Susan McDonnell

Executive Human Resources; Consultant

acchfx@r.postjobfree.com

Summary

Experienced HR strategic business partner with strong focus on labor relations/union experience and a solid

generalist background. Proven success in maximizing organizational goals through partnership and valued

knowledge of the hospitality industry to ensure all stakeholder's interests are understood and met by maximizing

talent within leadership positions. Experience working with all levels within the business units, field operations,

senior corporate executives and market based partnerships. Successful in developing, retaining and attracting

talent to lead and manage to a higher performance. Leverage relationships and networks to motivate and

engage teams to ensure a balance approach towards the common goals. Focused on creating an engaging and

fun environment while delivering top results aligned with organizational goals.

Specialties

Strong communication skills, development of talent, labor/employee relations. Challenging the status quo in

business and excellent conflict resolution skills.

Experience

Executive Human Resources at Consultant

August 2013 - Present (7 months)

Highgate Hotels - Director of Human Resources at Highgate Hotels

June 2011 - August 2013 (2 years 3 months)

Strategic HR Business Partner, transitioning Highgate Hotels into the City of Boston at the Boston Park

Plaza. Incorporating brand image, culture through community business partners to achieve preferrence of

choice and employer of choice. Oversee all aspect of the HR function, strong focus on Labor Relations,

Association Engagement and Customer Satisfaction. Recruitment strategies to attack, retain and development

of talent to achieve appropriate succession planning for Highgate Hotels.

2 recommendations available upon request

Vice President of Human Resources at Grand Heritage Hotel Group

June 2010 - July 2011 (1 year 2 months)

Promoted to Vice President within the organization to continue to be accountable for the HR function for

Grand Heritage Hotel Group for North America. Strong focus on Benefit and Compensation, Recruitment,

Labor Relations and Compliance, legal matters and associate relations within many states across NAD.

Historic Hotels in each market to incorporate culture to align with the nature and location of the Hotel.

4 recommendations available upon request

Regional Corporate Director of Human Resources at Grand Heritage Hotel Group

June 2010 - December 2010 (7 months)

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Responsible for the HR function for Grand Heritage Hotel Group for North America. Strong focus on Benefit

and Compensation, Recruitment, Labor Relations and compliance within many states across NAD. Historic

Hotels in each market to incorporate culture to align with the nature and location of the Hotel.

Area Director of Human Resources at The Procaccianti Group

January 2009 - June 2010 (1 year 6 months)

Strategic Human Resource Professional for TPG Hospitality, responsible for all HR related responsibilities

for multiple locations within the Providence, RI Area.

2 recommendations available upon request

Area Director of Human Resources Metro Boston at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

June 2007 - December 2008 (1 year 7 months)

Responsible for the oversight of 4 of the largest union hotels in Boston. Served as a resource for problem

solving as it relates to conflict with Labor and Employee Relations. Strategic business partner who drives

results.

3 recommendations available upon request

Regional Director of Human Resources Northeast/Eastern Canada at Starwood Hotels & Resorts

December 2005 - June 2007 (1 year 7 months)

Responsible for the oversight of the HR function for thirty Hotels. New England, NY and Eastern Canada

Market.

Strong Labor Relations and negotiations skills

Attract, retain and development of talent.

Succession Planning

HR value add tool kit

2 recommendations available upon request

Regional Director of Human Resources New England at Starwood Hotels & Resorts

December 2003 - December 2005 (2 years 1 month)

Responsible for the oversight of the HR function for 21 hotels in the New England Market. Focus on

merging human resources as a strong business partner within senior leadership. Focus on Change Models,

recruitment strategies.

1 recommendation available upon request

Area Director of Human Resources Metro Boston at Starwood Hotels & Resorts

February 2000 - December 2003 (3 years 11 months)

Responsible for the oversight of the HR function for 14 hotel in the Metro Boston Market. Focus on cost

reductions, associate satisfaction through uncertain times, performance management.

1 recommendation available upon request

Area Director of Human Resources at Starwood Hotels & Resorts

June 1999 - February 2000 (9 months)

Hired with Starwood to oversee 6 hotels in the suburbs of Boston as it relates to the Human Resource

Discipline.

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1 recommendation available upon request

Director of Human Resources at Interstate Hotels & Resorts

February 1989 - June 1999 (10 years 5 months)

Responsible for all aspects of Human Resources.

Task Force for transitions and aquisitions of over 30 hotels.

Task Force for Hotels openings.

Conducted Union Avoidance Campaigns - all successful

Operational experience in Food and Beverage.

