Talent Acquisition Employee Engagement
Resume:
DEMI GRAY Marietta, GA *********@*****.***
415-***-**** LinkedIn @iamdemigray
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Strategic and results-driven Human Resources Executive with over 15 years of experience leading HR operations within private equity-backed, publicly traded, and high-growth organizations in diverse industries including technology, manufacturing, industrial, and healthcare. Proven success in driving large-scale HR initiatives such as M&A integration, HR process optimization, change management, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. Adept at aligning HR strategies with business objectives to support organizational transformation, scalability, and operational excellence. Recognized for expertise in building high-performing teams, fostering organizational culture, driving HR compliance, and implementing innovative workforce solutions that enhance productivity and profitability. A trusted advisor to executive leadership, contributing to strategic business planning and ensuring sustainable talent development to support long-term organizational goals.
Author of The X Factor of Employee Engagement: Why Fostering Employee Motivation Should Be Every Company's Goal, a practical guide on enhancing employee satisfaction and organizational performance. Recognized for building high-performing teams, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, ensuring HR compliance, and driving large-scale organizational change.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• HR Strategy & Business Alignment
• Mergers, Acquisitions & Integrations (M&A)
• Organizational Development & Change Management
• Talent Acquisition & Retention Strategies
• Succession Planning & Leadership Development
• Labor Relations, Collective Bargaining, & Union Avoidance
• HR Technology Implementation & Process Optimization
• Compliance, Risk Management & Employment Law
• Compensation & Total Rewards Strategy
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Workforce Management
• Global Workforce Planning & Mobility
Key Achievements
Operational Efficiencies:
• Successfully managed P&L responsibility across multi-site operations, overseeing budgets exceeding $50 million, and implementing operational efficiencies that resulted in a 18% reduction in costs and a 6% improvement in EBITDA.
• Led initiatives to streamline processes and create synergies across business units by aligning workforce planning, technology integration, and talent strategies with organizational goals. These efforts contributed to a 21% increase in operational productivity, enhanced financial performance, and improved cross-functional collaboration, positioning the organization for scalable growth and long-term success. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Leadership:
• Successfully led HR integration for 70+ acquired practices at Southern Dental Alliance and OMS360 combined, ensuring cultural alignment, workforce stability, and operational efficiency.
• Spearheaded post-merger integration strategies that resulted in a 15% improvement in operational efficiency and reduced employee turnover by 30%.
HR Strategy & Organizational Development:
• Developed and executed comprehensive HR strategies aligned with business objectives, contributing to a 25% increase in employee engagement and a 20% improvement in workforce productivity.
• Designed and implemented talent management frameworks, leading to a 30% internal promotion rate across multiple organizations.
Compliance & Risk Management:
• Ensured compliance with DOT regulations, OSHA, FLSA, ADA, and FMCSA in the transportation and logistics sector, reducing compliance risks and incidents by 35%. 2
• Led the HR compliance strategy during Floor & Decor’s IPO preparation, aligning HR operations with SOX regulations and mitigating legal risks.
Talent Acquisition & Retention:
• Designed strategic physician recruitment initiatives, increasing hiring pipelines by 30% through partnerships with residency programs and professional associations.
• Developed employer branding and retention strategies, reducing turnover by 67% and improving employee engagement scores by 65%.
Process Improvement & Technology Implementation:
• Led the implementation of a new HRIS system, streamlining workforce data management and improving operational efficiency by 20%.
• Developed and launched data-driven performance measurement programs, enhancing leadership development and succession planning.
Labor Relations & Union Management:
• Negotiated and managed collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) at Brookdale Senior Living and Trulite Glass, fostering positive labor relations and mitigating risks.
• Designed and executed employee engagement programs to address labor concerns, leading to a 25% reduction in grievances.
Compensation & Benefits Strategy:
• Designed and implemented competitive compensation and benefits strategies across multiple organizations, ensuring market competitiveness and workforce satisfaction.
