Human Resource Resources
Resume:
Debra R. Franklin, Esq., SPHR
Reading, Pennsylvania 19606-9406
610-***-**** - Home
610-***-**** – Cell
E-mail: ********@*****.***
Career Summary
For more than 25 years I have contributed collaboratively and individually to the complete human resource effectiveness of all types of organizations by providing management, consulting, employee relations, labor and employment, corporate legal services, and training services. This broad business and legal experience, along with my education, training and practical approach have enabled me to rapidly assess challenges and develop solutions that contribute directly to achievement of business goals. I have a complete set of tools for assessing and solving the human resources challenges, as I have managed, worked within and been a client for virtually every human resource area within the scope of my career. I am passionate about improving the human resource and business efficiency and effectiveness of every organizations that I have the privilege to serve.
Legal and HR Experience
• National Business Institute - National Speaker and Trainer (2013 -2014)
• Consultant for the Berks County Bar Association in human resource and personnel matters.
• Trainer for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and many private clients in areas including union avoidance/positive industrial relations, diversity/harassment/discrimination, electronic and telephonic communications policies, workers' and unemployment compensation, and other compliance related subjects.
• Consultant for Carpenter Technology Corporation (NYSE: CTC) in human resource and labor relations matters.
• Consultant and Trainer for Penn National Racing (NYSE: PN) in human resource and labor relations matters.
• Carpenter Technology Corporation Reading, Pennsylvania (1990 – 2001) – Senior Staff Attorney
During eleven years as an attorney specializing in labor and employment law, I worked closely with the entire Human Resources department on a daily basis. Areas impacted include:
Developing and monitoring and managing EEO and Affirmative Action compliance programs.
Strategic HR planning and management.
Handbook development and review.
Monitoring employee assistance programs.
Developing workers’ compensation and disability compliance and case management programs.
Developing, managing and monitoring compliance and litigation management in areas including OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and all areas of wrongful termination and discrimination law.
Developing and monitoring temporary employment guidelines.
Development, review and compliance monitoring of compensation and benefit programs.
Supplied and/or supervised representation at administrative proceedings relating to all areas of employment, workers' compensation, immigration, and unemployment compensation.
Provided training and counseling to employees at every level of the organization in the areas of EEO, diversity, employment discrimination, labor relations, workers' compensation case management, employee benefits, FMLA, ADA, workplace safety policies, and other related subjects.
Developed and assisted in the management and administration of union avoidance program.
Developed and managed union election and decertification campaigns, collective bargaining, arbitration.
Led team that managed reductions in force, layoffs and termination.
Co-led team that developed and monitored corrective performance system administration throughout the organization.
Developed and monitored performance management and peer review systems.
Participated in developing and monitoring succession planning system, and array of employee benefit plan and pension plan changes.
Carpenter is a publicly traded global producer of specialty materials with nearly 6000 employees world-wide. In addition to the human resource practice, I also drafted and reviewed commercial contracts and license agreements, real estate agreements, purchase agreements, as well as provided legal guidance in several mergers and acquisitions. I also managed the bulk of the company’s litigation, which involved monitoring and directing outside counsel in various locations world-wide. I also was charged with managing the company’s insurance programs from a legal perspective. I had management responsibility for other staff throughout my career. I worked regularly with employees at every level in the organization.
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellot, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1987 – 1990) – Attorney
As an attorney in the Labor and Employment Department of a major law firm, I represented a broad range of clients in all areas of labor and employment litigation, ranging from arbitrations, mediations, NLRB hearings, union representation and decertification elections, workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation proceedings, and all areas of discrimination and wrongful termination law. I also participated in the development and delivery of several training programs in these subject areas for human resource professionals. I appeared in various state and federal courts on behalf of management clients.
Additional Experiences
• Since leaving full - time employment, I have chaired and participated on various district committees in the Exeter Township School District, with a particular emphasis on fundraising.
• Founding Board member, Director and Committee member of the Exeter Community Education Foundation since 2008.
• Active involvement as a committee chair, coach and board member on various PTA and local sports clubs. I have coached children for more than 10 years, with the goal of creating positive, memorable life experiences that will transcend their participation in a particular sport or activity, such as teamwork, confidence and trust. As a result of my work in youth sports, Certified NETA Group Exercise Instructor and AFSA Aqua Aerobics Instructor - formerly employed at Gold's Gym.
Education and Professional Certifications
• Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania since 1987 and various Federal courts including the United States Supreme Court.
• State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and Jurisprudence – Juris Doctorate - 1987.
• Cornell University – Bachelor of Science Industrial and Labor Relations 1984.
• Senior Human Resource Professional (SPHR) Certification – 2000.
• Taught and participated in numerous seminars and symposiums in all areas of human relations, business accounting, mergers and acquisitions, government contracting, antitrust, e-commerce and e-discovery, Pennsylvania gaming law and employment law.
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