Brena Cole

About Brena Cole

High-performing and motivated Human Resources leader and strategic business partner with 19 years of progressive experience. Effective at developing strategic global HR and talent initiatives that support business objectives and building relationships with employees and managers at all levels within an organization and across all regions. Committed to sustaining work environment and culture that promotes inclusion, engagement and relies on diversity of people, perspective and experience to achieve the company’s mission, goals, and values through HR programs. Recognized for sound judgment, leadership, creativity and inquisitive nature. Experience supporting global sales organizations in the hospitality, Life sciences and Energy industries as well as corporate functions. Specialties: Employee relations; HR policies and processes; Start-up Operations; Immigration; Performance management and coaching; Org Design; Sales Incentives; Conflict resolution; Training and facilitation; Talent acquisition and on-boarding (for commissioned, non-exempt and exempt workforce); Project management; Inclusion and engagement; Acquisition integration and Change Management; DDI Targeted Selection certified.

Experience

1. Director, HR Business Partners and Employee Relations Teams

   Gates Foundation

   Oct 2022 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Serve as the foundation’s leader of the HR business partner team and the employee relations COE, who in turn provide best-in-class partnership and HR capabilities to the executive leaders of the businesses/programs and enabling functions. As a member of the HR leadership team, partner with leaders across the HR function and broader organization to impact human capital strategies as well as shape cross-divisional programs and executive leadership initiatives.

Education

• UMN Carlson School of Management

  BSB

• University of St. Thomas - Opus College of Business

  MBA