Denise Katakis

Inspiring Human Resources Executive, Performance and Organizational Change Leader. Track record of elevating corporate culture by creating productive, accountable, workplaces. Strong consultative advisor & coach, providing expertise across HR functional areas.

Primary Industries: IT, Cyber Security, Real Estate, Construction, Hospitality

Director of People Operations - Spartan Contracting Corporation

(2024-12)

Began consulting with Spartan in June 2024 and hired as the company's first full-time HR Executive. Responsible for driving corporate strategy, culture building, employee success, recruiting, engagement & retention. Current projects focus on Paycor buildout, transforming performance management, coaching managers and recruiting for critical roles.

• Saved Spartan $200,000+ year over year by bringing recruiting internal and eliminating agency fees

Director of Human Resources (Consultant) - Multiple Clients

(2020-08 - 2024-11)

Interim or Fractional People Operations Leader and hands-on HRBP for multiple clients. Analyzed HR programs to make customized process improvement recommendations to senior leadership. Drove change management and crafted employee communications for full scope of HR functions. Recruited & onboarded for critical roles. Selected and implemented HR technology solutions. Responsible for culture building, employee success, engagement & retention.

• HR project management, resolve complex employee relations matters, policy updates
• Design & administer benefits, complete annual pay equity analysis and performance and compensation reviews
• Conduct annual surveys and report on HR activities & results

Director of Human Resources - Geographic Solutions, Inc.

(2019-04 - 2020-06)

Led Human Resources and Talent Acquisition teams.

• Increased retention by 12% in one (1) year
• Selected and implemented Paylocity HRIS, web-based performance management and applicant tracking system
• Redesigned corporate annual strategic planning and KPI development process linked to annual merit bonus awards
• Developed engagement surveys
• Organized Town Hall events
• Provided leadership training and coaching
• Oversaw apprenticeship program
• Managed $26,000 Workforce Training Grant

Director of Human Resources and Talent - Integrated Solutions Management

(2016-08 - 2019-04)

Led HR processes and people strategies for this rapidly growing technology consulting company. Advised executive team on People matters as the company tripled in size. Consultative Partner to business unit managers.

• Created Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Orientation, Onboarding and Performance Feedback processes
• Sourced and hired 60 highly skilled technical resources in 1 year
• Established recruiting approaches for targeted populations (Veterans, Campus, Government Clearance)

Director of Human Resources - Sherman Associates, Inc.

(2012-06 - 2015-08)

Contributed to corporate growth & accountability goals as a key member of the management team for this real estate development and property management company. Scaled HR operations as the company grew from 200 to 450 employees.

• Led human capital process improvement initiative which included compensation planning & analysis
• Created new salary grades aligned with career steps
• Organizational development, leadership strategy, drove full cycle talent acquisition, employee relations, internal and communications
• Managed and implemented affirmative action plan, diversity initiatives and EEO reporting
• Supervised 6 employees responsible for payroll & benefits, recruiting, & safety

Director of Human Resources - BMC Group, LLC

(2006-02 - 2011-12)

Business Partner to C-level executives and departments heads of IT/legal solutions firm. Implemented human capital goals that contributed to growth and productivity in U.S. and International offices.

• Recruited management level executives in IT, Sales, Finance & Marketing
• Conducted compensation surveys for annual raises and bonus allocations
• Created sales incentive plans
• Processed payroll
• Managed total rewards and compensation planning

MA - Education - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

BA - Political Science - University of Massachusetts, Boston