DELORES GARDNER STOKES
27925 West 14 Mile Road
(248) 860-0743Farmington Hills, MI 48334
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Accomplished leader applying a solid foundation in business and HR strategies to maximize performance, productivity, and profitability outcomes. Skilled at working with individual business units to identify and improve underperforming areas. Experienced in multi-site and virtual team management. High level of courage to influence and sell relevant HR services and solutions. Exceptional skills in assessing and implementing appropriate learning solutions. Manages with insight from a diverse and global background and perspective. Demonstrated ability to drive strong partnerships with senior leadership and teams.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS
Implemented strategies to drive and support superior recruitment and 130% growth during 2007. Maintained 87% rate of retention and strong employee engagement.
In a first highly visible succession management initiative, worked with division leaders organization wide, to manage key talent identification, career planning, and succession processes. Completed 100% of talent profiles in web-based system and development planning for 100% of C-level talent. In-depth process of needs assessment of mid-level leaders to establish potential talent pool for senior opportunities.
Led merger activities of two regional operations, to include 30 remote sites and 500 employees. Worked as member of General Managers team to identify strategy, plan and timeline for execution. Established process for identification of key talent; workforce reductions, communications, climate and engagement management.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
DIGITAS ( A Publicis Co.:, Worlds 4th largest communications group) Detroit, MI 2006-Present
Director, Human Resources, Detroit, MI.
In a key role as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, provides strategic HR planning and execution of pivotal policies, initiatives and relevant learning programs to support this growing and dynamic digital marketing operation. Client: General Motors: # 4, Fortune 500
Created appropriate processes to brand organization as a dynamic creative agency with culture and programs to appeal to exceptional talent within the Detroit Market
Partnered with Senior Management Team to establish, communicate and support relevant core values to drive innovation and desired organization culture
Highly effective management and performance coaching and consulting
Led initiative to establish innovative knowledge management process for growing, fast paced operation with ever changing online digital technologies and growing millennial population
Delores Gardner Stokes, Page 2
COMERICA, INC. Fortune 500. Commercial Banking. Detroit, MI 2003-2006
Corporate Director, Talent Management: Michigan, Texas, and California
Recommended strategic organizational talent planning to the Vice President, HR Learning. Initiated corporate wide succession planning and development for the top 400 leaders spanning 3 states. Facilitated processes to ensure Diversity of pool. Managed the design and utilized a web-based system which include management profiles, professional and educational history as well as availability for relocation. Managed Corporate Mentoring Program.
Established a Leadership Academy as the companys first in-house leadership development program for high potential talent
VERIZON WIRELESS. (Verizon Communications. #17 Fortune 500). Southfield, MI 1996-2003
Regional Manager, Human Resources: Ohio, Michigan, Atlanta, GA
Supported HR initiatives for a region of 1500 employees, managing 5 HR professionals supporting consulting and staffing functions. Facilitated the activities of two call centers, sales, and network services organizations. Served as change agent through three mergers and acquisitions. Identified and managed training and development programs. Effectively managed high volume employee relations issues
Improved employee retention by 20%. Improved levels of employee engagement by 30%
GLAXO-SMITHKLINE (formerly SmithKline Beecham Clinical Labs) Farmington Hills MI 1992-1996
Regional Manager, Human Resources: Ohio and Michigan
Developed a regional HR strategy to facilitate high volume staffing needs, merger, and a geographically dispersed workforce spanning 30 remote sites. Managed HR Professional Team, training and organization development, compensation, payroll, HRIS, policy development, recruiting and staffing functions. Supported a three-shift operation. Member of regional Clinical Laboratory Management Team.
Facilitated a strategic regional merger which reduced overhead and significantly improved profit margins.
GTE TELECOMMUNICATIONS, Taunton MA 1990-1992
Site Human Resources Manager: Massachusetts
As an internal promotion, selected to direct HR processes and team for a start-up location; managing staffing, facilities, and employee training processes. Implemented accelerated recruiting and staffing programs through initial phase to support aggressive business goals.
Provided leadership consultation and coaching to management team and staff
EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT
Master of Arts, Administration, Counseling; Bachelor of Arts, Education: Western Kentucky University. SHPR Certification Training; Mediation Certification; Advanced Facilitation/Consulting Certification; Career and Leadership Coach Certification in progress
Affiliations: SHRM, HRAGD, ASTD. Board of Directors, Michigan Epilepsy Foundation
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