Jo Colombo - Sr Human Resources Business Partner, Hope Gas Inc

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Work Background

Hope GasSenior Human Resources Business Partner

Nov. 2022Hope Gas is a Local Distribution Company (LDC) that proudly provides gas service to approximately 125,000 residential, industrial, and commercial customers in thirty-five West Virginia counties. Provide HR Leader guidance and messaging through unprecedented growth, during a period of complete transition. I supported the organization as it grew from 275 employees to over 490 employees in just over 12 months; creating all new policies and procedures; new job positions and compensation strategies; implemented new systems, including new Recruiting/Onboarding, Benefits, Payroll, Timekeeping, Leave Management, and HRIS platforms; implemented a new labor contract; managed Employee/Labor Relations and Performance Management; and conducted investigations.

Hoover & Strong, Inc.Sr. Human Resources Business Partner

Mar. 2020 - Nov. 2022Hoover & Strong is a 109-year-old, family-owned jewelry manufacturer and refiner. We cater to the jewelry industry by manufacturing over 30,000 eco-friendly and responsibly sourced jewelry products, all made in the USA. Our products and services include jewelry, contract casting, findings, mill products, diamond services and eco-friendly metal refining. As the Director of Human Resources/ Sr HR Business Partner, I provided strategic leadership, creating and implementing organization policies. I implemented HR initiatives that included staffing and retention, employee engagement, benefits design, training & development, compensation models, safety programs, and coaching for performance.

The City of HopewellHuman Resources Administrator (Manager)

Feb. 2019 - Mar. 2020Hopewell, VAThe Human Resources Department is one of ten departments that report to the City Manager’s Office. The office consists of three full-time staff, operates with an annual budget of $230,000 and supports a municipal workforce of over 450 employees. Managed the HR team at multiple satellite locations to support city employees, retirees & leadership with recruitment, onboarding, benefits, retirement, and employee engagement. Implemented training & development; provided compensation analysis; and delivered coaching for performance. Administratively managed Vendor accounts, Tuition Reimbursement, Disability, COBRA, Unemployment, government Retirement Plans, and Worker’s Compensation. Partnered with newly elected officials during periods of rapid transformation, coaching for performance, conducting investigations, driving recruitment, and providing new leader assimilation.

The Vitamin ShoppeAssistant Manager Human Resources, Distribution Center

Feb. 2015 - Jan. 2019Ashland, VAHR professional with broad experience across distribution and training industries. Skills range from recruitment and onboarding to performance and change management. Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategies that support company goals. Redesigned the safety program, creating practices used across all distribution areas and implemented change strategies during WMS upgrades and three major leadership transitions. Subject matter expert on benefits, HRIS, classification and compensation, training and development, worker’s compensation, unemployment, FMLA, ADA, EEO, employee relations, and performance management.

Republic National Distributing CompanyCorporate Training / IT Customer Support Analyst

Dec. 2012 - Feb. 2015Significant travel to RNDC branches throughout the country. Work with Key Stakeholders to design and implement a new Warehouse Management System across multiple locations. Create and deliver on-site and remote training and support to internal customers prior to, during, and post warehouse management system conversions. Create job aids for internal users. Work with a team to ensure training modules and documentation are updated as needed to provide the most current materials for systems training as it applies to Sales, Operations, and Customer Service. Experience using Microsoft office applications and Adobe Captivate in the development of training modules used company-wide in 22 states.

Republic National Distributing CompanyHuman Resources Generalist

Sep. 2010 - Dec. 2012HR Generalist with experience in benefits administration, recruitment, succession management, training, development, HRMS, CMS and ERP systems. Managed all Worker’s Compensation cases, OSHA logs, Unemployment and EEOC claims and facilitated an Affirmative Action Plan, tracking applicant data for reporting. Successfully performed all HR management functions including coordination of performance reviews and talent management; conducted compensation analysis; advised managers, led investigations, and maintained documentation to minimize risk; implemented performance counseling procedures and created retention initiatives designed to increase employee engagement using Town Hall meetings, roundtable discussions and employee surveys. Instituted recruitment policies that included attending job fairs, developing on-boarding processes and coordinating temporary staffing as needed. Implemented New Leader Assimilation to facilitate transition, identify mentors, deliver appropriate training and develop career paths.

Floor Coverings InternationalOwner / Personnel Manager

May. 1992 - Jun. 1995Recruited and managed diverse contract employees, while overseeing multiple projects and maintaining positive relationships with vendors and subcontractors. Maintained financial records, including payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Prepared reports, project estimates, and bid documents for state and local government contracts. Generated sales opportunities through multiple media outlets and trade-show exhibits.