DON THIGPEN, SPHR, SHRM – SCP
********@*******.*** Cell: 248-***-****
HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL
Human resources leader with several years as a strategic and passionate thought leader, effective problem-solving skills, the ability to foster an atmosphere of partnership and collaboration with all staff levels. Effectively aligned human resources strategies with organizational and people goals. Strong labor relations skills, risk management with a history of managing large scale projects from concept development through implementation.
Personalized Nursing LIGHT House, Inc. Plymouth, Michigan 03/2019 - present
HR - Project Manager(contract) – Currently serving as Project Manager to implement a new HRIS systems working with a Bio-medic time and attendance system. Create policies around the new the systems to mitigate lost, guaranteed compliance, and the effective and lean use of human capital across the organization.
Huntington Convention Center Cleveland, Ohio 12/2017 – 07/2018
Human Resources Manager – Venue Management
Located in Downtown Cleveland, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and Global Center for Health Innovation offers 390,000 total sq. ft. of prime downtown convention center space. Organize the HR department to drive key deliverables; uniform standards of excellence and functional competency, and risk mitigation supporting transition to drive business service model across all departments. Provided HR leadership and proper staffing levels for permanent, part-time and temporary staff.
Lorain County Community Action Agency Lorain, OH 02/2014 – 11/2017
Director of Human Resources – County-wide unionized Community Based Non-Profit organization. Aligned HR department with primary focus on capacity building, cultural & organizational effectiveness. Drove cultural change of service to the community. Driving future capabilities necessary for key deliverables: functional competency, succession planning, and risk mitigation supporting transition to drive business service model across all departments. Recaptured an annual $110,000 of ancillary loses • Stabilized workforce • Realigned job classifications and wage groups • Established partnership with hiring managers targeted hiring process with emphases on uniform standards of excellence and competency • Labor Relations: Labor Contract Administration, Collective Bargaining resulting in positive costs vs. benefits including; Improved Employee Grievance Procedure, reduction of grievance load. Led the implementation of a new HRMS and Payroll systems. Served as liaison to the Lorain County Safety Council.
Evans Solutions, Inc. Detroit, MI 07/2009 – 01/2014
Human Resources Director - Educational Management Company
Established HR department for 12 alternative schools with public and private partnerships, providing a comprehensive, treatment-oriented educational services to students considered ‘Outside of the Educational Mainstream’. Developed systematic approaches in collaboration with partners, implemented HR initiatives to mitigate exposure, guaranteed compliance, effective and the lean use of human capital across the organization. Provided coaching/counselling and manager support in effective employee relations and performance evaluation.
EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & AFFILIATIONS
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice/Public Administration
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
Coursework toward Master of Arts in Industrial Relations
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Certification
(SPHR) - Senior Professional in Human Resources
SHRM – (SCP) SENIOR CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL
Benefits and Compensation Certificate, eCornell – Cornell School of Labor and Industrial Relations
FMLA Certificate
Train the Trainer Certificate, Western Michigan University – School of Business
DDI Customer Service Plus, Certificate, Southfield, MI
SHRM - Society for Human Resource Management
Former President and Trustee of Oak Park Board of Education
Michigan Association of School Boards - President’s Award, National Association of School Boards
Member of Board Leadership, Training, and Education Committee
United States Marine Corps – Honorable Discharge