SHERI KENNARD
Winfield, KS 620-***-**** **********@*****.*** LinkedIn
Summary
Strategic Senior Human Resources Manager with over a decade of experience driving compliance, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness across diverse industries. Proven expertise in talent acquisition, performance management, ADA accommodations, and EEO compliance. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, streamlining onboarding processes, and implementing process improvements through initiatives like Black Belt Kaizen. Adept at fostering diversity and inclusion through collaboration with ERGs and regulatory alignment. Recognized for reducing turnover and enhancing productivity through data-driven HR solutions. Skills
• Employee Relations
• Compliance Management
• Process Improvement
• Leadership Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Talent Acquisition
• Strategic Planning
• Onboarding Processes
• Employee Engagement
• Benefits Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Team Leadership
• Budgeting
• Employment Metrics
• Policy & Procedure Writing
• Performance Management
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Disciplinary Process
Experience
Senior Human Resources & Safety Manager 12/2023 to Current WICKHAM INDUSTRIES Bel Aire KS
• Facilitated training and coaching programs for a diverse management team, resulting in a consistent and effective supervisory approach aligned with company-wide HR policies and objectives.
• Conducted comprehensive HR audits and investigations to identify root causes of workplace issues, implementing preventative strategies that reduced compliance incidents by 30%.
• Collaborated cross-functionally with the Quality Department and manufacturing teams to streamline reporting workflows and improve resolution of quality issues, supporting overall operational excellence.
• Led the development of performance management documentation, including the establishment of KPIs and measurable objectives that improved employee accountability and performance tracking.
• Oversaw full-cycle onboarding, recruitment, and benefits administration, ensuring compliance with OSHA certification programs and increasing employee retention by 23% through proactive employee support initiatives.
Regional People & Organization Manager 11/2022 to 12/2023 DB SCHENKER WICHITA, KS
• Directed the implementation of comprehensive HR policies and initiatives to streamline core operations, improve compliance, and ensure consistency across departments across four locations.
• Achieved a 45% reduction in hourly employee turnover by enhancing employee engagement strategies and launching targeted recognition programs.
• Led and executed investigations in alignment with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, maintaining a high standard of HR compliance.
• Initiated and managed the Supervisor Bonus Program and formed a dedicated process improvement team, reducing approval timelines by 50% and enhancing operational clarity for HR administrators.
• Conducted in-depth gap analysis to identify areas of improvement and developed actionable implementation plans that optimized workforce productivity and organizational performance. Human Resources Manager 04/2019 to 02/2022
SILGAN DISPENSING WINFIELD, KS
• Directed corporate and plant HR initiatives by providing strategic direction to a manufacturing facility supporting over 300 employees, aligning HR goals with business objectives.
• Partnered with plant management to lead department reorganization, launch retention initiatives, and implement leadership development programs that strengthened talent pipelines.
• Designed and executed an employee suggestion and feedback system, forming a cross-functional evaluation committee that increased employee participation and engagement.
• Supervised a diverse HR team including HR Coordinators, Training Coordinators, and Molding and Production Trainers, ensuring consistent delivery of training and HR services.
• Resolved employee grievances and managed conflict resolution processes through constructive solutions and proactive relationship management, enhancing workplace morale and trust. Human Resource Manager 08/2017 to 04/2019
HUSKY LINERS WINFIELD KS
• Reduced employee turnover by 25% through the design and delivery of targeted coaching and training programs for managers, focused on improving communication and retention strategies.
• Increased HR operational efficiency by implementing automation solutions and streamlining processes, resulting in measurable gains in departmental productivity.
• Oversaw full-scope HR functions administration, including benefits, compensation, and payroll, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution.
• Conducted round table discussions with a diverse employee population to assess engagement levels and gather actionable feedback, driving improved organizational communication.
• Led initiatives to enhance manager development by equipping leadership with tools to foster stronger team dynamics, boost morale, and support long-term retention. Human Resources Lead 07/2012 to 01/2016
SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES ALBUQUERQUE NM
• Directed operational leadership and enhanced organizational effectiveness for a team of six staffing coordinators supporting over 7,000 students ranging from high school to Ph.D. level.
• Managed a large-scale student internship program of 750+ participants, including master's fellowship students, ensuring a structured, high-impact experience aligned with talent development goals.
• Designed and implemented reporting metrics to evaluate program success and measure return on investment (ROI) for internship and fellowship initiatives.
• Developed and standardized onboarding processes to improve new hire integration, boosting engagement and reducing time-to-productivity across student programs.
• Partnered with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to create and launch impactful mentorship programs that supported career development for interns and fellowship participants. EEO Analyst & ADA Accommodation Specialist 02/2011 to 07/2012
• Ensured EEO compliance by effectively addressing a broad range of employee complaints and concerns, fostering a fair and inclusive workplace.
• Partnered with staffing and medical teams to streamline onboarding processes, achieving a 38% reduction in candidate onboarding time and improving hiring efficiency.
• Managed all ADA accommodation requests, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and supporting employee accessibility and retention.
• Served as the primary liaison for affirmative action initiatives and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), advancing company-wide diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Promoted a culture of equity by aligning equal opportunity regulations with internal HR practices, reinforcing the organization's commitment to fair employment standards. Senior HR Generalist 04/2009 to 02/2011
Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos NM
• Delivered targeted HR training to employees and management on updated procedures and compliance standards, ensuring organizational alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Acted as a key liaison between employees and management, addressing concerns, providing company policy guidance, and promoting transparent communication.
• Led the implementation of Black Belt Kaizen initiatives to drive process improvement and regulatory compliance within HR functions.
• Spearheaded the adoption of new regulations under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, ensuring seamless integration into HR policies and practices.
• Supported leadership by fostering strong employee relations, equipping managers with the knowledge to handle compliance-related issues effectively and confidently. Education
Master of Arts: Human Resources Management
Webster University
Master of Arts: Human Resource Development
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science: Business Administration
Southwestern College
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
• UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Advisor
• COWLEY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY Board of Directors
• AYSO Regional Commissioner/ Coach
• UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL NEW MEXICO Fundraising Volunteer – Sandia National Laboratories
• DRESS FOR SUCCESS - WICHITA Board of Directors ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
• KOCH INDUSTRIES HR Compliance Specialist
#HRJ#• 0a8236cd-VIA CHRISTI 7bf7-REGIONAL 4418-9ec8-MEDICAL cc3032a1474d# CENTER HR Management Consultant & Strategic Specialist