1 recommendation available upon request

Skills & Expertise

Employee Relations

Hotels

Labor Relations

Conflict Resolution

Strategic Planning

Talent Management

Talent Acquisition

Employee Benefits

Workers Compensation

Succession Planning

Hospitality

Human Resources

Recruiting

Performance Management

Leadership

Management

Onboarding

Employee Engagement

Hospitality Industry

HR Policies

Leadership Development

Negotiation

Organizational Development

Coaching

Union

Personnel Management

HRIS

Training

Food & Beverage

Strategy

Hotel Management

Team Building

Deferred Compensation

Resorts

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Pre-opening

Hiring

Hospitality Management

Employee Training

Customer Satisfaction

Front Office

Benefits Administration

Time Management

Revenue Analysis

Interviews

New Hire Orientations

Policy

Organizational Effectiveness

ADP Payroll

Payroll

Education

Westfield State College

BS, Sociology, 1981 - 1985

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Susan McDonnell

Executive Human Resources; Consultant

acchfx@r.postjobfree.com

17 people have recommended Susan

"Susan McDonnell truly is a consummate human resources professional. During my time working with Susan

in the Hospitality Industry, I was extremely impressed by her tireless dedication, understanding, and the high

degree of respect with which she treated her employees. Susan is dynamic in her ability to both aggressively

represent corporate interests and simultaneously possess a real understanding of the needs of employees. She

is kind, intelligent, and practical. Susan is a tremendous asset to any organization that values dynamic

professionalism in the human resources realm."

Chris Rogers, Student, Suffolk University Law School, reported to Susan at Highgate Hotels

"Susan McDonnell, as Director of Human Resources, was one of the first people I met when I applied to the

Boston Park Plaza Hotels. I have come to recognize Susan as a shining and irreplaceable link between

management and every employee at the Boston Park Plaza. Susan is no Pollyanna: she is a realist and lets

people know where they stand. She is direct and truthful, but, at the same time, engenders trust and builds

morale. Her department is recognized as a “Temple of Human Resources.” Susan’s high energy and positive

affect empower people and give them self-confidence: she gives employees the opportunity to spread their

wings. It is clear that in addition to the many administrative duties of her position as Director of HR, Susan is

dedicated to seeking out, cultivating, and retaining talent. Watching Susan work is a lesson in the fine art of

management---kind of like shadowing Jack Welch."

Whitney DeLuca, Sales Coordinator, The Boston Park Plaza Hotels & Towers, worked indirectly for

Susan at Highgate Hotels

"While at The Peaks Resort and Spa, I had the priveledge of working under Susan. In her role as VP of

Human Resources for Grand Heritage Hotel Group, Susan shared her extensive knowledge and expertise with

me, while always challenging me. Susan McDonnell was a wonderful mentor and had a significant and direct

impact on my job. I found her to be very knowledgeable and professional, excelling at seeing the big picture,

while valuing each individual in the organization. Susan has passion and energy that is truly inspirational"

Taylor Carson, HR Manager, The Peaks Resort and Spa, reported to Susan at Grand Heritage Hotel

Group

"I had the greatest of opportunity when, I was hired by Susan McDonnell Director of HR at the Providence

Biltmore. Susan is a great asset at any property. She is very professional, cirtuous, and fair I am very

fortunate and grateful to have ever experience her work ethics, to to her knowledgeable experience to a union

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property I was able to learn very quickly and I am able to perform my duties with ease. Susan is an admirable

person and someone who should be followed for example she is a great mentor."

Yeky Belliard, Room Inspector / housekeeping lead, The Providence Biltmore Hotel, worked indirectly

for Susan at Grand Heritage Hotel Group

"I have had the opportunity and the pleasure working with Susan. She was always available and made sure

that any issue was solved in time. At many occasion she saved my day and assisted me in better managing

(HR wise) my properties. I wish to have in the future the opportunity to work again with her. She is and will

be an amazing asset to any company."

Hervé Blondel, Regional Director of Operations, Grand Heritage Hotel Group, worked directly with

Susan at Grand Heritage Hotel Group

"I was fortunate to report to Susan at The Providence Biltmore. She was the force behind transitioning a large

chain spa to a hotel owned spa in less than two weeks. I was impressed by her dedication to the company and

strong sense of direction. Her knowledge of all aspects of the hotel business is incredible. She is an amazing

at keeping everything calm while putting fires out at the same time. I was impressed with her vision and her

willingness to do anything possible to get the job done. I would recommend Susan strongly for any venture.

Susan is a true team player."

