Dedicated HR Director

Corrie L. McDonald

Phoenix, AZ 602-***-**** ******************@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/corrie-mcdonald

CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER VP, HR DIRECTOR OF TALENT

Strategic and forward-thinking HR executive with over 12 years of progressive leadership experience spanning education, consulting, and high-growth startups. Proven ability to architect and lead enterprise-wide human capital strategies that fuel growth, drive culture transformation, and strengthen organizational resilience. Known for transforming fragmented HR operations into scalable, compliant, and people-centric systems that align workforce planning with long-term business goals. Adept at managing multi-site operations, executive coaching, organizational design, and HR technology optimization.

Key Strengths: Executive Leadership Workforce Planning Succession Strategy HR Transformation Total Rewards Organizational Design DEI Strategy M&A Integration Talent Acquisition Labor Law & Compliance Board & C-Suite Advisement Change Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Director of Human Resources & Operations

Career Success Schools Phoenix, AZ Feb 2024 – Present

Recruited to lead HR transformation and organizational operations across a multi-site charter school district. Spearheaded modernization of HR systems and expanded cross-functional leadership across facilities, transportation, and food services.

- Restructured HR systems district-wide, achieving 20% operational efficiency gain through digitization, policy refinement, and streamlined workflows.

- Reduced employee benefits costs by 15% through plan renegotiation while improving retention by 12% YOY.

- Implemented a unified employee handbook and compliance framework to mitigate risk and standardize culture.

- Developed succession and leadership pipelines aligned with district growth and state regulations.

- Oversaw operational units (facilities, transportation, food services), ensuring safety compliance, vendor accountability, and fiscal oversight across four campuses.

Human Resources Consultant (Founder)

Orca Marine Consulting Phoenix, AZ Jan 2013 – Present

Consultant to SMBs and school districts on HR operations, compliance, and talent optimization. Offer fractional HR leadership, audits, training design, and policy development.

- Built and delivered HR playbooks and compliance guides for Arizona-based small businesses.

- Designed customized talent strategies including performance evaluation models and compensation structures.

- Provided executive coaching and change management support during M&A transitions and restructuring.

Vice President of Human Resources & Operations

Brand Lace LLC Phoenix, AZ Aug 2020 – Oct 2023

Joined as Director of Ops, promoted to VP to oversee HR, marketing, supply chain, and strategic growth at a fast-scaling consumer goods brand. Partnered directly with CEO and investors.

- Developed 5-year human capital roadmap and workforce planning aligned with brand expansion.

- Implemented Culture Index and EOS tools, driving accountability and leadership development.

- Rebuilt compensation and performance management strategy, achieving 90% employee goal alignment within 18 months.

- Championed DEI integration into hiring, engagement, and review processes.

Director of Operations

Saaz LLC Peoria, AZ Mar 2019 – Aug 2020

Led startup operations for a multi-state entertainment company. Oversaw business continuity, vendor management, staffing models, and location launches.

Operations Manager

Living Spaces Furniture Glendale, AZ Jul 2016 – Mar 2019

Directed training, safety, and hiring across three states, supporting retail floor, warehouse, and delivery operations. Partnered with HR to drive culture and retention improvements.

Career Advisor

Brookline College Phoenix, AZ Jan 2015 – Jun 2016

Business Manager

Phoenix Indoor Karting Phoenix, AZ May 2013 – Jan 2015

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Human Resources Management

Western Governors University In Progress – Expected 2026

Bachelor of Arts, Family Studies & Human Development

University of Arizona

BOARD SERVICE & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

- Advisor & Consultant Legacy Strategic Consulting

- Mentor & Panelist Women in HR Leadership - Arizona

TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS

UKG Pro ADP Paylocity BambooHR Workday PowerSchool Microsoft 365 Google Workspace Culture Index EOS

CERTIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

- SHRM Member SHRM-SCP (In Progress)

- Arizona Charter Schools Association Member

- National Society for Human Resource Management (NSHRM)

Let’s connect: I'm seeking executive HR roles where I can influence enterprise strategy, drive culture evolution, and build resilient, people-centered operations.

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