Havonnah W.

Havonnah W.

WDHN

location of Havonnah W.Long Beach, California, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    HR Leader| Culture Curator| Passionate about EQ+IQ & Human Potential| Dog Lover!

  • Education

    • UCSB

      -
      Communication
    • The Wharton School

      2022 - 2023
      CHRO Certification
    • Cornell University

      -
      Strategic HR Leadership Human Resources Management
    • Clark Atlanta University

      -
      B.A Communications Journalism
  • Experience

    • Reporter WDHN

      Jan 2004 - Jan 2005
      WDHN

      Worked as a one-man band, responsible for shooting and editing several stories on a daily basisLocalized national content for the Dothan marketFill in anchor and producer for 6 and 10 pm shows

    • Hearst

      Jan 2005 - Jan 2007
      News Reporter

      Proven ability to quickly earn credibility, trust and keep confidences Station Spokesperson Regularly presented group and live presentations

    • Media General

      Jan 2007 - Mar 2009
      Reporter WVTM

      2008 Associated Press award-winner for best breaking news coverage Station liaison for diversity training and sensitivity after Hurricane Katrina Investigated how FEMA monies were distributed then reported on suspected waste

    • KWTV/KOTV Griffin Communications

      Jun 2011 - Nov 2014
      Anchor/ Journalist/ Station Representative

      As a journalist I had proven track record of leadership, independence and organizational skills to excel in a fast past environment of change. Over 12 years of broadcast experience as a station writer, researcher, spokesperson & noon anchor with demonstrated in depth understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion of sensitive topics.

    • Community Harvest

      Sept 2013 - Sept 2016
      Assistant Director of Human Resources

      As the Director of Comms and HR Solution I developed a multi-year integrated communications strategy which engaged leadership, employees, community leaders and media. I developed annual operating goals, objectives, and a strategic plan for marketing, employee engagement and communications portal. We advanced the foundation’s narrative, served as a spokesperson, managed media relations and oversaw messaging/ design of annual report. I managed 28 team members, Social Media manager, vendors, and support staff and cultivated strong relationships with reporters and editors to ensure accuracy of earned media coverage. Show less

    • McDonald's

      Jan 2017 - Apr 2024

      Senior HR Business partner supporting the global technology SVP, four VPs and their respective organizations• Strategic thought partner to develop the HR people strategy that supports the insourcing, onboarding and leadership development of 1000 new hires in four new offshore business units• Responsible for creating new leadership engagement programs that attract, retain talent and build positive sentiment for cultivating high-performing, agile teams to drive improved sales and operation performance Show less Reporting to the CPO, appointed as the HRBP to orchestrate and build a robust diverse talent pipeline for 14,000 restaurants across the U.S. Business. This transformational initiative includes shaping the Franchisee Value Proposition, elevating the national People Franchising standards and revamping the executive recruitment and onboarding of new Owner Operators. With the vision of becoming the greatest franchising opportunity for future generations, I led a cross-functional team of vendors, change experts and L&D leaders. Show less As the HR Director for McDonald's, Long Beach region, I was responsible for leading strategies and initiatives for corporate staff and franchisee employees spanning across Southern California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona and West Texas for 1600 stores, which contribute $5B in annual revenue. I provided oversight for the full employment life cycle of talent management including forecasting, recruiting, onboarding, development, performance management, succession planning and retention. I also developed data-driven performance management for managers (e.g. coaching, counseling, career development & disciplinary actions). I served as the strategic thought partner to the Vice President, extended leadership team and franchise owners. Show less As the Communications department head for McDonald's Southern California, I provided strategic communication counsel and thought partnership for senior leadership, served as the key point of contact for franchisee and corporate staff for crisis mitigation and brand reputation. My work included proactively benchmarking with internal and external stakeholders to lobby politicians and media to support effective resolution of brand attacks. I had the unique opportunity to manage the execution of qualitative research and promotional analysis to lead data-based decisions to support the brand for both national initiatives. Brand Reputation developed proactive partnerships with PR agencies, operators and public affairs to execute campaigns to strengthen company reputation, increase positive earned media coverage and improve consumer brand metrics. Show less

      • Global Human Resources Business Partner

        Apr 2023 - Apr 2024
      • Director of Talent & Strategy, North America

        Apr 2022 - Mar 2023
      • People Officer

        Jan 2020 - Apr 2022
      • Business Partner

        Jan 2018 - Feb 2020
      • Brand Reputation Manager

        Jan 2017 - Dec 2017
    • Starbucks

      May 2024 - now
      Director, Partner Resources (HR)
  • Licenses & Certifications