Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic

Kenya Hicks

Waukegan

Summary

Human Resources professional with over 15 years in employee relations and HR compliance. Efficiently manage leave administration and complex workforce transitions, partnering with leadership to drive strategic solutions and enhance employee experiences. MBA-educated and SHRM-CP certified, equipped with strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

HR Services Rep III (Employee Relations Support)

Essendant
Deerfield
12.2017 - 12.2025
  • Manage leave of absence processes by coordinating with third-party administrators, HR Business Partners, and managers to support associates throughout the leave lifecycle.
  • Adjust benefit payments, work hours, and PTO for exempt and non-exempt employees on leave to ensure accurate payroll processing.
  • Developed a comprehensive process guide for managing leave cases involving state-provided benefits, improving compliance and operational consistency.
  • Led implementation of a new leave administration partner, improving service delivery and the employee experience.
  • Investigate and resolve complex leave-related issues while ensuring compliance with company policy and labor regulations.
  • Partnered with leadership to redesign the Reduction in Force (RIF) process and update supporting documentation.
  • Provide guidance to associates on HR policies including payroll, PTO, time and attendance, disability, leave of absence, terminations, and health and welfare benefits.
  • Manage unemployment claims and serve as the primary contact for state agencies to ensure timely and accurate documentation.

HRIS Analyst (Contract) - NorthShore University HealthSystem

Advanced Resources
Northbrook
07.2016 - 08.2017
  • Applied lean principles to optimize contingent workforce processes, improving operational efficiency.
  • Provided system support and troubleshooting for HR platforms including PeopleSoft, API, and ImageNow.
  • Reviewed and approved HR system access requests to ensure compliance with internal security protocols.
  • Developed HR reports supporting HR, benefits, compensation, recruitment, and payroll teams.
  • Audited employee and organizational data in PeopleSoft to ensure accuracy and data integrity.
  • Partnered with Compensation to update departmental labor hour tables supporting workforce planning.

Health & Welfare Management Consultant (Client: PricewaterhouseCoopers)

Thompson Technologies
Atlanta
08.2012 - 02.2013
  • Partnered with leadership to develop transparent communication strategies during open enrollment initiatives.
  • Designed workflow improvements using process mapping and data analysis, reducing project cycle time by 20%.
  • Developed standard operating procedures that improved cross-department collaboration and saved over 100 hours annually.

Health & Welfare Benefits Administrator

Aon Hewitt
Lincolnshire
09.2002 - 01.2011
  • Developed employee engagement initiatives and incentive programs that improved associate productivity and morale.
  • Created an early Medicare eligibility outreach process supporting participant education and improving data accuracy.
  • Managed benefits appeal cases by researching plan provisions and resolving participant disputes.
  • Supervised and coached 40+ contractors supporting annual enrollment operations.
  • Led special projects including COBRA administration, leave management, dependent verification, and PII compliance audits.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resources Management

Keller Graduate School of Management
Downers Grove, IL

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration - Human Resources Management

Columbia College of Missouri
Columbia, MO

Skills

  • Employee Relations Support
  • HR Compliance
  • Policy Interpretation
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Leave of Absence Administration
  • HRIS Data Management
  • Confidential HR Documentation
  • Workforce Transitions & RIF Support
  • Unemployment Claims Administration
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Microsoft Office
  • Ceridian CIBP
  • UKG PRO (UltiPro)
  • PeopleSoft
  • SAP
  • Taleo
  • API
  • CSPro
  • Lotus Notes
  • Teams

Certification

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

Professional Development

Strategic HR Mentorship – Selected for mentorship with a Senior HR Business Partner to strengthen capabilities in workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and strategic HR alignment.

Timeline

HR Services Rep III (Employee Relations Support)

Essendant
12.2017 - 12.2025

HRIS Analyst (Contract) - NorthShore University HealthSystem

Advanced Resources
07.2016 - 08.2017

Health & Welfare Management Consultant (Client: PricewaterhouseCoopers)

Thompson Technologies
08.2012 - 02.2013

Health & Welfare Benefits Administrator

Aon Hewitt
09.2002 - 01.2011

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resources Management

Keller Graduate School of Management

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration - Human Resources Management

Columbia College of Missouri

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Kenya Hicks