Heather M. French

acwb7l@r.postjobfree.com • ***/*81-5191

RELATIONSHIP SPECIALIST

A highly collaborative, influential, and competent professional with a strong background in confidential

service environments, providing conflict resolution, training, and performance management services.

Seeking a leadership position that utilizes legal compliance education, relationship building and advocacy, negotiation and lobbying skills, while leveraging executive management experience.

Proven ability to build rapport quickly, execute initiatives, working in crisis-driven, high-emotive settings with positive outcomes

A quick learner with excellent leadership, interpersonal, project management, communication and data

analysis skills.

Key contributor to organizational efficiency and effectiveness while exercising high standards of ethical practice

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Employment/Labor Law Clerk November 2012 – Current

Michigan State Police Troopers Association, Inc. - Lansing, Michigan

Under direct supervision of Labor Counsel:

• Participate as co-counsel in unemployment, disability hearings and alternative dispute resolution

• Provide client consultation and advocacy during discipline proceedings

• Develop and maintain relationships with members of State legislature and Executive branch

• Facilitate labor relations building rapport with membership, department personnel, and judiciary

• Assist in researching employment issues, including FMLA, ADA, and other Civil Rights issues

Human Resources, Dispute Resolution & Payroll Specialist February 2015 – July 2016

Ayers Basement Systems & Dr. Energy Saver - Lansing, Michigan

• Monitored legal compliance associated with FLSA, ADA, FMLA, OSHA, MDOT

• Responsible for payroll processing bi-weekly for two corporations (+100)

• Administered healthcare benefits, disability coverage, retirement plans & worker’s compensation claims

• Drafted all legal correspondence (i.e. Office of Attorney General, Better Business Bureau, etc.)

• Recruited, interviewed, and on-boarded new hires for all departments

• Facilitated employee terminations and processed unemployment claims

• Corporate and customer conflict manager, negotiating dispute resolution agreements

• Maintained all confidential corporate documents and personnel files

• Assisted with fleet management and occupational safety procedures and protocol

• Managed executive office

Labor Relations Specialist April 2014 – August 2014

State of Michigan, Michigan Department of Transportation - Lansing, Michigan

• Provided guidance to supervisors and managers on progressive discipline

• Ensured legal compliance associated with FLSA, ADA, FMLA, OSHA

• Wrote/issued formal counseling, reprimands, interim service ratings, performance development plans

• Investigated sexual harassment, hostile work environment and retaliation complaints

• Served as liaison to the Attorney General’s Office

• Provided labor relations training to supervisors and managers

• Represented the department at contract negotiations and labor management meetings

• Proposed and negotiated settlement agreements

• Interpreted contract language, Civil Service Rules, Regulations and MDOT Policy

• Conducted internal complaint investigations and recommended disciplinary actions

• Conducted grievance meetings and issued official department responses

• Presented case on behalf of the department at arbitration hearings

• Prepared witnesses for examination at arbitration hearings

• Wrote and filed opening and closing briefs

• Negotiated settlement agreements

• Liaison to Hearings Officers and Office of State Employer

• Represented the department at unemployment hearings

• Responded to building closures

• Served as drug and alcohol testing coordinator

• Researched and compiled management reports

Human Resources Specialist April 2013 - March 2014 (limited contract position)

Crystal Flash - Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Cultivated a positive employee relations environment, assisted with the resolution of personnel

concerns, supported the Open Door Policy and conducted internal investigations

• Researched applicable state and federal employment/labor laws and regulations to assist in executive

decision-making and policy development.

• Managed and interpreted corporate policies, agreements and transaction contracts

• Participated in multi-site management providing HR consultation, analysis and recommendations

supporting the achievement of site operations and productivity. (12+)

• Maintained compliant personnel records in accordance to state/federal law. (200+)

• Facilitated recruitment, developed internal/external job postings, assessed candidates for interview and

selected best-fit in alignment with corporate mission, vision and values.

• Conducted wage surveys within labor market to determine competitive wage rates.

• Managed on-boarding process for new hires/acquisitions, including background/reference checks, skill

assessments, safety training, corporate policy review and benefits enrollment.

