Human Resources Employee Relations

KATHERINE SZARKOWSKI-BODER, MA, PHR, SHRM-CP

www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-szarkowski-boder 763-***-**** ************@*****.***

Professional Summary

Seasoned Global Human Resources professional with 10+ years of experience leading and executing HR initiatives that imprint productivity, performance, and compliance within several industries. Extensive experience in human resources leadership including employee relations, compensation, recruitment/retention, staff coaching and development, succession planning, regulatory compliance, leave of absence, HR policies, DE&I, and benefits administration. Dynamic professional with an exceptional track record of actively improving process performance, profitability, integrity, and overall success by serving as a key strategic/tactical and collaborative HR Business Leader. Continually creates valuable partnerships as a liaison with people at all levels of an organization including stakeholders, executive management, and team members.

Skills

Employee Relations, Satisfaction & Retention

Multi-site, Multi-state Team Leadership and Coaching

Talent Acquisition & Succession Planning

Program Design & Data-Driven Solutions

Strategic Planning & Execution

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)

Benefits Administration & Negotiations

HR Information Systems Management

Compensation Analysis & Talent Management

Policy Assessment & Development

Executive Management & Staff Training

Organizational Change & Growth Leadership

Oversight and management of FMLA, EEO, ADA & Regulatory Compliance

Selected Accomplishments

Increased diversity and inclusion practices and improved DEI statistics to broaden OFCCP guidelines by over 12%.

Lowered unemployment rate from 12% to 2% by leading fair and equitable performance management practices.

Increased usage of employee mental health benefits (EAP) from 5.5% to 14% with education and training.

Engaged business owners from India, Japan, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Navajo Nation, Guatemala, and Mexico.

Successfully reduced Workers' Compensation Mod Rate from 1.01 to 0.72 in 3 years by providing education, accommodation, and accountability resulting in a 36% decrease in premiums.

Shrunk health care costs from $3M to $1.3M by overhauling: plans, education, health awareness, and offering HSA.

Directed HR growth strategies in Domestic and International retail, healthcare, manufacturing, e-commerce, and technology for multi-site, multi-state organizations.

Work History

Director of Human Resources 12/2022 to Current

DecksDirect – Plymouth MN

Provide strategic leadership in all facets of Human Resources including talent and change management.

Partner with leadership to align HR strategies with organizational goals, particularly in coaching and training.

Design and implement HR policies, processes, and initiatives that ensure compliance and support company needs.

Spearheaded talent acquisition and management strategies, applying best practices to attract and develop top-tier talent.

Vigilantly monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Champion ongoing professional development and certification programs for HR staff, while staying abreast of trends.

Employ data-driven methods and surveys to assess and improve employee morale, recognition, and productivity.

Exhibit exceptional problem-solving skills by urgently addressing employee relation issues and evaluating multiple solutions.

Global Human Resources Director 07/2022 to 12/2022

Ametek-Mocon – Minneapolis, MN

Led an international team of Human Resource professionals in the US, UK, and Denmark for a global technology market.

Built strong relationships with management and employees based in India, Spain, China, France, Germany, and Italy

Organized processes and improvements to establish USA corporate philosophy and metrics into consistent global practices.

Identified and trained senior leaders for career pathing into executive positions for newly acquired businesses globally.

Sourced top talent, coached leaders, conducted annual talent reviews, and engaged in strategies for retaining talent.

Implemented best-in-class HR practices as well as change management strategies to continue merging cultures.

Independent Human Resource Business Consultant 01/2007 to 07/2022

Human Resource Director of Ulibarri Financial Group LLC – Rio Rancho, NM

Originally onboard as Human Resources Director of Ulibarri Financial Group in 2007.

Acquired the business in 2013 and transitioned to an Independent Consultant role, overseeing all operational aspects.

Worked with minority-owned, government-run, not-for-profit; for-profit, small startups, and larger established entities.

Consulted and collaborated with over 10 business owners (2 to 500+ employees), top executives, and managerial teams.

Steered growth via analysis, design, and implementation of methodical innovative initiatives for profit maximization.

Supported generational, cultural, economic, physical, and behavioral initiatives to promote Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

Created internal Human Resource policies and procedures to encompass Native American Tribal requirements.

Mentored over 5 international executives and owners in understanding/applying American business laws and practices.

Human Resources Director, Corporate 01/2015 to 12/2015

Mary T. Incorporated – Coon Rapids, MN

Provided progressive HR support for over 700 staff and 52+ locations for a healthcare company servicing seniors.

Influenced employee relations, change management, process improvement, and program and policy development.

Instilled results-oriented coaching and training, strategic planning, and cultural diversity and sensitivity efforts.

Conducted restructuring and transformation of HR business model, through organizational design and communication.

Assured legal and HR compliance of newly opened business units in addition to acquiring additional properties.

Built a team of 9 for new HR-aligned disciplines while incorporating support and accountability for management.

Previous Work History

Human Resources Manager, Corporate – The Tile Shop, Plymouth, MN – 2001 to 2007

Awards & Recognition

National award for Successful Health Promotion in Workplace – CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and Department of Health & Human Services, Washington, DC

Nomination for Implementation of “HR Best Practices” in Twin Cities – MRA (The Management Association)

Scholarship Recipient – SHRM Foundation National Conference in Washington DC – 2016

Training, Licenses & Certifications

Certified Professional Human Resources (SHRM-CP, PHR)

Organizational Development (OD) Certification ’24 University of Minnesota

Overdose Response Training ‘24- HOPE Network

2024 Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute

TCSHRM Fall ’23 and Spring ’24 Leadership Conference

Midwest Regional Employer Conference ‘23-Littler Mendelson

Notary Public-current

Past NM Licensed Insurance Broker

Education

University of Phoenix, Master of Arts in Organizational Management

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