Employee Relations Manager, Business Ops Program Mgr, Attorney, HR Dir

Allison Dichoso

Email. ******************@*****.***, cell 202-***-**** 1702 Old Drummer Boy Lane, Fort Washington MD, 20744

Resume Highlights

HR Leadership

Director of Human Resources

Vice President of Human Resources

Chief, Employee Relations and Training

Manager, Employee Relations

HR Management and Operations – Specialized Experience

Managed implementation of Comprehensive Compensation Classification System

Employee Relations Policy creation and enforcement

Creation of Diversity and Inclusion Training programs

Accountability Coordinator (Emergency Preparedness/HR/ER) with emergency services operations

Reconstitution Team (Emergency Preparedness/Continuity of Operations)

Facility Management operations and project planning, employee development, and mechanical engineer recruitment. OSHA 10 and FEMA Communications 100, and Incident Command, certified

Mediator, certified, Northern Virginia Mediation Service

Procurement and RFP – procurement and vendor selection

Union Avoidance initiatives

Talent Acquisition and onboarding for hard to fill positions, social programs, internships

Performance Management

RIF – Reduction In Force implementation

Employment Suitability investigator and adjudicator

Counsel – Business Diversity and Diversity Training programs

Amtrak – National Passenger Railroad Corporation, Counsel, Business Diversity

Fairfax County Government – Equity Programs

City of Alexandria – Diversity Training Program

Industries Worked

For-Profit Non-Profit Education

Academia Federal, State, and Local Government

Public Service Operations and Management

Emergency Preparedness – COOP Accountability

Devolution and Reconstitution

Facility Services – Program and Employee Training and Development

Law Enforcement Instructor – Federal Law Enforcement Instructor Training (FLETC)

Labor

Employee Grievance, Discipline, Mediation, Arbitration, Negotiation

Certifications

Mediator Safety: OSHA, FEMA certs

Law Enforcement Trainer Lominger, Leadership Architect – Succession Planning

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE:

Twenty-five years of Human Resources Management experience. Mastery of principles, laws, rules, and “best practices” of HR management.

Employment/Labor Attorney with over five years of legal experience including litigation.

Ability to serve as an expert and consultant to high-level management on HR programs, policies, and practices including performance management and succession planning.

Experience with RFP process and vendor selection

Knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, project scheduling, and managing HR operations.

Over fourteen years of experience in public administration to include federal and local government

Expert in employment investigations, discipline, grievances, EEO, and arbitration proceedings.

Experience in both union and non-union settings.

Experienced Mediator in personnel grievance actions.

Professor (Adjunct) University of Maryland, University College and Webster University

Agency Accountability Coordinator for Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Reconstitution Team

Team Member Board Reconstitution / Devolution plan

Certifications in OSHA regulations and FEMA and Adjunct Trainer for the Law Enforcement Unit

COTR for Employee Relations programs and Workplace Diversity programs for Facility Services

HUMAN RESOURCES AND INVESTIGATIONS EXPERIENCE

Federal Reserve Board of Governors (2 positions)

Program Manager & Special Projects Analyst 2008 – Present

Under the Facility Services (FS) section of Management Division, performs research, analysis and special project-related services to facility management programs. Supports program development under the Sr. Associate Director to include: career and learning development programs for FS employees; Diversity Scorecard objectives; review of position descriptions and updates to physical demand requirements in accordance with the Rehab Act. Ensures compliance with accommodation requirements. Works closely with senior management on projects such as the Reconstitution Plan and Employee Accountability. Works with employees and managers on the following: FS Development and Learning initiatives; FS Management and Leadership Retreat Planning; coordination with other MGT and COO sections; and provides assistance and guidance to FS staff on management programs. Acts as a liaison between FS staff and managers. Performs as a Law Enforcement Unit (LEU) Adjunct Instructor on Ethics, Board policies, DC Code and De-escalation in Use of Force tactics. FEMA and OSHA certifications.

