Human Resources Employee Relations

MARLA YETSO

Carnation, WA ***** 206-***-**** *******@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/marlayetso

Strategic HR executive with 20+ years of experience leading high-impact people operations, employment systems, and compliance across dynamic, mission-driven and tech-based organizations. Proven ability to align HR strategy with organizational goals, scale people operations, manage complex employee relations, and ensure legal compliance across multi-state and global workforces. Experienced in building inclusive workplace cultures that drive engagement, retention, and sustained performance.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

JAR OF SPARKS Redmond, WA 09/2022 – 02/2025

Head of Human Resources

Developed and executed human capital strategies for a rapidly growing game studio, aligning talent initiatives with business goals to drive growth and scalability in a collaborative and innovative workplace.

Partnered with leadership and became a trusted advisor, contributing strategic people perspectives and insights.

Increased candidate progression from screening to offer and reduced time-to-hire, improving recruitment efficiency and supporting business expansion.

Designed and implemented a comprehensive onboarding process, enhancing new hire integration and contributing to increased job satisfaction.

Introduced a performance management philosophy centered on "in-the-moment feedback," fostering accountability, growth, driving engagement and retention across the organization. Integrated diversity and inclusion into talent development and retention strategies.

Provided parent company, business unit perspective on strategic HR initiatives and policies.

Created an external team to provide and share support and guidance for other US based NetEase owned studios with internal Head of HR/HRBPs.

Shaped HR strategies in startup environment, building HR functions from ground up and supporting sustainable business growth while balancing creative studio needs with corporate publisher requirements.

Acted as HR systems architect for a scaling creative-tech studio; developed compliant HR practices and policies while maintaining studio identity and alignment with parent company standards.

SEAGULL SCIENTIFIC, INC. Bellevue, WA 11/2017 – 02/2022

Vice President of Human Resources

Established and led global HR operations team including recruiting, overseeing payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, and facility management with $1M HR budget and $22M payroll budget.

As the HR leader and executive team member, designed and implemented organization-wide, first true performance management system which fostered a growth mindset, blended with transparency around goals.

Formed, mentored, and led a global HR and Talent Acquisition team expanding the function from the US to EMEA and APAC, ensuring effective and efficient implementation of all HR programs.

Fostered cultural transformation by embedding core company values, improving executive-manager communication, and creating strategic partnerships to drive company-wide engagement and performance.

Enhanced talent acquisition and employee engagement strategy, creating inclusive hiring and engagement initiatives to attract and retain a diverse workforce.

Implementing an ATS talent acquisition suite, onboarding program, and LMS, resulting in improved business performance and employee retention.

Attained 25% scale in headcount within five years, embracing a top-to-bottom approach to gather and analyze data, partnering with executive team to forecast talent priorities and inform workforce planning.

Gained competitive advantage to attract, hire, and retain talent by conducting, leveraging, and calibrating results of internal and external total compensation data analysis and building competitive benefit plans.

Oversaw employee relations strategy and legal compliance across multi-state operations; advised executive leadership on complex investigations, risk mitigation, and policy enforcement.

Introduced a comprehensive onboarding program, learning management system (LMS), performance management tool, and global recognition plan, driving significant improvements in engagement, retention, and business performance.

Formed, mentored, and led a global HR and Talent Acquisition team expanding the function from the US to EMEA and APAC.

COMCAST TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS (CTS) Seattle, WA 01/2016 – 02/2017

Human Resources Manager

Seen as Sr. HRBP to Comcast, led organizational design and change management strategy to integrate 280 employees from thePlatform into Comcast Technology Solutions including succession planning.

Partnered with HR and executive leadership across three media and tech businesses to assess and mitigate people-related risks, ensuring a smooth transition.

Developed and executed a talent retention strategy, strengthening employee engagement and performance management during the integration.

Realigned HR functions to support new strategic business objectives while preserving a culture of innovation, collaboration, and transparency.

Supported employees across the U.S., working closely with senior business partners to drive a seamless organizational transition. Developed succession plan.

THE PLATFORM Seattle, WA 05/2000 – 01/2016

Human Resources Manager

Progressed from Office Manager to HR Manager reporting to CFO, then CEO, building a stand-alone HR function and leading HR operations during international expansion. Beyond HR, supporting IT, facilities, and Administration.

Advised the executive team on global HR compliance and expansion strategies, supporting the company's growth into England, Australia, Singapore, and Canada.

Scaled two startups from 15 to 280 employees across four countries, focusing on organizational design, employee engagement, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Designed and implemented leadership development programs, training, and succession planning to ensure long-term growth and leadership effectiveness.

Managed a $1M employee engagement budget, driving initiatives improving workplace culture and retention.

STRATEGIC COMPETENCIES

Leadership & Culture

HR Strategy & Operations

Organizational Impact

Culture and Values Building

Coaching & Relationship Building

Values-Based Leadership

Team Building & Mentorship

Change Leadership

Influence at Scale

Leadership Development

Transparent Verbal and Written Communication

Global HR Business Strategy

Recruiting & Talent Acquisition

Strategic Workforce Planning

Talent & Performance Management

Policy Development & Compliance

AI Driven HR Technology Integration

Training and Development

Organizational Design and Development

Data-Driven Decision Making & Analytics for Continuous Improvement

Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving

Budget & Resource Management

Total Rewards & Compensation Strategy

Operational Agility

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree: BSBA, Human Resources Management, University of Phoenix

Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) – Human Resources Certification Institute

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