Paula C. Labian, SPHR

Experience

• 

  Florida Blue

  Jan 1995 - Jan 2003

  Director Total Rewards

  Recruited to redesign all benefits, compensation, and total rewards programs to enhance the competitiveness of these programs and support recruiting initiatives. ▪ Managed a team of 28 cross-functional HR professionals in the Total Rewards Center of Expertise. Designed and delivered flexible benefits platforms, internal communications, and competitive and sustainable compensation solutions. ▪ Established a retirement platform for 1,100 retirees and directed three onsite Employee Wellness Clinics. ▪ Collaborated extensively with the Executive Team and Board Compensation Committee. ▪ Served as a member of the Benefits Advisory Committee for the National Blues Association in Chicago, Illinois. Show less

• 

  Whole Foods Market

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2009

  Chief Human Resources Officer

  Hired to redesign compensation and benefits programs and guide mergers and acquisitions during a period of rapid growth. ▪ Led an 80-member global team and a $2 billion budget to deliver a state-of-the-art HR strategic vision and five-year plan. ▪ Instituted a shared services model encompassing benefits, payroll, risk, employee relations, internal communications, corporate facilities, and global training. ▪ Served as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and chaired Employer, 401(k), and Benefits Administration Committees. Show less

• 

  Ahold USA

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2010

  Executive Vice President Human Resources

  Recruited to integrate four separate brands, effectively scale and manage growth, and optimize union labor forecasting processes for this large international grocery retailer. ▪ Served as CHRO for the U.S., led a team of > 185 professionals, managed a $34 million HR operations budget, 42 union contracts, and 17 large multi-employer plans with comprehensive and varied retirement benefits. ▪ Within the first six months, successfully renegotiated four union contracts covering 35,000 employees in the New York Metro area and New England.▪ Developed the strategy to restructure HR operations into centers of expertise and shared services infrastructure including compensation, benefits, payroll, and labor relations. Show less

• 

  Buffets, Inc.

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2013

  Executive Vice President, Human Resources

  Spearheaded business transformation efforts, a transition through Chapter 11, and the preparation for the corporate sale of a $1.2 billion national family dining restaurant chain.* Led the human resources team in the creation and implementation of a strategic HR plan involving talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee and leadership development, employee relations, and internal communications for five separate brands. ▪ Directed the human resource processes required for Chapter 11 and the company's ultimate sale to Ovation Brands. Show less

• 

  American Signature Inc.

  Jan 2013 - Jan 2014

  Executive Vice President Human Resources / Corporate Vice President

  Recruited to lead the Human Resources team and spearhead major organizational realignment for a privately held furniture retailer/manufacturer. ▪ Tasked with resolving employee relations and compliance issues and initiating union avoidance strategies. Successfully led strategy to thwart union threats in a retail store.▪ Initiated a holistic talent management and development program with a comprehensive career website and toolkit, various candidate evaluation and selection tools, and a college recruiting and internship program. Show less

• 

  Winter Park Resort

  Jan 2014 - Nov 2017

  Vice President / Human Resources and Employee Services

  Recruited to be a subject matter expert to lead and mentor an inexperienced HR team, institute an engaging and inclusive work culture, and establish consistent practices in alignment with corporate policies. ▪ Directed a 22-person team in supporting all business areas with scalable workforce strategies, workforce planning, talent acquisition, international recruiting (J-1 students), and regulatory compliance. ▪ Initiated and cultivated a positive and empowering work environment with robust leadership training, online learning, and career development program components. Show less

• 

  CoBiz Financial

  Dec 2017 - Jan 2019

  Senior Vice President / Director Human Resources

  Hired to organize and implement a strategic HR platform for a diversified financial services organization with > 500 team members in Colorado and Arizona. ▪ Served as a Senior Leadership Team member and spearheaded the management of talent selection and development, leadership development, and employee relations, payroll, and compensation and benefits programs.▪ Advisor to Executive Team through the acquisition by Bank of Oklahoma and directed the transition of all Human Resource programs and employees. Show less

• 

  HomeTrust Bank

  Jan 2019 - Dec 2020

  Executive Vice President / Chief Human Resource Officer

  Recruited to transform Human Resources and Payroll and institute best-in-class practices for a $4 billion 40+ location community bank, named as “America’s Best Small Bank in North Carolina” by Newsweek in 2020.▪ Supported > 680 employees and retirees in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia through strategic leadership of all HR functions. Designed and delivered strategic HR transformation initiatives, including expanding functionality of the HRIS system, directing enhancements to the talent acquisition platform, and updating benefits and compensation programs with cost savings and improved employee value. ▪ Served on the Executive Operating Committee, Compensation Committee, and Retirement Plan Committee, with quarterly presentations to the Executive and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.▪ Directed and developed employee communications and operational protocols to successfully guide leaders and employees through the COVID-19 pandemic with minimal business disruption while ensuring safe working conditions for employees and customers. Show less