Most Recommended Strategic Human Resources Experts

Proven ability to impact human resource effectiveness and decrease operational costs. Advisor to management interpreting and resolving employee relations, compensation, staffing and benefit issues. Goals: support business strategy and drive performance. Key character traits include leadership, assertiveness, reliability, and practical business sense.Specialties: Employee Relations Organizational Development Legal Compliance Staffing and Employment

Strategic HR Leader | Driving Culture Transformation | Data-Driven Talent Strategies for Future-Ready Organizations | HR Podcast Host & Conference Speaker 🚀

Strategic Human Resources Leader with demonstrated success leading organizational development and human resources strategies toward improving business performance. Expertise lies in strategic planning, change management, performance management, talent acquisition and learning & development. Proven ability to collaborate with senior management and create a human capital culture emphasizing goal attainment, and superior workforce optimization. Strong HR leadership during restructuring and acquisitions. Exceptional communicator, negotiator, and problem solver.

Human Resources Executive with over 23 years of progressive generalist experience including performance management, leadership development, recruiting, retention, benefits administration, conflict resolution, employee relations, labor relations, training development, training facilitation, risk management, and policy development and administration. Demonstrated ability to develop strategic partnerships within all levels of the organization to facilitate the accomplishment of system-wide goals. Human Resources knowledge in many sectors including union and non-union, PK-12 public education, property management, manufacturing, and hospitality and tourism industries.

I've been called the most "crunchy" HR person my clients have ever met. . .But I'm also chock-full of experience and credentials. I hold a Masters in Human Resources and Labor Relations with an emphasis in Training and Development from Penn State, a Bachelor's in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archaeology, and a minor in the Philosophy of Religion.I am a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources through HRCI, and certified in learner-centered teaching through Cambridge's CELTA program.I am a member of the Santa Cruz County Business Council and Society for Human Resources. Formerly I have been a member of these boards of directors: Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board, Homeless Garden Project, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, and the Santa Cruz Downtown Association. Additionally, I was appointed by Santa Cruz City Council to Co-Chair the Community Advisory Committee on Homelessness.I'm also a mom who birthed at home attended by a midwife, a doula and my husband. I believe that it's important for us, especially as working mothers, to regain sovereignty of our bodies and to decrease the day-to-day stress in our lives so that we can be healthier and happier. Otherwise what's the point of all this anyway?

I am a strategic HR leader and SHRM-SCP certified professional with over a decade of progressive experience spanning corporate HR, higher education, and mission-driven nonprofit organizations. I specialize in leading people-first HR initiatives, streamlining recruitment operations, and driving talent strategies that align with business objectives and organizational culture. Throughout my career, I’ve built and led high-performing HR teams, partnered with executive leadership to shape workforce strategy, and implemented scalable solutions in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and compliance. Whether leading end-to-end recruitment, optimizing DEI sourcing strategies, or advising senior leaders on talent planning, I bring a data-driven mindset, a collaborative approach, and a deep commitment to creating inclusive, high-impact workplaces. Currently serving as Director of Human Resources at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Manchester, I lead HR strategy and operations in support of a purpose-driven mission. My prior roles at Southern New Hampshire University and Target Corporation honed my skills in performance management, employee relations, and cross-functional leadership in both corporate and academic environments.

Experienced Senior Human Resources Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in multiple industries through HR consulting. Skilled in Employee Relations, Policies and Procedures, Learning and Performance and Organizational Development. Strong human resources professional with a BS focused in Human Resources Management from Ball State University - College of Business.