Deb Garman, Spa Director, The Spa at the Providence Biltmore, reported to Susan at Grand Heritage

Hotel Group

"I have the distinct pleasure of working with Susan during one of the most challenging times at our hotel. I

have found that Susan accepts challenges with a passionate drive and demonstrative self-reliance as well as

resourcefulness when confronted with obstacles that she felt were opportunities to display her loyalty to her

profession. As a seasoned professional Susan displays a strong sense of purpose and personal commitment to

all her associates by maintaining an environment of trust and open communications which inspired associates

to promote harmony and teamwork. I fully believe Susan will inspire others to become the professional that

she has helped me to be become."

Tom Dieffenbach, Director of Engineering / Security, Westin Providence Hotel, worked directly with

Susan at The Procaccianti Group

"Working for Susan on a daily basis has contributed to my growth as a human resource professional. She has

a wealth of knowledge and experience in labor management that she shares with all the staff. I personally

appreciate her sense of humor that creates a welcoming environment in our department."

Joanne Sollitto, Human Resources Manager, The Westin Providence, reported to Susan at The

Procaccianti Group

"It was an absolute pleasure working with Susan at the Westin Copley. She is the ideal HR Director. From the

highest executive to an entry level bellman, every employee is comfortable interacting with Susan. She is

very attentive, caring, and competent while performing the duties associated with the HR Director position.

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Her approach encourages employees to strive to be their best and she's always willing to put the best interests

of her employees at the forefront of her priorities. Any company and their employees would be very fortunate

to have Susan as their HR Director."

Edson DaSilva, Payroll Administrator, Westin Hotel Copley Place, worked indirectly for Susan at

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

"In the short time I have had the privilege to know and work with Susan all I can say is that T.P.G.

Hospitality is fortunate to have her on board and she is a tremendous individual! Susan is a perfectionist,

consummate professional, intelligent and instinctively intuitive and inspiring to work with. She is high energy

individual, a great communicator and a natural leader. I would recommend Susan for any executive position

she set her sights on."

Michael Malloy, President, NESCTC Security Agency, LLC, was a consultant or contractor to Susan at

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

"Susan McDonnell is a highly skilled and professional manager whom I've had the pleasure of working with

for over twenty years.I find her personable,knowledgeable and very hard working. She possesses excellent

communcative and problem solving capabilities.Her ability to process and resolve complex business

challenges is remarkable. Susan has been a terrific colleague,always coming through when I need her most.

Susan McDonnell greatly strengthens any organization fortunate enough to be affiliated with her."

Garrett L. Cooney, was Susan's client

"Susan is a highly professional and dynamic individual. The depth of her Human Resources knowledge and

keen operational insights made her a go to person throughout Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Her greatest

strength is her unflagging support and development of the Human Resources leaders in her charge."

Karen Vallecillo, SPHR, Director of Human Resources, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, worked indirectly

for Susan at Starwood Hotels & Resorts

"I had the pleasure of working with Susan while at Starwood both as an indirect report and as a peer. I found

that Susan embraced her work with fervor and determination. Susan is a skilled Human Resource

Professional whose greatest strength is his ability to communicate effectively with others at all levels of the

organization. She has inspired me to excel in my role."

Thomas J Mituzas, Area Director of Human Resources NYC, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide,

Inc., worked directly with Susan at Starwood Hotels & Resorts

"Susan worked for me at Starwood and was a great change agent in the New England Region. She

championed talent management and was deep in labor relations work across a variety of issues and strategies.

Tireless work focus with a real get-it-done attitude. I would work with Sue any time."

Todd McCarty, SVP - Human Resources North America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, managed Susan at

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

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"Susan is a high energy, experienced HR professional. She is effective in handling both strategic and tactical

challenges. She would be a valuable addition to any business team."

David Norton, EVP, Human Resources, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, managed Susan indirectly at

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

"Due to corp policy I can't give a formal reference, but on a personal note, I had the pleasure of working with

Susan when she was both a Dir of HR for the Sheraton Boston Hotel and then as Area Dir of HR for the New

England region. Susan was quick to share her knowledge and leverage talent to bring out the best in her

teams. Susan has a great deal of labor relations knowledge that she was able to share and broaden our

expertise. Susan has a passion for our business and for people. It was a pleasure working with her, for her-

she was and would be a good mentor for those who work with her."

Monica Hurd, SPHR, Dir, Corp HR - IT, Starwood Hotels, reported to Susan at Starwood Hotels &

Resorts

"Susan and I worked together as peers but at different properties, she was alway a professional and added a

bit of fun to the group. She is very well respected as an HR professional in the hospitality business and has

been very successful."

Suzanne Chambers, Director of Human Resources, Interstate Hotels Corporation, worked with Susan at

Interstate Hotels & Resorts

Contact Susan on LinkedIn

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