Joanne Carmichael

Employee Relations professional with extensive experience in supporting employees, leaders, and HR teams within a complex professional services environment. Skilled in employee relations case management, workplace conduct matters, intake and fact-finding support, accommodations, policy guidance, and confidential employee advisory. Certified in Mental Health First Aid at Work and recognized for navigating sensitive workplace situations with sound judgment, discretion, and a calm, steady approach.

Experienced collaborating with HR, Legal, Ethics & Compliance, Security, and business leaders to support fair, consistent outcomes while mitigating organizational risk.

Senior Associate, HR – People Relations Advisor - KPMG LLP - Fort Lauderdale, FL

(2021-10)

Supported a client group of approximately 500 employees and leaders across multiple U.S. states, managing employee relations inquiries involving conduct concerns, workplace conflict, accommodations, and other sensitive workplace situations. Led workplace conduct processes through intake, fact-finding, risk assessment, and coordination with HR, Legal, Ethics & Compliance, and Security partners. Advised employees and managers on firm policies, workplace concerns, available resources, and appropriate resolution pathways.

Maintained thorough case documentation and audit-ready records to support consistent, compliant case management.

• Prevented escalation of post-separation risk by conducting immediate assessments, coordinating Security response, and ensuring timely system and building access removal.
• Mitigated organizational and legal risk by partnering with leadership on complex employee matters, supporting consistent, well-documented outcomes.
• Collaborated with Legal, Wellness, Operations, and HR teams to support timely and effective case resolution.
• Selected to mentor and onboard new People Relations professionals, helping standardize case-handling practices and employee support processes.
• Recipient of multiple Celebrate Great Awards recognizing professionalism, discretion, responsiveness, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Recipient of KPMG's 2022 Award of Distinction for outstanding performance, leadership, collaboration, and commitment to firm values.

HR Associate – Employee Relations & Conduct Matters - KPMG LLP - Fort Lauderdale, FL

(2006-11 - 2021-09)

Performed intake assessments for employee relations and conduct matters, documenting findings and recommending appropriate next steps, closure, or escalation. Assisted with employees navigating workplace accommodations, medical concerns, leaves of absence, and other sensitive employment matters through resources coordination, and policy-consistent support. Interacted with HR, Legal, Ethics & Compliance, and Security teams to support resolution of complex employee relations issues.

• Reviewed background check discrepancies and collaborated with Firmwide Security and business leaders to assess findings and support informed hiring decisions.
• Stabilized high-pressure employee situations through fact gathering, assessment, and clear communication.
• Built employee trust through strict confidentiality, practical guidance, and effective connection to appropriate resources and support programs.

Senior Administrative Assistant, Office of General Counsel

• Served as a liaison between Legal and HR teams, facilitating communication on employee-related matters.
• Managed confidential legal records & documentation while maintaining strict information governance standards.
• Assisted attorneys with scheduling, correspondence, document preparation, and administrative coordination in a highly confidential environment.

High School Diploma - St. Joseph High School