Employee Relations, labor relations, Human Resources

ALFONSO J. ZÁRATE

Cell: 816-***-**** **************@*****.*** www.linkedin.com/in/ajzkc1/

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Professional with executive level management, operations and human resources experience in transforming organizations. This includes an eye for compliance and scalability. I work with management into developing them into awesome leaders and look to integrate organizational culture into work processes. I help the organization create, processes and practices that deliver measurable improvements in the performance of people and the organization.

Collaborated in coordination efforts on behalf of Unified Government and community partners in preparing response to Request for Proposal by Google. Team member that negotiated agreement with Google to provide ultra-high speed fiber to the home and business connections in Kansas City, Kansas. Efforts resulted in being selected as the first Google Fiber city in the U.S.

Worthy Leadership™ Consultant with Lodestone Solutions Group. Consult utilizing signature Leadership Training & Development Program, developing and inspiring leaders to use a moral compass of empathy, compassion, and selflessness to discover personal and sustainable strength in leading others confidently.

Revamped and improved Human Resources Department of $26 million dollar organization. This included improving human resource and payroll processes and implementing a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) into the organization. Developed and provided training for employees regarding personnel policy changes. The result was workflow efficiencies and cultural transformation of organizational structure. Efficiency resulted in eliminated of one full time employee position.

Experience in providing Diversity/Inclusion and Diversity/Harassment Workshops for local municipalities and small to large employers. Results included transformation of organizational culture and limited liability.

Experience providing variety of organizations recommendations that limited and/or reduced liabilities (ie, $200,000) as a result of compliance review and/or organizational restructuring.

CORE COMPETENCIES

1-Expert in policy development, implementation and compliance of human resources regulations and laws.

2-Leader of change-management concepts and organization transformation with an ethical lens.

3-Developer and able to implement strategic analysis and processes.

4-Broad knowledge of social determinants of health.

5-Broad knowledge of Human Resources program functions, ie labor relations.

6-Adept at establishing solid relationships with stakeholders.

7-Able to spearhead large scale initiatives, managing projects from development through implementation and long-term planning.

8-Creative innovator with proven experience developing partnerships and business opportunities for those with limited resources.

9-Certificate of Completion for the Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Education Scaling Program from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

10-Management and succession planning development.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Entrepreneur May 2013 - Present

Oversee the day-to-day administrative management functions of a boutique, human resources consultancy offering critical wage and hour compliance solutions. Providing Human Resources program functions consulting; in house training; internal audits; audit management; litigation support, etc. to ensure compliance with Federal Wage and Hour labor laws (FLSA, FMLA, SCA and DBRA.)

Provide subject matter expertise and consultation, to include training regarding discrimination, sexual harassment and hostile work environment issues. Conduct assessment reviews and develop policies to ensure compliance with applicable laws/regulations.

Achievements:

Reduced liability for employers during audits

Provided consulting and guidance for employers in evaluating exempt and non-exempt status for employees, reducing liability for overtime expenses

Continue to provide diversity and employee relations training for several municipalities

Continue to provide consulting services to a variety of industries that include restaurants, health care, government and not for profits

Chief Operations Officer September 2017 – June 2018

Guadalupe Centers

Oversight responsibility for Human Resource Department for Guadalupe Centers and the Guadalupe Education System (GES). Reframed organization structure while improving efficiencies for service functions. Streamlined the Food Services Department that was responsible for providing the GES charter schools with meals for the student population. Ensured janitorial services were provided for both organizations. Managed staff at multiple locations.

Achievements:

Improved Human Resource processes by improving Human Resource productivity and the results of their efforts by implementing a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) into the organization, inclusive of payroll, time and attendance tracking software and talent acquisition.

Reduced payroll costs by changing pay period to biweekly instead of paying in advance with a semimonthly pay period, thus reducing staff time in preparing payroll.

Developed, promoted and implemented non-existent and outdated policies. Several new and revised policies were adopted by board of directors.

Reduced liability, while ensuring compliance in updating exempt and non-exempt status of employees along with creating position descriptions.

Increased work flow efficiencies through process improvements through development of position descriptions and elimination of dual job functions.

Restructured Food Services Department to focus on catering as a revenue stream.

Compliance Officer April 2016 - September 2017

Kansas City Kansas Community College

Developed and aligned Human Resource policies, procedures and goals with the organizations strategic plan. Ensured compliance through management of personnel while directing benefit administration, leave, training and development and hiring process activities. Member of the College’s Collective Bargaining Negotiating Team.

Achievements:

Consulted all staff regarding performance and conduct issues. This included discipline, adverse actions, leave administration, performance management, medical and reasonable accommodation issues, unfair labor practices and contract administration and compliance with negotiated bargaining agreement.

