Aaron Criss

A visionary and strategic Human Resources leader with a proven track record of driving organizational success through innovative HR strategies and initiatives. Adept at aligning HR functions with business goals to foster a culture of excellence and high performance with key operational leaders. Recognized for expertise in talent management, change management, and organizational development.

Human Resource Business Partner at Cayuga Health System (2024-01 – Present)

Collaborate closely with designated operational teams to assess, analyze, and identify current and projected human resource needs. Engage in active, open communication with all stakeholders to ensure that human resource solutions are aligned with both immediate and strategic objectives. Utilize established policies, procedures, and best practices as guiding principles, ensuring a consistent and compliant approach to staffing, employee development, and resource allocation.

• Provided direct Human Resources support to ancillary hospital services, and hospital medical group teams
• Engaged in practice acquisitions overseen by two distinct operational leaders, culminating in the direct recruitment of individuals to the organization
• Collaborated with HRBP team to implement a performance management system for the 2024 annual review process

Sr. Human Resource Business Partner at UPMC (2020-01 – 2024-01)

Drive change management practices to enable organizational effectiveness, incorporating diversity & inclusion strategy to foster a culture of inclusion to maximize all skills in the workforce. Foster HR Business Partner relationships by independently partnering with leaders consistently on business objectives and providing strategic counsel and analytics in support of goal attainment. Demonstrate capabilities and professional knowledge, and the ability to assimilate to new knowledge.

• Lead HR all Human Resource functions for two critical access hospitals, one skilled unit and three skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, regional oversight of rehabilitation services, regional oversight for hospital security services
• Engaged in discussions with the local Nurses Union
• Conducted monthly strategic meetings with clinical leaders focusing conversations on Press Ganey feedback, financial performance, and attrition/retention efforts to maintain a 14% turnover goal

SR. HR Analyst - Curriculum Development at Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (2018-01 – 2020-01)

Execute agency-wide consultations, learning needs assessments, and analyses to better ascertain training requirements and understand learning gaps. Lead front-end analysis and assess relevant characteristics of trainees and the training environment. Utilize SAP Learning Solutions to design theoretic training, develop courses, and execute training delivery.

Specify instructional strategies, write performance and behavioral objectives, and develop measurements and sequence objectives. Build job aids for initiatives that support employee growth. Develop new training programs and compose supporting documentation.

• Designed and led the implementation of a New Supervisor Training Program that was supplied organization wide
• Formulated a Human Resource Overview course that was used in support of the New Supervisor Training Program
• Led formalized evaluation of operations that identified training effectiveness and supported the development of new and updated program initiatives

Human Resource Generalist at Masterbrand Cabinets (2015-01 – 2018-01)

Managed the recruitment process, conducted new employee orientations, and managed the onboarding processes. Supported leadership and employee development through coaching, training, and presentations. Gained hands-on experience in a LEAN and Six Sigma environment, understanding the best methods to apply root cause analyses, and how to implement methods that reduce waste and defects.

Employed a nine-block grid format to administer salaried management reviews. Presented quarterly results to the Regional Human Resource (HR) manager paired with development plans for 12 salaried managers. Identified new methods to strengthen the management team; utilized performance improvement and development plans and established professional achievements goals throughout the year.

• Created and advanced a direct hiring model that rendered solid referrals for further hiring initiatives
• Secured a balance of 85% regular employees to 15% temporary employees
• Conducted focus groups that increased employee engagement, and in turn cut employee attrition from 8.7% to 7.06%
• Delivered a cost-of-living salary increase to hourly employees by executing an annual wage survey, both online and in person, within the local market to best calculate a new base wage

Sr. Human Resources Business Partner at Amazon Fulfillment (2012-01 – 2015-01)

Led change management initiatives, including implementing new performance management processes, flexible work arrangements and the creation of teams that reduced inefficiencies and improved performance. Established solid working relationships with senior leaders and provided guidance in workforce planning, performance assessment, improvement and management, and operational changes that supported organizational initiatives. Worked to improve the talent pool by assessing and developing a diverse blend of managers and employees.

• Outpaced set goal of an 80% balance of regular employees to 20% temporary employees

Human Resource Business Partner I at Amazon Fulfillment (2014-01 – 2015-01)

Promoted to role after only one year due to excellent performance and initiative. Delivered HR expertise in the areas of people strategies, talent planning, performance management, compensation, investigations, resolution of employee relations issues, and management and administration of all HR policies. Established daily and weekly timekeeping, payroll, and employee performance management goals.

• Played a critical support role during the 2014 and 2015 holiday season; created and administered peak seasonal plans that targeted increased operations volume for the HR and Salaried Management teams

Senior Human Resource Assistant III at Amazon Fulfillment (2012-01 – 2014-01)

Prepared and maintained employment records for events such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions. Interpreted and explained HR policies, procedures, laws, standards, and regulations. Processed, verified and maintained personnel related documentation, including training, grievances, performance evaluations, classifications, and employee leaves of absence.

• Actively ensured accuracy with all new hire paperwork, confidentiality and day-to-day functions

Assistant Manager at Kohl's (2010-01 – 2012-01)

Regional Trainer at Walmart (2008-01 – 2010-01)

Assistant Manager at Walmart (2007-01 – 2008-01)

Assistant Manager at Walmart (2005-01 – 2007-01)

Master of Science in Human Resource Management in Healthcare – Capella University

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Mansfield University

Professional Human Resource Management Certificate in Human Resource Management – Villanova University