THRIVE – Leadership, 2014

Director’s Award for Excellence, 2015

Employee Relations Manager (6 years)

Managed ER operations and processes such as: discipline; accommodation; employment investigations; and leave actions. Developed and executed long-term strategic Employee Relations initiatives to include: core ER training; performance management; telecommute/work life balance programs; and ER outreach programs. Developed holistic ER approach to management to include: team building; climate assessment; EAP programs; and job coaching. Administered employee accountability under the COOP (Continuity of Operations Plan) for emergency and disaster preparedness planning. Served as the Accountability Coordinator for the Board supporting the Crisis Leadership Team. Supervised five ER employees directly and managed projects that included other HR workgroups or division-wide teams. Operating budget was over one million dollars. Accomplishments: Created HR/ER outreach initiatives to include workplace climate assessment and alternative dispute resolution. Customized workplace training and development initiatives. Created outreach programs for Board clients. Provided support to the OD&L function of HR with performance management programs and employee development. Streamlined employee relations investigation processes.

The American Psychiatric Association

Director, Human Resources 2005 - 2008

Directed the strategic planning and operations of a national non-profit medical association with 650 employees and multi-state locations. Supervised a staff of four professional employees and a budget of $700k. Projects included the development of all HR policies and programs to include Benefits, Compensation, Employee Relations and Training programs. Supervised the daily management of HR support services to employees, and provided long-term workforce planning and development. Accomplishments: implementation of a new employee/management compensation system which provided new pay structures and job classifications across the organization ($150k); the procurement/RFP bid and selection of a new health care provider directly affecting all employees and various non-employee state representatives (costs over $2 million dollars); the development and implementation of a Short Term Disability program ($700k); the development and implementation of various new employee policies that cover workplace practices; the successful dismissal to two EEO complaints, one of which included litigation, a successful DOL audit, and the resolution of numerous employment disputes.

U.S. Foodservice

Vice President, Human Resources 2004-2005

Vice-President of Human Resources in a billion dollar for-profit, foodservice company with two union shops and 650 employees. Duties included the administration of HR policies and procedures including union driven duties such as collective bargaining, grievances, strike-avoidance, and the administration/preparation of grievance arbitration/litigation. This position managed the safety and security operations in compliance with OSHA including site inspections, DOT regulations, and managed all Workers Compensation claims. This position supervised six employees and managed a budget of $500k. Accomplishments: new employee communication formats (e.g. employee newsletter); creation and implementation of the first Wellness program and Benefits fair; two successful employee theft investigations (over $100k) which included coordination with law enforcement authorities; and successful management of grievance hearings and workers compensation claims.

AARP

Manager, Employee Relations 2003-2004

Managed the HR Employee Relations unit for an Association with over 1800 employees and 35 million members. Managed department budget of 400k and directly supervised five Employee Relations employees. Advised and counseled managers and employees on legal Compliance and AARP policies.

Reviewed and directed all employee disciplinary actions and EEO complaints, federal and state laws.

Managed internal re-organization and displacement processes including RIF processes.

Managed Administrative projects: Employee Handbook revision; Leave policy compliance (i.e. FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, Sick and Annual); exit interview processes; and charitable campaigns.

Accomplishments: The research, development, and production of an Employee Handbook; the management of multiple layoff and RIF actions that affected over 20 employees and required a variety of individual, customized severance packages; the ongoing training and development of management employees using a variety of training sources and methods; and the continued development of Work/Life programs.

City of Alexandria, Virginia

Division Chief, Employee Relations and Training 2000 – 2003

Managed the Employee Relations and Training department for 3000 employees and 72 Departments in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. Position managed a budget of 150k and supervised two professional employees and temporary staff.

Advised managers and employees on the application of the Administrative Regulations regarding employee discipline, grievance procedures, alternative dispute resolution and mediation.

Reviewed employee complaints for merit and action. Prepared written opinions for City Attorney.

