April R. Schaaff
*** ****** ******** *****, *********, Tennessee 37934
*************@*****.*** 865-***-****
OBJECTIVE: I am passionate about creating success for my organization, its people, and its customers by leading the way in
analyzing systems, processes, and talent to create growth, opportunities, and solutions.
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS:
15+ Years of Progressively Responsible Experience in Human Resources
15+ Years of Perfecting a Consultative Coaching Style
15+ Years of Experience in Training, Organizational Design & Development
15+ Years of Experience in Leadership Development & Mentoring Employees
15+ Years of Recruiting, Assessing, Developing & Managing Talent
15+ Years Negotiating and Managing Employee Benefits
10+ Years Experience with ADP software
EXPERIENCE:
Director of Human Resources May 2014-Present
Companies Confidential
Directed full scope of HR compliance, talent management, leadership coaching, systems improvement processes, and organizational
development for a large, multi-state employer (5,000 employees) as well as its new sister company.
Gifted at easily analyzing complex systems and identifying the underlying needs, I create global solutions to improve the over-
arching system, not stop at just solving the immediate problem. If the system is fixed, the same problem does not recur.
I am keenly perceptive at identifying opportunities for the organization to redeploy talent into different roles, saving the
organization time and money while improving morale and loyalty.
Because I listen and make people feel heard, I am extremely effective at persuading people to adopt new strategies or take
different actions to improve.
Highly flexible, intuitively adaptable, and calmly objective, I excel at resolving conflict, even intense employee issues, while
protecting the company’s interests and position.
I know how to explain complex or nuanced human resources concepts, legal/regulatory theories, and/or the executive team’s
message to virtually any audience, from entry-level laborer to CEO in a way each can understand and connect with.
I leverage 360 degree feedback principles to obtain and artfully convey feedback at levels internally and externally to
continuously improve the experience of the various stakeholders.
A talented writer, I can as skillfully write easy-to-read guidelines as extremely tight formal policies, procedures, investigative
reports, customer communications, etc., always ensuring the company’s best interests and welfare are protected.
Dedicated to maintaining an open-door policy, I create a professional image for the Human Resources Department while also
creating an approachable, open-minded spirit of camaraderie.
Personally and professionally dedicated to learning, I infuse all of my training with equal parts fun, education, and passion. The
responsibility of knowledge is not only to use t well but to share it freely.
Freelance Executive Coach March 2013 – May 2014
By leveraging my knowledge of human resources and my understanding of psychological principles, I lead clients through the
improvement process, including: effective negotiation, interpersonal skill development, and personal effectiveness strategies.
Human Resources Manager February 1998 – February 2013
Roanoke Regional Airport Commission
Increased the leadership team’s effectiveness by creating and deploying a Leadership Development Program.
April R. Schaaff
901 Ashley Michelle Court, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934
*************@*****.*** 865-***-****
By parlaying my gift for translating complex concepts into readily accessible action plans, designed and delivered highly
effective and acclaimed training.
Researched, designed, and authored numerous human resources policies, procedures, and programs to enhance compliance
without compromising organizational philosophy or performance.
Advised senior directorship on enhancing the performance of management level employees.
Designed and directed a comprehensive compensation program update, including detailed statistical analysis of the pay
structure.
Designed & directed organization-wide training to employees at all levels.
Human Resources Assistant February 1995 – February 1998
Vishay-Vitramon, Incorporated
My aptitude and desire to serve were quickly recognized by the Human Resources Manager, who promoted me from Receptionist to HR
Assistant within 3 months of hire.
My ease with theoretical constructs, combined with my attention to detail, resulted in my becoming the HR Generalist to the
night shifts.
I became the resident expert on benefits, policy, and management best practices, conducting plant-wide training and quickly
resolving employee issues and complaints.
EDUCATION & ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration December 1997
Averett College
3.80 GPA, graduated with Honors
Graduate Coursework in Psychology 2011 – 2012
Major: Professional Counseling
The Professional Counseling coursework provided valuable hard skills and theoretical understanding of how to relate to people more
effectively.
Virginia Supreme Court Mediation Training
Board Member, Lewis-Gale Psychological Medicine
Former Certified Professional in Human Resources
Adjunct Professor, National College
Founding Member, American Association of Airport Executives Training Committee
Founding Member, Airports Council International-North America Human Resources Committee
April R. Schaaff
901 Ashley Michelle Court, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934
*************@*****.*** 865-***-****
A Systems-Thinker and Problem-Solver with a Passion for Creating Solutions
I’m successful in coaching people and organizations on how to maximize their skills and reach their full potential; but, the passion that
fuels me is creating and implementing systems that help people experience greater success in their careers and their lives. I have coached
executives, managers, and employees from various walks of life; but one of the constants is my love for helping people discover
successful ways to manage themselves and lead others.
I have developed human resources policies, training, and coaching programs based on proven psychological concepts for years. The
“Boundaries…” Training I developed from the book by Drs. Cloud and Townsend became legendary. Because I have enjoyed a varied,
deep, and broad education in human resources, employment law, and psychology, I see the theoretical as being practical. In other words
if you understand why the system does what it does, then you will know how to improve it!
I create value for the organization by being an effective negotiator. Whether I am driving negotiations for better benefits at a lower cost
or negotiating with an employee to bring them closer to the organization’s perspective and expectations, I am an intuitive and
experienced negotiator. This talent to see and explain the global issues without losing focus on the details results in my ability to quickly
see the organization-wide needs and produce detailed plans or broad strategies to solve problems.
The heart of my leadership philosophy is continuously creating a dynamic culture of respect and value for one another. Just as we know
people are not perfect, we know not all behavior in the workplace can meet with approval. But, as leaders and employees develop their
capacity to embrace different personalities and styles as well as respect and value one another as people, the entire organization’s success
will be the natural result of its people’s increasing learning and expertise.
Blending the benefits of structure and consistency with the need for pro-active and responsive solutions is just one of my strengths that
will be an immediate asset to any organization. And, I would love the opportunity to discuss your needs, my talents and the suitability of
this fit.
Regards,
April R. Schaaff
P.S. Kindness does not cost a penny; but, the return on an investment of kindness is priceless! So, be kind to everyone without
regard to whether you think they deserve it. Some will be worthy of your kindness; others will just be humbled by it.
April R. Schaaff
901 Ashley Michelle Court, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934
*************@*****.*** 865-***-****
References
Mr. Roger Manuel
“Before I talked to you, I had no idea how helpful HR people could be! I wish my organization’s HR people had your
insight and common sense approaches!”
Director of Emergency Services
City of Burlington, North Carolina
Cellular: 540-***-****
Email: ***********@*****.***
Ms. Becki Davis
“I know I can trust you to tell me the truth and to help me find the best way to accomplish the goal.”
Regional Operations Manager
Company Confidential
Cellular: 423-***-****
Email: **********@*****.***
Ms. Joy Heard
“When I have a problem with an employee, I know you are the only one I want consult because you’re a calming
influence and a talented HR Professional!”
Director of Payroll
Company Confidential
Cellular: 865-***-****
Email: ********@*******.***
Ms. Sherry Wallace
“You’re my rock when things get crazy! I know I can trust your clear-headed advice, even when the situation is very
stressful.”
Senior Manager of Media Services
Radford University
Cellular: 540-***-****
Email: ******.*******@****.***