Independently and objectively reviewed and evaluated compliance issues/concerns within the organization.

Developed an overall College Compliance Program that included Title IX and Employee Relations. This included the development of a College wide policy and oversight for program compliance. Ensured the Board of Trustees, administration, management, faculty and staff were in compliance with pertinent rules and regulations. Ensured College policies and procedures were adhered to and that behavior in the organization met the College’s Standards of Conduct.

Coordinated closely with Risk Manager regarding the overall compliance of College, while limiting liability goals and minimized campus risk through education and prevention.

Human Resources Supervisor

Kansas City Kansas Community College May 2015 – March 2016

Oversight responsibility for Human Resource Department. Enhanced the personnel systems through management of personnel that directed personnel activities including benefit administration, leave, training and development and hiring /onboarding process. Implemented and trained supervisors respective to a progressive disciplinary process.

Conducted faculty union contract administration duties relative to grievance investigations and dispositions, disciplinary actions, dealt with union representatives and wage administration.

Managed the Workers Compensation Program. Assisted in the management of fiscal resources through annual budget preparation. Investigated claims of discrimination/harassment made by College employees, students, or college patrons and facilitating, in conjunction with the College’s attorney, response to such claims. Conducted investigations and management of EEOC compliance and complaints and any other employment litigation pending and worked in conjunction with the employer’s attorney. Developed, implemented, trained and monitored HR policies and procedures. Led the annual completion of the performance evaluation process; ensured merit benefits were assigned as appropriate. Stayed abreast of federal, state and case law changes. Updated and maintained position descriptions. Developed compensation strategy and policies. Worked closely with Supervisor of Payroll to resolve payroll issues. Assisted in the administration, education and maintenance of all college benefits programs.

Interim Executive Director November 2014 – February 2015

The First Tee of Greater Kansas City

As an active Board Member, during Executive Director search, took over the responsibility for the oversight of the day-to-day administrative management functions of chapter organization, while directly supervising staff personnel and overseeing supervision of contractors. Responsible for carrying out the policies and seeking to attain the goals set by the Board of Directors of the foundation. Accountable for providing all of the program offerings and performing all of the duties expected of the Executive Director.

Achievements:

Identified and created key performance indicators and metrics for accurate performance for continual measurement of financial sustainability, program direction and expansion, awareness and impact from the Strategic Plan.

Created objective staff performance goals and action items that integrate within the execution of the strategic plan and the staff annual performance plan.

Assistant to Mayor/CEO June 2005 – April 2013

Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas

Served as senior management team member providing policy, guidance and recommendations to the Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas/Wyandotte County.

Achievements:

Represented the interests of the office of the Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas/Wyandotte County, as liaison to government and community stakeholders.

Google Fiber for Communities: Led coordination efforts on behalf of the Unified Government and community partners in preparing response to Request for Proposal by Google Inc. Team member that negotiated agreement with Google to provide ultra-high speed fiber to the home and business connections in Kansas City, Kansas. Efforts resulted in Kansas City, Kansas being selected as the first Google Fiber city in the US.

Managed cross functional teams driving Mayoral initiatives, ensuring program implementation and effectiveness, while serving as a subject matter expert for large-scale initiatives and programs while developing their message points.

Analyzed data to draft policy positions on behalf of Mayor/CEO.

Wage and Hour Investigator June 1994 – May 2005

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

Kansas City District Office

Specialized experience includes knowledge of investigative principles and techniques; experience and ability to investigate and analyze financial transactions, background information and other evidentiary materials; Experience and ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports including investigative findings and recommendations for corrective action. Specialized experience and ability in negotiating resolution with the investigated entity regarding compliance and corrective measures.

Achievements:

Led team of Investigators engaged in annual strategic planning for the District Office. Developed and implemented a long-standing partnership was developed with state counterpart agency that resulted in joint efforts in youth employment enforcement and outreach.

EDUCATION

Certificate of Completion for the Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Education Scaling Program from the

Stanford Graduate School of Business, Palo Alto, California

Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri

Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies (BA) University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

Former Member (March 2011- June 2012), Archbishop’s Case Review Advisory Council, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

Former Board Member (2009- 2018), Board of Trustees for Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas

Former Board Member (2009- 2016), Board of Directors for The First Tee of Greater Kansas City

Former Board Member (2009- 2013), Board of Directors for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas

Present Board Member and past Chair (2006- Present), University of Missouri at Kansas City Chancellor’s Hispanic Advisory Board

Former Board Member and Secretary (1996 – 2002), Community Housing of Wyandotte County, Inc. (CHWC, Inc.)

OTHER SKILLS

Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, inclusive of PowerPoint, Word and Excel

Bi-lingual and fluent in reading, writing and speaking English/Spanish

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