• Maintained accurate and up-to-date HRIS, Employee Handbook and organizational charts

• Reviewed unemployment, FMLA and worker’s compensation case handling

Human Resources Consultant January 2014 - February 2014

Surefil - an Abaco Partners Company - Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Administered payroll/benefit programs including health, dental insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off.

• Advised management in resolution of employee relation matters

• Ensured legal compliance associated with FLSA, ADA, FMLA, OSHA

• Coordinated and facilitated creative staffing solutions to ensure efficient and cost-effective operation

• Developed corporate policies/procedures to reflect management goals while reducing liability exposure

• Established compliant personnel records in accordance to state/federal law. (65+ employees)

• Educated managers in performance management/development plans, ensuring fair/equitable evaluation

• Implemented risk management safety program and training.

Law Clerk January 2012 - April 2012

Hendricks & Watkins, PLC - Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Handled criminal defense case processing, negotiations, and attended necessary hearings

• Participated in wrongful termination mediation proceedings

• Provided client consultation and advocacy while evaluating and maintaining client’s best interest

• Assisted in lawsuit preparation: investigation, depositions, contract review & medical record analysis

• Conducted legal research and drafted court documents and other correspondence

Crisis Counselor, Program Manager & Trainer May 2004 - July 2011

YWCA West Central Michigan - Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Managed 24hr crisis services program under federal Victims’ of Crime Act (VOCA)

• Improved operating policies & procedures to ensure compliance and exemplary service delivery

• Implemented cost effective, efficient recruitment strategies and thorough interview/selection process

• Trained, coached and supervised personnel (35-50+)

• Counseled staff, interns and volunteers relative to personal issues, performance, and procedures

• Initiated 360-degree performance evaluation program and including recognition/morale building efforts

• Provided emergency intervention services to victims of abuse/crime, families and support systems

• Developed, coordinated, and facilitated 50+ hour mandatory trauma services training curriculum

• Served as liaison between local agencies, government entities, community committees and

educational institutions with competing interests.

• Ensured COA compliance and conducted internal quality assurance audits

• Collected personnel data, maintained complete records and prepared reports for grant writing purposes

• Created, facilitated, and managed professional committees, seminars, and team-building conferences

Special Events & Volunteer Coordinator February 2003 - May 2004

Child & Family Resource Council (Family Futures) - Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Coordinated child and family welfare community campaigns and awareness-raising events

• Created fund-raising events to support child abuse and neglect prevention service programs

• Implemented internship program with local colleges and universities

• Recruited, on-boarded, trained and managed active volunteer pool (50-75)

• Developed strategic relationships with community leaders and business owners

• Successfully solicited in-kind and monetary resources to meet organizational goals

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Master level user of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet resources

• Proficient in Adobe, MS Access, Publisher, Outlook, QuickBooks, Lotus Notes, WordPerfect

• Experience performing legal research utilizing Westlaw and LexisNexis

• Familiar with website/intranet development/management, HRIS software, ADP, Kronos, UNIX,

Fulcrum, Visual Basic Programming, and statistical analysis packages

EDUCATION

Thomas M. Cooley Law School Grand Rapids, Michigan

Juris Doctor (May 2012)

Concentration: Employment/Labor Law & Alternative Dispute Resolution

2010 Outstanding Woman Law Student Award Recipient - Women Lawyers Association of

Michigan Foundation

Alternative Dispute Resolution ~ Certificate of Merit

Sports Law ~ Certificate of Merit

Honor Code Enforcement Student Exam Proctor

Hillman Advocacy Program Volunteer - Western Michigan Federal Bar Association

Moot Court Competitor

Grand Valley State University Allendale, Michigan

Bachelor of Science, Psychology (August 2003)

Psi Chi International Honor Society Member (Psychology)

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Board of Directors - Member April 2014 - Current

Resolution Services Center Central Michigan - Lansing, Michigan

• Executive Director search/selection committee member

Certified Domestic Relations & Civil Mediator March 2013 - Current

Resolution Services Center Central Michigan - Lansing, Michigan

• Provides voluntary and court-ordered mediation services for small claims, (merchant/service provider) breach of contract, liability, landlord/tenant and employment law disputes; by assisting parties in reaching mutually agreeable resolutions

Certified Trauma and Loss Specialist July 2005

The National Institute for Trauma and Loss (TLC)

Contact this candidate