Human Resources Management

Akella L. Wicker, SPHR

***** ******* ***.

St. Louis, MO 63137

Mobile: 314-***-**** ************@*****.*** Alternate: 314-***-****

Professional Profile

Results oriented human resources leader with a track record of success in

both public and private organizations. Consistently selected to lead

highly visible projects with regional or organization wide impact.

Partnered with all levels of management to deploy new business models and

implemented leading edge recruitment, retention, employee relations, and

diversity strategies. Able to think and operate strategically and

appropriately in highly stressful situations. Effectively work with

employees and leaders at all levels in both union and non-unionized

organizations.

Competencies

Change Management Labor Relations (Negotiation and Project Management

Competency Modeling Contract Management) Recruitment and

Diversity Strategy Organizational Development Retention

Employee Engagement Organizational Restructuring Strategic Planning

Fiscal Management Performance Management Succession Planning

Policy Development and Vendor Management

Administration

Career Highlights

Edward Jones, St. Louis, MO May 2012 - Present

Financial Services firm, serving 7.1 million clients through our network of

more than 12,000+ branch offices

Senior Human Resources Generalist

. Support the Service Division, which is a 800+ seat call center,

including Home Based Associates

. Provide counsel to division leaders on area strategy, structure, and

talent to ensure the most appropriate strategies, structures, and

talent are in place to achieve the firm's overall objectives

. Lead the development, implementation, and integration of coordinated

HR strategies to meet the divisions business objectives

. Drive and support division leadership development in support of the

division and firms growth objectives

. Partner with Home Office Recruiting to attract, develop, and retain an

inclusive workforce

Metropolitan Police Department, St. Louis, MO Jan

2007 - May 2012 & Jun 2000 - Feb 2003

Law enforcement agency with 2,000 unionized and non-unionized employees

Director, Human Resources Jan 2010 - May

2012

Led a team of 12 human resources professionals with functional

responsibilities for recruitment, administration, employee/labor relations,

affirmative action/equal employment opportunity, HRIS, compensation,

benefits, workers' compensation, and safety.

. Partnered with Senior Leaders to align HR strategies with the

organization's overall objectives in the creation of the Department's

Strategic Plan

. Managed a $24 million dollar annual budget

. Created a performance appraisal program, resulting in a consistent

process across the organization

. Identified and implemented numerous ideas to streamline processes such

as the creation of new positions, applicant tracking, and delivery of

merit increases

. Managed over 20 vendor contracts and relationships

. Collaborated with the Legal Division and other senior leaders to

negotiate union contracts for both law enforcement and non-law

enforcement personnel

. Directed the implementation of the Medicare retiree drug subsidy (RDS)

program, which has resulted in a savings of $300,000

. Investigated and resolved alleged violations of the collective

bargaining agreements

Assistant Director, Human Resources Jan 2007 -

Dec 2009

Led a team of 7 human resources professionals with functional

responsibilities for recruitment, administration, employee relations,

affirmative action, and HRIS.

. Developed the selection process for the Board of Police Commissioners

to select the Chief of Police

. Created and implemented a recruitment plan, which culminated in

targeted efforts to increase minority and female representation

. Served as Human Resources Division project leader for the

implementation of PeopleSoft

. Streamlined the hiring process and redesigned the onboarding program,

which resulted in greater employee engagement

. Oversaw the development and implementation of the Diversity Council,

which increased the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the

workplace

Employee Relations/EEO Specialist Jun 2000 - Feb

2003

. Developed, maintained, and monitored compliance with the Department's

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

. Wrote the Human Resources Division Policies and Procedures Training

Manual to document protocols

. Created a discrimination and harassment training program as well as

delivered the training to all 2,000 employees

. Monitored organization compliance with the non-law enforcement

personnel labor agreement

. Created and administered the New Hire Mentoring Program, which

increased employee satisfaction

. Investigated employee complaints, recommended solutions to resolve

identified concerns, and analyzed information to determine if patterns

of persistent behavior existed

. Served as the University, Military, and Civic Organization Recruitment

Liaison, which increased minority and female candidate representation

Verizon Wireless, Murfreesboro, TN Feb 2003 -

Jan 2007

$62.1 Billion wireless technology organization with 85,000 employees

nationwide

Human Resources Manager Jan 2005 - Jan

2007

Led a team of 8 Human Resources professionals in a 1,250 seat call center-

the largest in the Midwest Region

. Developed and implemented an HR Department Action Plan that

established an effective partnership with our client group and reduced

employee complaints by 90%

. Established a competency model to assess the effectiveness of leaders

in hiring, retention, and overall team performance

. Collaborated with business leaders to create and implement succession

plans

. Served as Midwest Area project leader for the attendance policy, which

was redesigned to create greater consistency in the management of

attendance

. Led recruitment efforts which resulted in 95% compliance with

established recruitment goals

. Oversaw and presented training to maintain a union-free environment

Human Resources Consultant, St. Louis, MO Feb 2003 -

Dec 2004

Sole onsite Human Resources representative for over 300 employees in the

St. Louis Call Center

. Created and implemented staffing strategies to fill vacant positions

within 30 - 45 days of opening

. Facilitated employee focus groups that resulted in employee engagement

opportunities and an action plan for management

. Consulted with management on performance, attendance, and conduct

issues

. Created guidelines to assist management in the delivery of corrective

action

. Served as the Midwest Area Coordinator Relaunch project manager

culminating in increased employee interest in the newly created

position

. Presented training to maintain a union-free environment

MGM Grand - Detroit, Detroit, MI Apr 1999 -

Apr 2000

Gaming, entertainment, and hospitality organization with 3,000 unionized

and non-unionized employees

Human Resources Representative

Human Resources contact for the 1,200 Food/Beverage and Property

Administration Department employees

. Assisted in the screening, interviewing, and training of over 1,800

employees during the three month Pre-Opening Season

. Partnered with management on performance, attendance, and conduct

issues as well as the creation of corrective action to ensure

consistency in the application of policies

. Identified and implemented ideas to streamline the promotion and

termination processes

Manpower Metro Detroit, Detroit, MI Aug 1998 -

May 1999

Nationwide contingent staffing firm

Staffing Specialist

. Hired over 800 seasonal employees in a 3-month timeframe as the

Project Manager for a contract between Manpower Metro Detroit and the

United States Postal Service

. Established effective business relationships with clients, which

resulted in repeat requests for contingent workers

Vatterott College, Sunset Hills, MO Jun 1997 -

Jun 1998

Career training institution that offers certificate and Associate Degree

programs

Admissions Coordinator

. Created and implemented a recruitment plan resulting in increased

student enrollment

. Developed and administered a student climate survey, which provided

management with strategies to increase student satisfaction

Education & Certification

Prosci - Change Management Certified Since 2015

Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) Certified Since 2007

Master of Science, Human Resources Management - Lindenwood University, St.

Louis, MO 2001

Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice - Southeast Missouri State

University, Cape Girardeau, MO 1997

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