Employee Relations Financial Planning

Iris Birdsong

*** ***** ***** *****, ************, Tennessee 37129

Phone: 615-***-**** Email: ****@**************.***

Professional Summary

Accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience across various administrative functions, including onboarding, talent development, retention, compensation analysis, and employee relations. Background in legal administration provides a robust understanding of employment law, and policy formulation. Known for strategic planning, process optimization, and fostering organizational growth, I bring a proven track record of operational excellence, team leadership, and navigating complex business challenges to drive positive change and efficiency.

Core Competencies

Strategic HR Planning & Policy Development

Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution

Talent Acquisition, Training, & Retention Strategies

Compensation Analysis & Benefits Administration

Process Improvement & Automation

Organizational Development & Change Management

Financial Planning & Budgeting

Leadership in High-Pressure Environments

Professional Experience

Birdsong Agency — Murfreesboro, TN

Owner/Agent

10/2021 to Present

Established and operated an independent brokerage, appointed with top insurers like Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Cigna.

Provide HR solutions to small businesses, including employee benefits planning and policy development.

Merrill Lynch

Financial Advisor

09/2019 to 10/2021

Offered tailored financial advice, with a focus on estate and benefits planning for clients.

Provided strategic guidance on employee retirement and investment options, supporting organizational benefit structures.

Birdsong Agency (Farmers Insurance) — Franklin, TN

Owner/Agent

05/2014 to 10/2017

Founded and led an insurance agency, offering life, health, property, and casualty insurance solutions.

Delivered specialized services in financial planning, annuities, and investment products, optimizing employee benefits and employer-sponsored plans.

Shutts & Bowen LLP — Miami, FL

Branch Administrator

05/2004 to 10/2008

Directed HR and administrative operations for the Orlando branch, serving 57 attorneys and support staff.

Spearheaded HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, compensation planning, and conflict resolution, to ensure a productive work environment.

Managed budgeting, financial planning, and office expansion projects, aligning resources with the firm's strategic goals.

Oversaw employee events and implemented robust operational procedures that enhanced workplace morale and efficiency.

Harrison Sale McCloy & Thompson — Panama City, FL

Firm Administrator

09/2000 to 05/2004

Administered comprehensive HR functions, including benefits design, salary structure analysis, recruitment, and performance management.

Standardized office procedures and training, resulting in efficient onboarding and consistent performance evaluations.

Implemented financial controls and managed IT operations, driving operational excellence across all firm functions.

Supervised a team of three direct reports and handled all employee relations, enhancing workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

Birdsong Allstate Insurance/Allstate Financial — Memphis, TN / Panama City, FL

Owner/Agent

02/1996 to 09/2000

Owned and managed a successful insurance agency, specializing in insurance and financial products.

Built and maintained professional relationships with corporate clients to expand consulting services in the insurance industry.

Personal Financial Representative

08/1999 to 09/2001

Advised clients on financial planning, focusing on insurance and investment products.

Conducted in-depth assessments of clients' financial goals to develop personalized strategies aligning with HR benefits and retirement planning.

Armstrong Allen Prewitt Gentry Johnston & Holmes — Memphis, TN

Administrator

10/1990 to 02/1995

Directed comprehensive administrative and HR functions for a legal firm with 83 attorneys, including employee relations, benefits administration, salary structure management, and policy development. Oversaw recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, and training programs to ensure a high-performing and compliant workforce. Championed the creation and implementation of equitable HR policies and procedures, fostering a collaborative and positive workplace culture. Supervised five direct reports while managing key operational areas such as IT infrastructure, accounting, budget planning, and facility operations to support the firm's strategic objectives and daily efficiency.

Education & Certifications

Jefferson State Community College — Birmingham, AL

3 Years in Business Administration and Management (1961 to 1964)

Licenses and Certifications

Life, Health/Accident, Property, and Casualty Insurance Licenses

Series 6 and Series 63 Security Licenses for Contract Annuities

Universal Life and Financial/Investment Counseling

Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development in HR, insurance, and financial services since 1995

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