Keisha Pottinger

Performance-driven Human Resources leader with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. Proven expertise leading comprehensive HR operations including employee and labor relations, talent acquisition, benefits and leave administration, HRIS management, organizational development, performance management, workforce planning, reasonable accommodations, and regulatory compliance. Demonstrated success implementing HR technology solutions, driving organizational change, enhancing employee engagement, and building high-performing, customer-focused HR teams.

SPHR-certified professional recognized for integrity, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Director, Human Resources Operations - John Jay College - New York, NY

(2022-03)

Provide leadership for all Human Resources operational functions supporting over 1,000 faculty and staff employees.

• Direct operational Human Resources functions for a workforce of more than 1,000 employees, including employee relations, talent management, recruitment, staff development, labor relations, and compliance.
• Provided strategic counsel to senior leadership on complex human capital matters including organizational design, classification and compensation, employee engagement, and workforce planning.
• Direct workplace investigations and advise management on performance concerns, disciplinary actions, workplace conflict resolution, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead HR process improvement initiatives utilizing technology and data analytics to improve operational effectiveness and decision-making.
• Directed the implementation of major HR projects and initiatives across the college, including systems integration, policy rollouts, and organizational change efforts.
• Advised supervisors and employee representatives on sensitive personnel matters, performance concerns, and workplace culture improvements.
• Champion employee engagement and retention initiatives through enhanced communication, recognition programs, leadership development opportunities, and employee-centered HR services.
• Foster a customer-focused HR culture emphasizing accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Associate Director, Human Resources - John Jay College - New York, NY

(2019-03 - 2022-03)

Directed Benefits and HRIS operations for faculty and staff employees.

• Oversaw administration of health, dental, vision, retirement, leave management, and FMLA programs.
• Managed HRIS data governance, reporting, auditing, and quality assurance activities to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Led implementation of process improvements that enhanced onboarding and benefit enrollment efficiency. Developed a digital orientation registration system that significantly improved the efficiency of benefits onboarding for new employees.
• Managed employee accommodation requests and partnered with campus stakeholders to ensure compliance with ADA requirements.
• Developed and presented campus-wide training concerning benefits, leave administration, and employee resources.
• Led quality assurance reviews across multiple HR databases (CUNYFirst, EHRAF, pension/health benefits), identifying and correcting discrepancies to ensure compliance and reduce financial errors.
• Investigated workplace complaints and collaborated with leadership to implement fair and effective resolutions, fostering a more positive work environment.

Non-Teaching Administrative Adjunct - John Jay College - New York, NY

(2018-10 - 2019-03)

Managed pension service history reviews and provided retirement counseling support to employees.

Senior Human Resources Business Partner - Kings County Hospital - Brooklyn, NY

(2017-01 - 2017-08)

Served as strategic HR advisor to executive leadership and operational departments.

• Directed all aspects of human resources support for hospital operations.
• Managed employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and workforce development initiatives.
• Supervised a team of HR professionals supporting recruitment, benefits administration, timekeeping, employee records, and staff development.
• Managed grievance, disciplinary, and performance management matters while ensuring compliance with governing regulations and policies.
• Implemented employee engagement and recognition programs that positively impacted workplace culture and retention.

Deputy Director, Human Resources - Hostos Community College/CUNY - Bronx, NY

(2012-04 - 2017-01)

Directed daily HR operations including employee relations, talent management, compliance, performance management, and staff development.

• Collaborated with legal counsel in managing disciplinary actions, grievance procedures, and labor relations matters involving classified staff.
• Administered appointments, promotions, reclassifications, transfers, and separations in compliance with university policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Developed leadership development programs for managers and supervisors.
• Investigated employee complaints and workplace concerns and recommended appropriate resolutions.
• Served on college committees and represented Human Resources in institution-wide initiatives.
• Led staff training and professional development initiatives for supervisors and managers on performance management, employee relations, workplace conduct, and policy compliance.
• Authored the organization's first Employee Handbook and Benefits Open Enrollment booklets, enhancing transparency and employee engagement.

Human Resources Manager - Hostos Community College/CUNY - Bronx, NY

(2008-08 - 2012-03)

Streamlined HR processes and identified operational improvements to enhance departmental efficiency and service delivery.

• Oversaw agency timekeeping and benefits units; conducted quality assurance reviews of the Payroll Management System (PMS) to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Managed benefits administration, timekeeping, employee relations, recruitment, labor relations, and training functions.
• Developed policies, procedures, employee communications, and training materials.
• Led employee orientation programs, benefits seminars, and management training initiatives.
• Implemented operational improvements that increased department efficiency and service levels.
• Authored comprehensive HR policies and guidelines that reduced training time and improved consistency across departments; served as editor of the biannual HR newsletter For Your Benefit.
• Provided guidance on performance evaluations, progressive discipline, and employee counseling; implemented a time and attendance tracking system and supervised Timekeepers.

Human Resources Manager - HELP/PSI, INC. - Bronx, NY

(2007-04 - 2008-08)

Managed the day-to-day all HR operations including recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, and retention initiatives.

Human Resources Generalist/Coordinator - Morris Heights Health Center - Bronx, NY

(2005-11 - 2007-04)

Managed recruitment, onboarding, credential verification, employee records, and HR compliance activities.

Human Resources/Marketing Coordinator & Office Manager - Consumer Eyes Inc. - New York, NY

(2002-03 - 2005-11)

BBA - Human Resources Management & Risk Management - Temple University - Fox School of Business (2001-08)