I specialize in helping startups and growing companies develop people and talent strategies that align with business goals, driving impact and action. With two decades of experience in building and scaling HR and recruiting functions from the ground up across various industries, I understand the challenges fast-growing companies face. My approach is simple: I view HR, talent operations, and company culture like a product that must evolve to meet the needs of the business and its people. I focus on practical, data-informed, and scalable strategies and frameworks that attract, develop, and retain talent. ✨ Career Highlights 1️⃣ Scaled a global two-sided marketplace by 120% headcount growth, driving hiring across multiple countries while sustaining a 91% employee retention rate and a 4.9/5.0 eNPS, fueling tech/product and operational performance. 2️⃣ Led 300% headcount growth, including expanding into Europe for a VC-backed Biotech moving from R&D to commercialization, while maintaining 2.5/3.0 quality of hire score and contributing to a culture that earned a "Top Workplace" award for 3 years in a row. 3️⃣ Achieved 700% headcount growth across 20+ states for an IT Services Defense Contractor, driving revenue growth of $100M+ a year with a team where 95%+ rated the company as "excellent/very good" place to work. 4️⃣ Designed and rolled out custom leadership development programs to upskill current and emerging leaders, directly aligned with company strategy and future org needs. 5️⃣ Took on broader operational leadership by successfully overseeing key business functions (Administration & Office Management, Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), Facilities, Real Estate, Security, and IT) during periods of rapid growth and change. 🗺️ Teams: Global, Remote, Hybrid & Distributed ✅ Experience: HR/People Strategy, Coaching, Leadership Development, Performance & Development, Talent Acquisition, Recruiting & Onboarding, Total Rewards (Compensation & Benefits), Multi-state and Global Payroll, People (HRIS) & Talent (ATS) Operations Systems Implementation, Employee Experience, People Data & Analytics 🏢 Industries: Software Marketplace, Biotech, CPG, IT Services Defense Contractor, Bootstrapped and VC-Backed Startups, Series A-D, Private, Non-Profit

With experience in team leadership, project management and corporate communications, my diverse background enables quick connection with clients and coworkers alike. * Highly analytical thinker with a talent for motivating and coordinating teams dedicated to continuous process improvement * Strong leader with a continuous passion for learning to apply best practices and achieve mission-critical milestones throughout a project's lifecycle * An excellent listener and effective communicator able to positively respond to clients’ needs and concerns * Ability to take initiative and work independently, yet a great collaborator

Diverse work experiences enriched me with a holistic and sustainability oriented People & Culture perspective which helps businesses shape and reach strategic goals. I feel the flow when fostering positive workplace cultures. Values (when truly lived by) hold an important role in company's success and I've been happy to lead few value implementation projecs that shook some ground;) I'm striving to create environments where team members feel empowered, valued and driven to succeed. I would also call myself burnout prevention advocate, that is why I'm committed to promoting employee well-being, helping individuals thrive both personally and professionally.

An HR Executive with a knack for shaking things up and empowering talent. With a…

ABOUT SARA: Sara Gallagher is President of The Persimmon Group and a recognized expert in PMO leadership, project portfolio management, and strategy execution. Sara helps organizations transform their Project Management Offices into high-impact engines for business value, drawing on more than 15 years of experience advising executives and leading enterprise projects. A frequent speaker, author, and instructor, Sara has contributed to PMI’s global standards, taught thousands of professionals through her Udemy courses, and delivered keynotes on PMO transformation and the future of project leadership. She is known for making complex project management concepts clear, actionable, and engaging. Based in Tulsa and a graduate of Emory University, Sara is also the creator of the “Big Dumb Questions” newsletter on LinkedIn. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND EXPERTISE Sara’s work blends the disciplines of project management and organizational effectiveness, with a focus on: - Strategy Execution - PMO Design and Evolution - Leading Organizational Change - Executive Coaching - Building Cultures of Accountability and Trust Sara’s consulting portfolio spans a wide range of industries—including energy, finance, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and technology—where she partners with both Fortune 500 powerhouses and fast-moving startups. Her experience cuts across project types, from industrial mega-projects and enterprise software rollouts to HR and people transformation initiatives. Whether the challenge is scale, speed, or stakeholder complexity, Sara brings a strategic, systems-minded approach that helps organizations turn complexity into clarity—and ambitious ideas into measurable progress.

