YOLANDA CLARK
Benicia,CA
Summary
Strategic HR Executive with 20 years of leadership experience in Culture and Talent Strategy, Organizational Design, and Change Management. Expertise in developing high-performing teams and designing human capital systems. Focused on enhancing operational efficiency and employee equity while driving organizational transformation across diverse sectors.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Consultant
Haute HR LLC
01.2024 - Current
- Led HR strategy and employee relations for 10+ organizations in technology, healthcare, nonprofits, and professional services, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.
- Developed and implemented HR infrastructure for 100+ clients, streamlining operations and promoting digital adaptation.
- Conducted executive coaching sessions, strengthening leadership capabilities among senior management.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Downtown Streets Team
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Designed and architected $10M human capital ecosystem, aligning HR systems to enhance organizational resilience and support mission-driven growth.
- Developed comprehensive HR strategies aligned with organizational goals and mission.
- Architected digital performance management program and compensation plan, establishing defined promotion pathways to facilitate talent development.
- Led talent acquisition initiatives to attract diverse and qualified candidates.
- Implemented employee engagement programs to enhance workplace culture and retention.
Chief Talent Officer
SHELTER, Inc.
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Developed and implemented talent acquisition strategies that supported organizational goals.
- Directed HR operations and IT, executing initiatives that aligned people and systems, resulting in 10% turnover reduction within six months.
- Led employee engagement initiatives that strengthened workplace culture and improved retention.
- Collaborated with leadership to assess and address workforce planning needs.
Sr. HR Business Partner
Outward Bound California
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Partnered with executive leaders to enhance growth capacity and develop restorative spaces, advising on senior-level HR practices and total rewards.
- Developed strategic HR initiatives aligned with organizational goals and values.
- Advised leadership on talent management and workforce planning strategies.
- Facilitated employee engagement programs to enhance workplace culture and morale.
HR Consultant
Tailored to Talent (self)
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Advised C-Suite leaders on talent management, disciplinary practices, and complex compensation strategies to improve retention and maintain compliance in high-growth environments.
- Developed customized HR strategies to address specific client challenges and drive organizational effectiveness.
- Conducted workforce assessments to identify gaps and opportunities for strategic improvements.
- Facilitated training sessions to enhance skills and align workforce capabilities with business objectives.
- Implemented performance management systems to support employee growth.
- Streamlined recruitment processes to attract top talent efficiently.
- Created job descriptions for all positions within the organization to ensure proper classification of employees.
- Coached HR teams to improve effectiveness in managing employee relations and ensuring compliance.
Human Resources Director
Audits & Surveys Market Research (Gfk)
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Led HR functions for 1,200-person organization during international acquisition, ensuring seamless transition and integration of HR practices.
- Developed and implemented HR policies that supported organizational goals and enhanced compliance.
- Led recruitment strategies to attract top talent for market research roles.
- Managed employee relations to resolve conflicts, fostering a positive workplace culture.
Human Resources Director
McCue Systems (MRI Software)
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Established HR department for tech start-up, developed inaugural handbooks, compliance policies, and benefits administration to support organizational growth.
Associate HR Director
ANA Hotel (Hyatt Regency SF)
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Labor Relations: Managed complex multi-state labor relations and union negotiations; reduced legal exposure and grievance filings by 50% through standardized labor and Safety protocols. Ensured HR strategies mirrored the property’s 4-diamond service standards, focusing on high-touch employee engagement to drive guest satisfaction.
Benefits Specialist (Legal Operations)
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Law Firm Administration: Managed benefits, plan renewals, and risk mitigation for 2,000+ attorneys, partners, and staff. Specialized in high-compliance law firm administration.
- Managed employee benefits enrollment and updates for diverse legal professionals.
- Advised staff on benefits options and eligibility requirements efficiently.
- Collaborated with external vendors to ensure timely benefit plan administration.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Business Administration And Management
Golden Gate University
San Francisco, CA05-2026
B.S. - Business Administration & HR Certificate
John F. Kennedy University
Pleasant Hill, CA01-2018
Skills
- Talent acquisition
- Workforce Planning
- Performance Management
- Compensation strategy
- Employee Engagement
- Change Management
- Organizational Transformation
- Organizational design
- HR Strategy
- Strategic planning
- Budget management
- Risk assessment
- KPIs
- HRIS Modernization
- Tech deployment
- Compliance
- Labor Relations
- Leadership Coaching
- Management coaching
- Training
- Performance tracking
- Innovation management
- Executive Leadership
- DEIB
Timeline
Principal Consultant
Haute HR LLC
01.2024 - Current
Chief Human Resources Officer
Downtown Streets Team
01.2023 - 01.2024
Chief Talent Officer
SHELTER, Inc.
01.2021 - 01.2023
Sr. HR Business Partner
Outward Bound California
01.2018 - 01.2021
HR Consultant
Tailored to Talent (self)
01.2013 - 01.2018
Human Resources Director
Audits & Surveys Market Research (Gfk)
01.2010 - 01.2013
Human Resources Director
McCue Systems (MRI Software)
01.2007 - 01.2010
Associate HR Director
ANA Hotel (Hyatt Regency SF)
01.2005 - 01.2007
Benefits Specialist (Legal Operations)
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
01.2001 - 01.2004
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Business Administration And Management
Golden Gate University
B.S. - Business Administration & HR Certificate
John F. Kennedy University