Michelle Sanders

Administers all aspects of a comprehensive Human Resources program for the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), which employs over 4,000 employees. Provides performance management and guidance to four direct reports (three Unit Managers and one Administrative Assistant). Oversees the Classification and Compensation (FLSA, Discretionary Pay, Salary Surveys, Job Assessments), Employee Relations (FMLA, ADA, Title VII), Recruitment and Staffing, Employee Payroll and Benefits, Personnel Action Administration, and Records Management programs. Responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating the effectiveness of all services provided by a total staff of 60 HR professionals in various offices throughout Louisiana. Oversees the development of policies and procedures; monitors HR-related legislation for impacts to the Department. Responsible for ensuring that all employment actions, particularly interviewing, selection, discipline, and promotional decisions comply with applicable federal, state, and labor laws. Prepares systematic reports for executive management and staff. Develops performance indicators, objectives, and goals, and ensures staff stays on track to achieve or exceed expected results.

Served as the Compensation and Staffing Unit Manager and managed the Classification and Compensation, Recruitment and Staffing, Data Quality Management, and Records Management programs for the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Directly supervised four employees (Staffing Manager, Classification and Compensation Supervisor, Data Quality Management Specialist, and Records Management Specialist). Ensured compliance with Department policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal laws. Streamlined processes for efficiency and effectiveness. Developed staff through coaching and training, and recommended corrective action as necessary to address employee performance issues. Consulted with internal and external stakeholders to collaborate on requested actions and to resolve difficulties with recruiting and retaining qualified employees. Developed Unit objectives and ensured that goals and deadlines were met as expected. Provided recommendations to executive management and leadership on policy questions, requests for action, and workflow within the Compensation and Staffing Unit.

Managed the Classification and Compensation programs to provide competitive wages and accurate alignment of duties to increase job performance. Managed the Data Integrity program to ensure all aspects of HR administration were accurate and met agency standards to ensure compliance with laws, policies, and procedures. Prepared and analyzed reports reflecting statistical and information data to monitor various functions and extract information. Investigated employee relations complaints as necessary.

Served as lead worker in administering the Classification and Compensation program. Created and maintained a system of production to increase compliance. Completed wage analysis to determine the effectiveness of implementing Special Entrance Rates, Premium Pay, Job Assessments, and other discretionary pay mechanisms. Ensured the validation of personnel actions and audited payroll to ensure accuracy.

Developed and prepared departmental reports. Maintained the Classification and Compensation program by writing position descriptions and updating organizational charts. Entered position-related data into the ISIS-HR system. Prepared requests for discretionary pay increases and hard-to-fill positions. Tracked agency T.O. and reported on overtime expenditures. Conducted new hire Orientation and Staff Development training sessions. Completed all special projects as assigned.

Reviewed applicant qualifications and interviewed quality candidates. Completed new employee paperwork and data entry using PeopleSoft. Attended job fairs to recruit potential applicants. Completed audits and other special projects as assigned. Made recommendations to enhance the employee onboarding experience.