RONDA VALENCIA
Mesa, AZ 480-***-**** ***************@*****.***
Professional Summary
Strategic and people-focused Human Resources Leader with over 15 years of experience in employee relations, leave management (FMLA, STD, LTD, ADA), compliance, onboarding, and HR operations. Proven ability to manage high-volume HR processes (700+ employees), lead teams, and drive employee engagement through training, recognition programs, and process improvements. Strong track record of partnering with executives, medical boards, and third-party vendors to ensure compliance and operational excellence. Passionate about creating inclusive, supportive, and high-performance workplace cultures.
Core Competencies
• FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation
• Employee Relations & Investigations
• HR Compliance & Employment Law
• Recruiting
• New Hire Orientation & Onboarding
• HRIS & KRONOS Payroll Systems
• Coaching & Leadership Development
• Leave of Absence Management
• Training & Workshop Facilitation
• Performance Management
• Vendor & Stakeholder Collaboration
Professional Experience
Safeway Inc. – Human Resources Coordinator
Phoenix, AZ Dec 2008 – May 2016
• Managed leave of absence processes for 700+ employees, including review and compliance of FMLA, ADA, and disability claims.
• Created and implemented company-wide onboarding process, improving new hire engagement and retention.
• Processed bi-weekly payroll using HRIS and KRONOS systems, ensuring 100% compliance and accuracy.
• Conducted background checks and oral drug screenings for all new hires; administered E-Verify and I-9 processes.
• Designed and led LOA workshops and management training to ensure policy understanding and legal compliance.
• Coordinated campus-wide employee engagement events and participated in hiring fairs and corporate job events.
• Served as key liaison between HR, legal, benefits, and external vendors to resolve sensitive employee matters.
Banner Health – Sr. FMLA Compliance Manager
Phoenix, AZ Feb 2007 – Dec 2007
• Co-developed and implemented new FMLA policy in collaboration with Medical Board and Legal Team.
• Managed team of 7 FMLA specialists; audited processes to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Authored employee communication materials on LOA policies and served as legal escalation point.
• Introduced employee satisfaction and recognition programs, improving team morale and retention.
• Led internal focus groups to streamline HRIS reporting and enhance leave administration procedures.
American Express
Phoenix, AZ Mar 2000 – Feb 2007
Leave of Absence Supervisor / FMLA Specialist
• Oversaw compliance with FMLA, ADA, STD, LTD, and Workers’ Comp for large-scale employee base.
• Advised senior leaders and HR partners on legal risks and case escalations.
• Developed and facilitated employee and manager training on LOA procedures and legal updates.
• Managed departmental data and ensured accuracy across three business units.
• Played key role in hiring, terminations, and performance coaching processes. Operations Manager – Key Operational Accounts (Establishment Services)
• Directed team of 27 representatives; provided coaching, career development, and performance evaluations.
• Created and rolled out quality assurance protocols that improved metrics across the board.
• Spearheaded employee recognition programs and led town hall communications.
• Collaborated with National Account Managers to improve client experience and operational workflows.
Education & Certifications
Associates of Science
Technical Proficiencies
Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) HRIS KRONOS ADP E-Verify ATS Platforms
Training & Development
• FMLA Compliance Training HIPAA ADA
• Motivational Leadership & Coaching
• Leadership Readiness Program
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
• Time Management & Performance Feedback
• Diversity & Inclusion Awareness
• CPR & Workplace Safety
• HRIS & KRONOS Systems
• Sexual Harassment Prevention