Kay Ryan

Strategic HR transformation leader with 25+ years of progressive experience building and scaling human resources functions across regulated utilities, manufacturing, and private equity environments. Proven track record of constructing HR, safety, and payroll operations from the ground up, driving measurable business outcomes including significant OSHA recordable rate reductions, six-figure annual cost savings, and successful change-of-control transactions. Skilled at leading through M&A transitions, collective bargaining, and organizational redesign while fostering high-performance, safety-first cultures in both union and non-union multi-site operations.

Combines deep operational expertise with a forward-looking approach to talent strategy, workforce analytics, and employee experience design.

Vice President of Human Resources - Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) - Marquette, MI

(2014-12 - 2025-09)

Independent electric distribution utility serving 54,000 customers across 10 Upper Peninsula counties with approximately 200 employees. Acquired by a private equity fund, requiring full corporate structure buildout including all HR, safety, and administrative functions.

• Promoted three times (Director → Senior Director → Vice President) in recognition of expanding scope and strategic impact across the organization.
• Built HR, safety, and payroll functions from zero following PE acquisition, establishing all policies, systems, and compliance frameworks while administering pension and benefits for 600+ retirees.
• Recruited 60+ skilled professionals within the first year to stand up a complete corporate structure, filling critical leadership and operational roles in a competitive rural market.
• Implemented UKG HCM/payroll platform, streamlining workforce administration and delivering approximately $100K in annual cost savings through process automation and vendor consolidation.
• Drove an 86% reduction in OSHA Recordable rates by redesigning the safety program with proactive hazard identification, enhanced training, and accountability-based reporting.
• Cut retiree medical costs by 50% through strategic benefits restructuring, preserving quality coverage while generating significant long-term savings.
• Led multiple collective bargaining negotiations, achieving meaningful cost offsets to wage and benefit increases while maintaining productive labor-management relationships.
• Designed compensation, variable pay, and performance management programs aligned to organizational strategy, culture, and PE return objectives.
• Managed HR data rooms and executive presentations for 8 potential buyers during a change-of-control process, contributing directly to a successful PE exit transaction.
• Implemented employee-centric onboarding and benefits enrollment processes, improving new hire time-to-productivity and employee satisfaction with self-service tools.

Regional Human Resources Manager - Potlatch Corp - Gwinn, MI

(2012-12 - 2014-12)

Sustainable forestry and solid wood products manufacturer; Lake States Region encompassing 400+ employees across multiple facilities.

• Promoted from Plant HR Manager to Regional HR Manager, assuming oversight of all HR operations across the Lake States Region.
• Developed and executed a union avoidance strategy at the Gwinn facility, strengthening employee engagement and direct communication channels.
• Launched the company's first health fair with biometric screening and flu vaccinations, increasing wellness program participation and establishing a model replicated at other sites.
• Overhauled training processes for new hires and internal promotions, reducing onboarding time and improving consistency across shifts.
• Partnered with plant leadership on leadership assessments and individual development plans, strengthening the supervisory pipeline.

Human Resources Manager - Leprino Foods Company - Remus, MI

(2006-01 - 2012-01)

World's largest mozzarella cheese manufacturer and a top U.S. whey exporter; 24/7 unionized production facility with 160 employees.

• Supported multiple contract negotiations with the facility's union, achieving favorable outcomes with zero strikes or work stoppages across all cycles.
• Led implementation of the plant's first Hazardous Materials Response Plan; personally trained and served as a Level-A First Responder.
• Restructured scheduling for skilled trades, enabling year-ahead schedule visibility that improved retention and reduced overtime costs.
• Modernized attendance and corrective action policies, transitioning to a progressive performance management approach that reduced grievances.
• Implemented Employee Self-Service and biometric timekeeping, eliminating manual time tracking errors and improving payroll accuracy.
• Developed and delivered leadership development curriculum covering communication, feedback, and emotional intelligence for front-line supervisors.

Human Resources Manager - Leprino Foods Company - Remus, MI

(2000-01 - 2005-12)

World's largest mozzarella cheese manufacturer and a top U.S. whey exporter; 24/7 unionized production facility with 160 employees.

Assistant Director, Staff Human Resources - Central Michigan University, Off-Campus Programs - Mt. Pleasant, MI

(2005-01 - 2006-01)

One of North America's largest providers of off-campus and online education, operating 60+ locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

• Implemented the division's first goal-based performance review system, aligning individual objectives with organizational priorities and improving accountability.
• Created an employee appreciation program on a limited budget, increasing staff recognition and contributing to improved morale scores.

Master of Science - Administration, Human Resource Administration - Central Michigan University

Bachelor of Science - Human Resource Management - Ferris State University