Human Resources Executive, Positive Psychology Practitioner, Lawyer

JILL R. SANFORD

HUMAN RESOURCES LEADER

Extensive global knowledge and demonstrated accomplishments in numerous HR disciplines. Valued for capacity to drive sustained optimal individual, team and organizational performance and maximize operational effectiveness with minimal resources. Demonstrated strength in driving HR customer-focused results aligned to overall business objectives. Regarded as a high energy, impassioned adviser and trusted business partner. Reputation for seeking challenging growth opportunities outside traditional areas of expertise and delivering exceptional results. Professional competencies include:

Mergers/Acquisitions

Fostering Inclusive Culture

Employee Engagement

Executive Coaching

Strategic Program Deployment

Team Building

Union negotiations

Global Total Rewards

Private Positive Psychology Practice Lone Tree, CO

Principal 2016-present

Positive psychology is the study of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions. Practice utilizes positive psychology in working with individuals to increase their satisfaction in life by identifying and utilizing strengths, mindfulness, meaning and gratitude. www.jillsanford.com.

WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone Englewood, CO

VP-HR 2015 - 2016

Lead end-to-end traditional HR functions: talent acquisition, organizational development, compensation, benefits, HRIS, HR operations and HR strategy.

DCP Midstream Denver, CO

VP-HR 2010 – 2013

Ensured a thorough knowledge of existing talent and talent gaps through revamp, implementation, and change management of competency-based talent management process, including leadership development, succession planning, rotational development, compensation review, and operations training through consistent communication and integration in the organization’s strategic plan.

Established a talent acquisition group for recruiting new employees in targeted locations: engineering programs, MBA programs and trade schools.

Re-leveled and market-priced jobs, with a strategic implementation plan to “right price” positions and their incumbents. Health care savings $7M off projected spend of $50M by implementing unbundled pricing strategy and data-driven high-risk outreach processes.

Coached executives and managers to drive optimal performance by focusing on leadership brand and by creating a culture where people want to work and strive to exceed desired results.

Sanford Consulting Lone Tree, CO

Principal 2008 – 2010

Coaching practice based on increased self-awareness and maximizing effectiveness. Specialized in helping leaders articulate crisp strategies that employees will champion and support. Focused a variety of areas, including: setting accountability, goal-setting and measurement, career development planning, setting strategic direction, engaging and mobilizing employees, building relationships, navigating politics, collaborating effectively, having difficult conversations, building influence, communicating with impact, and identifying and reframing limiting beliefs that limit success.

Coors Brewing Company Golden, CO

Chief People Officer 2006 – 2008

Interim CPO in 2006 prior to formal assumption of position in January 2007. Led development and implementation of “Winning Culture” strategy for 2007 prior to JV with Miller in 2008:

Developed and delivered Winning Culture scorecard creating accountability for HR deliverables.

Implemented and achieved Diversity Plan, including decreasing POC attrition by 50%, increasing POC hires by 20%, and running employees through cultural awareness training.

Through action plans focused on development, recognition and teambuilding, increased engagement scores in HR organization by 9% over prior year, achieving highest scores in company.

McDATA Corporation Broomfield, CO

Chief People Officer 2005 – 2007

Prior to its acquisition by California-based Brocade in 2007, McDATA was a global leader in open storage networking solutions.

Instituted a strategic employee communications function, including the creation of a company-wide, global communication plan and overhaul of the company’s intranet portal to simplify user’s experience and create sense of community and connection among employees.

Created a Corporate Social Responsibility committee and strategy.

Developed and executed people strategy in connection with acquisition by Brocade of McDATA.

Qwest Communications International, Inc. Denver, CO

Chief Human Resources Officer 2002– 2005

Recruited back to company as part of new management team. Focused primarily on cultural transformation. Established and implemented HR strategy focusing on improved effectiveness and efficiency in delivering HR services, programmatic optimization and cultural transformation.

First Data Corporation Englewood, CO

Senior Vice President – Human Resource Services 2000 - 2002

Implemented new global Center of Excellence delivering an integrated compensation and benefits package and payroll for the company’s 27,000 employees globally, including global equity programs, direct pay, incentive compensation, welfare programs, retirement programs, and deferred compensation.

U S WEST, Inc. Denver, CO

Executive Director – Compensation, Organizational Development 1995 – 2000

and Corporate Counsel

Set strategy and directed all aspects of executive compensation and benefits, stock/stock option administration, non-executive compensation, organizational/leadership development and succession planning programs for the company.

As Director – Benefits, Executive Compensation & Senior Attorney:

Responsible for administration and design of $14 billion defined benefit pension plan, $6 billion 401(k) savings plan, SERP, deferred compensation plan, split dollar life insurance plan, service awards program and retiree awards program.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE (concurrent with HR responsibilities during 1997-2000)

U S WEST Denver, CO

Corporate Counsel 1995 – 2000

Holme Roberts & Owen LLC Denver, Colorado

Employee Benefits Associate 1992 - 1994

Johnson & Gibbs, P.C. Dallas, Texas

Employee Benefits Associate 1990 - 1992

General Description of Practice:

Designed, drafter and advised on all operational aspects of qualified, welfare and executive benefit plans, including defined benefit, money purchase pension, ESOP, 401(k), profit sharing, medical, disability, life, SERPs, deferred compensation, executive life insurance, long-term incentive compensation plans, stock plans and individually-negotiated pension arrangements.

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia, PA

Masters of Applied Positive Psychology, September 2014

Thesis: Good Grief: The Paradox of Thriving While Grieving a Child

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

New York City, NY

J.D., May 1990

Columbia Journal of Law and Social Problems

UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

Laramie, WY

B.S. with honors, May 1987

Major: Finance

CURRENT/PAST SERVICE ON BOARDS/PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/CERTIFICATIONS

SPHR Certification, Rec’d. 2008

Graduate of the Newfield Coach Training Program (accredited by International Coaching Federation)

Emergenetics, Int’l., Associate

Certified in Emotional Intelligence measurement (EQi)

Certified Mediator

Trained in Crucial Conversations

Mt. St. Vincent Home Board of Directors

CO Business Committee for the Arts, Membership Comm. Chair

INROADS Advisory Board

Science Matters Board of Directors

U S WEST Pioneer Advisory Board

Qwest Foundation Advisory Board

Women at Coors Executive Sponsor

National Hispanic Leadership Institute

Texas Bar Association

Colorado Bar Association

American Bar Association

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