• Introduced incentive programs tied to operational performance, resulting in a 10% increase in productivity and improved employee retention.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program Implementation:
• Designed and implemented a DEI program aimed at fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Developed policies, training modules, and engagement initiatives that increased employee awareness and participation by 40%, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Thought Leadership & Publications:
• Published The X Factor of Employee Engagement: Why Fostering Employee Motivation Should Be Every Company's Goal, offering actionable strategies to enhance workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
• Speaker at industry conferences such as SHRM Annual Conference and HR Tech Summit, sharing insights on HR best practices and organizational transformation. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Organizational Growth Partner
PeopUp (formerly AMD) Kennesaw, GA
03/2021 – Present
• Developed and executed a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with corporate objectives, utilizing workforce analytics to drive decisions that support business growth and market competitiveness.
• Led organizational transformation initiatives, including change management efforts, talent development programs, and workforce restructuring, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum engagement.
• Designed and implemented a talent management framework integrating recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and career development, leading to a 30% improvement in internal promotions.
• Developed succession planning programs to identify high-potential employees and created development roadmaps to strengthen the leadership pipeline.
• Served as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing insights on workforce planning, organizational health, and leadership development.
• Consolidated HR processes and implemented HRIS systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, achieving a 25% reduction in administrative overhead. 3
Chief People & Culture Officer
OMS360 Cumming, GA
04/2022 – 05/2024
• Orchestrated HR strategy to support rapid expansion, leading the successful consolidation and integration of 20+ practices while ensuring cultural alignment and operational efficiency.
• Designed and implemented a compensation and benefits strategy, aligning with market standards to attract and retain top-tier clinical and administrative talent.
• Introduced employee engagement programs, achieving a 20% increase in satisfaction scores by focusing on professional development and recognition initiatives.
• Developed recruitment pipelines in collaboration with universities and professional associations to support the long-term growth of the business.
• Led initiatives to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), embedding inclusive practices across the organization.
Chief HR and Administrative Officer
Southern Dental Alliance Kennesaw, GA
11/2017 – 03/2021
• Directed HR operations across a network of 50+ acquired dental practices, overseeing HR functions including compliance, talent acquisition, workforce planning, and leadership development.
• Southern Dental Alliance Continued… Led union avoidance initiatives by fostering a positive work environment, improving employee relations practices, and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
• Designed a leadership development framework that resulted in a 25% increase in internal talent movement into senior leadership roles.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to standardize HR policies and integrate HR technology systems, ensuring seamless HR service delivery across locations.
• Partnered with executives to develop workforce strategies that supported business expansion, addressing talent gaps and ensuring alignment with operational goals. VP of Human Resources
Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions Peachtree City, GA 11/2015 – 10/2017
• Developed and implemented comprehensive safety programs, reducing workplace incidents by 30% through proactive employee training and OSHA compliance measures.
• Spearheaded the consolidation of HR processes across multiple manufacturing facilities, leading to a 15% reduction in operational costs.
• Managed complex labor union negotiations, ensuring fair employment terms while maintaining operational continuity and mitigating risk.
• Implemented workforce development programs to align talent capabilities with business objectives, resulting in a 20% improvement in production efficiency.
Corporate Director of Human Resources
Floor & Decor Smyrna, GA
07/2013 – 10/2015
• Led HR strategy and operations during the company’s rapid expansion and preparation for IPO, ensuring HR compliance and workforce readiness.
• Partnered with executive leadership to assess and enhance compensation structures, incentive plans, and executive pay strategies in alignment with shareholder expectations.
• Spearheaded process improvement initiatives to create efficiencies and ensure compliance with SOX regulations, reducing risk exposure.
• Designed and executed comprehensive employee engagement and retention programs, resulting in improved morale and productivity.
4
Divisional Director of Human Resources
Emeritus Senior Living (now Brookdale Senior Living) Seattle, WA 02/2011 – 07/2013
• Managed HR operations across senior living communities, leading efforts in talent acquisition, employee relations, and regulatory compliance within a highly regulated environment.
