Kate Lawrence

Accomplished Human Resources Professional with a proven track record of developing strategic programs through innovative, collaborative strategies and relationship management. Specialize in talent acquisition and employee experience, including developing comprehensive onboarding, training, and internship programs to build high-performance cultures. Known for exceptional tenacity in enhancing the employee experience and success metrics, including improving onboarding for new hires and boosting retention.

Recognized for an empathetic and transparent approach to leadership and ensuring sustainable success and long-term value.

HR Director/Executive Director at SAM Foundation (2023-04 – 2023-11)

• Executed the foundation's strategic vision; Created processes and procedures that led business decisions, which drove organizational growth
• Collaborated with the board of directors and identified, created, and implemented strategic plans to actualize business objectives
• Recruited, trained, and developed a talented team of employees who led critical departments and managed strategic business functions
• Monitored company operations and ensured employees and business practices complied with regulatory and legal requirements
• Formed partnerships with company stakeholders, shareholders, and industry regulators
• Identified potential sources of investment and organized fundraising efforts
• Represented the company at social and corporate events to boost the brand and share the organization's message
• Secured a grant through the Hope Squad; Facilitated the foundation to implement a suicide prevention program within 4 local AL schools
• Simplified and streamlined the requirements of sponsoring a fundraising walk; Launched and executed a Walk Toolkit for organizations to access from the website and utilize in initiating a fundraising walk
• Researched, established, and integrated an industry-leading CRM and fundraising management system, Network For Good, Improved data management, fundraising capabilities, and increased donation efficiency
• Crafted and implemented fundraising forms and toolkits; Improved operational efficiencies for 2023 year-end financials by transitioning from a negative in all previous years to a surplus in 2023

HR/Executive Administrator at SAM Foundation (2022-08 – 2023-04)

• Collaborated with senior management and performed advanced administrative, HR, and managerial tasks
• Managed Network for Good Donation and CRM systems; Created registrations for events and landing pages, input new donors, and trained individuals regularly
• Developed employee handbooks and all compliance materials
• Established annual budget and designed year-end reporting presentations
• Notified team and maintained website calendars to preserve consistency in scheduling
• Wrote agendas for meetings, including weekly and board meetings
• Generated and organized electronic files for the team and board
• Updated the website via WordPress; Devised, wrote, and edited newsletters, email campaigns, and social media content

HR Manager at Dunn Paper (2019-12 – 2020-06)

• Maximized company results by leading and delivering key HR processes, and programs, including People Strategy, Workforce Planning, Succession Planning, Employee Relations, Performance Management, and HR process improvement initiatives
• Coached senior leaders regarding leadership, communications, and other sensitive topics
• Managed employee relations investigations
• Served as a key contributor to Mississippi Mill's strategic plans and objectives
• Led the development and execution of the functional people strategy that responded to the specific mill needs
• Negotiated union contracts and managed union grievances

HR Business Partner at ANDRITZ, Inc. (2018-03 – 2019-12)

• Directed the APO and PMP divisions within the organization, both start-up divisions
• Managed the design of comprehensive HR solutions that sustained key business requirements and aligned with the organization's short-term and long-term business objectives
• Analyzed and diagnosed issues and resolved matters through organizational interventions and strategic solutions
• Developed and executed vital business and HR strategies, fundamental programs, and processes that drove business results through effective leadership and change management; Collaborated across the organization in design and development
• Created, managed, and completed an aggressive hiring initiative for the division
• Cultivated and implemented a comprehensive internship program for the APO and PMP divisions, Integrated interns into the workforce, and enhanced talent acquisition strategies
• Designed, launched, and managed a robust 6-month training program for the APO and PMP division engineer new hires; Improved employee skillsets and fostered a culture of continuous learning
• Conceptualized, deployed, and managed a housing program for new hires participating in the 6-month training program, Improved employee onboarding and retention
• Designed and launched the company's first-ever campus recruitment program in collaboration with 2 universities, targeting specific industry major programs to attract top talent and strengthen the company's workforce pipeline
• Formalized the immigration process and procedures; Managed and executed that process with USCIS
• Implemented and launched an employee recognition and rewards program
• Directed employee relations investigations
• Administered the compensation program for both divisions

Corporate Recruiter at ANDRITZ, Inc. (2017-07 – 2018-03)

• Provided full lifecycle recruitment utilizing the company's applicant tracking system and influenced the overall hiring process
• Managed the recruitment strategy, including the initial research and planning phase to candidate identification, assessment, and presentations
• Built talent pipeline through recruitment methods such as web-based, tools, community centers, job fairs, and collaborations with target universities and local resources
• Achieved a positive candidate experience, quality hires, and timeliness of service level agreements
• Created, implemented, and maintained effective recruitment strategies acquiring top talent, including diverse and military jobseekers
• Provided key metrics to HRBP, Regional, and Global Business Leadership on talent acquisition activities, results, and talent markets
• Conducted initial phone interviews using independent judgment to make recommendations for hiring managers
• Developed relationships with multiple hiring managers to serve as the subject matter expert for specialized talent acquisition needs

Recruiter at The Enclave Group (2015-08 – 2017-02)

• Administered new business development and full lifecycle recruiting for assigned and sourced accounts
• Interfaced with clients requiring staffing services to determine the number of hires, salary, positions and job descriptions, and permanent employee placement
• Sourced resumes to select the best, most qualified candidates; Interviewed candidates to assess qualifications and ascertain personality, personal character, and work ethic
• Validated applicants' references, conducted company-required background checks and communicated with previous employers to verify work history

Broker Account Executive at Aflac Broker Services

Broker Account Executive at MetLife

Sales Executive at Unum

Bachelor of Science Degree in English and Writing – Plymouth University