Lauren Ortner

Strategic and growth-oriented Director of People and Culture with deep expertise across Information Technology, Construction, Sustainable Business, and Retail. Proven success building HR infrastructure from the ground up, scaling operations, and aligning people strategy with organizational goals in high-growth environments. Brings extensive expertise in Human Resource Operations, Business Administration, Accounting, Compensation and Benefits, Compliance, Employment Law, Safety Management, and Organizational Development.

Recognized for fostering inclusive, people-first cultures while driving measurable business performance. Most recently, led HR strategy for a private-equity-backed ESG-focused firm, scaling headcount from 30 to 100+ employees through organic growth and acquisition. Implemented a new PEO system, enhanced benefits, strengthened safety programs & metrics, and embedded ESG and DEI principles company-wide.

Senior Director of Human Resources at Veransa Group, Inc. (2020-02 – Present)

Built and led scalable HR infrastructure for a private equity–backed recycling and composting company.

• Expanded workforce from 30 to 100+ employees through growth and M&A integration
• Implemented new PEO and HRIS systems; standardized benefits, payroll, and compliance
• Optimized onboarding and offboarding, recruiting workflows, internal mobility, promotions, and performance cycles
• Build and manage People analytics dashboards to deliver insights on capacity, headcount, attrition, hiring timelines, and more
• Ensure compliance with data security, privacy, and regulatory frameworks
• Partnered with executive leadership on organizational design, workforce planning, and culture strategy
• Reduced workplace incidents and improved Workers' Comp ratings through safety initiatives. Improved LTIR from 4.68 to 0.78 in a three-year period

Human Resources Director & Controller at Totally Wicked, Inc. (2017-01 – 2020-01)

Directed HR, accounting, and compliance operations for a UK-based retail organization, ensuring accuracy, regulatory adherence, and operational efficiency.

• Oversaw U.S. payroll, vendor management, and benefits administration to support multi-state workforce needs
• Streamlined financial workflows and introduced cost-control measures that improved reporting accuracy and reduced operational waste
• Enhanced employee engagement through targeted communication initiatives and experience-focused programs
• Implemented new benefits packages and automated previously manual processes, increasing efficiency and reducing administrative workload

Corporate Administrator (Human Resources, Business Administration & Accounting) at Conspecture, Inc. (2001-04 – 2016-12)

Managed HR, payroll, and accounting functions for an international software organization.

• Led full-cycle recruiting, policy development, and employee relations initiatives for multiple countries
• Advised executives on HR strategy, organizational planning, and process improvements
• Led Project Management of Software Implementation timeline
• Directed a team of 25 senior developers, overseeing daily SCRUM meetings, deadlines, testing, and implementation of software products
• Oversaw operations, admin and human resource functions for 100 developers, 75 software testers, and 350 customer service agents

Freelance Writer & Editor at Self-Employed (1998-12 – 2001-04)

Developed corporate handbooks, compliance manuals, and training materials.

• Specialized in technical and policy writing across industries

B.A. in Accounting – University of Northern Virginia (UNVA) - 90% completed