Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Anita McGowan

Tempe

Summary

Strategic professional in human resources management known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

HR Manager- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Organizational Development

Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix
04.2022 - 02.2025
  • Oversaw recruitment, staff engagement, volunteer programs, and DEIA initiatives, delivering a consultative hiring experience for candidates and managers.
  • Developed and executed recruitment strategies for large-scale seasonal hiring, ensuring alignment with business needs and market trends.
  • Built strong relationships with leadership, advising on candidate selection and talent acquisition best practices.
  • Led full-cycle recruiting, screening, interviewing, and hiring to secure top talent across various roles.
  • Maintained a robust candidate pipeline through strategic sourcing and external partnerships, staying current on market trends.
  • Drove continuous improvement in recruitment processes, enhancing candidate quality and experience.
  • Supported organizational talent strategies and led special projects to improve recruiting and employee engagement.
  • Reviewed and updated job descriptions to reflect evolving responsibilities and industry standards.
  • Supported talent identification and onboarding, enhancing the hiring process.
  • Designed recruitment campaigns and targeted outreach to attract diverse candidates.
  • Provided mentorship and supervision to HR team members, ensuring professional growth and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Developed and led DEIA programs, integrating inclusive practices into all organizational functions.
  • Facilitated DEIA training, leadership development, and employee engagement programs.
  • Established and tracked DEIA metrics to measure program effectiveness and progress.
  • Managed employee relations, conducted exit interviews, and implemented action plans for resolution.
  • Ensured compliance with employment laws and maintained accurate employee records.
  • Implemented employee retention strategies, onboarding programs, and organizational culture initiatives.
  • Analyzed HR data to identify areas for improvement, and enhance workplace policies.
  • Led team-building activities to foster collaboration and a positive work environment.
  • Handled confidential employee and company information with discretion.
  • Managed employee discipline, termination processes, and workplace investigations to ensure policy compliance and fairness.

HR Manager- Staff Engagement

Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix
06.2021 - 04.2022
  • Oversaw the management of employee and volunteer recruiting, selection, and new hire administration.
  • Reimplemented the volunteer program and staff engagement events.
  • Led the Wild Winners and Service Award Programs to recognize employee and volunteer achievements.
  • Conducted exit interviews, and provided coaching and guidance to employees.
  • Responded to employee and volunteer relations issues, mediating, and developing corrective action plans.
  • Prepared the budget and forecasted the return of the volunteer program.
  • Provided guidance for COVID safety procedures for testing, contact tracing, and determining eligibility to return to duty for staff and volunteers.
  • Oversaw the Trip Reduction Program for compliance with Maricopa County standards.
  • Recruited, onboarded, provided ongoing training, and evaluated the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.
  • Supervised Human Resources Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.

Human Resources Generalist

Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix
02.2021 - 06.2021
  • Led all aspects of employee recruitment and hiring, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, and training.
  • Developed effective strategies for candidate pipeline and sourcing to ensure a diverse pool of talent.
  • Conducted behavior-based interviews and extended job offers.
  • Managed the onboarding process for new employees, ensuring compliance, and tracking.
  • Assisted in the development and coordination of employee incentive and engagement programs.
  • Developed and presented content for all-staff meetings.
  • Maintained and adjusted standard operating procedures to ensure the health and safety of all staff for COVID procedures.
  • Designed and displayed safety signage for COVID policies for staff and guest areas.
  • Designed and launched Employee Wellness Campaigns to promote best hygiene practices for COVID-19.
  • Led the ReZOOvenation committee, where the Phoenix Zoo employees received a 'Wellness Day' to rest and recharge.
  • Created mental health campaigns to bring awareness, education, and highlight tools and resources for staff to utilize.

Human Resources Coordinator

Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix
03.2018 - 02.2021
  • Provided administrative and project support to the Human Resources Department.
  • Assisted with all phases of the recruiting and selection process, including job postings, interviews, and background checks.
  • Managed the administration of online training modules and tracking of required trainings.
  • Coordinated and scheduled HR-related events and training.
  • Oversaw compliance for staff's completion of 30, 60, 90-day reviews, and quarterly reviews.
  • Assisted with the management and retention of HR and personnel files.
  • Developed onboarding materials and presented orientation sessions for new hires.
  • Responded to internal inquiries regarding HR policies, procedures, payroll.
  • Coordinated employee onboarding, including orientation sessions and documentation management.
  • Provided guidance on policies and procedures to employees and managers.
  • Supported benefits administration, including health insurance and retirement plans.
  • Helped with employee transfers and referrals.
  • Assisted in compliance audits, preparing necessary documentation and reports.
  • Coordinated responses to unemployment claims and participated in hearings as necessary.
  • Provided administrative support for HR projects and initiatives.

Receptionist Supervisor

AutoNation Nissan Tempe
Tempe
03.2016 - 03.2018
  • Supervised weekend receptionist.
  • Assisted managers with onboarding processes, including new hire paperwork, and verified I-9 documentation for compliance.
  • Maintained proper protocol to meet safety standards for workers' compensation by reporting all accident and injury claims.
  • Prepared daily deposits, with attention to detail to ensure accuracy, follow-up, and research any necessary corrections.
  • Acted as the store delegate for the installation and training of new credit card machines and procedures.
  • Coordinated and executed staff appreciation events.
  • Generated cash, check, and credit card receipts for down payments.
  • Validated personal checks via the crosscheck verification system.
  • Submitted check requests, collected, and distributed payments to patrons.
  • Canceled undesired warranties to obtain customer refunds.
  • Created all incoming and outgoing FedEx tracking shipments for financial contracts.
  • Collected and verified the necessary documentation for the completion of customer deals.
  • Provided exceptional customer service in a high-volume environment, with a working knowledge of dealership best practices.
  • Prepared facility and IT work repair requests to keep up with industry standards.

Various Student Worker Assignments

ASU - Sun Devil Fitness Complex
Tempe
06.2010 - 08.2014
  • Provided high-quality customer service to a diverse population, both in person and on the phone, by greeting customers and addressing inquiries.
  • Responsible for increased membership sales via featured programming promotions.
  • Provided timely follow-ups to encourage returning clientele.
  • Incorporated patrons' feedback into future semesters' programming.
  • Greeted office visitors, provided information, and directed to appropriate personnel.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Entrepreneurship & Business Administration

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
05-2014

Skills

HR expertise

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

Training and Development Facilitation

Recruitment and supervision

Compliance with legal requirements

Strategic Planning and Implementation

Process Improvements

Budget and Planning

Collaboration and coordination

Engagement and retention

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility

Leadership and Navigation

Communication and Emotional Intelligence

Community Liaison

Customer Relations

Certification

Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management - HRCI Learning Center

Certificate (SHRM-CP) - Society Of Human Resources Management

Timeline

HR Manager- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Organizational Development

Phoenix Zoo
04.2022 - 02.2025

HR Manager- Staff Engagement

Phoenix Zoo
06.2021 - 04.2022

Human Resources Generalist

Phoenix Zoo
02.2021 - 06.2021

Human Resources Coordinator

Phoenix Zoo
03.2018 - 02.2021

Receptionist Supervisor

AutoNation Nissan Tempe
03.2016 - 03.2018

Various Student Worker Assignments

ASU - Sun Devil Fitness Complex
06.2010 - 08.2014

Bachelor of Science - Entrepreneurship & Business Administration

Arizona State University
Anita McGowan