Tori Whaley, aPHR

Advocate Health

Managed leave of absence department general inquires, answering and researching claims while providing an exceptional employee experience in an organization of 20,000+.

Built and launched a process framework for a longstanding policy, working cross-functionally with management and a third-party vendor to deliver smooth employee payment operations.

Trained team members to navigate and master a complex, multi-step leave of absence process by breaking down difficult concepts into clear, actionable steps.

Audited closed claims, ensuring compliant and complete closure, supporting successful employee transitions back to work.

Established comprehensive SOPs for essential departmental processes, addressing foundational gaps and providing clear guidance for new employees.

Reviewed and updated website content, removing outdated language and aligning updates with standards across business groups.

Developed and launched process improvement teams to address outdated, complex policies, creating actionable tasks from findings to drive measurable change.

Human Resources Coordinator, Leave of Absence

Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

Delivered compassionate, concierge-level leave guidance to 20,000+ union and non-union employees across 21 states, building trust, reducing confusion, and ensuring a positive experience.

Resolved complex LOA cases with empathy and precision, increasing employee satisfaction and strengthening confidence in HR processes.

Partnered with 50+ executives, HRBPs, and stakeholders in 2023 to navigate challenging leave scenarios while advocating for employees through reasonable accommodations and return-to-work options.

Created user-friendly templates, policies, procedures, and process maps that streamlined HR operations, improved accessibility, and reinforced understanding of technical data.

Collaborated with Legal, Payroll, and Absence Management leadership to ensure compliant, fair, and employee-centered outcomes.

Processed weekly payroll for employees on LOA with 100% accuracy, streamlining workflows to guarantee timely and compliant payments.

Reviewed 2,000+ OSHA files for accuracy and legal adherence, ensuring compliance and mitigating organizational risk.

Facilitated interactive processes with empathy, assessing unique employee needs to deliver equitable outcomes and making separation decisions when necessary.

Liaised with third-party vendors through weekly meetings to address unclear claims, ensure proper handling, and strengthen accountability.

Wrote SOPs, letter templates, and a brochure to aid in understanding technical concepts. Created associated process maps in Visio for SOPs.

North Texas Community Foundation

Included Front Desk Administrator duties plus:

Strengthened internal IT support by learning troubleshooting skills, reducing outside vendor reliance, bringing a chronically over budget line item back within budget.

Partnered with stakeholders to overhaul 30+ outdated policies and procedures, streamlining operations and improving clarity for employees navigating internal processes.

Led cross-functional team to optimize a multi-departmental procedure, reducing procedure completion time.

Developed and cultivated a StrengthsFinder culture by designing team-building activities, creating peer-recognition programs, and facilitating workshops that increased collaboration, employee engagement, and performance alignment with individual strengths.

Trained staff and executives on collaboration best practices for a more inclusive culture.

Selected and implemented video-conferencing hardware for two conference rooms; coordinated install and trained staff.

Handpicked video conferencing equipment, one for primary and another for secondary conference room, overseeing timely installation and training staff.  

Reviewed weekly check deposit reconciliation with Finance to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Championed the recognition of Juneteenth as a company holiday, aligning organizational policies with cultural values and reinforcing employee belonging.

Operations Associate / Employee Experience Specialist

Allied with senior leadership to evaluate employee satisfaction via employee survey I created, shaping strategies that strengthened the workplace culture.

Served as the first point of contact for calls, emails, and visitors, delivering professional, attentive support, ensuring positive experiences.

Designed and led a comprehensive employee experience program spanning development, recognition, events, and retreats that reduced turnover by more than 60%.

Welcomed and onboarded new hires, streamlining system setup and acting as a trusted resource.

Orchestrated company events end-to-end successfully, including planning, logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site management, renforcing comapny dedication to staff.

Streamlined administrative operations by improving organization systems, optimizing database management, supporting projects which improved team productivity, all enhancing the employee experience.

Guided employees through complex LOA cases with compassion and precision, improving satisfaction and trust in HR processes.

Ensured accuracy of a 20,000+ contact CRM, enhancing reporting reliability and supporting data-driven decision making.

Enhanced workplace efficiency and culture by maintaining supply chains, managing kitchen and reception needs, and ensuring clean, welcoming common areas.

Served as primary liaison for vendors and building partners, fostering strong relationships, addressing concerns proactively, and ensuring timely resolution of all issues.

Created a sense of camaraderie and inclusion during the challenges of COVID through online events and activity groups.

Front Desk Administrator / Employee Experience Specialist

As a single mom I wanted to be present for my son. I traded marketing plans for a brush and bowl, becoming a hair colorist, spending most of my years at Neiman Marcus. A meticulous, creative problem solver, I actively listened to clients and provided white glove customer service. 