Managed the formal employee Grievance process including Arbitration proceedings.

Managed the citywide employee Training program that consisted of 42 career development, management, and information technology courses including creating the On-line training program.

Accomplishments: Creation of the Employee Handbook; the coordination and successful representation of the city at arbitration hearings; the development of an on-line education and training program for all employees; Chairperson of the Diversity Committee and manager of the Diversity Training program. This position also provided direct coordination and guidance for employee relations matters with field-site managers in different departments (e.g. public safety, maintenance, mental health programs, recreation, planning, etc.)

Contract (Defense Contractor) HR Manager positions 1996 - 1999

Management Analyst II / EEO Investigator 1993 - 1996

Investigated various types of EEO claims and counseled employees and managers on EEO compliance. Trained and mediated disputes for over 10,000 employees on EEO, ADA, Sexual Harassment, Cultural Diversity, and other Title VII-type issues. Reviewed disciplinary/EEO actions. Made presentations before Fairfax County Civil Service Commission (with County Attorney) and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Accomplishments: Contributed to the team development of Diversity programs; EEO and internal complaint resolution; provided team collaboration of mediation programs and initiatives.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Counsel, Business Diversity 1999 - 2000

Investigated and resolved internal EEO related and harassment complaints for Amtrak’s East Coast operations and interpreted collective bargaining agreements in accordance with the National Labor Relations Act and internal policies.

Reviewed and Recommended disciplinary actions on EEO related complaints to managers.

Conducted independent fact-finding, mediation and training.

Reviewed employee appeals for merit and compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Advised employees and managers on complaint processes, and labor agreement interpretation.

Accomplishments: provided thorough investigation and resolution of all EEO cases; achieved successful dismissal of multiple EEO complaints; and established a good working relationship with union representatives

Williams and Worthy LLC

Attorney /“Of Counsel” 1999 – 2004 (Independent Contractor)

On a contract basis, review and advise on employment related actions. Duties included:

Litigation - client consultation; pleadings preparation; filing motions; Discovery; and written responses to EEO complaints. Prepare FOIA requests and provides legal statute review and interpretation of employment laws, and grievance appeals. Assist other Associates who manage a general civil caseload i.e. Bankruptcy, Incorporation, Administrative, and Personal Injury.

Legal Review and Counsel - Review and advise on employee discipline; grievances; wrongful termination complaints; and review corporate employment practices for legal compliance.

Create Corporate Policy and legal documents – create Employee Handbooks; HR policies (leave, ethics, sexual harassment); employment agreements; Waivers; Offer/Termination letters. Provided support to the Town of Capital Heights, MD in employment actions and Code Enforcement.

Ramson and Associates LLC

Attorney / “Of Counsel” Affiliated since 1999 (Independent Contractor)

On a contract basis, reviews and advises on employment related actions.

ACADEMIC / TEACHING

University of Maryland, University College (2008-2011) & Webster University (2011-Present)

Adjunct Professor

Teach a variety of Human Resources subjects to both graduate and undergraduate students within the study of Business Management programs to include: Human Resources Management, Labor, Compensation, and Conflict Resolution.

EDUCATION: J.D. Howard University School of Law, 1992

B.A. Justice, The American University, 1988

BAR ADMISSIONS: US Supreme Court, 2017

Pennsylvania, 1993

US District Court of Maryland, 1995

Eligible for Reciprocity in the District of Columbia

ASSOCIATIONS CERTIFICATIONS

The American Bar Association, 1993 HR Generalist, SHRM, 1996

Pennsylvania Bar Association, 1993 Mediator, USDA Graduate School, 2000

National Minority Law Journal, 2000 Mediator, Northern Virginia Mediation Service, 2002 Society of Human Resources Management, 2000 Federal Law Enforcement Trainer, 2017(FLETC)

OSHA -10, 2017

FEMA – IS 242 Effective Communications

FEMA – IS 100 Incident Command

D.C. Code II

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Secret

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