DENISE M. HOWE, M.S., SPHR

794 Heather Hill Drive, Dripping Spring, TX 78620 619-270-6834, denisemhowe@gmail.com

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY

Enthusiastic, dedicated, service-oriented professional with a successful history of developing and leading Human

Resources strategy and services for diverse customers (employee populations from 300-4,700) in the non-profit, retail, construction, healthcare, and professional engineering services fields. Proven expertise in aligning Human

Resources priorities with company strategies and in implementing innovative solutions to deliver measurable,

valueadded results. Effective problem-solver and collaborator experienced in partnering at all levels of the

organization to identify, develop, and execute change initiatives that enhance people performance.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MotoStuka Director of Business Operations May 2013 – Present Started a motor cycle accessories business with my husband. I am responsible for all business services functions

including marketing, accounting, sales administration, web management, operations and product manufacturing

(sourcing materials, importing, sales transactions). Annual sales for 2015 of $250K.

VP, Director of Human Resources, Cardno, Inc. October 2011 – May 2013

Led HR services for 4,700 global scientists, engineers, and architects of Cardno, Americas and Software, a

subsidiary of Cardno, Limited, a publically listed Australian company. Cardno Americas and Software ($670M)

provides infrastructure consulting, design, engineering, and construction services globally. • Implemented shared services model for HR recruiting, payroll and benefits services delivery across twelve

merger partner companies with offices globally. • Designed and launched comprehensive integration plans targeting transition of benefits platform, policies

and procedures, vendor relations, payroll, recruiting processes, and technology platforms to leverage economies of scale and facilitate resource sharing across merger partners. Resu lts included restructured

benefits programs with an overall cost reduction of $640K (5.4%) while improving the benefit plans and

simplifying the employee experience; improved vendor terms and conditions to reduce spend by 60%;

aligned and reduced (by 5 FTEs) existing payroll and recruiting staff, and transitioned merger partners onto

shared Payroll and HRIS technology platforms. • Designed Executive Board approved bonus plan to introduce use of KPI scorecards and goal setting as key

drivers for individual bonus awards; developed modeling tools, measurements, communications and training

materials for implementation across all 4,700 eligible employees.

Vice President of Human Resources, Kleinfelder, San Diego, CA, April 2003 – October 2011

HR services leader for the 1,800 global scientists, engineers, and architects of Kleinfelder ($340M ESOP) that

provide professional consulting in architecture, engineering, construction management, environmental remediation,

and natural resource management. • Transitioned HR from a tactical, transactional function to a proactive, strategic contributor by introducing and

leveraging technology solutions, developing HR staff, and restructuring internal and outsourced HR services. • No loses of key executives, managers and staff resulting from acquisitions totaling 650 people and

contributing approximately $140M in revenues over three years. • Designed and facilitated comprehensive succession planning and talent development processes for C-suite

positions through supervisor level positions. Partnered with the Board of Directors and Executive team

members to transition the CEO, COO, CTO, CAO, CLC, and CFO. • Implemented integrated end-to-end, competency based talent management system, enabling “talent

transparency” which resulted in a year-over-year increase of 50+% in resource sharing and supported the

company’s strategic efforts to pursue of larger projects. • Developed and implemented all HR requirements/practices/programs for international expansion to Guam,

Australia and Canada.

Human Resources Director: Scripps Hospitals, San Diego, CA 2000 – 2003 Nielsen Dillingham Builders, San Diego, CA 1996 – 2000 Partners In Vision Intl., San Diego, CA 1991 – 1994

EDUCATION

M.S., Management, major field Human Resources, June, 1996, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.

B.S., Political Science and Sociology, May, 1988, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. SAMPLE OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS HR

Management

• Implemented HR performance metrics, measurements and scorecards to ensure value-added results.

Executed plans and programs to support twelve acquisitions, two divestitures, and three

reorganizations. • Led Social Responsibility efforts to develop and implement an employee assistance program, employee

giving campaigns, industry specific volunteer opportunities, and internal affinity communities. • Completed multiple RFPs, design or redesign, and implementation of HRIS, talent acquisi tion and LMS

technologies including, but not limited to, Oracle, SkillSoft, Taleo, UltiPro, and SuccessFactors.

Learning, Performance, Total Rewards

• Launched Learning Management software and blended learning to deliver 300+ leadership/management,

project management, and technical skills programs aimed at developing staff at all levels and preparing

prospective leaders for succession. • Developed performance management programs, cascading goal setting, 360/team feedback, office reviews,

and quarterly talent reviews to support talent management strategy. • Built base and incentive compensation structures and plans; implemented piece rate, sales, and goal based

incentive and bonus plans for team/individual rewards for all levels of the organization. • Introduced total rewards statement, wellness programs and incentives, and executive deferred

compensation to achieve measurable savings and to diversify rewards.

Employee/Labor Relations

• Conducted “Great Place to Work” survey; results indicated high leve ls of satisfaction for 3,000+ participants. • Participated in the negotiation and preparation of collective bargaining agreements impacting several

hundred cement masons, carpenters, and laborers.

• Key contributor in business redesign that transitioned the organization from a geographic to matrix structure.

Staffing, Retention and Talent Acquisition

• Implemented retention strategies resulting in a reduction of annual turnover from 34% to 9%. • Built in-house talent sharing team to drive talent identification, co-op development, undergraduate

internships, employee referrals, on-boarding, exit monitoring, forecasting, and alumni programs. • Designed and implemented talent profiles, visible to all employees, to enable transparency of technical

resources to support work sharing and staff identification for client requirements.

CLIENT COMMENTS

• “Denise is a great addition to the executive team. She has an incredible knowledge of Human Resources.

She has good ideas and is a great supporter of her friends on the executive team.”

• “Denise approaches her role with honesty, curiosity and a sense of caring about each individual.”

• “Even before Denise came to us we knew we were in for a treat. Denise has surpassed those accolades;

she brings a great sense of enthusiasm and has inspired us all to look for the fun!”

AWARDS

• American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), Peak Award, 2009/2010.

• American Counsel for Engineering Companies (ACEC), Professional Development Award, 2009/2010.

AFILLIATIONS

SHRM; World at Work; ASTD