Human Resources Administrative Assistant

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KRISTIN L. RIDGWAY

San Benito *****

*********@*****.*** / 956-***-****

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Experienced and dedicated Human Resources professional with a strong background in benefits administration, employee relations, and organizational support across both public and private sectors. Skilled in managing HRIS systems, streamlining HR operations, and delivering effective employee engagement strategies. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Resources and SHRM certification to further enhance strategic and leadership capabilities. Known for exceptional communication, compliance knowledge, and a commitment to creating efficient, employee-focused workplace solutions. SKILLS

• Communication

• Problem-Solving

• Organizational Skills

• Attention to Detail

• Interpersonal Skills

• Benefits Administration

• HRIS & Data Management

• Payroll Processing (ADP, QuickBooks, Workday)

• Legal Document Preparation

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Compliance with Labor Laws & Leave Regulations

• Presentation Development and Delivery

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Confidential Administrative Assistant / City of Plattsburgh/Plattsburgh Public Library - Plattsburgh, NY 11/2023 - 04/2025

• Coordinated the collection and analysis of departmental expense data, leveraging Excel and budgeting tools to support budget preparation, which enhanced financial forecasting accuracy and enabled data-driven decision-making.

• Managed sensitive employee records within the HRIS system, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and legal standards, resulting in a 98% audit accuracy rate and improved data reliability.

• Streamlined financial administrative processes by preparing and reviewing invoices, purchase orders, and budget reports, reducing processing time by 25% and boosting departmental efficiency.

• Facilitated comprehensive HR administrative support, including scheduling interviews, conducting initial candidate screenings, and managing onboarding workflows, which improved the hiring experience and reduced time-to-fill metrics. Total Rewards Benefit Specialist / Alstom - Plattsburgh, NY 04/2022 - 08/2023

• Spearheaded the seamless integration of benefits for 4,000+ employees across two legacy organizations by coordinating with external vendors and internal stakeholders, resulting in a unified national benefits program that improved employee satisfaction and reduced administrative overhead by 25%.

• Designed and facilitated engaging, on-site benefits education sessions across multiple U.S. locations, simplifying complex benefits offerings and increasing open enrollment participation rates by 32%, while minimizing HR support inquiries by 18%.

• Led administration of employee leave programs—including ASO STD, LTD, and state-specific leave—by establishing compliance-driven eligibility protocols, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations, and decreasing benefits-related escalations by 40%.

• Directed the integration and optimization of retirement and 401(k) plans through collaboration with plan administrators and vendors, including American Express, enhancing retirement readiness resources and boosting voluntary participation by 22% in the first year.

Administrative Assistant / Alstom - Plattsburgh, NY 03/2021 - 04/2022

• Streamlined weekly payroll operations by accurately entering, verifying, and approving timesheets, ensuring 100% on-time processing and reducing payroll discrepancies by 25% over six months.

• Served as interim HR lead for eight months, maintaining continuity in personnel processes, onboarding, and employee support during a leadership transition, which contributed to a 15% improvement in employee satisfaction.

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• Coordinated travel logistics and drafted key correspondence for senior leadership, including international guests, enhancing executive productivity and elevating organizational professionalism.

• Led office procurement and vendor relations, reducing office supply costs by 18% annually through strategic ordering and vendor negotiations, while facilitating executive planning meetings with the CEO and VP. Legal Secretary / Legal Aid - Plattsburgh, NY 05/2015 - 12/2020

• Collaborated with housing and foreclosure attorneys to prepare and process critical legal documents—including deeds, pleadings, and settlement agreements—ensuring accuracy and timely filing, which reduced case preparation time by 25%.

• Managed front-desk operations and client intake by skillfully handling a multiline phone system and welcoming clients and visitors, enhancing client satisfaction and contributing to a 30% improvement in first-contact resolution.

• Conducted in-depth client intake interviews to assess legal eligibility and issue type, enabling streamlined attorney assignments and accelerating case triage and processing within the legal aid workflow.

• Delivered accurate legal information and referrals while maintaining consistent communication with court officials and legal professionals; utilized Microsoft Office Suite and the LAS client intake system to ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.

EDUCATION

Master's Degree: Human Social Services 08/2018

Walden University - Minneapolis, MN

Master's Degree: Criminal Justice 11/2016

Walden University - Minneapolis, MN

Bachelor of Science: Legal Studies

Associate of Science: Paralegal

Associate of Applied Science: Business Administration CERTIFICATIONS

• New York Notary

• SHRM Certificate in Professional Human Resources Management Program

• HRCI Employee Relations Certificate

• HRCI Compensation & Benefits Certificate

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS

• SHRM Member

• Platte Valley Literacy, Columbus, NE, GED volunteer

• Member of NALA

• AYSO, Columbus, NE, Registration volunteer

• Member of the Bridges Out of Poverty Task Force

• Girl Scout Leader, Plattsburgh, NY

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