Passionate about transforming complex HR and payroll systems into strategic business drivers. With a background spanning global consulting, public speaking, and project leadership, I bring an analytical mind, creative energy, and relentless drive to every initiative. Whether leading HRIS implementations, launching AI-powered solutions, or planning purpose-driven events, I thrive in fast-paced, high-impact environments. Lifelong do-gooder, committed to using tech and teamwork to build better businesses—and better lives.

At Ashford Communities, my focus as the Global VP of HR & People is to cultivate a forward-thinking environment where our team implements cutting-edge HR strategies. These strategies are aimed at nurturing talent, enhancing employee engagement, and leveraging technology for smarter decision-making. With an MBA from Texas A&M University, my leadership is grounded in solid educational foundations and enriched by my dedication to people and business success. The organization has benefited from my expertise in organizational design, where comprehensive employee benefits and training programs have been key to our success. Our HR initiatives are tailored to not only attract top talent but also to ensure their growth and retention, contributing to Ashford Communities' reputation as a people-first organization. Collaborating with the Hacking HR forum has further refined my approach to integrating technology and HR, keeping us at the forefront of the Future of Work.

I’m Jenni Stone, a self-described “enigma” in the HR world. With tattoos, vibrant hair, and a passion for people, I bring an unconventional, engaging approach to HR and learning. As the founder of Quick Red Squirrel Learning, I offer on-demand, bite-sized training that’s not only informative but fun and relevant for today’s professionals.With 10+ years of HR consulting, I’ve guided hundreds of small businesses nationwide, assisting them in compliance, leadership, and development initiatives. My approach to HR and training is simple: people first. From developing ethical policies to creating interactive learning experiences, I aim to make HR more accessible and effective for all.In my current role as an HR Consultant and Director, I combine my HR expertise with a commitment to lifelong learning, always finding innovative ways to support employees, leaders, and fellow HR pros. Connect with me if you’re passionate about people-centered HR, on-demand learning, or just want to chat about how to create a more engaging workplace!

Recruiting isn’t just a job for me — it’s a calling. There’s no greater reward than connecting the right person to the right role and knowing I’ve helped shape the future of a team. I do this work because it matters — and because I’m really, really good at it. I don’t just fill roles — I build alliances. Over the years I've grown a partnership mindset that turns hiring managers into collaborators, and I regularly advise on talent strategy, market intel, and process improvements. I operate with business acumen and strategic foresight — a true right-hand to leadership. With well over a decade of full-cycle recruiting under my belt—across technical, business, GTM, sales/marketing roles—I’m the recruitingSHEro you’ve been looking for. I am unapologetically obsessed with building a world-class candidate experience for every job seeker I come in contact with. Creating positive hiring experiences is my jam! Let me help you elevate your processes to do the same! I’ve got deep roots in HR technology, from standing up and running systems like Greenhouse and Jobvite to using data to tell the real story behind hiring trends. I know how to dig into metrics, present what matters to leadership, and turn insights into action. My wheelhouse also includes employer branding, DEI recruiting, streamlining processes, and crafting strategies for hiring inclusive, high-performing teams. Think of me as your strategic partner and recruiting nerd in residence—someone who brings a consultative, data-informed approach and gets things done. Whether you're hiring full-time, part-time, or project-based. I’m scrappy, adaptable, and always focused on impact. Let’s talk—I’m ready to help you build teams that not only win - but thrive!

With over 20 years of executive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, I am passionate about creating positive social impact and system change through collaboration, strategy, and innovation. As the Executive Director of HealthForce Partners Northern San Joaquin Valley, I lead a cross-sector partnership that connects healthcare, education, and workforce development to mitigate workforce shortages and build career opportunities in the region. My core competencies include business development, fundraising, communication, marketing, event planning, and board and staff development. I hold the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential and have successfully planned and executed large-scale events and campaigns, secured impactful gifts, and modernized processes and systems. I also have a background in sports marketing and media, technology startups, consulting and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. I enjoy building lasting relationships and sustainable partnerships with diverse stakeholders.