Jenny Gunderson

Data-driven and innovative Human Resources executive with 25+ years of experience improving performance, profitability, growth, and employee engagement. Proven expertise in strategic HR leadership, talent and leadership development, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, performance management, and HR technology.

HR Consultant at Gro HR Consulting (2026-04 – Present)

• Provide strategic HR consulting to small and mid-sized businesses, supporting employee relations, performance management, compliance, and organizational development.
• Partner with business leaders to develop practical HR solutions that strengthen employee engagement, retention, and business performance.
• Advise clients on employment practices, policies, benefits, recruitment, and HR initiatives while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

Caregiver at Family Caregiver (2024-04 – 2026-04)

Prioritized caring for my family after losing my spouse to cancer in May 2023.

Human Resources (HR) Manager at CarlsonSV (2021-05 – 2024-04)

• Managed compensation and benefits programs, reducing medical costs by 27% in 2021 through broker negotiations and competitive rate analysis.
• Oversaw performance management for 75 employees and implemented targeted development programs for employees requiring performance improvement.
• Ensured compliance with corporate, state, and federal requirements, including ADA, ADEA, and FMLA.
• Led recruitment initiatives and partnered with area colleges to develop and promote the internship program.
• Coached managers and employees on professional development and implemented leadership development opportunities.

Human Resources (HR) Manager at South Slope Cooperative Communications (2019-01 – 2021-05)

• Developed and administered training programs for 85 employees, strengthening onboarding, development, and performance.
• Led performance management initiatives and targeted development programs, contributing to a 23% improvement in company performance over two years.
• Ensured compliance with corporate, state, and federal requirements, including ADA, ADEA, and FMLA.
• Strengthened talent acquisition efforts, contributing to a 12% increase in sales over ten months, including six months during the pandemic.

Human Resources (HR) Manager at Smith Schafer and Associates (2014-08 – 2018-02)

• Launched mentorship and leadership development initiatives, increasing employee engagement by 22%.
• Supported acquisitions through workforce integration, role alignment, and due diligence, expanding personnel by 35%.
• Oversaw employee relations matters, including workplace concerns and conflict resolution, while coaching managers on effective employee practices.
• Oversaw employee investigations, gathering information, documenting findings, and helping ensure fair, consistent resolution.
• Enhanced hiring practices to support equity and inclusion, contributing to a 7% increase in diversity.
• Leveraged HRIS technology to optimize staffing, recruitment, benefits, and leadership development processes.

Human Resources Director at Zumbrota Health Services (2011-11 – 2014-07)

• Streamlined the RFP process, generating $40,000 in cost reductions.
• Resolved workplace disputes through collaborative, equitable employee-relations solutions.
• Streamlined recruiting through partnerships with local nursing programs, reducing recruiting costs by 20%.

Compensation & Benefits Analyst at Treasure Island Resort & Casino (2005-05 – 2010-05)

HR Generalist at Treasure Island Resort & Casino (2010-05 – 2011-10)

Professional Development at Self-Directed Professional Development (2018-03 – 2019-12)

Relocated to Iowa while caring for family; remained current on HR regulations through SHRM membership, webinars, newsletters, blogs, articles, and other professional resources.

Associate of Arts in Communications – Waldorf College

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Human Resources – University of Northern Iowa