Manager Human Resources

Robert F. Furniss

**** ***** ****, ***. ***

Wilmette, IL 60091 • 312-***-****

E-Mail *********@*****.***

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Senior government executive and labor relations manager with a track record of directing people and processes. Analytical and disciplined problem solver with the leadership, communication and training skills to motivate employees. Initiated and managed investigative, disciplinary and grievance processes, presiding over measured improvements in time, accuracy and workload. Excellent legal, technical and lay writing skills.

EXPERIENCE

DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL 2004 - 2015

INTERIM INSPECTOR GENERAL 8/2005-2/2006

Office of the Inspector General, Illinois Department of Human Services

Supervise five regional bureau chiefs and twenty-five field investigators examining over 3500 allegations of abuse and neglect statewide annually

Assist in drafting OIG’s budget proposal and responding to department and legislative inquiries regarding OIG functions

Act as primary labor liaison

Presided over a 60% reduction in time required to complete investigations

LABOR RELATIONS MANAGER 1993-2004

Cook County Chicago, IL

Directed disciplinary and grievance process for Cook County’s 25,000 employees

Advised and conducted training for managers in all of the County’s administrative, healthcare, corrections and other facilities on applicable personnel, state and federal regulations

Authored the Cook County Human Resources rules

Served on the Workers Compensation Review and Litigation Review committees and acted as advisor to the Cook County Employee Appeals Board

Implemented the Shakman Decree restricting political hiring at the County and served as Shakman Compliance Officer for ten years

GENERAL COUNSEL AND VICE PRESIDENT 1990-93

Project Development International New York, NY

Oversaw corporate governance and participated in efforts to form joint ventures for housing, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing projects in Russia, Georgia and the Ukraine. Acted as company representative for consortium of firms airlifting humanitarian aid to the Ukraine.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS 1987-90

Association of Yale Alumni New Haven, CT

Served the largest eighteen alumni organizations nationwide, developing and implementing educational and outreach programs. Founded Yale’s nationwide community service fellowship program, identifying potential sponsors and appropriate public service employment opportunities. Planned and executed overseas travel/education programs.

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW 1980-87

Member of American, Illinois, Minnesota and Texas Bar Associations

WOOD, CAMPBELL MOODY & GIBBS HOUSTON, TX

MACKALL, CROUNSE & MOORE MINNEAPOLIS, MN

HAYNES & BOONE DALLAS, TX

Engaged in commercial litigation practice, with an emphasis on labor, construction, bankruptcy and antitrust matters. Developed school redistricting plan for the Houston Independent School District. Assisted the Battered Women’s Project and handled pro bono cases for the Dallas Bar Association. Trained local police departments on responding to domestic violence calls.

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA SCHOOL OF LAW CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

JURIS DOCTOR

Editor-in-Chief, Virginia Journal of Natural Resources Law; Minor-Lile Moot Court Competition

YALE UNIVERSITY NEW HAVEN, CT

B.A. AMERICAN STUDIES

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Member Wilmette Historic Preservation Commission

Board Member of Dwight Hall at Yale (Student Community Service Organization)

Former Board Member of the Kohl Children’s Museum and the Benton Foundation

INTERESTS

Politics (Served on campaign management team for two state legislative campaigns and one U.S. Senate race for the Hon. Gary Hart)

Cooking (Received a Professional Cookery Certificate from Kendall College, Chicago, IL December 2009)

Singing (Member Whiffenpoofs of Yale; directed and wrote Libel Show at UVA, an original musical production)

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