Diane O'Ball

Strategic, data-driven HR executive with progressive experience building and transforming HR functions that align people strategies with business objectives. Trusted advisor to executive leadership with a proven track record of driving organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, talent management, leadership development, and culture transformation across corporate, manufacturing, distribution, entrepreneurial, and not-for-profit environments. Recognized for combining strategic vision with hands-on execution to lead organizational change, optimize HR operations, strengthen leadership capability, and enhance employee engagement while delivering measurable business results.

Human Resources Manager at Canada's National Ballet School (2021-01 – Present)

Strategic HR partner to the Leadership Team, developing and executing HR strategies, talent initiatives, and organizational development programs that support business objectives and organizational growth

• Developed and implemented a multi-year HR strategic roadmap, advancing EDI, operational excellence, and employee experience, increasing the proportion of employees rated as high performers by 64% (from 14% to 23%), over 4 years, while achieving key strategic objectives
• Directed all HR functions, reducing voluntary turnover from 18% to 13% and maintaining an average 30-day time-to-fill rate over four years
• Leveraged HR metrics and workforce analytics to identify trends, including patterns from exit interviews, translating insights into leadership development strategies that enhanced management capability, supported workforce planning, and improved organizational performance
• Led and developed a team of 4 HR professionals, strengthening HR capability, improving service delivery, and providing strategic support to a workforce of 300+ employees
• Directed HR financial planning and stewardship of a $12M+ salary budget, aligning workforce planning, compensation, and staffing sustainment or reduction strategies with funding availability while maintaining operational effectiveness

Senior Human Resources Manager at Aurum (2019-01 – 2020-12)

Directed enterprise-wide HR and administrative functions, including employee relations, talent acquisition, total rewards, compliance, governance, and executive coaching, supporting a workforce of 150 employees across 4 provinces

• Developed and implemented organization-wide HR policies and pandemic response protocols across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring 100% regulatory compliance while maintaining business continuity and employee safety
• Provided strategic leadership and development for the HR function, driving process improvements, enhancing the employee experience, and increasing operational effectiveness across the organization

Manager, Human Resources & Administration at Mobis Parts Canada Corporation (2014-01 – 2019-12)

Served as the organization's first employee and inaugural HR leader, building the HR function from inception and establishing the policies, programs, HR systems, and infrastructure that supported growth from 1 to 200 employees and enabled long-term scalability

• Led the successful integration of three distinct organizations into one unified employer, developing and implementing harmonized HR policies, programs, and practices that strengthened equity, consistency, governance, and employee experience, achieving a 90% employee acceptance rating throughout the organizational transformation
• Partnered with senior leadership to develop and execute people strategies aligned with business objectives, improving organizational effectiveness reflecting a 7% increase in employee engagement, 20% improvement in retention
• Led and developed a multidisciplinary team of 4 HR, Administration, and Facilities professionals, enhancing organizational capability, elevating service delivery, and providing strategic HR leadership and operational support for a workforce of 200+ employees

Human Resources Manager at Trimark Sportswear Group (2012-01 – 2014-12)

Human Resources Manager at Nationwide Appraisal Services Inc. (2010-01 – 2011-12)

Senior Manager, Human Resources & Payroll at Universal Energy Corp. (2008-01 – 2009-12)

Human Resources Manager at Mayhew and Associates (2000-01 – 2008-12)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – York University

Certificate in Human Resources Management – Seneca College