Susan Adams

Results-oriented Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in both non-profit and corporate environments. With a sense of humor and engaging approach, Susan develops and aligns HR programs with business strategies to ultimately drive results. Currently an independent HR consultant, she is also pursuing her passion for teaching as a faculty member in the undergraduate and MBA programs at Sonoma State University, and HR Management Certificate program. Prior to these roles, she led Human Resources at PNI Sensor Corporation in Santa Rosa, and held senior positions at international consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton and Chicago-based senior housing and healthcare provider United Methodist Homes and Services.

Experience

Principal Consultant

• Company Name Adams HR Consulting
• Dates EmployedOct 2014 – Present
• Employment Duration4 yrs 8 mos

Susan provides hands-on project-based Human Resources and Organization Development support to small to mid-sized non-profits and organizations in the Bay Area. Engagements are flexible and customized to clients’ needs, and include: compliance audits, training and development programs, interim HR Director roles, leadership and HR team development, strategic planning meeting facilitation, talent acquisition programs, employee engagement surveys and action plans, and compliance audits, HRIS systems design and implementation, eLearning systems design and implementation.

HR Certificate Program Coordinator and Professional Faculty, School of Business and Economics

• Company Name Sonoma State University
• Dates EmployedJan 2013 – Present
• Employment Duration6 yrs 5 mos

In her role as Program Coordinator, Susan develops curriculum, recruits/coached/evaluates instructors, leads sessions, ensures program effectiveness and relevance to current HR topics and alignment with SHRM standards, and effectively markets the program to ensure sustainable levels of enrollment. Doubled the enrollment of the program in 2 years to current enrollment capacity.

Human Resources Director

• Company Name PNI Sensor Corporation
• Dates EmployedApr 2006 – Oct 2014
• Employment Duration8 yrs 7 mos

Susan was a key member of the PNI leadership team focusing on Human Resources at this innovative sensor and algorithm technology company in Santa Rosa, CA. Susan held both full-time and part-time roles depending on the business cycle, focusing on driving company performance through the integration of business strategy, structure, and effective human resource management. By taking a unique "internal marketing" approach, she created programs designed to challenge and engage employees to stretch personal and business performance. This included participative hiring, equitable recognition and reward programs, alignment of the organization’s purpose and goals with employee behavior, and creation of a flexible organization structure that allowed for learning and re-engineering.

Interim VP of Marketing and Sales - In 2010, and again 2013, Susan stepped into this role on an interim basis, leading the sales and marketing teams through a successful product launch with a strategic development partner. Under her guidance, the product received numerous accolades, including Product of the Year and Best of Show, and gained traction with design wins in several consumer electronics applications.

HR Manager, Western Region

• Company Name Booz Allen Hamilton
• Dates Employed1998 – 2003
• Employment Duration5 yrs
• LocationSan Francisco, CA

Managed all aspects of human resources for 220 staff in four offices in California and Texas, coordinating with business unit headquarters in McLean, VA and New York, NY.

Assistant Adminstrator and Administrator

• Company Name United Methodist Homes and Services
• Dates Employed 1994 – 1998
• Employment Duration4 yrs

Directed overall business and clinical operations of this non-profit senior housing and health care facility, including human resources, marketing, census development, and patient and employee relations for over 200 FTE’s. Licensed as a Nursing Home Administrator, State of Illinois.

Education

University of San Francisco Degree NameMA Field Of StudyOrganization Development and Human Resources (HR concentration) Dates attended or expected graduation 2000 – 2002

MA, Organization Development and Human Resources

Valparaiso University Degree NameBA Field Of StudyInternational Economics and Cultural Affairs Grademagna cum laude Dates attended or expected graduation 1990 – 1994

BA, International Economics and Cultural Affairs International Studies program at Fachhochschule Reutlingen Internship programs with Bayer, AG in Leverkusen, Germany and U.S. Olympic Committee