Wendi Page Liss
Chicago,IL
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Employee Relations – Investigations
Ford Motor Company
Chicago, IL
09.2023 - Current
- Lead a team of seven specialists responsible for investigating Title VII allegations across Chicago and Kansas City regions. including training, guidance and performance management.
- Coach Investigators on legal standards, evidentiary sufficiency, and risk-based solution strategies.
- Provide advice to senior management and HR on complex employment law issues including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and conflict of interest matters.
- Independently lead high-risk infernal investigations, synthesize fact-finding into legally defendable recommendations, and advise on appropriate remedial action.
- Interpret and apply federal and state employment statutes and company policies to ensure compliance and reduce litigation risk.
- Counsel executives and stakeholders on workplace conduct. disciplinary matters, and policy enforcement.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to design investigation procedures, case management systems, and training.
Multiple Roles – Interim Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Title IX Officer, Investigator, Consultant
San José State University
San Jose, CA
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Directed daily operations of Title IX and Gender Equity Office, serving 36,000 students and 4,000 employees.
- Managed investigations of gender discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation.
- Developed and implemented campus-wide Title IX procedures in collaboration with General Counsel.
- Supervised and trained investigators, analysts, and project staff.
- Drafted informal resolution agreements and facilitated alternative dispute resolution.
- Provided campus-wide training for faculty, staff, and students on Title IX compliance.
Investigator II
U.S. Center for SafeSport
Remote
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Conducted thorough investigations into misconduct allegations within sports organizations.
- Applied SafeSport Code and state/federal law to case findings.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing findings and recommendations for corrective actions. Facilitated Informal Resolutions when appopriate.
- Trained and mentored junior investigators on best practices in investigative procedures.
Investigator III – Employment Discrimination/Harassment
Cook County Office of the Independent Inspector General
Chicago, IL
01.2020 - 10.2020
- Served as Title VII subject matter expert and conducted thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct within fCook County departments, including Health and Hospital System.
- Conducted thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct within Cook County agencies.
- Analyzed complex data sets to identify patterns and trends in reported issues.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and regulatory bodies to facilitate investigations.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for improvement.
Title IX and Equity Compliance Specialist / Deputy Title IX Coordinator
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Investigated student, staff, and patient complaints under Title IX, Title VII, ADA, and other regulations.
- Drafted responses to federal/state agencies.
- Evaluated and approved disability accommodations for employees and students.
- Developed training materials and conducted workshops to enhance staff understanding of compliance standards.
- Served as liaison during transition of John Marshall Law School into UIC system.
- Served as a point of contact for employees seeking guidance on compliance matters, instilling confidence in the University's commitment to regulatory adherence.
- Conducted regular reviews of institutional policies, ensuring alignment with evolving legal standards and practices.
- Evaluated existing policies regularly, identifying areas for improvement and recommending revisions as needed.
Associate Staff Attorney – Chicago Police Department
City of Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Evaluated and advised on disciplinary investigations for legal sufficiency.
- Drafted legal memoranda, settlement agreements, policies, and FOIA responses.
- Investigated officer-involved shootings, excessive force, bias, and misconduct cases.
- Collected and analyzed evidence including police reports, hospital records, and forensic reports.
- Testified in court and administrative hearings.
- Supervised support staff and facilitated mediation sessions.
Program Developer
Public Defender Services
Washington, D.C.
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Conducted psychosocial assessments for clients in custody and in the community.
- Identified mental health needs and recommended appropriate testing and treatment.
- Drafted sentencing memoranda and testified in court.
Mitigation Specialist / Chief of Mitigation
Illinois State Appellate Defender
Chicago, IL
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments for incarcerated clients in capital trial cases.
- Drafted mitigation reports including medical, psychological, and social histories.
- Supervised six mitigation specialists and developed unit-wide procedures.
- Delivered mitigation training at statewide conferences.
- Advocated for client treatment and community-based resources.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago12.2000
Master of Social Work - undefined
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago12.2001
B.A. - Psychology
Emory University
05.1996
Skills
Workplace Investigations & Compliance
Title IX, Title VII, ADA, EEO Regulations
Policy Development & Implementation
Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Training & Staff Development
Multidisciplinary/Cross Functional Collaboration
Timeline
Manager of Employee Relations – Investigations
Ford Motor Company
09.2023 - Current
Investigator II
U.S. Center for SafeSport
11.2021 - 06.2022
Investigator III – Employment Discrimination/Harassment
Cook County Office of the Independent Inspector General
01.2020 - 10.2020
Title IX and Equity Compliance Specialist / Deputy Title IX Coordinator
University of Illinois at Chicago
01.2019 - 01.2020
Multiple Roles – Interim Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Title IX Officer, Investigator, Consultant
San José State University
01.2017 - 01.2023
Associate Staff Attorney – Chicago Police Department
City of Chicago
01.2016 - 01.2017
Program Developer
Public Defender Services
01.2006 - 01.2007
Mitigation Specialist / Chief of Mitigation
Illinois State Appellate Defender
01.2002 - 01.2006
Master of Social Work - undefined
Loyola University Chicago
B.A. - Psychology
Emory University
Juris Doctor -
Loyola University Chicago