Employee Relations Human Resources

JOHN R. VEGA, ESQ., MS

White Plains, New York ***05

Email: ********@***.*** or *******@*****.***.

Cell: 914-***-****

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS EXECUTIVE

Extensive legal and corporate Human Resources experience. Broad based expertise in Employee Relations, Litigation Prevention, Investigations and Workforce Screening. Trusted advisor to senior level HR and business managers on diverse workplace issues with a proven track record of analyzing and resolving complex employment issues to minimize litigation risks and reputational exposure. Recognized by peers and employees as an effective negotiator with exceptional conflict resolution skills. Bilingual.

JP MORGAN CHASE: December 1996 – August 2015

Executive Director: Leader, Employee Relations Center of Excellence, 2013 - 2015

Led the Consumer and Community Banking (CCB) Employee Relations Center of Excellence. Managed a group of twelve (12) seasoned ER professionals responsible for providing high quality ER and investigative support to managers, employees and HR Business Partners (HRBPs).

Partnered with HRBPs on ER issues that affect the CCB population of over 160,000 employees, which resulted in over 2,800 investigations annually.

Directed complex investigations of employee, manager and external complaints. Responsible for investigation of alleged Code of Conduct violations, partnering with Corporate Compliance, HR, Legal and Corporate Security on matters posing legal, financial and reputational risk.

Senior advisor to HRBPs and managers on employee issues, providing relevant facts and post investigation data to enable management to render the best decision for the employee, business unit and shareholder.

Provided guidance on complex ER issues, including large-scale reductions in force, Employee Pulse Poll results, climate studies and other matters posing legal, financial and reputational risk.

Trained HRBPs on emerging trends and external regulatory legal requirements.

Subject matter expert to whom ER specialist(s) can escalate issues for assistance and appeal, offering creative, strategic and tailored solutions to effectively address issues.

Built detailed and informative business reporting that advises lines of business managers of ER opportunities and enables them to proactively address emerging trends and patterns.

Advised business leaders and senior HRBP’s on case outcomes and remediation efforts.

Assembled a team of twelve (12) VP level employees who produced high quality investigations while leveraging consistent processes and protocols.

Executive Director: Head of Domestic Workforce Screening, 2004 – 2013

Management of all Pre-Employment Screening Administrative functions for all new hires and contingent workers which total over 100,000 per annum. Ensure compliance with FDIC regulations and JPMC corporate policy regarding derogatory criminal histories related to continued employment and hiring.

Partnered with National Staffing, HRBPs, ER and the Medical Department concerning on-boarding issues for potential candidates for employment.

Extensive project management experience on SAFE Act and FINRA Licensing compliance which required rescreening and adjudication of background checks for over 40,000 employees.

Participated on merger integration and review teams for acquisitions of Bank One, Bank of New York, Washington Mutual and Bear Stearns.

Managed staff of ten (10) professionals and participation in special projects as delegated.

Vice President: Corporate Employee Relations and Litigation Prevention, 1996 – 2004

Advised a broad array of senior HR officers and managers on all types of employment and HR matters, including policy, employee corrective action and retention, reductions in force and special projects

Strategic partner to drive comprehensive litigation prevention programs to support business objectives, and minimize risk, resulting in substantial reductions in litigation expenses.

Counseled HR community and business managers on action plans to improve employee performance and resolve workplace conflicts. Offer recommendations to foster a productive work environment ensuring consistent policy interpretation and compliance with federal, state and local mandates.

Investigated highly confidential employee matters, including claims presented by external counsel, minimizing potential exposure to the firm.

Managed the investigation and response to all discrimination complaints filed with administrative agencies, including the EEOC, DOL, NYS Division of Human Rights, and NYC Commission on Human Rights. Participated in fact-finding hearings, mediations and arbitrations.

Advised HRBPs and business managers on potential employee terminations and drafted settlement agreements and releases.

Evaluate derogatory criminal background check results in relation to FDIC regulations and JPMC policy, making recommendations regarding employee retention and hiring.

STATE OF NEW YORK: DIVISION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Human Rights Specialist, Central Case Resolution Unit, 1994 –1996

Counseled complainants, respondents and witnesses regarding their responsibilities under the Human Rights Law. Supervised complaints from initial intake to final disposition. Lead fact-finding hearings, mediations and conciliations. Guided employers on inquiries made with respect to charges of employment discrimination. Investigated charges of workplace discrimination rendering recommendations for final disposition on charges filed across New York State.

ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR/CONSULTANT

College of New Rochelle, School of New Resources, 1990-1996

Pace University, Lubin Graduate School of Business, 1995

Manhattanville College, Graduate School of Business, 2012

OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL, CITY OF NEW YORK

Assistant Corporation Counsel, Bronx County Family Court, 1989 – 1990

Criminal and civil practice with emphasis on criminal trial work. Extensive motion practice, examination of expert witnesses and suppression hearings involving the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor cases. Pursued the prosecution of violators of Family Court Orders of Protection on Domestic Violence cases.

EDUCATION

MS, Organizational Management and Human Resources Development, 2011

MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE, PURCHASE, NEW YORK,

Graduate GPA: 3.97/4.00

Juris Doctor

UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, SCHOOL OF LAW

National Hispanic Scholar. Recipient of Law Faculty Award at Commencement. Honors grades received in Criminal Procedure, Law and Medicine and Sales & Secured Transactions.

Bachelor of Arts

MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE, PURCHASE, NEW YORK

National Hispanic Scholar; Dean’s List, College and Departmental Honors.

RELATED

Licensed to practice law in South Carolina. Fluency in written and spoken Spanish.

Contact this candidate