Employee Relations Executive Assistant

LORI DeSTEFANO ****.*.*********@*****.*** 718-***-****

OVERVIEW

Strategic business partner revolutionizing Talent Management operations using demonstrated proficiency in business management, performance management, employee recruitment & retention and contract negotiations. Dynamic leader facilitating organizational development as a stabilizing force capably navigating major changes ranging from rapid growth to workforce reductions. Knowledgeable advisor to organizational leaders.

Growth-focused catalyst in developing and executing viable business programs for training, as well as results-producing policies & procedures.

Engineered measurably higher employee morale and retention. EXPERIENCE

Director, HR Business Partnerships – Brand Portfolio January 2008 - Present. Caleres, Inc., New York, NY. (formerly Brown Shoe, Inc.)

Directs overall talent management strategy and implementation for design, sales, product development, marketing, finance and retail teams including workforce planning, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training and development, performance planning, management development and improvement and succession planning across ten brands in corporate portfolio.

Directs professional development, executive coaching, and management skill training through Strategic Human Resources Business Partnerships.

Partners with Division Presidents and executive leadership for development of business plans with measurable objectives and a budget to align with corporate growth strategy.

Directs organizational development, change management initiatives, and company-wide culture and environment for wholesale and retail associates, including intensive and ongoing onboarding program to ensure that corporate initiatives and brand specific culture and DNA are effectively communicated to all associates.

Guides leaders and managers through complex employee relations issues.

Oversees performance management initiatives and coaches business leaders on disciplinary action and performance management procedures.

Demonstrated proficiency in policy development, documentation, training, and implementation for employee relations, labor relations, hiring practices, change management, risk management, compensation, performance management, RIF, employee separations, employee incentive programs and other functions for exempt and non-exempt employees. Corporate Administrator and Brand Manager – Contemporary Fashion April 2007 – January 2008. Brown Shoe Company, Inc., New York, NY.

Partner with corporate headquarters to provide accommodation of human resources, procurement, information services, and accounting services.

Manage purchasing and negotiate pricing for vendor contracts at New York office and Showrooms.

Approve divisional expenses and budget proposals including Travel & Expense reports

Process classified documents, including human resources, payroll and company negotiations.

Review and analyze P&L reports, allowances and sample budgets for all brands within division.

Prepare monthly financial report summary and allocation status for division President. PRIOR WORK HISTORY

Executive Assistant to the President/COO The Phillips Van Heusen Corporation 2006-2007 Executive Assistant to the President/CFO P&E Properties / 4Kids Entertainment 2000-2006 Assistant to the Chairman/CFO The New York Hospital, New York,, NY 1991-2000 EDUCATION

Fordham University, Bronx, NY B.S., Business Administration & Finance 1991

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