Trained regularly locally and attending conferences across the USA including New York City.	

Developed personal brand through customized processes and design as well as targeted customer experiences.

Utilized social media including Instagram and Facebook to drive business through examples of work.

Entrepreneur - Hair Color Specialist, Corporate Break

The HR team player you wish you had. People Champion | Leave & Accommodation Ninja | Employee Experience Passionista | Dazzling Communicator | Strategic Business Writer | Policy & Procedure Developer

I spent 15 years as an elite hair colorist in top Dallas salons, including Neiman Marcus, where I learned how to listen, earn trust, and deliver unforgettable experiences.

Today I bring that same mindset to my next company. I know that when employees feel supported, they create better customer experiences, and when customers feel valued, the business thrives.

I’m at my best tackling tough projects, solving problems others avoid, and building programs that make a real impact.

If you want someone who understands how employee and customer experience work together to drive success, let’s connect.

Benefits & Absence Management Partner

• Advocate for employees during the FMLA & ADA process
• Oversee FMLA & ADA process in over 20 states, including New York, Washington, Ohio, and Pennsylvania
• Collaborate with regional and local teams to ensure employees are safe and under state and local laws
• Work with unions to ensure employment agreements are being applied
• Manage a spreadsheet detailing all active, future, worker's compensation, and modified work. 
• Calculate wages for employees on leave, submitting to payroll weekly
• Initiate and administer the employee separation process

Volunteer Child Care

I cared for my first grandchild to keep him safe from Covid.

Childcare Assistance

Ball State University

Managed all departmental office operations & work flow 
Maintained security & key control for all offices & labs in the department
Managed 6 computer lab classrooms (with 50 computers each) to ensure equipment is functioning properly for classes 
Recruited, hired, trained, scheduled, & supervised undergrad student tech specialists & teachers' assistants 
Recruited, hired, & trained staff members
Entered & processed payroll information for all department employees
Approved timecards for faculty, staff, & students to ensure accuracy 
Managed budgets including faculty travel, student wages, & supplies 
Processed travel authorizations, receipts, & reimbursed faculty members for travel expenses
Scheduled all classes for the department & coordinated use of computer labs
Assisted with recruiting graduate assistants, communicated with grad school, verified eligibility
Assisted in recruiting of faculty members including:  placed job advertisements, reviewed applications to ensure all required materials submitted,  communicated schedules with candidates, made reservations, coordinated responses to faculty job postings by creating files & spreadsheets, & reimbursed travel expenses
Planned & managed various events for the department: reserved rooms, invited guests, supplied parking permits, ordered food, created schedule & signage, & communicated schedule
Assisted students & faculty with enrollment including special permission & overloads
Coordinated with student orientation, academic advisors, & extended education for student access
Processed payroll for faculty, staff, graduate assistants, & undergrad students
Maintained personnel files for all faculty members, graduate assistants, & student employees 
Communicated with transportation department & supplied documentation including drivers’ licenses for approval of use of university vehicles & scheduled reservations

Administrative Coordinator/Computer Lab Classroom Manager

Developed & integrated new processes for managing disability claims, orientation, & communication 
Conducted bi-weekly onboarding for all staff & service including enrollment for all benefits
Managed short term and long term disability benefits for all levels of employees 
Resolved conflicts with health insurance, flexible spending, health savings, dental, pension, and voluntary benefits 
Developed an understanding of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA); FSA and HSA regulations 
Computed years of service and total wages  for Indiana Public Retirement System (TRF/PERF) 
Assisted employees with federal regulations of 401K, 403(B), 457(B), and ROTH voluntary pension contributions 
Collaborated to resolve conflicts with corporate vendors for pension, disability, and health insurance 
Maintained an understanding of and complied with federal, state, and Internal Revenue Service regulations 
Organized & conducted events open enrollment, new employee orientation, retirement preparation 
Collaborated as part of a team to prepare & mail printed materials to all active employees & retirees 
Educated employees to facilitate a better understanding of all benefits plans
Analyzed disability contracts to ensure fulfillment of proper procedures & mediated disputes with vendors 
Tracked benefit amounts paid for self-funded short term disability claims 
Monitored, maintained, and funded bank account for all short term disability payments 
Utilized computer systems & programs such as IBM Mainframe, Banner Higher Ed (Oracle), Kronos 
Proficiently used Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, & PowerPoint 
Verified employment eligibility, provided accurate salary information & job descriptions to vendors 
Calculated billing, mailed bills, & monitored payments of insurance premiums owed during disability

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The Battle

Tori Whaley, aPHR

Loretta Smith, PHR

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