducted case law research and provided advice to the Director’s office regarding adverse actions. I assessed training needs and prepared materials and presented training for supervisors and managers. I served as the Human Resources advisor for on-site disciplinary investigations at other VA Medical Centers in the South Central VA Healthcare Network. As the Assistant Chief, my duties included reviewing and signing Personnel Actions. I was responsible for maintaining statistical data, and briefing at Budget meetings.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Jackson, MS

January, 1998 to November, 1998

Training Specialist (HR) (GS-12)

I was responsible for coordinating training activities for all the administrative services in the medical center (with a focus on HR), and I prepared extensive training materials and conducted training classes on a variety of topics. I served as the representative for the Jackson VAMC on the VISN 16 Staff Education Council. In March 1998 the Chief of Education left to assume a position at another VA facility and I, along with the other training specialist, served as the Acting Chief of Education on a rotating basis. There was a new requirement (Director’s performance measure) for all employees to have at least 40 hours of training and document it in the Education Tracking System. I trained all of the Service education coordinators on use of the Education Tracking System and ensured that all training was properly documented.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Jackson, MS

May, 1997 to January, 1998

Personnel Management Specialist (GS-11)

I provided a full range of personnel management duties for a block of services as a generalist. I classified a few jobs and filled several jobs, including wage grade panels, and GS panels before I was selected for the training specialist job in the Office of Education. I conducted numerous training sessions for supervisory and HR staff on various HR topics. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn the areas of staffing and classification while I continued to contribute in the employee relations area, including training of other specialists. I had primary program responsibility for labor relations, suitability issues, disciplinary and adverse actions and performance management.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health Administration

Chicago, IL

August, 1990 to May, 1997

Personnel Management Specialist (GS-11)

I worked at the Westside VA (now known as Jesse Brown VA) campus from 1990 to 1993, and at Hines from 1993 to 1997, providing advice and assistance in the employee relations area for several services, the largest of which was Nursing. I participated in Title 38 Disciplinary Board and Grievance Hearings, and served as the Agency Representative and technical advisor at several MSPB hearings and EEOC hearings. In October 1995, our Human Resources Office consolidated with the Human Resources offices of the VA Chicago-West Side and VA Chicago-Lakeside VA Medical Centers. I provided training for all three hospitals for numerous HR topics.

JOB RELATED TRAINING AND OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES:

I obtained my certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) as a SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) in 2003, and have kept my CEUs and certification current. I have been an active member of SHRM for many years, and I now also hold the SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) from SHRM. I was also a member of ASHHRA (American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration), and ASTD (American Society for Training & Development).

Since 2011 I have served as the Director of Certification on the Board of the North Alabama Society of Human Resources Management (NASHRM). I conduct study groups twice a year, using the SHRM Learning System for HR professionals who are preparing for the PHR or SPHR certification exam, and now for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams.

I also provide training at the University of Alabama in Huntsville for the Professional and Continuing Studies Division, teaching an introductory course in Human Resource Management Essentials, a Management and Leadership Essentials Course and a Critical Thinking course.

In addition, I taught the SHRM Learning System for the University of Maryland Baltimore College (UMBC) in Baltimore, MD, and Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. I also taught the SHRM Introduction to Human Resources Management course for UMBC.

I attended Mediation Training at the Justice Center of Atlanta in September 2001 and received a Mediation Certificate. I have served as a volunteer with a non-profit organization (Still Serving Veterans) in Huntsville, AL, reviewing resumes of veterans seeking to enter the civilian workforce, and have taught classes on federal resume preparation, federal job searches, dressing for success and behavioral based interviewing.

SECURITY CLEARANGE:

I currently hold a Tier 2 (SF 85P) security clearance (non-sensitive, moderate risk, public trust) clearance, required of my current position with NASA as the Manager, Human Resources Services.

EDUCATION:

Calhoun Community College

Huntsville, AL

Currently taking courses to complete Associates Degree in Business Administration. Upon completion I plan to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree from Athens State in Management of Technology, or another local University in Business Administration.

Kennesaw State University (Continuing Ed)

Kennesaw, GA

I took a 40 hour course (SHRM Learning System) to prepare for the HRCI Certification Exam. I took the certification exam after completing the course, and received my SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) from HRCI in 2003.

Chattahoochee Tech

Marietta, GA

I took evening classes to improve my business skills, including three semesters of Accounting (Accounting I, II and III).

Chattahoochee Tech

Marietta, GA

General Business Diploma. This was a general business program with focus on secretarial science. Courses were in communication, telephone and office etiquette, business writing, grammar, business machine operation, shorthand, business math and basic accounting.

South Cobb High School

Austell, GA

High School Diploma

General High School curriculum with focus on business courses. I was an active member of the Future Business Leaders of America and Beta Club.

REFERENCES:

Mike Bean

Owner: Passion HR Consulting, Inc.

Phone: 256-***-****

E-Mail: ac4kc1@r.postjobfree.com

Reference Type: Professional (North Alabama SHRM)

Sandra Rosenau

Human Capital Specialist at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Phone (Mobile): 978-***-****

E-Mail: ac4kc1@r.postjobfree.com

Reference Type: Professional (I was her Mentor)

Alberta Kemper

Department of Veterans Affairs

Lead Classification Specialist

Phone (Mobile): 931-***-****

E-Mail: ac4kc1@r.postjobfree.com

Reference Type: Professional and Personal

Additional information is available upon request

Contact this candidate