Employee Relations Human Resources

TAWANDA FOSTER ARTIS, ESQ.

Rolesville, NC 919-***-**** ************@*****.***

PROFILE

Experienced HR-Focused Employment Law Attorney and Vice President of Human Resources with over 20 years of expertise advising large organizations on a wide range of workplace issues. Deep knowledge of employee relations, workplace investigations, grievances, discrimination and harassment prevention, wage and hour compliance, performance management, accommodations, and workplace safety. A trusted advisor to senior leadership and HR teams, with a proven ability to resolve complex employment matters while aligning legal risk management with business goals. Skilled in drafting and enforcing personnel policies, coaching managers through sensitive employee issues, and leading initiatives that promote a fair, compliant, and inclusive workplace culture. Recognized for strong communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution abilities. Known for building collaborative relationships across departments and taking a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to employee relations.

EXPERIENCE

North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC June-December 2024

Assistant University Legal Counsel

Advised senior leadership and HR teams on complex employment matters including performance management, terminations, accommodations (ADA/FMLA), workplace safety, and policy interpretation to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.

Led and resolved sensitive workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other employee concerns, ensuring adherence to Title VII, Title IX, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and institutional policies.

Managed responses to external agency complaints (EEOC, DOL, ED), including drafting position statements, coordinating internal reviews, leading mediations, and achieving favorable outcomes with minimal disruption.

Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated employment-related contracts, separation agreements, and employee handbooks, resulting in a 90% reduction in external legal costs through proactive and strategic in-house support.

Designed and delivered training for HR professionals, managers, and leadership on employment law, inclusive workplace practices, and compliance topics, fostering a positive and legally sound work environment.

NC Community College System, Raleigh, NC April 2021-June 2024

Vice President of Human Resources and General Counsel

Served as a senior HR leader and Chief Legal Officer, overseeing employee relations, HR policy, compliance, and workplace strategy for a statewide system with 58 colleges and a $1.5B budget.

Advised HR teams and executive leadership on employee relations issues, including hiring, performance management, workplace accommodations, grievances, discipline, and terminations, ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws (e.g., Title VI, VII, IX, ADA, ADEA, FMLA).

Led and resolved complex workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, ensuring fair, compliant, and timely outcomes across diverse employee groups.

Developed and facilitated statewide training programs for HR, supervisors, and leadership on employee relations, employment law, compliance, remote work, and workplace accommodations, fostering proactive risk management and a culture of accountability.

Streamlined HR-related contracts and personnel agreements, reducing external legal spending by 85%, while managing compliance with procurement regulations and labor standards to support organizational efficiency.

NC General Assembly, Raleigh, NC February 2015-April 2021

Senior Staff Attorney and Legislative Analyst/Generalist

Advised legislators and key officials on employment law legislation, including labor and employee relations issues, workplace discrimination, wage and hour laws, and compliance with federal and state laws.

Served as lead committee counsel drafting and analyzing bills and amendments on employment law issues related to employee classification, retirement and benefits, workplace safety, discrimination, wage and hour laws, and other issues impacting public and private entities and their employees.

Conducted legal research and provided counsel on the impacts of proposed employment laws, advising on compliance risks and legislative and legal challenges.

Managed the drafting and editing of legislative publications, serving as Chief Editor for a publication summarizing high-profile ratified legislation, ensuring clarity and, accuracy.

NC Administrative Office of the Courts, Raleigh, NC August 2012-February 2015

Appellate Counsel

Represented the State in high-stakes litigation before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, delivering strategic advocacy on appellate matters.

Led and coordinated appellate representation, managing a network of 100+ pro bono and contract attorneys to ensure consistent, high-quality legal outcomes.

Expanded and strengthened the pro bono attorney program, developing and implementing training initiatives to enhance advocacy skills and align with agency objectives.

Oversaw statewide appellate cases, providing legal guidance to staff and attorneys, while managing the legal budget and allocating resources for in-house counsel, external attorneys, and contractors.

NC Department of Justice, Raleigh, NC October 2006-August 2012

Assistant Attorney General, Labor Section

Represented the NC Commissioner of Labor in complex employment and labor law disputes, negotiating settlements and defending agency actions.

Advised on occupational safety and health compliance, overseeing investigations into workplace fatalities, catastrophes, incidents and high-risk cases.

Developed and led statewide legal training programs for compliance officers on employment, labor, and safety laws.

Drafted appellate briefs and conducted legal research on employment and labor matters.

Harnett County District Attorney’s Office, Lillington, NC September 2004-October 2006

Assistant District Attorney

Prosecuted docket in district, superior, juvenile, domestic, and probable cause courts; and advised law enforcement on felony charges, evidence, and procedures.

Drafted and filed legal memoranda, motions, and pleadings, while interviewing victims and witnesses to build cases and ensure effective trial preparation.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Raleigh, NC August 2003-January 2004

Law Clerk

Investigated Title VII discrimination charges, conducted client intake and interviews developing case plans covering discovery, litigation, and mediation.

Researched employment law issues, drafted discovery requests, and participated in settlement conferences.

Kurtz & Blum, PLLC, Raleigh, NC May-August 2002

Civil Law Clerk

Researched civil law issues including employment law matters, drafting briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and discovery requests to support litigation and case strategy.

Conducted client intake and interviewed witnesses, gathering key facts to inform case development and strengthen legal arguments.

EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law

Juris Doctor First Amendment Law Review Staff Writer Dean’s Advisory Council, 2004

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications, 1999

Cornell University

Employment Law Certification, 2022

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Certification, 2022

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

North Carolina State Bar, Admitted, 2004

North Carolina Policy and Sentencing Advisory Commission Member (Appointed by President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate), 2023-2024

North Carolina Bar Association

Board of Governors Member (2020-2023); Council Member & Nominating Committee Co-Chair; Minorities in the Profession Committee Co-Chair (2018-2020)

Co-Chair, DEI Committee, Tenth Judicial District Bar and Wake County Bar Association (2021-2023)

AWARDS

President’s Award of Excellence Recipient, Wake County Bar Association, 2022

Citizen Lawyer Award Recipient, North Carolina Bar Association, 2021

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