Carla Griffin

Operations and Human Resources leader with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience guiding operations, human resources, organizational development, and strategic initiatives across public, nonprofit, retail, and entrepreneurial organizations. Known for improving operational performance, building HR infrastructure, leading change, implementing enterprise technology, and partnering with executive leadership to deliver measurable business results.

Experience includes recruitment, employee relations, compliance, payroll, facilities, budgeting, customer experience, and process improvement.

Interview Specialist at City of Los Angeles (2023-10 – Present)

• Conduct structured merit-based interviews and evaluate candidates using standardized selection criteria.
• Ensure equitable, legally defensible hiring practices while supporting recruitment across City departments.
• Collaborate with interview panels to reach consensus and maintain integrity throughout the hiring process.

Director of Administration, Human Resources & Operations at Saint Sophia Cathedral (2023-11 – 2026-06)

• Directed administration, HR, facilities, vendor management, payroll, benefits, employee relations, and compliance.
• Advised executive leadership on organizational planning, policy development, and strategic initiatives.
• Managed a $500K+ wedding and events program while improving operational efficiency through technology and process improvements.
• Oversaw facilities, security, contracts, budgeting, and cross-functional operations.

Director of Retail Operations at Fashion Nova (2018-11 – 2022-11)

• Directed retail operations with P&L accountability, strategic planning, and operational alignment.
• Reduced shrink from 1.3% to 0.8% through inventory management improvements.
• Delivered a 33% sales increase and reduced customer complaints 25% by redesigning omnichannel returns.
• Saved approximately $500K by automating hiring and reducing onboarding time from three days to 24 hours.

Director of Operations & Human Resources at The BlinkBar (2017-01 – 2019-05)

• Led operations, HR, recruiting, onboarding, payroll, and employee relations.
• Implemented POS, scheduling, and online booking systems while developing hiring and training programs.

Director of Operations & Human Resources at Simply Bridal (2017-09 – 2018-11)

• Provided operational and HR leadership supporting recruitment, onboarding, customer experience, and process improvements.

Director of Operations at Forever 21 (2013-08 – 2015-12)

• Directed operational initiatives supporting 500+ U.S. stores and 75 international locations.
• Led enterprise process improvement, workforce planning, technology implementation, and operational strategy.

Director of Retail Operations | Senior Retail Operations Manager | District Manager at BCBG Max Azria Group (2002-04 – 2013-08)

• Promoted through multiple leadership positions based on performance and results.
• Led store operations, workforce planning, new store openings, training, documentation, and strategic operational initiatives.

Human Resources – California State University, Dominguez Hills

Business / Merchandising – Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)