Sarah Kester

I am a Director of Human Resources for a local non-profit with 160 employees.

I have been in the HR Field for 16 years, but in my current position for the last 13.

I have extensive experience in benefit management, working with carriers to negotiate lower renewals, and successfully implemented an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) for 80 full-time employees.

I am a strong proponent for the power of open communication, consistent support, and mentorship to drive employee retention and engagement. In a field where turnover typically exceeds 50%, my approach has reduced turnover rates to 15% or lower for entry level employees by fostering strong, trust-based relationships between new employees and supervisors and creating a culture of consistency and support from day one.

Well versed in local, state, and federal employment laws for Ohio, NC, and Virginia.

Additionally, the organization I have been with for the last 13 years is my heart & soul, but my family has made the decision to relocate out of state to North Carolina at the end of May for a job opportunity for my husband.

• Managed the complete employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and termination for a workforce of 160 employees in the non-profit sector.
• Prepared and presented quarterly HR reports to the Board of Directors, providing insights into key metrics such as turnover, employee satisfaction, and compliance updates.
• Developed and implemented organizational policies and procedures, aligning them with company needs and ensuring they met legal requirements and industry best practices.
• Maintained comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws, ensuring all HR practices complied with legal and regulatory standards.
• Managed healthcare, dental, and other employee benefits for full-time eligible employees, ensuring optimal plan options and compliance with regulations.
• Spearheaded the implementation and ongoing management of an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) for employees, ensuring a smooth transition and regulatory compliance.
• Supervised the training department, ensuring all training programs complied with state regulations and focused on ongoing employee development.
• Facilitated and ensured compliance with 403(b) retirement plans and ERISA regulations, managing all aspects of plan offerings for employees.
• Developed comprehensive job descriptions for all roles within the organization, incorporating identified competencies and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

High School & some relevant college courses.