Cathleen Simpson

Experience

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  Judicial

  Jan 1987 - Jan 1992

  Assistant Clerk
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  Department Of Emergency Services and Public Protection

  Jan 1992 - Dec 2000

  Developed, coordinated, and implemented agency human resources policies; planned work flow and determined priorities; provided training and assistance to managers and supervisor on labor and employment matters; reviewed a variety of investigations regarding employee misconduct and recommended appropriate action; conducted step 1 or step 2 meetings for grievance; interpreted and administered collective bargaining agreements; represented agency at administrative hearings; served on team for collective bargaining negotiations; planned and directed the overall operations of the Labor Relations Unit; served as a primary liaison and advisor to the senior administration on human resources and labor relations issues constructed organizational development programs and initiatives that support the advancement of the Agency’s mission and goals. Show less

  • Principal Human Resources Specialist

    Jan 1998 - Dec 2000

  • Legislative & Adminstrative Advisor

    Jan 1992 - Dec 1998
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  Department of Children & Families

  Dec 2000 - Jan 2007

  Principal Human Resources Specialist

  Developed, coordinated, and implemented agency human resources policies and/or training; planned work flow and determined priorities; provided training and assistance to managers and supervisor on labor and employment matters; conducted a variety of investigations regarding employee misconduct and recommended appropriate action; interpreted collective bargaining agreements; represented agency at administrative hearings.

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  Office of Policy and Management

  Feb 2007 - Jul 2015

  Labor Relations Specialist

  Served as chief spokesperson in collective negotiations of labor contracts within the executive branch; directed management negotiations during collective bargaining; reviewed cost and impact analysis of union proposals; maintained consistency with policies and statutes; implemented policy related to statewide labor relations issues and collective bargaining agreements; interpreted and administered pertinent laws, statutes and language of contract; drafted scope of bargaining petitions for submission to an defense before the State Board of Labor Relations; responded to unfair labor practice complaints; mediated disputes; recommended economic guidelines for settlements; prepared and presented state’s case atarbitration, including interest arbitration; conducted grievance conferences and issue written findings; facilitated mediation; conducted training on labor and employment topics; consulted with and assisted the Office of the Attorney General in preparation of court action; conducted legal research for use in case presentations; advised State officials (including administrators within the Connecticut University system) department heads and agency staff on labor and employment issues. Show less

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  Department of Labor

  Jul 2015 - Dec 2016

  Director of Human Resources

  Oversaw the human resources management function including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, employee counseling, benefits, retention, performance management, FMLA administration, labor relations, workforce and organizational planning, classification and compensation, safety, training, payroll, staff development and workers’ compensation administration; administer staff and operations of a comprehensive human resources management program; developed, implemented and evaluated agency human resources policies, goals and objectives; designed and developed human resources programs and activities; implemented new procedures and procedural revisions; determined appropriate staffing levels and directed management and coordination of staff; designed and implemented performance review standards for agency staff; prepared and administered division budget; maintained contacts with individuals within and outside of agency who might impact on policy or program activities; interpreted, administered and ensured compliance with state and federal human resources, employment and equal opportunity laws, regulations, policies and procedures; provided staff training and assistance; interpreted and ensured adherence to collective bargaining agreements; advise administrative officials, managers and supervisors regarding labor relations, human resources policy and procedure, proper organizational structure and use of class specifications; partnered with administrative officials in strategic planning to ensure alignment of human resources activities with organizational goals and strategies; proactively planned to address emerging agency human resources needs including workforce planning; recommended new/revised class specifications; administered agency grievance procedures. Show less

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  Cathleen A. Simpson, Attorney at Law

  Jul 2016 - Jan 2020

  Attorney At Law

  Provided legal counsel on labor and employment matters, which included human resources issues, wage and hour law, unemployment and other state agency claims, labor relations, employee benefits, collective bargaining agreements, employment agreements and policy related issues, FMLA, ADA, and employment related litigation; handled grievances up to and including cases before the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration; defended charges before the State Board of Labor Relations; prepared and prosecuted charges before the State Board of Labor Relations; identified and assessed legal risks and opportunities within the labor and employment area and advised accordingly; provided legal guidance and represented government officials and administrators, including those within Public School systems. Show less

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  City of New Haven

  Jan 2020 - Feb 2022

  Director of Labor Relations

  Developed and implemented strategic plans in response to a state of emergency, including infrastructure to support an at home workforce and safety protocols for return to work; represented the Mayor, the city and city departments in all labor and employment matters, including matters before state courts and agencies as well as city and state boards; negotiated and administered collective bargaining agreements; handled grievances arising from the administration of the collective bargaining agreement up to an including arbitration case preparation and writing post hearing briefs; resolved employee relations issues as a mediator; provided interpretation, support, and guidance to management and supervisors regarding collective bargaining agreements, human resources policies as well as pertinent law; developed and delivered appropriate training material that support employee relations and human resource functions such as performance assessment, discipline, avoiding liability, and contract administration. Show less

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  Cathleen A. Simpson, Attorney at Law

  Feb 2022 - Jun 2022

  Human Resources & Labor Relations Business Consultant

  Advised management on the formulation and administration of plans and policies for human resource activities; analyzed and recommended solutions to labor and employment issues relating to the assigned program or section area; with the focus on avoiding liability; investigated highly sensitive and complex allegations of employee misconduct; developed, revised and implemented HR policies and procedures; ensured program or section area is in compliance with established policies and procedures and with any relevant federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances; prepared and maintained special internal and external reports as well as legal briefings; provided guidance with interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, policies and law; assisted with developing, coordinating and recommending changes for the improvement of workflow in the program or section area; developed methods and procedures for compiling and analyzing data for reports and special projects; coached supervisors and managers on how to effectively handle performance issues; designed and presented training sessions to employees, supervisor and managers on pertinent labor and employment policies, regulations, and laws, including but not limited to anti harassment and work place violence prevention; conducted periodic audits of human resource activities to ensure compliance with laws, policies and procedures; led special and cross functional project agreements; advised all involved parties in a labor relations dispute with the goal of reaching a fair and amicable resolution that satisfies all parties needs; applied knowledge of business, legal, and industry best practices to help involved parties reach an agreement; served as chief negotiator or advisor for collective bargaining. Show less

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  Town of Fairfield, CT

  Jun 2022 - now

  Director of Human Resources

  Provides strategic leadership and direction to all facets of human resources management. Directs the management of the various component activities of the Town's Human Resources Department, ensuring that all HR programs and initiatives are integrated and effective in supporting the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the Town. Directly participates in institutional planning and decision making, and provides broad administrative leadership and coordination for all facets of Human Resources for the Town. Collaborates with senior management for crafting the Town’s vision and strategy. Develops strategic HR policies and plans (e.g. recruitment, compensation, training etc.) Show less