• Acted as a key liaison during collective bargaining negotiations, ensuring compliance with employment laws and enhancing employee relations.
• Developed employee engagement programs, leading to a 20% increase in satisfaction and retention levels.
• Oversaw OSHA compliance and workplace safety programs, achieving a 15% improvement in incident prevention.
Director of Human Resources
Refrigerated Holdings, Inc. Atlanta, GA
02/2009 – 01/2011
• Spearheaded HR strategy and operations for a leading transportation and logistics company, ensuring compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(FMCSA) standards, and OSHA requirements.
• Successfully led HR efforts during mergers and divestitures, developing integration strategies and aligning talent management processes to support business growth objectives.
• Designed and implemented safety and risk management programs, reducing workplace incidents by 35% and ensuring regulatory compliance through enhanced driver safety training initiatives.
• Managed the implementation of a new HRIS system, streamlining workforce data management and improving operational efficiency by 20%.
• Partnered with operations leadership to optimize driver recruitment and retention strategies, resulting in a 25% improvement in fleet staffing levels and reduced turnover.
• Developed workforce planning strategies to address key operational challenges in logistics, including scheduling, compensation alignment, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Led compliance audits and internal assessments to identify and address regulatory risks related to employment law, payroll, and benefits administration. HR Business Partner
NorthgateArinso (now Alight Solutions) Norcross, GA 06/2005 – 02/2009
• Managed HR operations for global clients, overseeing BPO workforce strategies, performance optimization, and talent management.
• Led efforts in immigration compliance, managing H-1B sponsorships and global mobility programs to support talent acquisition initiatives.
• Standardized HR policies and procedures across client accounts, improving process efficiency by 25%.
• Partnered with senior leaders to develop workforce planning solutions, ensuring alignment with business growth objectives.
• Led HR compliance initiatives for H-1B visa sponsorship, PERM applications, and global mobility, ensuring legal adherence while optimizing talent mobility.
PUBLICATIONS & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Author: The X Factor of Employee Engagement: Why Fostering Employee Motivation Should Be Every Company's Goal. A comprehensive guide offering strategies to improve employee motivation and organizational performance through effective HR policies and leadership practices.
• Speaker, Google Management Development Application, OMS Leadership Summit
• Contributor, HR Strategies for M&A Success, SHRM Annual Conference
• Panelist, Employee Engagement in the Age of Digital Transformation, HR Tech Summit
• Contributor, "Developing a High-Performance Workforce," HR Executive Magazine 5
EDUCATION
• PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology Special Course Projects o Organizational Change Management Case Study:
Conducted an in-depth analysis of change management strategies in healthcare organizations post- acquisition. Evaluated the impact of leadership communication, employee resistance, and organizational culture on successful change initiatives. Developed an actionable framework to improve employee adaptation rates by 30%.
o Leadership Development Program Design:
Designed a comprehensive leadership development framework for mid-level managers in a Fortune 500 manufacturing company, incorporating 360-degree feedback assessments, competency mapping, and coaching interventions.
• MBA in Human Resources Management and Strategy Special Course Projects o Mergers & Acquisitions HR Integration Plan:
Created an end-to-end HR integration plan for a simulated merger scenario in the manufacturing industry. Addressed cultural alignment, compliance challenges, and workforce planning strategies to ensure seamless transitions.
o Strategic Compensation and Rewards Design:
Developed a total rewards framework that aligned with organizational objectives and market competitiveness (of employer). The plan included salary benchmarking, incentive structures, and benefits optimization, enhancing the company’s ability to attract and retain top talent while maintaining financial sustainability.
• BS in Business Management
CERTIFICATIONS
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Training - testing April 2025
• SHRM-SCP Training – testing May 2025
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• EQ-i, EQ-i 360 Certified
AFFILIATIONS
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
• American Management Association (AMA)
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)
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